Venting Structure Patents (Class 429/82)
  • Patent number: 8652699
    Abstract: This fuel cell system is for suppressing a backflow of water from an exhaust pipe outlet that discharges a reactant-off gas, without decreasing the performance and fuel consumption of a fuel cell, the exhaust pipe being configured to switch between a main discharge pipe and a sub discharge pipe by a switching means to discharge the reactant-off gas. The sub discharge pipe includes a rising gradient portion formed to incline upwards above a gradient of the main discharge pipe and a falling gradient portion formed to incline downwards at the downstream of the rising gradient portion. The switching valve switches to allow the reactant-off gas to be discharged from the main discharge pipe if an amount of reactant-off gas to be discharged is equal to or above a threshold value of an amount of discharge, and allow the reactant-off gas to be discharged from the sub discharge pipe if the amount of reactant-off gas to be discharged is below the threshold value of the amount of discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keigo Suematsu, Tomotaka Ishikawa, Yuichi Sakajo
  • Patent number: 8652669
    Abstract: A lead-acid battery comprising a container having at least one cell chamber and a lid body for covering a top opening of the container. The lid body has on a top surface a recessed portion having therein an annular portion protruding upward and having, in an area of a bottom wall inside the protruding portion, an exhaust hole for exhausting gas from the cell chamber, wherein a guide passage for guiding gas from the exhaust hole to the outside is formed by joining the protruding portion with a joining portion provided on the lid body cover. An annular groove formed between the protruding portion and the vertical wall is covered with an outer periphery of the lid body cover 5 and the guide passage is isolated from the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhide Nakayama, Eiji Hojo, Masashi Shiota, Shin Ohsaki, Shinichi Egami
  • Publication number: 20140045007
    Abstract: A motor vehicle battery has at least one battery module with a plurality of battery cells (11) that have connection poles and degassing predetermined breaking points (14). The battery module also has a common battery module control device (19) for all of the battery cells (11) of the battery module. The degassing predetermined breaking points (14) of the battery cells (11) are on one side of the battery module and are offset inward in relation to the connection poles of the battery cells to form a recess (15). A guide element (16) is positioned in the recess (15) and extends along all of the battery cells (11) of the respective battery module to define a degassing channel (17) on one side and defining an accommodation space (18) for the battery module control device (19) on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicants: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Fritz, Alexander Klausmann, Klaus Wipfler, Claus Gerald Pflueger
  • Publication number: 20140045006
    Abstract: There is provided a battery module capable of enhancing insulation property and safety. The battery module includes two or more battery cells arranged in one direction, and each having a vent; a housing that accommodates the battery cells and has a top cover; and a sub cover that is provided to cover at least one portion of tops of the battery cells, and allows the battery cells and the top cover to be spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Wook Yoon, Hong-Keun Choi
  • Patent number: 8647759
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap assembly including a cap plate having a first through-hole and coupled to the case and a short-circuiting member electrically coupled to one of the first and second electrodes, and a displacement plate in the first through-hole and spaced from a bottom surface of the short-circuiting member at a first position, and configured to be separated from the first through-hole and to contact the bottom surface of the short-circuiting member at a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Minyeol Han, Jeongwon Oh, Sangwon Byun, Sooseok Choi
  • Publication number: 20140030564
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery, which can improve safety by rapidly releasing internal gases by forming a vent in a pouch. The rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, a pouch accommodating the electrode assembly and including a metal layer, and a vent formed on at least one side of the pouch, wherein the vent is formed by forming a trench in the metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bora LEE
  • Publication number: 20140030565
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery pack for a vehicle, including: a case configured to receive a battery. The case includes a recessed lower surface forming an air passage to allow air to flow from one side of a lower surface of the case to another side to cool the battery there above. A passage guide is formed by a cover coupled to a side surface of the case to form an air duct. The air duct extends at least from an upper end side to a lower end side of the case and a lower end of the air duct is connected to an inlet portion of the air passage formed on a lower surface of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hae Kyu Lim, Yoon Cheol Jeon
  • Publication number: 20140023894
    Abstract: An energy storage device that includes a housing, which includes at least one end panel that includes at least one aperture therethrough. The device further includes a battery cell housed in the housing. The battery cell includes mutually opposed first and second faces joined at their edges. The device also includes a heat sink adjacent to the battery cell and in thermal contact with the first face of the battery cell. The heat sink defines at least one cooling medium passage extending parallel to the face of the adjacent battery cell. The cooling medium passage opens onto the at least one aperture formed through the at least one end panel of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick Jansen, Henry Todd Young
