The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 28, 2016
Filed:
Jul. 27, 2011
Leonid C. Lev, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Leonid C. Lev, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for connecting individual lithium ion cells into a battery suited for powering an electric or hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The cell current collectors are electron beam welded to one another and to a connector tab in an substantially oxygen-free atmosphere. The cell current collectors and the connector tab are temporarily secured with a clamp, one portion of which has an opening. The electron beam size may be controlled, by magnetic coils and by the extent of electron scattering by the gas atmosphere, to minimally fill the clamp opening to minimize any irradiation of the clamp. The beam or the workpieces may be displaced, if required, fuse the entire opening area. A similar procedure may be followed to weld a plurality of connector tabs to a busbar.