EP4721186A2

EP4721186A2 - Electric cell lid

Info

Publication number: EP4721186A2
Application number: EP24816323.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vishnu Veeraraghavan
Original assignee: Charge Cccv LLC
Current assignee: Charge Cccv LLC
Priority date: 2023-06-02
Filing date: 2024-05-29
Publication date: 2026-04-08
Also published as: AU2024278799A1; WO2024249479A3; WO2024249479A2; CN121548913A

Abstract

An electric cell lid includes a lid body; and an electric terminal extending through a hole in the lid body. The electric terminal includes a crimping connector including a connector base disposed adjacent an inner surface of the lid body and a post extending from the connector base and through the hole in the lid body; a seal extending around a circumference of the post of the crimping connector, in which an inner portion of the seal is disposed between the lid body and the connector base, a central portion of the seal is disposed between the lid body and the post, and an outer portion of the seal is disposed on an outer surface of the lid body; and a washer disposed around the circumference of the post and on the outer portion of the seal.

Description

ELECTRIC CELL LID

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63/505,903, filed on June 2, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of sealing techniques of electrical energy storage devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A major source of power for electric automobiles are lithium ion batteries and therefore continuous improvement in the performance of these batteries is an important objective for the industry'.

[0004] A prismatic cell is one example of an electric cell used in this area. A prismatic cell includes a laminated stack of anode-separator-cathode (ASC) assemblies. Prismatic cells are rectangular cells enclosed in a rigid casing and have found extended use in the automotive industry'. The ASC assemblies include an anode tab, cathode tab, a cell header, and an anode sealing gasket. The electric cell is closed by a cell lid, or cell cap, having a rectangular flat plate shape. The cell lid seals an opening of the battery outer housing across an upper end. or alternatively, along sidewall surfaces, of the outer housing.

SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure is directed towards an electric cell lid for a prismatic electric cell having electric terminals which extend from internal electrodes of the electric cell to an exterior of the electric cell, while isolating the electrodes from each other and the cell casing. The electric terminals are assembled and mechanically crimped to hermetically seal the lid against leakage, thereby holding the internal pressure of the electric cell.

[0006] In a first aspect, an electric cell lid includes a lid body: and an electric terminal extending through a hole in the lid body. The electric terminal includes a crimping connector including a connector base disposed adjacent an inner surface of the lid body and a post extending from the connector base and through the hole in the lid body; a seal extending around a circumference of the post of the crimping connector, in which an inner portion of the seal is disposed between the lid body and the connector base, a central portion of the seal is disposed between the lid body and the post, and an outer portion of the seal is disposed on an outer surface of the lid body; and a washer disposed around the circumference of the post and on the outer portion of the seal. The post of the crimping connector has a protrusion extending circumferentially around the post, in which the washer is disposed between the protrusion and the outer portion of the seal.

[0007] Embodiments of the first aspect can include one or any combination of two or more of the following features.

[0008] The protrusion of the crimping connector extends around the entire circumference of the post.

[0009] The protrusion of the crimping connector contacts the washer.

[0010] The washer is disposed in an indentation defined in the outer portion of the seal. [0011] The seal includes: a gasket ring disposed around the circumference of the post, in which at least some of the gasket ring is disposed between the connector base and the lid body; and a insulation ring disposed around the circumference of the post, in which at least some of the insulation ring is disposed on the outer surface of the lid body. In some cases, the gasket ring and the insulation ring are in contact in a space between the lid body and the post of the crimping connector. In some cases, the washer is disposed in an indentation defined in a surface of the insulation ring. In some cases, the gasket ring includes an elastomeric material. In some cases, the gasket ring includes a rubber.

