Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001]
The present subject matter relates to a battery pack, more particularly, a design of a battery pack provided with sealants to prevent thermal runaway of the battery pack.
BACKGROUND 5
[002]
In general, a battery pack comprises of a plurality of battery modules. Further each of the plurality of battery modules are formed of individual cell modules. The battery pack is primarily of two types, i.e., high voltage and low voltage capacity.
[003]
In general, a high voltage battery is a battery which is rated above 60Volts. 10 However, a high voltage battery is extremely dangerous and handling as well as assembly of the high voltage battery requires skilled experts to do the job. Hence, the assembly of the high voltage battery is tiresome and complex. Furthermore, the high voltage rating of the battery pack also increases the chances of the battery pack of thermal runaway and thereby cause explosion of the battery pack. 15
[004]
In conventional battery packs, the individual cell modules comprises of a positive cell terminal and a negative cell terminal. In order to mitigate thermal runaway, conventionally, a plurality of vents are provided on a positive terminal to release internal hot gasses of the individual cells before an event of a thermal runaway occurs and thereby mitigate the same. 20
[005]
However, in conventional battery packs, a gap filler is provided across the entire surface of the battery pack. The gap filler provides electrical insulation between the cell terminals and other parts of the battery pack. However, application of the gap fillers across the entire surface of the battery pack, on both the positive and the negative cell terminals chokes and closes the plurality of vents. 25
[006]
In the above configuration, the choking of the plurality of vents prevents release of the hot gases from the individual cells of the battery pack. This in turn rapidly increases the chances of thermal runaway of the battery packs.
[007]
In a known art, the gap fillers are provided on one surface of the battery casing, the one surface consisting one of a positive cell terminals and a negative cell 30 terminals. However, in this configuration, the gap fillers restrict the release of the
3
valves of individual cells and increases the heat and concentration of gases one the
surface of the battery pack coated with the gap fillers and the unevenness in heat concentration of the battery pack and thereby increases the chances of thermal runaway.
[008]
Hence, it is desirable to provide a battery pack with a configuration and 5 design of gap fillers to prevent thermal runaway of the battery pack.
SUMMARY
[009]
The present subject matter provides a battery pack comprising a cell including a positive cell terminal and a negative cell terminal, and the negative cell 10 terminal being provided with a thermally conducting material for preventing thermal runaway of the battery pack.
[010]
As per an aspect of the present invention, a battery pack comprising a one or more casings, a plurality of cells, and a plurality of interconnectors. The plurality of cells is electrically connected to the plurality of interconnectors. The plurality of 15 cells and the plurality of interconnectors is disposed inside the one or more casings. Further each of the plurality of cells comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The negative terminal of each of the plurality of cells is provided with a thermally conducting material for effective heat transfer from the plurality of cells to the plurality of interconnectors. 20
[011]
As per an embodiment, the positive terminal is disposed on a first surface of each of the plurality of cells. The negative terminal is disposed on a second surface of each of the plurality of cell terminals. The first surface and the second surface are disposed opposite to each other.
[012]
As per another embodiment, the thermally conducting material is coated 25 on the negative terminal and on one of the plurality of interconnectors.
[013]
As per another embodiment, the positive terminal comprising a plurality of vents, and the plurality of vents is disposed on peripheral edges of the positive terminal.
4
[014]
As per another embodiment, the positive terminal is disposed concentrically on the first surface of each of the plurality of cells. The positive terminal is coated with an encapsulant.
[015]
As per another embodiment, the thermally conducting material is a gap filler and being made of a semi solid material. 5
[016]
As per another embodiment, the positive terminal and the negative terminal is disposed alternatively in the battery pack and the plurality of cells is arranged in a triangular configuration.
[017]
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not 10 restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018]
The present invention is described with reference to figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled, three wheeled and four wheeled 15 vehicles and any other electrical appliances using a battery pack. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[019]
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 20
[020]
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a battery module of the battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[021]
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of one battery module of the battery pack, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[022]
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the battery pack, in accordance 25 with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[023]
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of one of the battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[024]
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a cell of the battery module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 30
5
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[025]
Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and 5 features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.
[026]
The present subject matter is further described with reference to 10 accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific 15 examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[027]
The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. 20 Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[028]
Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, 25 “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation 30
6
and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation
and/or modification.
[029]
Hence it is an object of the present invention to provide a battery pack with a thermally conducting material being disposed on a negative cell terminal of the battery pack for effective heat distribution and to overcome other related problems 5 known in the art as explained in the background problem.
