Means Externally Releasing Internal Gas Pressure From Closed Cell, I.e., Valve Etc. Patents (Class 429/53)
  • Publication number: 20140308549
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a battery having a plurality of current collector tabs extended from a plurality of points of a current collector of at least one electrode of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The battery further has a lid and a lead. The lead has a current collector tab junctional part connected with the current collector tabs, a lid junctional part fixed to the lid, and a vibration absorber part linking the current collector tab junctional part to the lid junctional part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshifumi SHIMIZU, Kengo Kurata, Natsuki Toyota, Eiki Kashiwazaki
  • Publication number: 20140302356
    Abstract: A battery module includes a cell unit, a first end plate, and a binding band. The cell unit includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction. The first end plate is located on one side of the cell unit in the first direction. The binding band extends in the first direction and is coupled with the first plate so as to bind the first end plate and the cell unit. The first end plate has an external terminal surface directed to an opposite side with respect to the cell unit in the first direction. An external terminal is connected to the external terminal surface. The binding band is located on a side surface of the cell unit and is coupled with the external terminal surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Tsuruta, Masamitsu Tononishi, Ryutaro Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140302357
    Abstract: A battery module has a cell unit including battery cells and a battery monitoring element attached to the cell unit. The battery cells are arranged in a first direction. The battery cell includes pressure release section for releasing a pressure in the battery cell. The cell unit has side surfaces including at least one internal pressure release section surface which is a surface where the internal pressure release section is disposed. The battery monitoring element is disposed on a non internal pressure release section surface which is different from the internal pressure release section surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventors: Shogo Tsuruta, Masamitsu Tononishi, Ryutaro Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140302358
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cap assembly loaded on an open upper end of a cylindrical container of a battery configured to have a structure in which an electrode assembly (jelly roll) of a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in the cylindrical container, the cap assembly including a safety vent connected to a current interruptive device (CID) for safety, a protruding top cap connected to the safety vent along an outer circumference thereof, and a gasket mounted at an outer circumference of the top cap, wherein a cathode tab is attached to a cathode active material-uncoated portion of the cathode by welding and the gasket is provided with at least one groove depressed upward from an outer circumference of a lower end of the gasket for easy welding between the CID and the cathode tab at the time of manufacturing the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Jong Kim, Je Jun Lee, Cha-Hun Ku, Byungkyu Jung
  • Patent number: 8852793
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate including a first non-coating portion, a second electrode plate including a second non-coating portion, and a separator between the first and second electrode plates; an insulating bag accommodating the electrode assembly and including first and second connection members electrically connected to the first and second non-coating portions, respectively; a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the insulating bag; a cap plate sealing an opening of the case; and first and second electrode terminals electrically connected to the first and second connection members, respectively. An upper part of the insulating bag having an opening is coupled to a lower surface of the cap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Minhyung Guen
  • Publication number: 20140295221
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electrolyte for a secondary battery, and a secondary battery including the same, the electrolyte including an electrolyte salt; an electrolyte solvent; and a compound generating heat through oxidation at voltages higher than drive voltage of a cathode, wherein the compound can decompose or evaporate electrolyte components by oxidation heat, thereby causing gas generation. Also, the compound is included in an internal pressure increase accelerant for a battery. Upon overcharge, since a compound subjected to oxidation at voltages higher than normal drive voltage of a cathode generates heat, electrolyte components can be decomposed or evaporated, thereby generating gas by the oxidation heat. Accordingly, it is possible to operate a safety means of a battery, without using an internal pressure increasing material directly generating gas through oxidation at overcharge voltage as the electrolyte additive, and thus to improve the overcharge safety of a secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Miyoung Son, Jeong-Ju Cho, Hochun Lee, Joomi Jeon, Sunghoon Yu
  • Publication number: 20140295220