  • Publication number: 20140023895
    Abstract: A gas-permeable filter provided with oil repellency is provided. The gas-permeable filter includes a porous membrane having a surface coated with an oil-repellent agent. The oil-repellent agent includes a linear fluorine-containing hydrocarbon group represented by —R1C5F10CH2C4F9 or —R2C6F13, and the porous membrane is a stretched polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) porous membrane. Here, R1 and R2 are each independently an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms or a phenylene group. The gas-permeable filter is provided with oil repellency without significant reduction in gas permeability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiki Ikeyama, Nobuaki Maruoka, Naofumi Kosaka, Asuka Onohara
  • Patent number: 8632901
    Abstract: A stacked battery has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. One or more gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment. The electrode units may be “dish shaped” and may contain a pressure equalization valve to reduce electrode unit deflection and improve pressure equalization between cell segments. The pressure equalization valve may allow a gas to diffuse through adjacent cell segments and may substantially prevent electrolyte from diffusing through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: G4 Synergetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Kenneth West, Martin Patrick Higgins, Julius Regalado, Anthony George
  • Patent number: 8632911
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly in a battery case, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, a cap plate connected to the battery case, the cap plate including a short member configured to deform and electrically connect the positive and negative electrodes, and a current collecting portion including at least one fuse, the at least one fuse being electrically connected to one of the negative and positive electrodes of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sang-Won Byun, Yong-Sam Kim, Sung-Bae Kim, Hyo-Seob Kim, Chi-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20140017531
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of unit cells whose exterior is extended in one direction and formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, a first external case whose external shape is formed in an approximately rectangular shape, and in which a plurality of approximately cylindrical battery storage sections that individually store the plurality of unit cells are provided on an inner surface, and a second external case which is configured to include the battery storage sections that individually store the plurality of unit cells on an inner surface, join the first external case, and hold the unit cells in such a manner as to sandwich the unit cells between both sides in a longitudinal direction, and the second external case whose external shape is formed in an approximately rectangular shape, and in which a gap is provided between the battery storage sections that are adjacently disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Yuji Uehara, Masahiro Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20140011060
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having an electrode tab; an electrode lead attached to the electrode tab and having at least one lead hole; a pouch case for accommodating the electrode assembly so that the electrode lead is drawn out; and a sealing tape interposed between the electrode lead and the inner surface of the pouch case and having a venting pattern portion formed at a region corresponding to the lead hole. Therefore, when gas is generated inside a pouch case of a secondary battery due to an abnormal circumstance, for example when an overcurrent flows at the secondary battery since a protective circuit does not operate normally, a sealed state of the pouch case is rapidly released, thereby ensuring the safety of the secondary battery in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Hoon Yang, Young-Suk Cho, Seung-Don Choi, Ok-Gyun Kang
  • Patent number: 8617731
    Abstract: The invention provides a closed type battery comprising a battery element covered with a covering film and a heat fusion seal portion formed by heat fusion on a periphery of the covering film, wherein the cleaving strength upon an internal pressure rise of a seal portion positioned between a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal is larger than that of any other seal portion, and a safety valve adapted to release pressure upon a battery's internal pressure rise is located at a portion other than said inter-terminal seal portion. The invention also provides an assembled battery wherein a plurality of closed type batteries are stacked one upon another while a safety valve adapted to release pressure upon an increase in the internal pressure of the battery is located at a position in no contact with the covering film surface of an adjoining battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Energy Devices, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Kumeuchi, Takao Daidoji, Isao Tochihara
  • Patent number: 8617734
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a battery cell which includes a weakness for relieving pressure. This battery cell includes a jelly roll comprising layers which are wound together, including a cathode with an active coating, a separator and an anode with an active coating. The jelly roll also includes a first conductive tab coupled to the cathode and a second conductive tab coupled to the anode. The jelly roll is enclosed in a flexible pouch, wherein the first and second conductive tabs extend through seals in the pouch to provide terminals for the battery cell. This pouch includes a weakness which yields when internal pressure in the pouch exceeds a threshold to create a hole which releases the internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, Taisup Hwang, Richard M. Mank