[030]
It is also an object of the present invention to mitigate thermal runaway of the battery pack.
[031]
It is also an object of the present invention to reduce gases concentration and non-uniform temperature in the battery pack. 10
[032]
It is also an object of the present invention to provide uniform release of gases across the entire cross section area of the battery pack.
[033]
It is also an object of the present invention to provide ease of assembly and reduce overall assembly time of the battery pack.
[034]
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail 15 with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[035]
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a battery pack (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A battery pack (100) comprising a top casing (102) and a plurality of side covers (106). In one embodiment, the battery pack (100) is a high voltage battery pack with a voltage 20 rating above 60Volts. The battery pack (100) is composed of one or more battery module (200) (as shown in figure 2), and a battery management system (not shown). The battery management system is disposed in the top casing (102) of the battery pack (100), and the one or more battery module (200) is covered on all sides and disposed inside the plurality of side covers (106) of the battery pack (100). The 25 bottom casing (104) of the battery pack (100) is configured to secure and seal the one or more battery modules (200) of the battery pack (100).
[036]
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a battery module (200) of the battery pack (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of one battery module (200) of the battery pack (100), in 30 accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 2
7
and 3 will be discussed together. The one or more battery modules (200) comprising
a plurality of cells (202a, 202b) disposed along the cross section of the one or more battery modules (200). In one embodiment, the one or more battery modules (200) comprising a holding structure (204) for receiving and securing the plurality of cells (202a, 202b). The one or more battery modules (200) comprising a thermally 5 conducting material (206) being disposed alternatively on the plurality of cells (202a, 202b). In one embodiment, the one or more battery modules (200) comprising a plurality of interconnectors (300). The plurality of interconnectors (300) are electrically connected using one of a welding techniques with the plurality of cells (202a, 202b). In another embodiment, the thermally conducting material (206) is 10 alternatively disposed on the plurality of interconnectors (300).
[037]
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the battery pack (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery pack (100) includes the one or more casings (102, 104). The one or more battery modules (200) is disposed between the top casing (102) and the bottom casing (104) of the battery 15 pack (100). In one embodiment, the holding structure (204) of the one or more battery module (200) is in contact with the bottom casing (104) of the battery pack (100). In another embodiment, the plurality of interconnectors (300) is disposed on the plurality of cells (202a, 202b) of the one or more battery module (200). In one embodiment, the plurality of interconnectors (300) are provided on a top surface and 20 a bottom surface of the one or more battery module (200).
[038]
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of one of the battery module (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The one or more battery module (200) includes a plurality of cell holders (302a, 302b). The plurality of cell holders (302a, 302b) is configured to receive and secure the plurality of cells 25 (202a, 202b). In one embodiment, the plurality of interconnectors (300) are disposed on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the one or more battery modules (200) and the plurality of interconnectors (300) is also in contact on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the plurality of cells (202a, 202b). In one embodiment, the thermally conducting material (206) is provided and coated 30 alternatively on the top surface and the bottom surface of the plurality of cells (202a,
8
202b). In one embodiment, the thermally conducting material (206) is a gap filler
and the gap filler is made as a semi solid material in form of a paste. In another embodiment, the plurality of cells (202a, 202b) is arranged in a triangular configuration for application of the thermally conducting material (206).
[039]
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a cell of the battery module (200), 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The plurality of cells (202a, 202b) comprising individual cells of a predetermined voltage rating. Each of the plurality of cells (202a, 202b) comprising a positive terminal (400a) and a negative terminal (400b). In one embodiment, the positive terminal (400a) is disposed opposite to the negative terminal (400b). In one embodiment, the thermally 10 conducting material (206) is disposed on the negative terminal (400b) for effective heat transfer from the plurality of cells (202a, 202b) to the plurality of interconnectors (300) and the one or more casings (102, 104). In one embodiment, the positive terminal (400a) is disposed on a first surface (406a) of each of the plurality of cells (202a, 202b). In another embodiment, the negative terminal (400b) 15 is disposed on a second surface (406b) of each of the plurality of cell terminals (202a, 202b). In one embodiment, the first surface (406a) and the second surface (406b) is disposed opposite to each other. In one embodiment, the thermally conducting material (206) is coated on the negative terminal (400b) and on one of the plurality of interconnectors (300). In one embodiment, the positive terminal (400a) 20 comprising a plurality of vents, and the plurality of vents is disposed on peripheral edges (404) of the positive terminal (400a). In another embodiment, the positive terminal (400a) is disposed concentrically on the first surface (406a) of each of the plurality of cells (202a, 202b). In one embodiment, the positive terminal (400a) is coated with an encapsulant which provides electrical isolation of the positive 25 terminals (400a). In another embodiment, the positive terminal (400a) and the negative terminal (400b) is disposed alternatively in the battery pack (100). In one embodiment, the plurality of cells (202a, 202b) includes a body portion (402) disposed between the positive terminal (400a) and a negative terminal (400b).