    Abstract: An electric storage device is provided with an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate; a case for housing the electrode assembly; a positive-electrode external terminal arranged on an outer surface of the case and electrically connected to the positive electrode plate; a negative-electrode external terminal arranged on an outer surface of the case and electrically connected to the negative electrode plate; and a gas exhaust valve formed in a region of the case on the opposite side of a region where the positive-electrode external terminal and the negative-electrode external terminal are arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumio Mori, Tomonori Kako, Akihiko Miyazaki, Kenta Nakai
  • Publication number: 20140287282
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for a housing for receiving a battery has a valve arrangement for compensating a pressure differential between an interior of the housing for receiving a battery and an environment outside of the housing for receiving a battery. A desiccant is provided for removing moisture from a gas contained in the interior or gas that flows into the housing for receiving a battery. A chamber is provided that is connected to the valve arrangement and that contains the desiccant, wherein the chamber and the valve arrangement are in gas-conducting communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Beylich, Friedrich Stolz, Stephan Niemeyer, Panagiotis Mavroidakos
  • Publication number: 20140287283
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus that supplies electric power to an external electrical device through a cable is provided with a battery pack, and a battery pack case that houses the battery pack. The battery pack case includes a case body having an opening through which the battery pack to be taken in and out, a cover member that liquid-tightly closes the opening of the case body, in which at least one of the case body and the cover member is formed with a ventilation hole so as to penetrate therethrough, and a filter apparatus that does not allow liquid to pass therethrough but allows gas to pass therethrough is provided in the ventilation hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatoshi KIMPARA, Yohei NAKANO, Satoru TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20140272478
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for energy storage devices capable of mitigating the pressure differentials between adjacent bi-polar units using a pressure equalization valve at a projection from a substrate of a bi-polar unit, which prevents the pressure equalization valve from being submerged by free liquid in the unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jon K. West, Nelson Citta, Myles Citta, Joshua Gordon
  • Publication number: 20140272487
    Abstract: In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a battery. This battery includes a container, a lid, a gas-relief vent, an electrode group, an intermediate lead, and a terminal lead. The gas-relief vent is provided in the lid. The intermediate lead includes a first lead-joint part, an electrode-group-joint part, and a leg part. The leg part connects the first lead-joint part and the electrode-group-joint part to each other. The first lead-joint part and the electrode-group-joint part are located on planes different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Haruchika ISHII, Eiki Kashiwazaki, Souichi Hanafusa, Natsuki Toyota, Tsutomu Matsui, Tatsuya Shinoda
  • Patent number: 8835028
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery, which can improve safety, control operating level of a short-circuiting member, prevent external moisture from being induced to a short-circuiting member to cause a short-circuit, and can efficiently utilize an internal space. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly, a collector plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly, a case housing the electrode assembly and the collector plate, a cap plate sealing the case and having a short-circuiting groove formed at a lower portion thereof, and a short-circuiting member formed between the cap plate and the collector plate, wherein the short-circuiting member is coupled to the short-circuiting groove of the cap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dukjung Kim
  • Patent number: 8828569
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery can for a storage battery, provided with a safety valve having a first and a second score groove portion is provided to inner and outer surface of can bottom, can body, or can lid. The first and the second score groove portion face each other, and have a first and a second score groove bottom portion, which have a radius of curvature R, respectively. The R is more than 0.20 mm and less than 1.20 mm, and a distance between the bottom portions is 0.045 to 0.150 mm. The portion, which has the safety valve, is constituted by a plated steel sheet having a steel sheet portion of C content is less than 0.040 mass %, S content is less than 0.020 mass %, and tensile strength TS is less than 400 MPa, and a plate layer formed on a surface of the steel sheet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation
    Inventors: Teruaki Yamada, Kohji Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8828593
    Abstract: A lithium ion battery is disclosed. The lithium ion battery includes a can, an electrode assembly, and a cap assembly. A relatively thin emergency rupture member is formed on (or at) a bottom (or bottom surface) of the can. The emergency rupture member may have a line shape which is spaced apart from and parallel to a long side of the bottom of the can. Alternatively, the emergency rupture member may be formed on (and/or along) the long side of the bottom. Compressive forces applied to opposite sides of the can in directions parallel to the emergency rupture member cause the can to rupture along the emergency rupture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Yoontai Kwak