  • Publication number: 20130344357
    Abstract: Provided are: a solid battery which has been sealed in an exterior material under a reduced pressure, wherein gas in the exterior material can be fully removed when depressurizing the inside of the exterior material; and a method of manufacturing the solid battery, the solid battery having a single cell having: a laminated body having a cathode layer, an anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode layer and the anode layer; an insulating part disposed on an outer perimeter of the laminated body in a cross-sectional view of the laminated body in a direction orthogonal to a lamination direction thereof, and a pair of current collectors sandwiching the laminated body and the insulating part, wherein the single cell has been sealed in an exterior material under a reduced pressure; and the insulating part has vent holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hideaki Miyake
  • Publication number: 20130323550
    Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a pressure valve for a battery pack comprising a housing that has a cavity, a first plate inside the cavity and an expansible chamber inside the cavity between the first plate and the bottom of the housing. The first plate and the expansible chamber have openings that are in fluid communication with a gas inside the battery pack. The expansible chamber is deformable in order to contract or expand in response to changes in pressure in the gas within the battery pack and the first plate is movable relative to the bottom of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Louis Jack MUSETTI
  • Patent number: 8586219
    Abstract: The invention provides a closed type battery comprising a battery element covered with a covering film and a heat fusion seal portion formed by heat fusion on a periphery of the covering film, wherein the cleaving strength upon an internal pressure rise of a seal portion positioned between a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal is larger than that of any other seal portion, and a safety valve adapted to release pressure upon a battery's internal pressure rise is located at a portion other than said inter-terminal seal portion. The invention also provides an assembled battery wherein a plurality of closed type batteries are stacked one upon another while a safety valve adapted to release pressure upon an increase in the internal pressure of the battery is located at a position in no contact with the covering film surface of an adjoining battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Energy Devices, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Kumeuchi, Takao Daidoji, Isao Tochihara
  • Publication number: 20130298586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle, having a cooling air duct disposed within a battery to move cooling air for cooling the battery, so as to enable same to be compact and improve space utilization, in order to optimize cooling performance within a limited space. The vehicle of the present invention also includes a battery-cooling unit that exchanges heat and cools air ventilated from the passenger compartment and then supplies the air to the battery, so as to use the air from the passenger compartment with minimal effects on the air temperature in the passenger compartment, and more efficiently cool the battery. Further, the vehicle and method for controlling same according to the present invention can detect the temperatures of the battery and of the passenger compartment, and determine whether to cool the air in the passenger compartment using a heat exchanger in accordance with each detected temperature, or control the rotation speed of a ventilation fan, in order to more efficiently cool the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jae Cheol Hwang, Seung Hun Yeon, Jeung ju Hwang, Hyun Woo Yoon, Tae Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 8580424
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a can having an open portion in an upper region and accommodates a power generating unit. A flexible plate is installed in the opening portion, the flexible plate being connected to an electrode of the power generating unit and flexing when the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery rises above an allowable range. A terminal cap is arranged on the flexible plate, electrically connected to the flexible plate, and has an insulating portion on a bottom surface. An insulating substrate is arranged between the flexible plate and the terminal cap and has a rupture portion that is broken when the flexible plate flexes beyond an allowable range. Upon breaking the broken ends of the insulating substrate directly contact the insulating portion of the terminal cap so that the insulating substrate is electrically disconnected from the terminal cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Teag Kim
  • Publication number: 20130295423
    Abstract: A battery includes an essentially airtight housing having an air-permeable opening for pressure compensation. The battery also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in the housing. The battery also includes an active cooling device configured to cool the battery cells in the housing. The cooling device includes a coolant and a distributor block configured to distribute the coolant. The battery also includes an air duct integrated in the distributor block. The air duct is configured and arranged such that the air-permeable opening of the housing is connected to ambient air via the air duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicants: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Engel, Michael Gless, Conrad Bubeck, Andreas Ruehle