[0012] The gasket ring and the insulation ring include an electrically insulating material. [0013] The lid body includes a base and an insulation layer, in which a bottom surface of the base contacts a top surface of the insulation layer, and in which the outer surface of the lid body includes a top surface of the base and in which the inner surface of the lid body includes a bottom surface of the insulation layer. In some cases, an edge of the base defines the hole, and in which the seal includes a portion of the insulation layer that extends around the edge of the base from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the base. In some cases, the washer is disposed in an indentation defined in a top surface of the portion of the insulation layer that extends to the top surface of the base. In some cases, the insulation layer is injection molded. In some cases, the edge of the base is angled relative to a plane of the base. In some cases, the edge of the base is angled toward the plate of the crimping connector. In some cases, the electric cell lid includes a gasket ring disposed around a circumference of the post of the crimping connector, in which at least a portion of the gasket ring is disposed between the post and the angled edge of the base. In some cases, the insulation layer includes an electrically insulating material. In some cases, the insulation layer includes a plastic. In some cases, the base includes a corrosion-resistant material. [0014] The washer includes stainless steel.

[0015] The connector base and post of the crimping connector include an electrically conductive material.

[0016] The connector base and post of the crimping connector include aluminum or copper. [0017] The electric cell lid includes a burst disk and a vent cover each extending through a corresponding hole in the lid body.

[0018] In a second aspect, a prismatic electric cell includes a housing defining an interior space; an anode and a cathode disposed in the interior space of the housing; and an electric cell lid according to the first aspect disposed on the housing, in which the electric terminal is electrically connected to the anode or the cathode.

[0019] In embodiments of the second aspect, the electric terminal is hermetically sealed. [0020] In a third aspect, combinable with the first or second aspect, a method of sealing an electric cell lid includes forming a lid stack by arranging a base adjacent an insulation layer, each of the base and the insulation layer including a registered plurality of holes; assembling electric terminals through the lid stack by: disposing, from a insulation layer side of the lid stack, a post of a crimping connector through a gasket and a hole such that a base of the crimping connector abuts the insulation layer; disposing, from a base side of the lid stack, a top insulating layer and a washer ring onto the post extending through the hole; and crimping a top of the post thereby hermetically sealing the electric terminals in the electric cell lid. [0021] In a fourth aspect, combinable with any of the first through third aspects, a method of making an electric cell lid includes arranging a pair of crimping connectors within two holes of a base including a plurality⁷ of holes; forming an insulation layer by injection molding an electrically insulating material around the base and the crimping connectors; disposing a washer ring onto a post of the crimping connectors extending through the holes; and crimping atop of the posts thereby hermetically sealing the electric terminals in the electric cell lid.

[0022] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following technical advantages. [0023] The electric cell lid according to the present disclosure seals the battery effectively, e.g., helping to avoid leakage, maintain internal cell pressure and prevent failure, e.g., explosion.

[0024] The electric cell lid realizes low resistivity in the crimped terminal portions, minimizing cost and increasing throughput of lid manufacturing.

[0025] The mechanically crimped terminals of the electric cell lid reduce manufacturing time and cost when compared to other assembly methods, such as welding of the terminals. [0026] The mechanically crimped terminals hermetically seal the electric cell lid against gaseous egress and prevent environmental contamination from the electrolyte solutions stored, or gases produced, within the cell.

[0027] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of an electric cell lid. [0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the electric cell lid and a magnified view of an assembled external terminal.

[0030] FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of an overmolded insulation layer.

[0031] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of an electric cell lid including an overmolded insulation layer.

[0032] FIG. 3C is a magnified view of the external terminal of the electric cell lid of FIG.

3C.

[0033] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a dimpled base and an overmolded insulation layer. [0034] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of an electric cell lid including a dimpled base and an overmolded insulation layer.

[0035] FIG. 4C is a magnified view of an external terminal of the electric cell lid of FIG.

4B.

[0036] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of an electric cell lid.

[0037] FIG. 5B is a magnified view of an external terminal of the electric cell lid of FIG.

5A.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram of a method of sealing an electric cell lid. [0039] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram of a method of making an electric cell lid by mechanical crimping.

