Having Cell Assembly Support Feature Patents (Class 429/186)
  • Patent number: 8623535
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked together; first and second end plates located at a first end and a second end, respectively, of the stacked battery cells; and side plates and a bottom plate coupled to the first and second end plates, wherein at least one of the first end plate and the second end plate has a bent support portion that overlaps with at least a portion of the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Myung-Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8617258
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a cable-type secondary battery including preparing an electrode assembly having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and extending longitudinally, the electrode assembly including an inner current collector, an anode active material layer, a cathode active material layer, and an electrolyte layer interposed between the anode active material layer and the cathode active material layer, preparing a heat-shrinkable protection coating by forming a thin-film outer current collector on the inner surface of a heat-shrinkable tube, and inserting the electrode assembly into the heat-shrinkable protection coating and heating to shrink the heat-shrinkable protection coating such that the shrunken protection coating is closely adhered to the outer surface of the electrode assembly. The manufacturing method may eliminate the need of post-processing such as drying, thereby simplifying the method and carrying out the method in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo-Han Kwon, Je-Young Kim, Hyung-Ju Ahn
  • Publication number: 20130344380
    Abstract: A battery includes a pouch type case formed of a flexible material and the case has a bottom with a recess portion and a protrusion portion, an electrode assembly within the case, and a support member coupled to the recess portion and to the protrusion portion at the bottom of the case. The support member fixes shapes of the recess portion and the protrusion portion, and the support member is coupled to an outside of the case at the bottom of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Sang-Joo LEE, Heui-Sang YOON
  • Publication number: 20130323577
    Abstract: An electrode lead is applied as a part of at least one of a cathode lead and an anode lead of a secondary battery and includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate spaced apart from each other with a gap therebetween and having coating layers formed on the surfaces thereof except for surfaces of end portions thereof facing each others, and a metal bridge made of material having a lower melting point than the first metal plate and the second metal plate and buried in the gap so that the end portions are not exposed. In this case, if an overcurrent flows through the electrode lead, a portion of the metal plate at which a metal bridge is formed is rapidly broken to irreversibly interrupt the overcurrent flowing at the secondary battery without giving a substantial influence on the temperature of the secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Hoon YANG, Seung-Don CHOI
  • Patent number: 8597823
    Abstract: A battery includes: a first member having an opening a housing space which houses a generation element; and a second member which closes the opening of the first member. The first member and the second member have welded portions which are welded to each other. A groove which can receive a part of molten metal MM generated upon welding is formed in a channel between the first and the second member, i.e., from the welded portion to the housing space. This prevents flow of the molten metal generation upon welding to the housing space. A vehicle using the battery and a method for manufacturing such a battery are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ebine, Tetsushi Watari
  • Publication number: 20130309544
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented. The cell includes a housing having an interior surface defining a volume, and an elongated, ion-conducting separator disposed in the volume. The separator usually extends in a vertical direction relative to a base of the housing, so as to define a height dimension of the cell. The separator has a first circumferential surface defining a portion of a first compartment. The cell further includes a shim structure disposed generally parallel to the first circumferential surface of the separator between the interior surface and the first circumferential surface of the separator. The structure includes at least two shims, a first shim and a second shim, that substantially overlap each other. An energy storage device including such an electrochemical cell is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Daniel Zappi, Mohamed Rahmane, Benjamin Hale Winkler, James Lowe Sudworth, Roger Neil Bull, Charles Dominic Iacovangelo
  • Publication number: 20130309560
    Abstract: A battery module mounting assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base plate, and a first retention clamp having a first plate of uniform thickness. The first plate has a central rib, first and second base portions, and first and second clamping portions. The first and second base portions extend from first and second sides, respectively, of the central rib, and are fixedly attached to the base plate. The first clamping portion extends outwardly from the first base portion. The first clamping portion holds a first portion of a first battery module housing. The second clamping portion extends outwardly from the second base portion. The second clamping portion holds a second portion of a second battery module housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Steven Lent, Heekook Yang, Robert Merriman, Michael P. Garascia
  • Patent number: 8586236
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a case; an electrode assembly housed in the case, wherein the electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a support plate between the electrode assembly and the case, the support plate having a first conductive plate electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; wherein an insulation layer is between the first conductive plate and the electrode assembly and wherein an adhesive section is between the insulation layer and the first conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Yoontai Kwak, Yongsam Kim, Kyuwon Cho
