U.S. patent application number 16/220696 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-18 for information handling system multi-cell cantilevered battery.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dell Products L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is Dell Products L.P.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Kane, Allen B. McKittrick, Ernesto Ramirez, Richard Christopher Thompson.
Application Number | 20200192430 16/220696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71071155 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-18 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200192430 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKittrick; Allen B. ; et
al. |
June 18, 2020 |
INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM MULTI-CELL CANTILEVERED BATTERY
Abstract
A portable information handling system battery pack couples
plural flat battery cells to a frame in first and second planes
having battery cells of the first plane aligned to extend past
battery cells of the second plane in a cantilevered manner. In one
embodiment, the battery pack integrates a battery management unit
and a wireless charger.
Inventors: |
McKittrick; Allen B.; (Cedar
Park, TX) ; Ramirez; Ernesto; (Austin, TX) ;
Kane; Jeffrey D.; (Austin, TX) ; Thompson; Richard
Christopher; (Cedar Park, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dell Products L.P. |
Round Rock |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dell Products L.P.
Round Rock
TX
|
Family ID: |
71071155 |
Appl. No.: |
16/220696 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/20 20130101; G06F
1/203 20130101; H01M 10/425 20130101; H02J 50/12 20160201; G06F
1/1618 20130101; G06F 1/1654 20130101; G06F 1/1681 20130101; H02J
7/04 20130101; G06F 1/1635 20130101; H01M 10/0436 20130101; H01M
2010/4271 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; H02J 50/12 20060101 H02J050/12; H02J 7/04 20060101
H02J007/04; H01M 10/42 20060101 H01M010/42 |
Claims
1. An information handling system comprising: a housing; a
processor disposed in the housing and operable to process
information; a memory disposed in the housing and interfaced with
the processor, the memory operable to store information; and a
battery disposed in the housing, the battery having plural cells
cooperatively interfaced to output a predetermined voltage, the
plural cells having a flat rectangular shape, a first set of the
plural cells coupled adjacent to each other end to end in a first
plane, a second set of the plural cells stacked vertically in a
second plane relative to the first plane and cantilevered to extend
outward from each end of the first set of the plural cells.
2. The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising: a
frame disposed between the first and second planes, the frame
holding the first set of battery cells adjacent to each other and
supporting the second set of battery cells cantilevered to the
first set of battery cells; and a battery management unit
integrated in the frame to coordinate charge and discharge of the
battery cells as a battery pack.
3. The information handling system of claim 2 wherein each of the
plural battery cells flat rectangular shape has a first set of
parallel sides longer than a second set of parallel sides, the
first set of plural cells having the first set of parallel sides
perpendicular to the second set of plural cells first set of
parallel sides.
4. The information handling system of claim 3 wherein: the first
set of battery cells includes four battery cells disposed in a row
adjacent to each other; and the second set of battery cells include
a first battery cell at one end of the row having a corner
cantilevered from the end of the row and second battery cell at an
opposing end of the row having a corner cantilevered in a symmetric
manner to the first battery cell.
5. The information handling system of claim 4 further comprising a
wireless antenna disposed between the first and second battery
cells of the second set of battery cells.
6. The information handling system of claim 4 wherein the housing
and cantilevered battery cells define an acoustic chamber at each
of opposing sides of the battery.
7. The information handling system of claim 4 further comprising a
wireless charging device integrated in the battery between the
first and second battery cells of the second set of battery
cells.
8. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the housing
comprises a single planar piece containing the processor, memory
and battery disposed under the display.
9. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the housing
comprises: a lid housing portion integrating the display; a main
housing portion integrating the processor, memory and battery
disposed under a keyboard; and a hinge rotationally coupling the
lid housing portion and main housing portion.
10. A method for assembly of an information handling system, the
method comprising: disposing processing components in a planar
housing, the processing components configured to process
information; coupling a first set of flat battery cells to a first
side of a battery frame in a first plane, the first set of flat
battery cells coupled end to end in a single row; coupling a second
set of flat battery cells to a second side of the battery frame in
a second plane, a first flat battery cell of the second set of flat
battery cells aligned to extend past the first set of flat battery
cells at a first end, a second flat battery cell of the second set
of flat battery cells aligned to extend past the first set of flat
battery cells at second end opposite the first end; and disposing
the flat battery cells in the planar housing.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the first and second flat
battery cells of the second set of flat battery cells each couple
to the first set of flat battery cells to have first and second
sides extend past the first set of flat battery cells in a
cantilevered manner.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: coupling a battery
management unit to the battery frame; and interfacing the flat
battery cells and the battery management unit through the battery
frame.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the first set of flat battery
cells are aligned perpendicular to the second set of flat battery
cells.