[0040] In the figures, like references indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure is directed towards an electric cell lid for a prismatic electric cell having electric terminals which extend from internal electrodes of the electric cell to an exterior of the electric cell, while isolating the electrodes from each other and the cell casing. The electric terminals are assembled and mechanically crimped to hermetically seal the lid against leakage.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure provides an electric cell lid including a base fitted over an insulation layer having a holes through which a pair of external terminals extend. Specifically, a post of each external terminal extends through a corresponding hole in the base and insulation layer, and a gasket, a top insulation layer, and a washer ring are fitted around the post to hermetically seal the post in its hole. Additionally, the top of the post is crimped to provide further stability to the seal. The terminal is manufactured from electrically conductive materials for low resistivity (e.g., less than 10 p /cm). The gasket ring is sandwiched between the top insulation ring and bottom insulation layer to form a hermetical seal (e.g., a gas-tight seal) to prevent leakage of liquids or gases from the interior of the cell. In some examples, the electric lid includes a pair of electrically conductive plates in contact with a bottom of the pair of external terminals to extend the electrical contact area between the terminals of the lid and the electrode stack within the cell. The electric cell lid also includes a burst disk for preventing gas-buildup and subsequent explosion, and a vent cover to protect the burst disk from corrosion and pre-mature venting.

[0043] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the electric cell lid described above, and the bottom insulation layer is injection over-molded process through two holes of the base. The posts are then placed through the stack, and the washing ring is crimped onto the post sandwiching the over-molded portion of the insulation layer against the post. The over-molded portion is constructed in place of the top insulating ring and the gasket.

[0044] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides the electric cell lid described above, and two holes of the base through which the posts extend, feature a dimpled portion along with the injection over-molded insulation layer. The dimpled portion increases the seal strength of the electrical terminals through the lid stack. [0045] Referring to FIG. 1, an assembled (left) and exploded (right) perspective view of an electric cell lid 100 for a prismatic electric cell is depicted. The electric cell lid 100 includes a base 5 fitted over a bottom insulation layer 6. The base 5 and the insulation layer 6 form a lid body that seals the electric cell on which the lid 100 is installed. The insulation layer 6 faces the interior of the cell and the base 5 faces the outside when the lid is on the cell.

[0046] The base 5 and the insulation layer 6 each have a plurality of holes of varying diameters (e.g., four holes in the example of FIG. 1) which are aligned (e.g., in register). The holes receive components to maintain the relative positioning of elements installed in the base 5 and insulation layer 6. The outermost holes of the base 5 and insulation layer 6 of FIG. 1 are sized to receive a respective post of a pair of external electric terminals 110. Each of the terminals 110 includes a crimping connector 4 having a post 101 extending from a connector base 102. The terminals 110 form a positive and a negative connection terminal which respectively connect to cathode and anode layers contained in the electric cell on which the lid 100 is installed.

[0047] The crimping connectors 4 of FIG. 1 are shown in a ‘crimped" form, e.g., in which the posts 101 are crimped following a crimping process. This crimped configuration hermetically seals the terminal, e g., such that the electric cell lid 100 provides an airtight and fluid tight seal to the electric cell. In general, before final assembly of the lid 100, posts 101 of the crimping connectors 4 are cylindrical having smooth sidewalls. Smooth sidewalls facilitates installation of the posts 101 through the corresponding holes of the external terminals 1 10 prior to being mechanically crimped to hermetically seal the terminal 1 10 against gas flow .

[0048] To assemble the lid 100, a seal assembly including a gasket ring 3, an insulation ring 2, and a washer 1 is fitted onto each of the posts 101. For instance, the gasket rings 3 are disposed onto the corresponding posts 101 and the posts 101 are extended through the corresponding holes thereby compressing the gasket rings 3 betw een the base 5 and the connector base 102. An insulation ring 2 and a w asher ring 1 are fitted to the portion of each post 101 extending from the base 5. The gasket ring 3 is sandwiched between the insulation ring 2, the lid base 5. and the connector base 102. After assembly, the posts 101 of the crimping connectors 4 are mechanically crimped which forces the washer ring 1 of each crimping connector 4 toward the corresponding insulation ring 2, compressing the insulation ring 2 against the top surface of the lid base 5. the gasket ring 3 between the lid base 5 and the connector base 102, and hermetically sealing the external terminals 110. [0049] The electric cell lid 100 includes a burst disk 9 for preventing explosion and a vent cover 8 made of. e.g., a transparent plastic sheet, to protect the burst disk 9 from corrosion and pre-mature venting. The disk 9 is pressure-fit into a corresponding one of the holes of the base 5 and build to withstand gas pressure within the prismatic cell.