[040]
Various embodiments of the invention provides a battery pack comprising 30 a cell including a positive cell terminal and a negative cell terminal, and the negative
9
cell terminal being provided with a thermally conducting material for preventing
thermal runaway of the battery pack.
[041]
The present invention is a battery pack comprising a one or more casings, a plurality of cells, and a plurality of interconnectors. The plurality of cells is electrically connected to the plurality of interconnectors. The plurality of cells and 5 the plurality of interconnectors is disposed inside the one or more casings. Further each of the plurality of cells comprising a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The negative terminal of each of the plurality of cells is provided with a thermally conducting material for effective heat transfer from the plurality of cells to the plurality of interconnectors. 10
[042]
The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of accumulation of gases inside the battery pack due to difficulty of release of vents on cell terminals because of gap filler coatings.
[043]
Specifically, the claimed battery pack provides ease of release of gases from positive cell terminals and simultaneously provide electrical insulation by 15 providing gap fillers on the negative cell terminals of the battery pack.
[044]
Additionally, the claimed battery pack reduces thermal runaway by maintaining uniform temperature across the cross-section area of the battery pack.
[045]
Furthermore, the thermally conducting material being alternatively provided on the negative cell terminals of the battery pack reduces the overall weight 20 of the battery pack and reduces the amount of material used.
[046]
The present invention also provides advantages of ease of assembly of the battery pack without using additional fixtures.
[047]
In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed battery pack comprising a thermally 25 conducting material being disposed on a negative cell terminal, the claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed invention clearly bring an improvement in the configuration and construction of the battery pack and also 30
10
mitigates thermal runaway of
a high voltage battery as the claimed invention provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[048]
Further a person skilled in the art does not think that the claimed invention is abstract and a person skilled in the art will not be motivated to design a battery pack comprising a cell including a positive cell terminal and a negative cell terminal, 5 and the negative cell terminal being provided with a thermally conducting material for preventing thermal runaway of the battery pack.
[049]
While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing 10 from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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Reference Numerals:
100 battery pack
102 top casing 5
104 bottom casing
106 plurality of side covers
200 battery module
202a, 202b plurality of cells
204 holder structure 10
206 thermally conducting material
300 plurality of interconnectors
302a, 302b plurality of cell holders
400a positive cell terminal
400b negative cell terminal 15
402 body portion
404 peripheral edges
406a first surface
406b second surface
, Claims:I/We claim:
1.
A battery pack (100) comprising:
one or more casings (102, 104);
a plurality of cells (202a, 202b); and
a plurality of interconnectors (300); 5
wherein said plurality of cells (200) being electrically connected with said plurality of interconnectors (300), and wherein said plurality of cells (202a, 202b) and said plurality of interconnectors (300) being disposed inside said one or more casings (102, 104);
wherein each of said plurality of cells (200) comprising a positive 10 terminal (400a) and a negative terminal (400b); and
wherein said negative terminal (400b) of said each of plurality of cells (200) being provided with a thermally conducting material (206) for effective heat transfer from said plurality of cells (202a, 202b) to said plurality of 15 interconnectors (300).
2.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positive terminal (400a) being disposed on a first surface (406a) of said each of said plurality of cells (202a, 202b) and said negative terminal (400b) being disposed on a second surface (406b) of said each of said plurality of cell terminals (202a, 20 202b), and wherein said first surface (406a) and said second surface (406b) being opposite to each other.
3.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermally conducting material (206) being coated on said negative terminal (400b) and on one of said plurality of interconnectors (300). 25
4.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positive terminal (400a) comprising a plurality of vents, said plurality of vents being disposed on peripheral edges (404) of said positive terminal (400a).
13
5.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said positive terminal(400a) being disposed concentrically on said first surface (406a) of said eachof said plurality of cells (202a, 202b).
6.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positive terminal(400a) being coated with an encapsulant.5
7.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thermallyconducting material (206) being a gap filler and being made of a semi solidmaterial.
8.
The battery pack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positive terminal(400a) and said negative terminal (400b) being disposed alternatively in said10 battery pack (100), and wherein said plurality of cells (202a, 202b) beingarranged in a triangular configuration.