  • Patent number: 8822050
    Abstract: An electric storage apparatus has an electric-generating element performing charge and discharge and a case accommodating the electric-generating element and an electrolytic solution. The case has an injection portion, a cap, a worked portion, and a valve. The injection portion is used for injecting the electrolytic solution into the case. The cap closes the injection portion. The worked portion is formed along the outer shapes of the injection portion and the cap by working the wall face of the case. The valve is used for discharging gas produced within the case to the outside of the case and is provided between the injection portion and the worked portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Yamamoto, Mizuho Matsumoto, Toru Nakai
  • Publication number: 20140242422
    Abstract: A Li-Ion monitor includes a combustible vapor sensor positioned in air flow communication with the exterior of a hermetically sealed Li-Ion battery cell to detect combustible vapor escaping therefrom. Detection of the vapor indicates that an overheat or fire situation may be impending. Where the Li-Ion battery cell is immersed in liquid, the combustible vapor sensor is in air flow communication with a surface of the liquid. Alternatively, or additionally, an electrolyte sensor can be immersed in or otherwise in fluid flow communication with the liquid to detect electrolyte escaping from the cell which electrolyte would, if exposed to air, become a combustible vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Eva Hakansson, William Dube
  • Publication number: 20140242423
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rechargeable battery susceptible to thermal runaway, and a metal enclosure for the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kelly T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140227564
    Abstract: A battery module includes an electrode assembly in a case, at least one current collector in the case, the current collector being electrically connected to the electrode assembly, a cap plate covering the case, the cap plate including a safety vent and at least one terminal inserter penetrating the cap plate, at least one terminal part including a terminal plate outside the case and a connector connecting the at least one current collector to the terminal plate through the at least one terminal inserter, at least one fixing member fixing the terminal part into the cap plate, and a groove pattern in an area of the cap plate adjacent to the safety vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Jang-Hyun SONG, Yong-Sam KIM, Jong-Woo NAM
  • Patent number: 8802254
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries and a housing configured to receive the rechargeable batteries, wherein the housing has a vent opening; and a valve configured to close the vent opening, wherein the valve includes a porous film with pores having a diameter larger than that of gas molecules and smaller than that of water particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hyun-Ye Lee
  • Patent number: 8802256
    Abstract: A safety device for a sealed cell (1) comprising alternating positive and negative electrodes respectively connected to positive and negative current output terminals (6, 7) placed in a container (2) having an end (3) that is closed by a wall. The wall of the closed end presents thinning (13) adapted to be torn by excess pressure inside the container, and the thinning is adapted, on being torn, to interrupt electrical conduction between the electrodes of one polarity and the corresponding current output terminal. The device of the invention is simple in design, is capable of operating at low pressures, and over a wide range of pressures, and acts as a circuit interrupter without decreasing the current density that flows in the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: SAFT
    Inventors: Gerard Rigobert, Claude Gilabert, Jonac Philippe, Dominique Ligeois
  • Patent number: 8790816
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled to the case; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding from the cap plate; a connecting member on the cap plate, the connecting member including a body, a first short-circuit tab within the body and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second short-circuit tab within the body and electrically connected to the second electrode; and a short-circuit member spaced from the first short-circuit tab and the second short-circuit tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Duk-Jung Kim, In Kim
  • Patent number: 8790802
    Abstract: An air battery system has a sealed air battery cell (10) having: an air electrode having an air electrode layer (4) containing a conductive material and an air electrode power collector (6) for collecting electric power from the air electrode layer; a negative electrode having a negative electrode layer (3) containing an negative electrode active material that adsorbs and releases metal ions and a negative electrode power collector (2) for collecting electric power from the negative electrode layer; a separator (7) provided between the air electrode layer and the negative electrode layer; and a sealed air battery case (1a, 1b). The air battery system also has a depressurization portion (20) that reduces the internal pressure of the sealed air battery cell to below the atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20140205867
