Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – Current producing cell – elements – subcombinations and... – Intracell assembly having cell electrode connector
Reexamination Certificate
1993-12-06
2001-06-05
Skapars, Anthony (Department: 1111)
Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and
Current producing cell, elements, subcombinations and...
Intracell assembly having cell electrode connector
C429S211000, C029S623100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06242128
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for tab bussing of multicell batteries. More specifically this application relates to a tab bussing structure using a holding device for fastening the tabs and a method for fastening the tabs.
In the prior art a thermally induced bond between the tabs of the single cell batteries was utilized to build the multicell batteries comprising a number of single cell batteries. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,825 Bruneau; U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,528 Bergum; U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,184 Erisman; U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,599 Fanciullo.
However, to make a thermally induced bond it is necessary to apply high temperature and high pressure, which makes the manufacturing process of such batteries burdensome. It can also damage the battery internal components. Therefore, the thermally bonded tab bussing structure may not be preferable for some batteries.
The first objective of the proposed invention relates to a manufacturing process of making the multicell battery without use of high heat or high pressure.
The second objective of the current invention relates to an energy efficient multicell battery. It is very important for purposes of creating an energy efficient electrical car to have a small and energy efficient multicell battery. Indeed, the main problem facing the creation of a commercially viable electrical car is the necessity to place inside the very limited car space sufficient amount of energy producing capabilities. The smaller and the more energy efficient the battery, the more energy producing capabilities can be placed inside the limited car space. Therefore, a small and energy efficient battery can make the real difference in the race for the commercially successful electrical car.
Regular cars with gasoline engines also benefit from energy efficient SLI (starting, lighting, igniting) batteries. A good SLI battery is designed to deliver a relatively high impulse of electrical power. Therefore it is also desirable to provide sufficient electrical power per cell which can be delivered by a small energy efficient multicell battery.
High internal electrical resistance prevents a multicell battery from delivering the maximum electrical power per cell, because significant amount of electrical energy is dissipated inside the multicell battery. Therefore, it is paramount for a multicell battery to have small effective electrical resistance.
The effective electrical resistance of the multicell battery depends on many factors. One of those factors is the presence of gaps between the tabs of the tab structure. The electrical resistance of the multicell battery is increased by these gaps in the tab structure. The thermally induced bonded batteries, described above, have relatively high resistance, because their tab bussing structures have significant gaps therein between tabs.
A second objective of the present invention is to offer a new fastener method of tab bussing of the multicell battery because this method permits one to build a multicell battery which has low electrical resistance and occupies a very limited space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of tab bussing for a multicell battery. The multicell battery includes a plurality of individual cells. Each cell has at least one tab. The method comprises a step of forming at least one hole through a tab of each individual cell, and inserting into a hole in a tab of each cell a holding device and securing the holding device to the tabs.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a tab bussing structure of a multicell battery. The multicell battery comprises a plurality of individual cells, each cell having at least one tab. Each tab has at least one hole therein. At least one holding device passes through a hole of a tab of each cell and is secured to the tabs. The holding device can be a rivet. The holding device can also be a bolt.
Yet one more aspect of the present invention is directed to a multicell battery. The multicell battery comprises a plurality of individual cells. Each cell includes an anode layer, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer separating the anode and cathode layers, and at least one tab with at least one hole therein. The battery includes at least one holding device. The holding device passes through a hole in a tab of each cell and is secured to the tabs.
In the preferred embodiment, the multicell battery comprises thirty individual cells, wherein five individual cells are placed in a stack. The tabs of six stacks, a first plate, a terminal and a second plate comprise a single bussing structure. Each holding device passes through the holes formed in the tabs from all cells, the terminal, and the top and bottom plates.
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Brongiel David
Tura Drew
Harness Dickey & Pierce PLC
Skapars Anthony
Valence Technology Inc.
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