Electrode lead to case and header, laser/electron beam welding
AssigneeWilson Greatbatch Ltd.
InventorJohn Skoumpris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a new process for attaching the anode lead to the battery case, creating a case negative design. The anode lead is an extension of the anode current collector and is nested between the case and the lid. Excess lead material is ground or cut off and the case to lid seal is achieved by laser/electron beam welding. The new procedure enhances the hermicity of the cell and the new process is applicable to a number of additional applications. This includes primary lithium batteries, implantable batteries, lithium based rechargeable cells, also acid or alkaline based batteries.
Claims13
An electrochemical cell comprising
- a) a casing of an electrically conductive material and having an open end;
- b) a first electrode comprising a first electrode active material contacted to a first current collector;
- c) a second electrode comprising a second electrode active material contacted to a second current collector;
- d) a terminal lead insulated from the casing and connected to one of the first and second current collectors;
- e) a conductive extension connected to the other of the first and second current collectors;
- f) an electrolyte activating the first and second electrodes;
- and
- g) a lid of an electrically conductive material closing the open end of the casing, wherein the conductive extension is trapped between the lid and the casing, and the lid is sealed to the casing to close the open end thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.