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing safety measures during gas release from a vehicle battery, such as a damaged lithium-ion rechargeable battery, arranged in a volume space having an opening includes at least one shroud element. The shroud element is configured to expand into the volume space by being filled with a gas such that, upon expansion of the shroud element, openings in the shroud element are enlarged and shroud element contents are discharged into the volume space through the enlarged openings in the shroud element. The apparatus further includes a device that, upon reception of a trigger signal, is configured to fill the shroud element at least partially with carbon dioxide gas such that carbon dioxide gas is discharged into the volume space as contents of the shroud element. An installation space includes the apparatus and a method is implemented to provide safety measures during gas release from the vehicle battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicants: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sarmimala Hore, Joachim Fetzer, Ralf Angerbauer, Holger Fink
  • Publication number: 20140205868
    Abstract: Rechargeable nickel zinc cells, and methods of manufacture, of a configuration that utilizes a positive can with a vent cap at the positive pole of the battery are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: POWERGENIX SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140205870
    Abstract: A battery pack for a vehicle may include a cell array defining an upper surface and a housing defining a raised portion extending along and above a length of the array such that the raised portion and upper surface define a vent manifold therebetween which may be configured to collect gases generated by the array. The housing may define a discharge opening configured to allow gases to exit the manifold. A pair of end plates may be disposed at opposing ends of the array. One of the end plates may define a pass through portion in at least partial registration with the discharge opening. An outlet tube may be configured to facilitate fluid communication between the vent manifold and exterior of the vehicle. The battery pack may also include spacers located between upper edges of adjacent cells and may be configured to prevent cooling gases from entering the vent manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Utley, Saravanan Paramasivam, Patrick Daniel Maguire, Steven F. Chorian, Venkateswa Anand Sankaran, John Peter Bilezikjian, Hari Addanki, Debbi Callicoat
  • Publication number: 20140205869
    Abstract: A packaged battery, an assembled battery, and a film-covered battery, which can prevent a dangerous state involving a high-pressure gas filled in the film-covered battery while ensuring a sealing reliability, are provided. The Packaged battery includes film-covered battery 1 including a battery element and exterior films forming a sealed space housing the battery element, and holding member 10 holding film-covered battery 1. The sealed space includes a housing section housing the battery element, and a pocket communicating with the housing section to expand when the pressure in the sealed space increases. The pocket includes a safety valve which activates when the pocket expands. Holding member 10 includes an opening and a cavity fitting the housing section therein. When the housing section is fitted into the cavity, at least part of the pocket and the safety valve protrude to the outside of the holding member from the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatomo MIZUTA, Kazuaki UTSUMI, Makihiro OTOHATA, Hiroshi YAGETA
  • Publication number: 20140199565
    Abstract: A valve assembly for preventing backflow and a battery case using the same is disclosed. In one aspect, the valve assembly for preventing backflow includes a first valve; a connection tube connected to the first valve and having at least one bent portion; and a second valve connected to the connection tube. In the valve assembly, the second valve is disposed so that the lowermost surface of the second valve is positioned lower than the lowermost surface of the first valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Ho LEE, Sang-Kyu AHN
  • Publication number: 20140193674
    Abstract: A battery module includes: battery blocks which are connected to each other and each of which includes cells. Each of the cells has an opening through which a gas generated in the cell is released to an outside. Each of the battery blocks has a holder in which the cells are accommodated with the openings of the cells being aligned on a same side. On a side of the battery block on which the openings are aligned, a flat plate in touch with one end of the cells is disposed such that the gas passes above the flat plate. Each adjacent two of the battery blocks are disposed such that the flat plates are substantially flush with each other. The flat plate of one of the each adjacent two of the battery blocks extends above the holder of the other of the each adjacent two of the battery blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takasaki, Shinya Geshi, Oose Okutani
  • Publication number: 20140186662
