CONNECTOR FROM THE TAB OF AN ELECTRODE CURRENT COLLECTOR TO THE TERMINAL PIN OF A FEEDTHROUGH IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL

摘要

A process for creating a laser braze weld joint between a current collector and a terminal pin in the construction of electrochemical cells is described. The laser braze welding process utilizes a laser weld instrument to create a braze-like joint between two work pieces. The weld joint is created by controlling the amount of laser heat and energy imparted to the work pieces through proper control and positioning of the laser beam with respect to the work pieces. Preferably, the method is used to bond the terminal pin to the cathode current collector. This method of attachment is suitable for either primary or secondary cells, particularly those powering implantable biomedical devices.

主权项

1. An electrochemical cell, comprising:
a) a casing; b) an electrode assembly contained within the casing, the electrode assembly comprising:
i) an anode composed of an anode active material contacted to an anode current collector;ii) a cathode composed of a cathode active material contacted to a cathode current collector; andiii) an intermediate separator preventing direct physical contact between the anode and the cathode while permitting ionic flow therebetween; c) a glass-to-metal seal supported in an opening in the casing, the glass-to-metal seal comprising a terminal pin in a non-conductive relationship with the casing, wherein a distal pin portion resides outside the casing and a proximal pin portion is inside the casing; d) a coupler comprising an annular sidewall having a height extending to and meeting with an upper face wall and a lower face, wherein a recess extends from the lower face wall part-way through the coupler height toward, but not in communication with, the upper face wall, wherein the terminal pin is supported by the coupler with the proximal pin portion residing in the recess, e) wherein a first weld connects the coupler to the proximal pin portion in the recess and a second weld connects the annular sidewall of the coupler to a tab for one of the anode current collector and the cathode current collector, f) wherein the other of the anode current collector and the cathode current collector not joined to the coupler is electrically connected to a second terminal for the cell; and g) an electrolyte contained inside the casing to activate the electrode assembly.