14. The method of claim 11 further comprising: integrating speakers
in the planar housing; and defining an acoustic chamber between
ends of the cantilevered flat battery cells and the planar housing
to enhance sound output by the speakers.
15. The method of claim 11 further comprising: coupling a wireless
charger to the frame between the first and second flat battery
cells of the second set of flat battery cells; and interfacing the
wireless charger with the flat battery cells.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: coupling a keyboard
to planar housing in the second plane adjacent the second set of
flat battery cells; and supporting the keyboard with the first set
of flat battery cells.
17. A battery comprising: a frame having an upper surface and a
lower surface; a first set of plural flat battery cells coupled to
the frame upper surface in a row; a first flat battery cell coupled
to the frame lower surface at a first end of the frame, the first
flat battery cell having a rectangular shape with first and second
perpendicular sides extending past the frame; and a second flat
battery cell coupled to the frame lower surface at a second end of
the frame opposite the first end, the second flat battery cell
having a rectangular shape with first and second perpendicular
sides extending past the frame.
18. The battery of claim 17 wherein all of the first set of flat
battery cells, the first flat battery cell and the second flat
battery cell have substantially the same dimensions.
19. The battery of claim 18 wherein the first and second flat
battery cells are oriented perpendicular to an orientation of the
flat battery cells of the first set of flat battery cells.
20. The battery of claim 19 further comprising a wireless charger
coupled to the frame between the first and second flat battery
cells.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates in general to the field of
information handling system integrated power sources, and more
particularly to an information handling system multi-cell
cantilevered battery.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] As the value and use of information continues to increase,
individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and
store information. One option available to users is information
handling systems. An information handling system generally
processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or
data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing
users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because
technology and information handling needs and requirements vary
between different users or applications, information handling
systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how
the information is handled, how much information is processed,
stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the
information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The
variations in information handling systems allow for information
handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or
specific use such as financial transaction processing, airline
reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In
addition, information handling systems may include a variety of
hardware and software components that may be configured to process,
store, and communicate information and may include one or more
computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems.
[0003] Portable information handling systems typically integrate
processing components, input/output (I/O) devices and a power
source in a portable housing to support mobile end user operations
without hardwired connections to external power and peripherals.
For example, portable information handling systems often integrate
a touchscreen display at one side that acts as both a display to
present information and an input device, such as by presenting a
virtual keyboard that accepts touches as keyed inputs. Tablet
information handling systems typically have a single planar housing
with the display disposed on one side and covering the processing
components. Convertible information handling systems typically have
the display integrated in a lid housing portion that rotationally
couples to a main housing portion containing the processing
components under a keyboard. Convertible information handling
systems rotate the lid housing portion relative to the main housing
portion from a closed position that enhances portability to an open
position that exposes the keyboard and display for end user
interactions. Some convertible information handling systems rotate
the housing portions 360 degrees to expose the display in a tablet
mode. In some cases, the lid housing portion includes the
processing components and separates from the main housing portion
to act as a separate tablet device.
[0004] End users generally prefer portable information handling
systems that have minimal weight for a given display size, however,
reducing system weight typically results in reduced processing
capabilities. To reduce weight for a given display size, system
height is typically decreased, which decreases the amount of room
for processing components and an integrated power source in the
housing. Low Z-height housings generally have less room to support
active thermal transfer, such as by a cooling fan, so that
processing components selected for the housing tend to have lower
power dissipation. For instance, low Z-height systems tend to
include less powerful central processing units (CPUs) to avoid
excess thermal energy release and smaller battery packs with
shorter charge life. In addition, component placement tends to face
restrictions so that dissipated thermal energy is not concentrated
within the housing. Other component placement restrictions further
complicate low Z-height systems, such as placement of antenna to
achieve sufficient wireless signal communication and placement of
speakers to provide adequate sound quality. Compromises in
component selection and placement to achieve low Z-height tend to
impact the end user's experience with the information handling
system.