    Abstract: A bus bar case includes a bus bar holding portion unifying and holding a plurality of bus bars for electrically connecting adjacent cells of a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined direction, each of the cells having a gas discharge valve, and a hose holding portion provided integrally with the bus bar holding portion and holding an exhaust gas hose for directing gas discharged through the gas discharge valve in the predetermined direction, the gas discharge valve being provided for each of the plurality of cells, wherein the hose holding portion has a recess portion forming a space for passing the exhaust gas hose between the hose holding portion and an upper face of the cell when the plurality of bus bars held by the bus bar holding portion are fixed to the plurality of cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiro Kosaki, Kenji Iida
  • Publication number: 20140178719
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an immersion tolerant electrical energy storage system for use with electric vehicles. The energy storage system is equipped with a sealed battery unit and a sealed heat exchanger that cooperates to inhibit the intrusion of fluids and other contaminants into the system. The ability to limit intrusion of such fluids and contaminants provides improved service life for the batteries in the battery unit and components of the thermal control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Steyr
    Inventors: Robert Gordon Storc, Jonas Bereisa, David Edwin Barnhart, Williams B. Suber, James Edward Robertson, Kenneth Ratkovich
  • Patent number: 8748019
    Abstract: A case (20) of each battery cell (1) houses a current interrupt device (30) that cuts-off current when internal pressure exceeds a set pressure. The case has a rectangular outline with a pair of opposing planar surfaces (20A). An electrode unit (10), which is a stack of positive and negative electrode plates (10A) with intervening separators (10C), and the current interrupt device are disposed between the pair of opposing planar surfaces. A plurality of battery cells is stacked with opposing planar surfaces opposite each other to form a battery block (2). The power source apparatus has a pair of endplates (4) disposed at the ends of the battery block, the pair of endplates is connected by connecting components (5), and the pair of endplates holds the battery cells in the stacked configuration applying pressure in a direction perpendicular to the opposing planar surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wataru Okada
  • Publication number: 20140154535
    Abstract: Intelligent modular battery pack assemblies and associated charging and docking systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a modular battery pack assembly may include an outer casing assembly, a thermally conductive structural housing element configured to house a battery assembly in an interior volume, a lid element configured to cover the opening in the thermally conductive structural housing element and mechanically strengthen the thermally conductive structural housing element, and a circuit element disposed to electrically couple the battery cell to a battery-powered device and provide viral data transfer between the battery and a coupled device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, David A. Cox, Alexander L. Warren, Joseph B. Phaneuf
  • Publication number: 20140154534
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of power battery technology, in particular to a power battery safety head cover, comprising a cover plate, a positive pole, a negative pole, a pressure release valve and a filling hole, wherein the positive pole, the negative pole, the pressure release valve and the filling hole are arranged on the cover plate, the positive pole is electrically connected with the cover plate, the negative pole is assembled with the cover plate in an insulating way, and the negative pole is connected with a negative temperature coefficient thermistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: NingDe Amperex Technology Limited
    Inventors: Xiaolei Liu, Pinghua Deng, Peng Wang, Yanhua Lu, Junzhong Hu
  • Patent number: 8733465
    Abstract: A device for suppressing fires generated by lithium-ion batteries exhibiting thermal runaway. The device can include a thermally insulating enclosure for housing one or more battery cells. A fluid delivery system having a heat/temperature sensitive tube passes through each enclosure and contains an agent capable of extinguishing fires. When the cell or battery starts to undergo thermal runaway, the increase in temperature or the eruption of open flame causes the fluid delivery system to rupture inside the enclosure. The agent leaks out of the rupture and is transported into the enclosure and onto the malfunctioning cell or battery. Any fire is suppressed and the cell or battery is cooled down by the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LITHFIRE-X, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Grattan Flood, Ronald Michael Butler
  • Publication number: 20140127539
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery and a vehicle support structure having multiple supports designed as hollow sections. The battery has at least one ventilation opening. The at least one ventilation opening in the battery is connected to the interior of at least one of the supports designed as hollow sections, and via same is connected, directly or via further supports designed as hollow sections, to the surroundings of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Jan Helber
  • Publication number: 20140127538