  • Patent number: 8562721
    Abstract: A battery fire prevention device includes a lithium battery, a container, and a porous material. The container houses the lithium battery and has an outwardly interfacing wall with an aperture which extends therethrough to vent outgassed battery constituents generally away therefrom. The porous material is disposed within the container between the aperture and the battery. The porous material is capable of trapping lithium particulates outgassed from the lithium battery within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: UTC Fire & Security Corporation
    Inventors: Vijaya Ramaraju Lakamraju, Ulf J. Paholsky, Richard J. Paholsky, John M. Milton-Benoit, John J. Calabrese
  • Patent number: 8563151
    Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with a cell voltage sensor (32) and a cell temperature sensor (31) which are mounted to each of a plurality of cells (21); a gas temperature sensor (33), a carbon monoxide gas sensor (34), and a hydrogen gas sensor (35) which are mounted to a chamber (27); a gas temperature sensor (36), a carbon monoxide gas sensor (37), and a hydrogen gas sensor (38) which are mounted to a gas exhaust passage (28); and an air-conditioning fan (17), a channel-switching damper (19), and a driving motor (42) which lowers a window glass (41). When battery state values detected by the sensors (31) to (38) exceed predetermined thresholds, a battery pack (20) is judged to be abnormal. Then, the channel-switching damper (19) and the air-conditioning fan (17) are started and the window glass (41) is lowered to ventilate the vehicle interior. This speedily exhausts smoke generated from a lithium ion battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Matsumoto, Teruo Ishishita
  • Publication number: 20130273401
    Abstract: Provided is a cylindrical secondary battery, comprising an electrode assembly having a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a separator interposed therebetween; a case for receiving the electrode assembly; a cap assembly for sealing an open-end of the case; and a gasket interposed between the case and the cap assembly, wherein the gasket is made of a polymer resin having a melting point of 200° C. or higher and a hardness of 100D or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Je-Jun LEE, Sung-Jong KIM, Cha-Hun KU
  • Patent number: 8557415
    Abstract: A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack. The system is comprised of a sealed battery pack enclosure configured to hold a plurality of batteries, where the battery pack enclosure is divided into a plurality of sealed battery pack compartments. The system also includes a plurality of battery venting assemblies, where at least one battery venting assembly is integrated into each of the sealed battery pack compartments, and where each of the battery venting assemblies includes an exhaust port integrated into an outer wall of the battery pack compartment and a valve, the valve being configured to seal the exhaust port under normal operating conditions and to unseal the exhaust port when at least one of the batteries within the battery pack compartment enters into thermal runaway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Hayden Herron, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Andrew Hill Leutheuser, Jeffrey C. Weintraub, Dustin Grace, Bruce Philip Edwards, Nicolas Verzeni, Joseph Mardall
  • Patent number: 8557416
    Abstract: A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack, the system using an integrated battery venting assembly comprised of an integrated exhaust port, a valve retention plate that covers the exhaust port and includes a plurality of retention plate ports, and a plurality of valves that are configured to seal the retention plate ports under normal conditions and unseal the retention plate ports during thermal runaway. As hot gas passes through the retention plate ports, the plate is configured to melt and be ejected, thereby allowing subsequent hot gas to pass through the larger exhaust port. A perforated cover plate may be used to protect the external surfaces of the retention plate and valves. An internally mounted exhaust guide may be used to direct the flow of hot gas expelled during the thermal runaway event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Mardall, Nicholas Hayden Herron, Dustin Grace, Weston Arthur Hermann, Jeffrey C. Weintraub, Gary Allen Pinkley
  • Publication number: 20130266833
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells arranged along one direction, a top cover covering the plurality of battery cells and the top cover includes an opening in at least one portion thereof, and a temperature measuring member including a main body portion mounted in the opening and a wire portion accommodating a wire connected to a sensor. The sensor is built into the main body portion and measures a temperature of at least one of the battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Myung-Chul KIM
  • Publication number: 20130252045
    Abstract: A battery module includes a first unit cell arranged parallel to a second unit cell and a spacer arranged between the first and second unit cell. Each of the first and second unit cells includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode terminal. The spacer includes a main body and a first wall portion extending upward from the main body, and the first wall portion is disposed at and between the first electrode terminal of the first unit cell and the second electrode terminal of the second unit cell. The first electrode terminal of the first unit cell is juxtaposed to the second electrode terminal of the second unit cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Seong-Joon Park, Ri-A Ju
  • Publication number: 20130244068