  • Patent number: 8586235
    Abstract: A battery module including a plurality of unit batteries arranged in series, an end plate located at each end of the plurality of unit batteries, a plurality of connecting members connected to each end plate to fix the end plates to the unit batteries, and at least one reinforcing member on each end plate, the reinforcing member serving to enhance the resistance to bending of each end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon-Cheol Jeon, Tae-Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130302667
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a battery case, and a buffer sheet between the electrode assembly and the battery case, the buffer sheet contacting the electrode assembly and the battery case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Hyo-Seob KIM, Yong-Sam KIM
  • Patent number: 8580425
    Abstract: A secondary battery, including an electrode assembly; a can housing the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly on the can, wherein the cap assembly includes: a cap plate having a terminal hole and a terminal groove, a gasket on the cap plate having a center hole, and an electrode terminal having a terminal post in the center hole and a plate portion disposed on the gasket; the gasket including a gasket post in the terminal hole and a gasket plate seated in the terminal groove; at least one side of the terminal plate and at least one side of the gasket plate being spaced apart from at least one side of the terminal groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Changseob Kim
  • Patent number: 8574753
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a battery includes an electrode group, a tab, a conductive nipping member, a case, a lid and a lead. The conductive nipping member includes first and second nipping sections. The first and second nipping sections divide the tab into two bundles in which portions of the tab are laminated onto each other in a thickness direction of the electrode group. The lead includes a connecting section connected electrically to a terminal, and current collecting sections which are two sections branched from the connecting section and sandwiching the nipping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Eiki Kashiwazaki, Kengo Kurata, Tatsuya Shinoda, Tsutomu Matsui, Yoshiaki Asami
  • Publication number: 20130288110
    Abstract: An assembly of an electrode stack (120) comprises at least one anode layer, at least one cathode layer and at least one separator layer arranged between the at least one anode layer and the at least one cathode layer. Thereby, at least one fixing device (110, 210, 310, 410, 610) is provided which fixes at least two layers of the electrode stack (120) relative to one another, wherein the at least one fixing device consists at least partially of polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Schaefer, Claus-Rupert Hohenthanner
  • Patent number: 8563156
    Abstract: A center pin for a secondary battery and a secondary battery having the same, which optimizes a void volume of the secondary battery. The center pin is inserted into an electrode assembly of the secondary battery. The center pin has a longitudinal hole and includes a sealing member to seal a portion of the hole. The sealing member can include walls disposed within the center pin, to seal the portion of the hole. The sealing member can include a second center pin, which is inserted into the hole, to seal the portion of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyo-Rim Bak
  • Patent number: 8557424
    Abstract: A secondary battery for an electronic appliance, including a battery cell. The battery cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte in a pack. A positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are lead out from the same side face of the pack. A metallic battery can accommodates the battery cell therein such that the side face from which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are lead out is faced towards the opening side. A lid, made of a synthetic resin, in which terminal parts to be connected to the electrodes of the electronic appliance upon being connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are faced outwardly, plugs the opening of the battery can, the battery cell being accommodated in the battery can upon being adhered onto an inner face thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Sato, Yoichi Miyajima, Shoichi Shintani, Toshio Takeshita, Atsushi Takahashi, Kei Tashiro, Hideki Kamiya, Hisashi Aoki, Osamu Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8557435
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a bare cell including an electrode assembly and a can or a pouch-shaped casing accommodating the electrode assembly and having a stepped portion; a protection circuit board disposed at a side of the bare cell; and a label adhered on a side surface of the bare cell. Further, another secondary battery includes a bare cell; a protection circuit board; an outer case member disposed at a side surface of the bare cell and having a stepped portion; and a label adhered on the outer case member. A label overlapping portion is disposed in the stepped portion formed in an outer surface of a can or a pouch-shaped casing or in an outer case member, and thus it is possible to prevent the secondary battery from being thicker at the label overlapping portion than at other regions and to uniformly maintain the outer thickness of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Sung Hong, In-Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 8557436
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a battery pack in a vehicle including the battery pack and a vehicle body, the battery pack including a housing having a hollow interior and a battery assembly disposed in the hollow interior of the housing, wherein the battery assembly includes at least one battery cell and a plurality of rails coupled thereto, and the vehicle body including support rails and a compartment formed therein to receive the battery pack therein, wherein the compartment of the vehicle body supports the housing and the support rails support the rails of the battery assembly to divide a vertical load of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Leo F. Schwab
  • Publication number: 20130252081