    Abstract: A secondary battery according to an embodiment includes a package where an electrolytic solution is stored, an electrode assembly provided inside the package and configured to function as a power generation element, a pressure release valve provided in the package and configured to discharge a gas generated inside the package, and an insulator provided between the pressure release valve and the electrode assembly and covering the pressure release valve at a position away from the pressure release valve. The insulator includes multiple opening portions serving as flow paths of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Masamitsu URUNO, Hirotaka Yanagisawa, Yoshiyuki Isozaki
  • Publication number: 20140127537
    Abstract: A battery cell module includes a plurality of battery cells, which each have a ventilation opening. The battery cell module also includes a gas accommodation chamber which is assigned to a plurality of battery cells to at least temporarily accommodate gas which has escaped from said battery cells. The volume of the gas accommodation chamber is connected directly to the ventilation openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Gerald Pflueger, Ralf Angerbauer, Holger Fink
  • Publication number: 20140120385
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for use in a negative active material in a valve regulated lead-acid battery, comprising: a carbon material having a BET surface area from 150 m2/g to 2000 m2/g and having a D90-value greater than 5 ?m; wherein the amount of carbon material ranges from 0.1 wt % to 1.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. Also disclosed herein is valve regulated lead-acid battery, comprising: a positive plate, a negative plate, a separator, and an electrolyte disposed in a container comprising a valve, wherein the negative plate comprises a substrate comprising lead or a lead alloy and a negative active material comprised of a composition comprising a carbon material having a BET surface area from 150 m2/g to 2000 m2/g and having a D90-value greater than 5 ?m; wherein the amount of carbon material ranges from 0.1 wt % to 1.5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Satoru Yaegashi, Harald Niepraschk, Olaf Sielemann
  • Publication number: 20140120386
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a absorbed glass matt (AGM) valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery, comprising: a positive plate comprising a positive active material; a negative plate comprising a negative active material; wherein the negative active material comprises a composition comprising a carbon additive; an AGM separator; and an electrolyte; wherein the positive plate, the negative plate, the separator, and the electrolyte are disposed in a container comprising a valve; and wherein the electrolyte is present in an amount that ranges from 100 to 150% by volume based on the total pore volume of the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Sudhakar Jagannathan, John Harold Miller, Layna Lanier Mendlinger, Travis Zachary Torrey
  • Patent number: 8709624
    Abstract: An energy storage device package is provided. The energy storage device package includes a bottom cover and a top cover connected to form a hollow chamber to accumulate an electrolyte, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the top cover and which stretch from the top cover to the hollow chamber to contact the electrolyte, and a safety valve. The first electrode includes an opening and an exhaust channel that extends between the hollow chamber and the opening. When a gas pressure in the hollow chamber is smaller than or equal to a threshold value, the safety valve in the first electrode blocks the exhaust channel. When the gas pressure is larger than the threshold value, the gas pushes to open the safety valve and flows out from the hollow chamber through the exhaust channel and the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Te Chuang, Kuang-Jung Tan
  • Publication number: 20140103880
    Abstract: Converter cell having at least one particularly rechargeable electrode assembly, that is designed to at least temporarily supply electrical energy particularly to a consumer, which has at least two electrodes of different polarity, with at least one current conducting device, which is designed to be electrically, preferably materially connected to one of the electrodes of the electrode assembly, with a cell housing with a first housing section, wherein the first housing section is designed to at enclose at least areas of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tim Schaefer, Marco Zichner, Werner Hufenbach, Detlef Dieball, Sascha Schulte
  • Publication number: 20140106187
    Abstract: A sealed battery includes a return type safety valve. An annular projection that projects toward a valve body from a valve port is formed on a valve seat for the safety valve. The projection includes a first projection region and a second projection region that are defined by a shape of a tip of the projection and arranged in parallel in a circumferential direction of the valve port. The first projection region and second projection region have different curvature radii in a cross-section of the projection taken along an axial direction of the valve body. The pressure per unit area applied to the second projection region by the valve body is higher than the pressure per unit area applied to the first projection region by the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMEARTH EV ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyouei Miura, Shigeru Matsumoto, Shinji Hamada
  • Patent number: 8697269