    Abstract: A battery unit that prevents an expansion of a battery cell, and that can prevent an increase in size of the battery unit or an increase in the number of components. The battery unit includes a box-like battery case that accommodates therein a battery module having a generally rectangular solid shape and including plural sheet-like battery cells stacked flat in a vertical direction of a vehicle body. The battery unit includes: a bottomed box-like casing body that forms a part of the battery case and into which the battery module is accommodated from above the vehicle body; and a fixing plate that abuts on a top surface of the battery module. The battery module is fixed to the casing body with pressure being applied to the battery module from above the vehicle body, by fastening the fixing plate to the casing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazunori Kuroda
  • Patent number: 8535823
    Abstract: A battery pack including battery cells, a housing to house the battery cells, and a cooling device that cools air flowing through the housing. The cooling device may be installed on an intermediate portion of the housing. The cooling device may include a cooling pipe, in which water flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-won Song, Tae-sang Park, Duk-jin Oh, Ji-young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8535820
    Abstract: A battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction, and a plurality of barriers, each arranged between battery cells of the plurality of battery cells and including a body unit having at least one opening and facing a face of a battery cell of the battery cells, at least one side unit connected to at least one end of the body unit such that at least a portion of the at least one side unit contacts a side of the battery cell, and at least one fixing unit on the side unit and configured to connect the barrier to an adjacent barrier of the plurality of barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Myung-Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20130236754
    Abstract: A battery module including a plurality of battery cells each having a vent; an insulating member on the battery cells, the insulating member having a plurality of openings and a protrusion seal extending around a periphery of each of the openings; a pressurizing member on the insulating member, the pressurizing member having a plurality of openings; and a cover covering the insulating member and the pressurizing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicants: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Bin Lim
  • Publication number: 20130230752
    Abstract: A sealed battery includes a battery case. A side of the battery case includes a cleavage groove forming a cleavage line intersecting a ridge line. The cleavage line is formed exclusively of a curved line having a first curved segment curved to protrude in one direction as viewed in a direction normal to the side of the battery case and a second curved segment curved to protrude in a direction forming an angle of 90 degrees or larger with the direction in which the first curved segment protrudes, the first and second curved segments being connected with each other. An end of the first curved segment is connected with an end of the second curved segment. At least one of the first curved segment and the second curved segment intersects the ridge line. The cleavage groove has a depth that produces a ratio of the remaining thickness relative to the plate thickness of the battery case of 75% or smaller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI MAXELL, LTD
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Fujihara, Mayumi Yamamoto, Hiroshi Maesono, Hiroshi Abe
  • Publication number: 20130224523
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cell case. The battery cell case includes a front case plate and a rear case plate which are separably coupled to each other. The structures of the front and rear case plates are symmetrical structures, so that the battery cell case can be easily assembled in such a way that the front and rear case plates are coupled to each other with the battery cell disposed therebetween and are fastened to each other by holders fitted over the opposite ends of the case plates. In another embodiment, the structures of the front and rear case plates may be asymmetrical structures so that the front and rear case plates can be coupled with each other in an insert coupling manner without using a separate tool or fastening means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GLOBAL BATTERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gueng Hyun NAM, Seok Ho KIM, Min Ho JANG, Dae Ung KIM
  • Publication number: 20130224539
    Abstract: A battery pack may include a drainage device provided at a bottom portion of the housing case. The drainage device may include a drain hole communicating between the inside and the outside of the housing case, so that water introduced into the housing case is discharged to the outside of the housing case. The drainage device may be disposed between two of the terminal members that are connected to electrodes of the battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: MAKITA CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8518568
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a system configured for passing a fluid past at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Steven J. Wood, Dale B. Trester, Michael G. Andrew
  • Patent number: 8518569