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery case including a receiving part having an electrode assembly mounted therein, wherein the receiving part, which is formed by deforming a sheet type base material, is configured to have a stair-like structure in which at least one corner and/or surface forming a shape of the receiving part is deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Young Hun KIM, Sungjin KWON, Dong-Myung KIM, Ki Woong KIM, Hyun PARK, Soonho AHN
  • Publication number: 20130224574
    Abstract: A system for the storage of electric energy for a vehicle with electric propulsion, which presents a longitudinal direction, which is parallel to the direction of the rectilinear motion, and a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; the storage system is provided with a pack of chemical batteries, which are connected to each other in series and in parallel and comprise respective electrochemical cells; each chemical battery has a cylindrical shape having a central symmetry axis; and a support matrix made of plastic material is provided, inside which the chemical batteries are embedded so that the chemical batteries are completely covered by the support matrix itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ferrari S.p.A.
  • Patent number: 8518579
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery that improves an anti-vibration property is provided. The rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator that is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a case that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly including terminals that are coupled to the case and that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly, wherein the terminal has a lead tab that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and an anti-vibration member is installed between the lead tab and the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Yong-Sam Kim, Sung-Bae Kim
  • Publication number: 20130189561
    Abstract: In one aspect, a battery cell including: an electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; electrode tabs connected to the electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and extending from one side of the electrode assembly; a case for sealing the electrode assembly and an electrolyte; and a reinforcing material disposed in at least a region between the electrode assembly and the case, and comprising ceramic material and a polymer gel is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8492016
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a middle- or large-sized battery pack including a module assembly constructed in a structure in which a plurality of battery modules, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells or unit modules mounted in a module case while the battery cells or unit modules are connected in series to each other, are arranged such that the battery modules are disposed in contact with each other in the lateral direction, and a coolant flow channel is vertically formed, a plurality of support members for supporting opposite sides and the bottom of the module assembly and maintaining the arrangement state of the module assembly, and a pack housing for surrounding the module assembly and the support members, wherein the battery pack is constructed in a cooling structure in which a coolant is introduced through one side upper end (or lower end) of the module assembly along a hermetically sealed space defined by the support members, flows vertically through the module assembly, and is discharged through
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongshik Shin, Heekook Yang, Jin Woong Ha, Jongmoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 8492022
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a battery case, and a buffer sheet between the electrode assembly and the battery case, the buffer sheet contacting the electrode assembly and the battery case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hyo-Seob Kim, Yong-Sam Kim
  • Patent number: 8475955
    Abstract: A thin film battery comprises a substrate having a surface, and a plurality of battery cells on the substrate surface. Each battery cell comprises an electrolyte having opposing surfaces, and a plurality of conductors in electrical contact with at least one of the opposing surfaces of the electrolyte, the plurality of conductors including a first conductor in electrical contact with a surface of the electrolyte and a second conductor in electrical contact with the opposing surface of the electrolyte. At least one electrical connector strip connects a conductor of a first battery cell to a conductor of a second battery cell to electrically couple the first and second battery cells to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Front Edge Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Krasnov, Kai-Wei Nieh
  • Patent number: 8465870
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a bare cell having an electrode terminal and a cap plate, and a protective circuit module protecting the bare cell. The protective circuit module includes a first module positioned on an upper surface of the bare cell, a second module positioned on a lower surface of the bare cell and having a charge/discharge terminal, and a third module positioned on a side surface of the bare cell and electrically connecting the first module to the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Koh, Seokryun Park, Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 8464817
    Abstract: Plural battery modules mounted on a first mount portion of a battery unit which is positioned below a front floor portion are arranged in a vehicle longitudinal direction such that the longitudinal direction of each of the battery modules matches a vehicle width direction and the short side of a rectangular section of each of the battery modules extends in a vehicle vertical direction, and plural battery modules mounted on a second mount portion which is positioned below a rear floor portion are arranged in the vehicle width direction such that the longitudinal direction of each of the battery modules matches the vehicle longitudinal direction and the long side of the rectangular section of each of the battery modules extends in the vehicle vertical direction. Accordingly, the plural battery modules can be arranged efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuo Usami, Hirokazu Kita, Hiroyuki Nomura, Seiji Sadahira
  • Patent number: 8465866