[0050] A plate 7 is arranged below the base 102 of each of the crimping connectors 4. The plates extend the area of electrical connection between the terminals 110 and an electrode stack in the prismatic electric cell on which the lid 100 is installed.

[0051] The crimping connectors 4 and plates 7 are constructed from an electrically conductive and durable material such as aluminum, coppers, stainless steel, or alloys thereof, to provide an electrical connection to the anode and cathode material in the prismatic cell on which the lid 100 is installed. In some examples, the anode and the cathode terminals are constructed from different materials, e.g., the anode terminal 110 is copper and the cathode 110 is aluminum. The base 5 is constructed from a durable and rigid material which is resistant to corrosion from gases and liquids contained within the prismatic cell. The insulation layer 6 is constructed from an electrically insulating, substantially rigid material, e.g., a plastic, which serves to electrically isolate the base 5 from the external terminals 110. Examples of material from which the insulation layer 6 is constructed include, but are not limited to, poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), phenolic, polyethylene, or polycarbonate.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the electric cell lid 100 and a magnified view of the terminal 110 according to view A is depicted. The terminals 110 are shown extending through the base 5 and insulation layer 6 such that the connector base 102 and plates 7 are arranged on the side of the lid 100 having the insulation layer 6, while the posts 101 of the crimping connectors 4 extend through the insulation layer 6 and the base 5 and protrudes out of the base 5 on the opposite side of the lid.

[0053] The magnified view depicts the arrangement details of the left terminal 110 of the cross-sectional view, though both of the terminals 110 are assembled using the same components and in the same manner. As can be seen in the magnified view of the terminal 110, the post 101 includes a crimped portion 103, which is a protrusion that extends around the entire circumference of the post 101 and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the remainder of the post 101. For instance, the crimped portion 103 has a diameter that is between 1% and 25% larger than the diameter of the uncrimped remainder of the post 101. The crimped portion 103 compresses and maintains pressure on the rings surrounding the post 101. including the washer ring 1, the insulation ring 2, and the gasket ring 3. [0054] Before crimping, the post 101 is cylindrical, e.g., includes smooth sidewalls, and does not include the crimped portion 103, which facilitates disposing the washer ring 1, insulation ring 2, and gasket ring 3 on the post 101. After the rings are assembled, the top of the post 101 is crimped to create the crimped portion 103 which encircles the circumference of the post 101. The formation of the crimped portion 103 forces the washer ring 1 into an indentation defined in a top portion of the insulation ring 2, thus enabling the the crimped portion 103 maintains pressure on the rings 1-3. which creates the hermetical seal between the electric cell-side of the lid 100 and the top side. To resist buckling and deformation when the posts 101 are crimped and to help maintain the crimped configuration of the posts 101, the washer rings 1 are constructed from a durable, hard material, e.g., stainless steel.

[0055] As shown in the magnified view, the gasket rings 3 are shaped to fit both the holes in the insulation layer 6 and to extend at least partially into the smaller-diameter holes in the base 5. Said another way, an outer diameter of the gasket ring 3 is sized to be received by a hole of the insulation layer 6, while being larger than a diameter of a corresponding aligned hole of the base 5. Such sizing causes the outer edge of each gasket ring 3 to contact an inner surface of the corresponding hole of the insulation layer 6 and the underside of the base 5. e.g., the side of the base 5 that contacts the insulation layer 6. The inner diameter of the gasket ring 3 is sized to allow the posts 101 to pass through. The gasket rings 3 are constructed from a flexible material, e.g., an elastomer such as rubber, that is compressible to provide a hermetic seal between the posts 101 and the base 5 and insulation layer 5.

[0056] The outer diameter of the top insulation ring 2 is greater than the diameter of the corresponding hole in the base 5 and, at the inner diameter, the insulation ring 2 extends at least partially into the hole in the base 5. Such a configuration causes the top insulation ring 2 to contact the upper surface of the base 5 (e.g., the surface opposing the insulation layer 6) and the posts 101, such that when the crimped portion 103 applies pressure to the washer ring 1, the insulation ring 2 and gasket ring 3 create a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid)-tight seal against the insulation layer 6, the base 5, and the posts 101. The top insulation ring 2 is constructed from the same material as the insulation layer 6.