    Abstract: An electrolyte containment structure for an electrode jelly roll and electrolyte in a portable power source is described. The electrolyte containment structure comprises metal foil, such as metal foil sleeve, coupled to and partially surrounding a rigid frame. The rigid frame can protect the electrode jelly roll edges from crush events. To prevent shorts, the metal foil can be coated in plastic, which can insulate the metal foil from the electrode jelly roll. Further, the plastic can serve as a bonding and sealing agent. For instance, the metal foil can be coupled to the rigid frame using a thermal bonding method involving melting of the plastic. The rigid frame can provide a platform for connector pads and safety circuitry associated with the portable power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: R. Sean Murphy, Thomas W. Wilson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130216872
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed for battery modules having a plurality of electrochemical cells and cooling systems. According to one embodiment, a battery system includes a plurality of battery modules. Each battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells in thermal contact with a heat sink. The heat sink may utilize a plurality of fins and a fluid (e.g., air) to cool or heat the electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cells each have a positive terminal blade and a negative terminal blade that function as external terminals for the cell. The negative terminal blade is electrically isolated from the cover of the cell and is configured to be coupled to an internal negative terminal of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Johnson Controls Technology Company
  • Publication number: 20130216873
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell has an energy unit (10) which has an electrode stack, at least one main lead (12, 14) which is connected to the electrode stack, and a casing (18) which at least partially surrounds the electrode stack; at least one frame element (16) which at least partially accommodates the energy unit (10); and at least one pressure-relief apparatus (32, 46). The casing (18) has a plurality of edge sections at the peripheral narrow sides of the electrochemical cell, wherein the at least one main lead (12, 14) extends at least partially out of the casing (18) in a first edge section and this first edge section of the casing (18) has a substantially fluid-tight first sealing seam (20, 22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Li-Tec Battery GmbH
    Inventor: Tim Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8512887
    Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module implemented as a sealed or submersible unit and adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure and at least one battery array located within the enclosure. The energy storage module includes a pressure relief panel held in place by springs that allows battery gases to escape if gas pressures reach a predetermined threshold. Pressure in the enclosure compresses the springs causing the pressure relief panel to temporarily move outward until pressure is relieved at which time the springs force the pressure relief panel to reseal the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Reyburn, Dean M. Ford, Bruce E. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130207596
    Abstract: An electrochemical energy converter device (1) with at least one in particular rechargeable electrode assembly (2), which is provided so as to make electrical energy available, at least temporarily, in particular to a consumer load, which has at least two electrodes (3, 3a) of differing polarity, with at least one current conducting device (4, 4a), which is provided to be electrically connected, preferably materially connected, with one of the electrodes (3, 3a) of the electrode assembly (2), with a cell housing (5) with a first housing part (6), wherein the first housing part (6) is provided so as to enclose the electrode assembly (2) at least in certain sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBH
    Inventor: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130209845
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises an electrode stack (10), at least one current conductor (12, 14) connected to the electrode stack (10), and a casing (20, 22) which at least partially encloses the electrode stack (10). The at least current conductor (12, 14) extends at least partially out of the casing (20, 22), and the casing (20, 22) is provided with at least one pressure relief means (26, 28, 30). It is advantageous for protecting the electronics and the environment of the electrochemical cell that the at least one pressure relief means (26, 28, 30) is disposed preferably remotely from the at least one current conductor (12, 14) as possible and preferably in a lower area of the casing (20, 22) when the electrochemical cell is in the installed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Li-Tec Battery GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Schaefer, Erhard Schletterer
  • Publication number: 20130209844
    Abstract: A battery includes a housing in which at least one battery cell and a device configured to dry air present in a housing inner chamber are arranged. The battery also includes a molded body made of a porous, moisture-absorbing material that is arranged such that it extends both into the housing inner chamber and into an outer chamber of the housing and connects said chambers to each other such that moisture is conducted there between. The part of the molded body present in the housing inner chamber is connected to the device configured to dry the air present in the housing inner chamber such that collected water is transferred out of the device to the molded body for air drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: SB LiMotive Germany GmbH, SB LiMotive Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Gless, Ulrich Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20130202927