    Abstract: A battery module, battery pack, and electric vehicle, the battery module including a plurality of unit battery cells; a pair of end plates coupled together in a spaced relationship for receiving the unit battery cells therebetween; and a pressure control unit between the unit battery cells and the at least one end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Tae-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 8450008
    Abstract: A secondary battery including an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a separator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; current collectors, the current collectors being electrically connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively; a case, the case accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collectors; a cap plate, the cap plate coupled to an opening in the case; and an insulating film, the insulating film insulating the electrode assembly and the electrode collectors from the case, wherein the insulating film includes a protuberance pattern on at least one surface thereof to compensate for vibration of the electrode assembly current collectors with respect to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Yong-Sam Kim, Sang-Won Byun, Sung-Bae Kim, Byung-Kyu Ahn
  • Patent number: 8445124
    Abstract: A battery pack having increased resistance against an external impact by increasing a coupling strength between a bare cell and a case resulting in increased reliability and quality. The battery pack includes a bare cell; a circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell; a frame case surrounding the bare cell and including a channel groove arranged at a region facing the bare cell; and a coupling reinforcement portion arranged in the channel groove to couple the frame case to the bare cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woonseong Baek, Sangjoo Lee, Hyungshin Kim
  • Patent number: 8440356
    Abstract: Disclosed is the present invention directed to a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly, including: prior to assembling to electrode, bending a cathode, having an active material layer coated on one major surface of a current collector, and an anode, having an active material layer coated on one major surface of another current collector, in a zigzag fashion in vertical sections; and after the bending of the cathode and the anode, fitting the cathode and the anode to each other, such that the electrode active material layers face each other, while a separator is disposed between the cathode and the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: KiJae Kim, Min Su Kim, Hey Woong Park
  • Patent number: 8420244
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery compartment, a terminal plate positioned within the battery compartment for retaining at least two batteries within the battery compartment, and a cover for enclosing the battery compartment, wherein, upon enclosing the battery compartment with the cover, the cover is configured to urge an exterior surface of one of the at least two batteries against an exterior surface of another of the at least two batteries to establish both physical and thermal contact between the at least two batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: James Ernest Hutchings, Daniel M. Thorsen, Gregory Seth Bandy, John Thomas Sadler, Kimberly Ann Wenger
  • Patent number: 8415047
    Abstract: A battery module for accommodating a plurality of batteries connected to each other in a battery unit, the battery module including a pair of end plates facing each other; a restrainer coupled to the pair of end plates, the restrainer being configured to restrain expansion of the battery unit; and a coupling unit for coupling the end plates and the restrainer to each other, wherein a portion of the coupling unit that contacts the end plate and the restrainer is free of any screw surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Shi-Dong Park, Tae-Yong Kim, Myung-Chul Kim, Hyun-Ye Lee
  • Publication number: 20130084488
    Abstract: An electrochemical device includes a power generating element, an outer package, a current collector, and a movement restricting member. The power generating element includes a main portion and a terminal portion. The main portion includes an electrode prepared by forming an active material layer on a metal foil surface of the electrode. The terminal portion is provided on a side of the main portion. The outer package houses the power generating element. The current collector is connected to the terminal portion of the power generating element. The movement restricting member includes a holding portion arranged between the side of the main portion of the power generating element and an inner surface of the outer package opposite the side of the main portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventor: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8399125
    Abstract: A cap assembly and a secondary battery using the cap assembly, the cap assembly including: a cap-up having a groove; a PTC thermistor disposed in the groove; and inner components disposed below the cap-up. The inner components can include a vent disposed under the cap-up; a cap-down disposed under the vent; a sub-plate disposed under the cap-down; and an insulating vent disposed between the vent and the cap-down The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a can containing the electrode assembly, having an opening at one side; and the cap assembly to seal the opening of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-Kyu Kim
  • Patent number: 8394523
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween. A pouch case includes an accommodating portion for accommodating the electrode assembly and a cover portion for sealing the accommodating portion. A reinforcing member is formed between the pouch case and the electrode assembly. In the secondary battery, the reinforcing member includes a first frame formed along one surface of the pouch case, which comes in contact with the electrode assembly, a support portion formed in form of a plate while being spaced apart from the first frame, and a second frame to connect the first frame and the support portion to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang-Soo Yeo
  • Patent number: 8372530