[0057] Referring to Figs. 3A-3C, in an embodiment, an electric cell lid 300 has an insulation layer 306 that is injection overmolded over the base 5 such that an overmolded portion 307 of the insulation layer 306 extends from a bottom surface of the base 5, around the edges of the base 5 that define the holes, and onto a top surface of the base 5. The overmolded portion replaces the gasket ring 3 and the insulation ring 2 of the lid 100 of Figs. 1-2 and can reduce the number of fitting steps when assembling the lid. The overmolded portion 307 defines a central hole through which the post 101 of the corresponding crimping connector 4 extends. In some examples, the region of the overmolded portions 307 which extends through the base 5 has a substantially similar shape to the top insulation ring 2 of FIG. 1.

[0058] Referring specifically to FIG. 3B, a cross-sectional side view of the electric cell lid 300 having the overmolded insulation layer 306 is depicted. A magnified view of one terminal 310 is depicted in FIG. 3C.

[0059] The external terminals 310 of the lid 300 include the washer rings 1 and crimping connectors 4 having posts 101, bases 102, and crimped portions 103, e.g., as discussed above for FIGS. 1-2. The washer ring 1 is fitted to the portion of each post 101 extending from the base 5. After assembly, the posts 101 are mechanically crimped, thereby pressing the washer ring 1 into an indentation in a top surface of the overmolded portion 307, and the overmolded portion 307 against the connector base 102, hermetically sealing the external terminals. The electric cell lid 300 can include the vent cover 8 and disk 9 of the lid 100, though these components are not shown.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, in an embodiment, an electric cell lid 400 has a base 405 that includes dimpled edges 408 that define the holes that receive crimping connectors 404. The dimpled edges 408 are angled downwards (e.g., towards the connector base 402) relative to the plate of the base 405. The dimpled edges 408 extend around the entire circumference of the holes through the base 405. In addition, an insulation layer 406 is injection overmolded around the base 405, and an overmolded portion 407 of the insulation layer 406 extends from a bottom surface of the base 405, around the dimpled edges 408 of the base 405, and onto the top surface of the base.

[0061] FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional side view of the electric cell lid 400 and FIG. 4C shows a magnified view of one terminal 410. The external terminals 410 of the lid 400 include the washer rings 1 and crimping connectors 404 having posts 401, bases 402, and crimped portions 403, e.g.. as discussed above for FIGS. 1-2. The dimpled edges 408 of the base 405 are seated into the overmolded portions 407 of the insulation layer 406. The washer ring 1 is fitted to the portion of each post 401 extending from the base 405. After assembly, the posts 401 are mechanically crimped, thereby pressing the washer ring 1 into an indentation in a top surface of the overmolded portion 407, and the overmolded portion 407 against the connector base 402, hermetically sealing the external terminals. The electric cell lid 400 can include the vent cover 8 and disk 9 of the lid 100, though these components are not shown.

[0062] The base 402 of each crimping connector 404 include a recession 411 which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the overmolded portions 407 of the insulation layer 406, and which helps to hold the overmolded portions 407 of the insulation layer 406 against the base 402 and post 401 of the crimping connector 404. The electric cell lid 400 including the combination of the dimpled edges 408 and indentation 411 provide the hermetic sealing of the external terminals 410 in the electric cell lid 400.

[0063] In an embodiment, an electric cell lid has a base that includes dimpled edges that define the holes that receive crimping connectors and an associated insulating and gasket ring which are shaped to the dimpled holes. Referring to FIGS. 5A, an electric cell lid 500 has a base 505 that includes dimpled edges 508, such as the base 405. The dimpled edges 508 are angled dow wards (e.g., towards the connector base 502) and extend around the entire circumference of the holes for the terminals 510 through the base 505. The external electric terminals 510 are formed using an insulation ring 507 and a gasket ring 512 which are shaped to conform to the edges 508.