    Abstract: A sealed battery terminal 18 of a first aspect of the invention includes an electrically-conductive terminal cap 19, a rupture disk 25 made of flexible electrically conductive material electrically connected to the electrically-conductive terminal cap 19, and an electrically-conductive terminal plate 20 abutting the rupture disk 25. In the sealed battery terminal 18, an opening 23c is formed in the terminal plate 20, the rupture disk 25 is arranged to close the opening 23c, and an abutting part of an inner periphery of the opening of the terminal plate 20 and the rupture disk 25 is welded by a high energy beam at a plurality of places. Accordingly, a sealed battery terminal having a safety valve system in which the rupture disk placed in the cap and the terminal plate are electrically connected directly by welding with the high energy beam can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Syuichi Yamashita, Haruhiko Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140093756
    Abstract: An assembled battery includes plural electric cells, a covered member at least a portion of which is made of metal, and insulation cover. The covered member is disposed along side portions of the electric cells on which terminals are provided. The insulation cover includes a main portion interposed between the covered member and the side portions of the electric cells, and an auxiliary portion extending from the main portion along a projecting direction of the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Lithium Energy Japan
    Inventors: Seiji Nemoto, Toshiki Kusunoki
  • Publication number: 20140093757
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a molten salt battery. The method includes a housing step (S100) for housing a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator in a battery container; an injecting step (S110) for injecting the molten salt into the battery container while heating the battery container; a closing step (S120) for closing the battery container with a closing lid; a heating and drying step (S130) for heating the battery container in a vacuum state with a check valve open; and a sealing step (S150) for closing the check valve. In summary, the positive electrode, negative electrode, separator and molten salt are heated and dried in a vacuum state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shoichiro Sakai, Atsushi Fukunaga, Koji Nitta, Shinji Inazawa
  • Patent number: 8685554
    Abstract: A battery system includes a battery module that has a plurality of batteries which are provided with release portions each for releasing internal gas when an internal pressure is increased, and an exhaust portion which is provided with an opening portion and guides gas released from the release portions to the opening portion, a non-resettable switch element which is provided at a position where the guided gas passes in a vicinity of the opening portion, and is changed from a first state preset as one of an opened state and a closed state into a second state as the other one of the opened state and the closed state when a preset reference temperature or higher is reached, and a high-temperature abnormality determination unit which determines that the battery module has an abnormality when the switch element is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Asakura, Shunsuke Yasui, Hiroshi Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8685555
    Abstract: A safety current interrupter device for a rechargeable cell is provided comprising a deformable material (2) adapted to deform when the temperature reaches a threshold value, a deformable membrane (3) adapted to deform under the effect of pressure and/or deformation of the deformable material (2), and an electrically conductive link member (4), adapted to break as a result of the deformation of the deformable membrane (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Saft Group SA
    Inventors: Philippe Borel, Cecile Tessier
  • Patent number: 8679660
    Abstract: An electric power storage apparatus including a housing, a partition which is placed in the housing to form a first housing portion and a second housing portion, a electric power storage unit which is housed in the first housing portion, a coolant which is housed in the first housing portion and is provided for cooling the electric power storage unit, and a pressure release means for releasing an internal pressure of the first housing portion to the second housing portion in an abnormal state of the electric power storage unit in which gas is produced in the electric power storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Kawai
  • Patent number: 8679663
    Abstract: A battery vent cap capable of push-in installation and turn-out removal. The cap includes bayonet tabs. The tabs in turn each include a ramp portion to facilitate movement of the cap bayonet tabs past bayonet tabs in a battery vent port as the vent cap is inserted into the port axially without substantial rotation. The interfitting bayonet tabs retain the vent cap within the vent port and also permit the vent cap to be unscrewed and removed from the vent port. In a preferred embodiment, the vent cap includes a swivel connector to which a watering hose may be connected. The swivel enables the vent cap to be unscrewed from the vent portion without having to remove the watering hose from the swivel connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Publication number: 20140079964
    Abstract: A pressure equalization element for a housing includes a water-impermeable membrane. The membrane is combined with either a pressure relief valve acting in two directions or with a corresponding combination of two pressure relief valves such that a volume of air exchange is reduced. An amount of moisture transported into the housing is thus also reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gless, Ulrich Zimmermann