    Abstract: In a vehicular power supply system, inclined portions (16c) extending obliquely upward toward the exterior from two mutually opposing side edges of a waterproof case (14) are formed on a hanger frame (16), and an upper face opening (14b) of the waterproof case (14) and an outer peripheral part of a lid member (15) are equipped with extended portions (14a, 15a) extending upward so as to cover the inclined portion (16c) of the hanger frame (16). This enables water flowing on an upper face of the lid member (15) or water that has accumulated on the upper face of the lid member (15) to be blocked by the extended portions (14a, 15a) and to be prevented from entering the interior of the waterproof case (14) via an outer peripheral face of the hanger frame (16) running through mating faces of a lid member (15) and the waterproof case (14) housing a battery module (24) and a high voltage electrical component (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Kubota, Masao Kawata
  • Patent number: 8361645
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a plurality of bare cells including a first bare cell and a second bare cell and a protective circuit module spaced above the plurality of bare cells. A first lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the first bare cell, the first lead plate having a first foot plate electrically connected to the first bare cell. A second lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the second bare cell, the second lead plate having a second foot plate attached to the second bare cell and arranged generally diagonally from the first foot plate with respect to the protective circuit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bongyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8353970
    Abstract: A method of assembling a battery assembly includes forming battery packs, each pack including battery cells and cooling passages extending along a length of the pack, connecting terminals of each pack to a dc source and charging each pack to a desired state of charge, installing battery packs on a tray located on an automatically guided cart, using the cart to carry the battery assembly to locations where method steps are performed including performing testing for fluid leaks in a cooling circuit comprising interconnected passages of each pack on the tray and installing electric circuits in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Wells, Stephanie L. Corker, Robert H. Dietze, Michael M. Arvaneh, Gene P. Emmerich, John D. Tompkins, Edward S. Turvene, William O. Merkle
  • Patent number: 8354179
    Abstract: A side case coupled to a secondary battery in a sliding manner to cover sides of the secondary battery. The secondary battery includes: a rectangular prism battery body; a guide member arranged in a lengthwise direction of one of the pair of the sides of the battery body; a first side case that includes a horizontal portion that is coupled to the guide member to cover one of the horizontal sides of the battery body and a vertical portion that is connected to one end of the horizontal portion to cover at least a portion of an adjacent side of the battery body; and a second side case that is coupled to the battery body, and includes vertical and horizontal portions that are generally symmetric to the vertical portion and the horizontal portion of the first side case and a plurality of terminal holes formed in the horizontal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nohyun Kwag, Kyungwon Seo, Youngcheol Jang
  • Publication number: 20130004828
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented. The cell includes a housing having an interior surface defining a volume, and an elongated, ion-conducting separator disposed in the volume. The separator usually extends in a vertical direction relative to a base of the housing, so as to define a height dimension of the cell. The separator has a first circumferential surface defining a portion of a first compartment. The cell further includes a shim structure disposed between the interior surface and the first circumferential surface of the separator. The structure includes at least two shims. Each shim has a circumferential surface generally parallel to the other, and generally parallel to the first circumferential surface of the separator. An energy storage device including such an electrochemical cell is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Guillermo Daniel Zappi, Charles Dominic Iacovangelo, Mohamed Rahmane, Benjamin Hale Winkler, Roger Neil Bull, James Lowe Sudworth
  • Publication number: 20120308879
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode; a metal support plate electrically connected to the first electrode, the metal support plate being disposed on at least one side of the electrode assembly; and a case electrically connected to the second electrode and electrically insulated from the metal support plate, the case accommodating the electrode assembly and the metal support plate, wherein the metal support plate includes a protrusion protruding toward an inner side of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Yong-Sam Kim, Jang-Hyun Song
  • Patent number: 8323819
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery module configured to have a structure in which a plurality of plate type battery cells is mounted in a module case so that the battery cells are arranged adjacent to one another. The battery module includes a plurality of insulative members disposed between the respective battery cells so that each of the insulative members corresponds to the peripheral shape of a corresponding one of the battery cells and a plurality of cooling members disposed at the interfaces between the respective battery cells. Each of the cooling members includes a heat dissipating fin disposed in contact with the outer surface of a corresponding one of the battery cells and a coolant conduit provided at the lower end of the heat dissipating fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: BumHyun Lee, Jin Kyu Lee, Dal Mo Kang, Jongmoon Yoon, Hee Soo Yoon
  • Patent number: 8298693
    Abstract: A battery having an outer casing and an anode/cathode assembly within that casing, wherein the anode/cathode assembly includes plural anodes and cathodes and electrolyte therebetween. The battery has a pressure relief feature associated with the casing and a channel preservation element sufficiently rigid to preserve at least one gas passageway to the pressure relief feature under conditions of anode/cathode assembly warpage. Thus the gas in the passageway will not become impeded by anode/cathode assembly warpage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. :td.