[0064] FIG. 5B show s a magnified cross-sectional side view of one of the electric terminals

510 of FIG. 5 A. The external terminals 510 of the lid 500 include the w asher rings 1 and crimping connectors 504 having posts 501, bases 502, and crimped portions 503. e.g., as discussed above for FIGS. 1-2. The dimpled edges 508 of the base 505 are seated between the insulation ring 507 and the gasket ring 512. The washer ring 1 is fitted to the portion of each post 501 extending from the base 505. After assembly, the posts 501 are mechanically crimped, thereby pressing the washer ring 1 into an indentation in a top surface of the insulation ring 507, and the gasket ring 512 against the connector base 502, hermetically sealing the external terminals. The electric cell lid 500 can include the vent cover 8 and disk 9 of the lid 100, though these components are not showTi.

[0065] The base 502 of each crimping connector 504 include a recession 511 which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the overmolded portions 507 of the insulation layer 506, and which helps to hold the overmolded portions 507 of the insulation layer 506 against the base 502 and post 501 of the crimping connector 504. The electric cell lid 500 including the combination of the dimpled edges 508, insulation ring 507, gasket ring 512, and indentation

511 provide the hermetic sealing of the external terminals 510 in the electric cell lid 500. [0066] Disclosed herein is a method of sealing an electric cell lid by mechanically crimping a post of a crimping connector to form external terminals which are hermetically sealed. A flowchart showing the steps of such a method 600 is shown in FIG. 6. The method 600 includes forming a lid stack by arranging a base adjacent an insulation layer, each of the base and the insulation layer including a registered plurality of holes (step 602).

[0067] The method includes assembling electric terminals through the lid stack (step 604). Step 604 includes the following substeps:

[0068] Step 604 includes disposing a post of the crimping connector through a gasket and a hole of an insulation layer and base of the lid (step 606). A base of the crimping connector abuts the insulation layer and the gasket when seated against the bottom insulation layer. The post extends through the gasket ring and the base.

[0069] Step 604 includes disposing, from a base side of the lid stack, a top insulating ring and a washer ring onto the post extending through the hole (step 608). The top insulation ring is seated to contact the gasket ring and the washer ring seated on the top insulation ring.

[0070] Step 604 includes crimping a top of the post thereby hermetically sealing the electric terminals in the electric cell lid (step 610).

[0071] Disclosed herein is a method of making an electric cell lid by injection overmolding an electrically insulating material around a base and crimping connectors and mechanically crimping a post of the crimping connectors to form external terminals which are hermetically sealed. A flowchart showing the steps of such a method 700 is shown in FIG. 7.

[0072] The method includes arranging a pair of crimping connectors within two holes of a base (step 702). The of the pair of crimping connectors are arranged to extend through the holes by a distance sufficient to allow installation of a w asher ring on top of the post following the injection overmolding process. In some examples, such a process includes enclosing the base and the crimping connectors in an injection mold which defines a cavity shaped like the insulation layer to be formed. The cavity defines the overmolded portions of the insulation layer extending through the holes of the base.

[0073] The method includes forming an insulation layer by injection molding an electrically insulating material around the base and the crimping connectors (step 704). An electrically insulating material, such as those described herein, is injection molded into the cavity between the base and the crimping connectors. The injection molded material is allowed to cure and, if present, the mold is removed. The resulting insulation layer includes the overmolded portions surrounding a portion of the circumferential section of the posts and extends through the holes of the base.

[0074] The method includes disposing a washer ring onto a post of the crimping connectors extending through the holes (step 706). The washer ring is disposed onto the post into contact with the overmolded portions of the bottom insulation layer extending through the holes.

[0075] The method includes crimping a top of the posts thereby hermetically sealing the electric terminals in the electric cell hd (step 708).

While this specification contains many details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular examples. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be combined. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0076] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electric cell lid, comprising: a rid body; an electric terminal extending through a hole in the lid body, the electric terminal comprising: a crimping connector including a connector base disposed adjacent an inner surface of the lid body and a post extending from the connector base and through the hole in the lid body; a seal extending around a circumference of the post of the crimping connector, in which an inner portion of the seal is disposed between the lid body and the connector base, a central portion of the seal is disposed between the lid body and the post, and an outer portion of the seal is disposed on an outer surface of the lid body; and a washer disposed around the circumference of the post and on the outer portion of the seal. in which the post of the crimping connector has a protrusion extending circumferentially around the post, in which the washer is disposed between the protrusion and the outer portion of the seal.