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a prismatic container, wherein the inside of an electrolyte injection hole formed in a base plate mounted to an open upper end of the prismatic container includes an upper part having a chamfered structure in which the diameter of the electrolyte injection hole is gradually decreased downward and a lower part having a non-chamfered structure continuously formed from the chamfered structure, and, when a sealing member is pressed into the electrolyte injection hole, the sealing member deformed into a shape corresponding to the electrolyte injection hole comes into tight contact with the chamfered structure due to shear stress between the chamfered structure and the sealing member and forms a sealed state due to frictional interaction between the non-chamfered structure and the sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventor: LG Chem, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130202926
    Abstract: There is provided a battery pack capable of improving the safety thereof. The battery pack includes a battery array, side plates, a top cover and end plates. The battery array includes a plurality of battery cells aligned in a first direction. The battery array is formed as a hexahedron having (1-1)th, (1-2)th, (2-1)th (2-2)th, (3-1)th and (3-2)th planes. The top cover is provided to the (1-1)th plane of the battery array, and has reinforcing frames respectively formed at both sides based on the first direction. The reinforcing frame includes vertical and horizontal frames. The end plates are provided to the (3-1)th and (3-2)th planes, respectively. The end plates are fixed to the top cover. A holding part pressing both sides of the top cover on the (1-1)th plane are provided to the side plates, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH, SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
  • Patent number: 8501333
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a secondary battery is coupled to an open end of a battery can receiving an electrode assembly in which a separator is interposed between cathode and anode plates, and includes a top cap disposed on an uppermost portion in a protrusive form to form a cathode terminal; a safety element disposed below the top cap to contact the top cap; a safety vent disposed to contact the safety element; a current intercepting member having an upper portion welded to a lower end of the safety vent and a lower portion capable of being connected to the electrode assembly; a first gasket surrounding an outer circumference of the current intercepting member; and a second gasket surrounding the rims of the top cap, the safety element, and the safety vent, and a lower end portion extending to surround the lower portion of the current intercepting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Je-Jun Lee, Sung-Jong Kim, Cha-Hun Ku
  • Publication number: 20130196200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cover part (1) of an electrochemical accumulator (40), which cover part is designed to form an upper covering of the housing (1, 30) of the accumulator (40), the cover part (1) having a plurality of filling orifices (2, 3), to be closed by means of closing plugs, for filling the housing with liquid electrolyte, characterized in that the filling orifices (2, 3) are arranged so as to be offset to one another in at least two rows (8, 9) lying next to one another. The invention relates, moreover, to an accumulator having a cover part of this type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: VB Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: VB Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
  • Publication number: 20130196195
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a cell carrier, a stack that includes multiple cell carriers, and a method for assembling the stack. The cell carrier has a rigid backing and bus bar supports that are rigidly mounted to the rigid backing The bus bar supports have sockets positioned to receive fasteners for securing bus bars to the bus bar supports. A battery cell that has electrodes in the form of pliable tabs can be secured to the cell carrier by, for example, adhering the cell body to the rigid backing The cell tabs are secured between the bus bars and the bus bar supports when bus bars are fastened to the bus bar supports, and the rigidly mounted supports help prevent relative motion between the cell body and tabs. This helps prevent the cell tabs from ripping or tearing when the battery cell is subjected to vibrations during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CORVUS ENERGY LTD.
    Inventors: Hoang Phu NGUYEN, Johannes Christian KRUGER, Brent Anthony PERRY, Colm MURPHY
  • Publication number: 20130196197
    Abstract: A system includes a battery cell having a packaging and a coil disposed within the packaging. The battery cell further includes a first terminal electrically coupled to a portion the coil and protruding through an opening in the packaging, wherein the first terminal is hermetically sealed at the opening in the packaging using a compressive force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Johnson Controls Technology Company
  • Publication number: 20130196196
    Abstract: A battery includes a plurality of flat cells which are electrically connected in parallel and/or in series with one another and which, when disposed next to one another in rows perpendicular to their flat sides, form a substantially prismatic configuration. In order to obtain more accurate information about the state of the individual flat cells during operation of the battery and, for example, to allow such information to be used for matched temperature management, a heat dissipation plate, which is thermally linked to at least one flat side of a plurality of the flat cells and in each of which at least one temperature sensor is integrated, is provided in each case in the configuration. The battery may be used for spatially resolved battery temperature measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Ossama Obeidi, Michael Schiermann, Peter Birke, Hans-Georg Schweiger, Nevzat Guener