    Inventors: Joseph Anthony Holung, Tin-Lup Wong, Bouziane Yebka
  • Patent number: 8293393
    Abstract: An apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Noel Jason Mendez, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Peng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8288036
    Abstract: A secondary battery and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, the secondary battery includes 1) an electrode assembly having an outer surface, 2) a sealing tape attached to and surrounding at least part of the outer surface of the electrode assembly and 3) a can accommodating the electrode assembly and sealing tape. The sealing tape includes i) an adhesive layer contacting the outer surface of the electrode assembly and ii) a base layer formed on and at least partially covering the adhesive layer. The base layer contacts an inner surface of the can. At least part of the adhesive layer is not covered by the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daekyu Kim
  • Patent number: 8283064
    Abstract: An electrode assembly of a secondary battery includes an electrode group including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate that are stacked and wound, and a finishing tape attached to a predetermined region of a terminal portion of the electrode group. The finishing tape satisfies the equation Y1=tensile strengthĂ—thickness of finishing tape/modulus of elasticity, with Y1 ranging from 64 to 89. Alternatively, the finishing tape includes a film layer and an adhesive layer, and satisfies the equation Y2=tensile strengthĂ—thickness of film layer of finishing tape/modulus of elasticity, with Y2 ranging from 51 to 75. The finishing tape effectively prevents an increase in the thickness of a high-capacity secondary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheon-Soo Kim, Dac-Junc Jeong
  • Patent number: 8268479
    Abstract: A battery spacer, a protection assembly for electric core, and a power battery are provided. The battery spacer comprises a spacer body. The spacer body comprises: a tab passing area located in a middle portion of the spacer body, the tab passing area being adapted to receive an end of an electric core of a battery; and receiving areas adjacent to ends of the tab passing area along the spacer body. The spacer body and the tab passing area provide an end wall, two side walls, and a top wall configured to surround each of the receiving area. At least one tab aperture is formed in the tab passing area and penetrates the spacer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: BYD Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Luxia Jiang, Jianhua Zhu
  • Patent number: 8268478
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery that improves a vibration-proof property is provided. The rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator that is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a case that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly including terminals that are coupled to the case and that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly, wherein the terminal has a lead tab that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and a vibration-proof member is installed between the lead tab and the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SB LiMotive Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Sam Kim, Sung-Bae Kim
  • Patent number: 8263253
    Abstract: A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; a can having an opening at an upper portion thereof and housing the electrode assembly; a cap assembly sealing the opening of the can; and an insulation case disposed between the electrode assembly and the cap assembly, the insulation case having an impact absorber configured to deform and absorb an external impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hwa Il Uh
  • Publication number: 20120214055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a frame for a galvanic cell consisting of an electrode stack that has a foil-type package, out of which at least two current collectors are brought. Said frame is designed so as to be able to be fixedly connected to the package of the cell when the cell is produced. When producing such a galvanic cell, a frame is fixedly connected to the package as the package is sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBH
    Inventors: Tim Schaefer, Andreas Gutsch