2. The electric cell lid of claim 1 , in which the protrusion of the crimping connector extends around the entire circumference of the post.

3. The electric cell lid of claim 1 or 2, in which the protrusion of the crimping connector contacts the washer.

4. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the washer is disposed in an indentation defined in the outer portion of the seal.

5. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the seal comprises: a gasket ring disposed around the circumference of the post, in which at least some of the gasket ring is disposed between the connector base and the lid body; and a insulation ring disposed around the circumference of the post, in which at least some of the insulation ring is disposed on the outer surface of the lid body.

6. The electric cell lid of claim 5, in which the gasket ring and the insulation ring are in contact in a space between the lid body and the post of the crimping connector.

7. The electric cell of claim 5 or 6, in which the washer is disposed in an indentation defined in a surface of the insulation ring.

8. The electric cell of any of claims 5 to 7, in which the gasket ring comprises an elastomeric material.

9. The electric cell of any of claims 5 to 8, in which the gasket ring comprises a rubber.

10. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the gasket ring and the insulation ring comprise an electrically insulating material.

11. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the lid body comprises a base and an insulation layer, in which a bottom surface of the base contacts a top surface of the insulation layer, and in which the outer surface of the lid body comprises a top surface of the base and in which the inner surface of the lid body comprises a bottom surface of the insulation layer.

12. The electric cell lid of claim 11, in which an edge of the base defines the hole, and in which the seal comprises a portion of the insulation layer that extends around the edge of the base from the bottom surface of the base to the top surface of the base.

13. The electric cell lid of claim 12, in which the washer is disposed in an indentation defined in a top surface of the portion of the insulation layer that extends to the top surface of the base.

14. The electric cell lid of claim 12 or 13, in which the insulation layer is injection molded.

15. The electric cell lid of any of claim 12 to 14, in which the edge of the base is angled relative to a plane of the base.

16. The electric cell lid of claim 15, in which the edge of the base is angled toward the plate of the crimping connector.

17. The electric cell lid of claim 15 or 16, comprising a gasket ring disposed around a circumference of the post of the crimping connector, in which at least a portion of the gasket ring is disposed between the post and the angled edge of the base.

18. The electric cell lid of any of claims 12 to 17, in which the insulation layer comprises an electrically insulating material.

19. The electric cell lid of any of claims 12 to 18, in which the insulation layer comprises a plastic.

20. The electric cell lid of any of claims 12 to 19, in which the base comprises a corrosion-resistant material.

21 . The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the washer comprises stainless steel.

22. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the connector base and post of the crimping connector comprise an electrically conductive material.

23. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, in which the connector base and post of the crimping connector comprise aluminum or copper.

24. The electric cell lid of any of the preceding claims, comprising a burst disk and a vent cover each extending through a corresponding hole in the lid body.

25. A prismatic electric cell comprising: a housing defining an interior space; an anode and a cathode disposed in the interior space of the housing; and an electric cell lid according to any of the preceding claims disposed on the housing, in which the electric terminal is electrically connected to the anode or the cathode.

26. The prismatic electric cell of claim 25. in which the electric terminal is hermetically sealed.

27. A method of sealing an electric cell lid, comprising: forming a lid stack by arranging a base adjacent an insulation layer, each of the base and the insulation layer comprising a registered plurality of holes; assembling electric terminals through the lid stack by: disposing, from a insulation layer side of the lid stack, a post of a crimping connector through a gasket and a hole such that a base of the crimping connector abuts the insulation layer; disposing, from a base side of the lid stack, a top insulating layer and a washer ring onto the post extending through the hole; and crimping a top of the post thereby hermetically sealing the electric terminals in the electric cell lid.

28. A method of making an electric cell lid, comprising: arranging a pair of crimping connectors within two holes of a base comprising a plurality of holes; forming an insulation layer by injection molding an electrically insulating material around the base and the crimping connectors; disposing a washer ring onto a post of the crimping connectors extending through the holes; and crimping a top of the posts thereby hermetically sealing the electric terminals in the electric cell lid.