[0005] Conventional portable information handling systems have used
battery packs as an internal power source built from lithium ion
18650 battery cells connected in parallel and series to achieve
desired internal direct current voltages. A typical lithium ion
battery cell has a native voltage of around 3.7 VDC so that four
cells in series will provide a native voltage of around 14.1 VDC
and five cells in series will provide around 17.8 VDC. A common
conventional lithium ion battery pack might have eight battery
cells with two sets of four battery cells in series. To reduce the
vertical height of a battery pack, information handling systems
have migrated from 18650 battery cells to flat battery cells with
at least some of the flat battery cells stacked vertically.
Vertical stacking of flat battery cells tends to offer greater
footprint efficiency than battery packs built from round 18650
cells, thus supporting lower Z-height housing designs. However,
during discharge and charge, battery cells release thermal energy
that adds to the thermal dissipation difficulty associated with
poor airflow within low Z-height housings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which
allocates flat battery cells in a portable information handling
system to provide improved thermal dissipation and housing space
allocation.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, a system and
method are provided which substantially reduce the disadvantages
and problems associated with previous methods and systems for
integrating battery cells into a battery pack that powers a
portable information handling system. Flat battery cells of a
battery pack couple to a frame in first and second planes with the
flat battery cells of the second plane offset relative to the flat
battery cells of the first plane in a cantilevered disposition that
improves thermal dissipation and component placement in an
information handling system portable housing.
[0008] More specifically, a portable information handling system
processes information with processing components disposed in a
portable housing and powered by a battery pack. The battery pack
has plural flat lithium ion battery cells coupled to a frame in two
separate planes. The upper surface of the frame couples a row of
battery cells disposed end to end and interfaced with a battery
management unit that manages battery pack charge and discharge. The
lower surface of the frame couples to battery cells in a
cantilevered disposition relative to the row of battery cells on
the upper surface of the frame. For instance, at each end of the
row of battery cells, a battery cell of the lower surface extends a
corner out from the row so that first and second sides of the
battery cell on each end are misaligned relative to the row of
battery cells. In one example embodiment, all of the battery cells
have the same rectangular dimensions and the battery cells of the
lower surface couple in an orientation perpendicular to the
orientation of the battery cells in the row of the upper surface.
In another example embodiment, a wireless charging device is
integrated in the battery pack.
[0009] The present invention provides a number of important
technical advantages. One example of an important technical
advantage is that a portable information handling system battery
pack integrates in a low Z-height housing with improved thermal
dissipation. Cantilevered stacking of the battery cells reduces the
temperature delta between battery cells that are vertically stacked
by reducing battery cell surface contact to offer increased charge
life in a reduced product size. Open regions defined by the battery
pack provide room to support accessories like antenna and space to
improve speaker acoustics. In one example embodiment, wireless
charging integrates with the battery pack to provide a compact and
efficient wireless charging capability in a low Z-height
housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention may be better understood, and its
numerous objects, features and advantages made apparent to those
skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. The
use of the same reference number throughout the several figures
designates a like or similar element.
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts an upper perspective view of example
embodiment of a portable information handling system powered by an
integrated battery pack;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a lower cutaway view of an information
handling system having a battery pack with battery cells disposed
in a cantilevered configuration;
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a side cross sectional view of disposition of
the battery pack in the main housing portion of information
handling system;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a front cross sectional view of disposition
of battery cells in battery pack 36 of information handling
system;
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts an upper perspective view of the battery pack
separate from the information handling system;
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts an upper side perspective view of the battery
frame without battery cells installed;
[0017] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C depict a thermal simulation of an
example of improved thermal dissipation for stacked versus
cantilevered battery cells;
[0018] FIG. 8 depicts an upper perspective view of a battery pack
having an integrated wireless charger; and
[0019] FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the battery pack having
the integrated wireless charger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] A portable information handling system battery pack disposes
battery cells in first and second planes with battery cells of
plane coupled in a cantilever fashion relative to battery cells of
the other plane. For purposes of this disclosure, an information
handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of
instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit,
receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest,
detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of
information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,
control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling
system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any
other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance,
functionality, and price. The information handling system may
include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing
resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or
software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile
memory. Additional components of the information handling system
may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for
communicating with external devices as well as various input and
output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video
display. The information handling system may also include one or
more buses operable to transmit communications between the various
hardware components.
[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, an upper perspective view depicts a
portable information handling system 10 powered by an integrated
battery pack. In the example embodiment, information handling
system 10 integrates processing components in a portable housing 12
that supports convertible configurations. A main housing portion 14
contains processing components that process information, such as
central processing unit (CPU) 16 and random access memory (RAM) 18
that cooperate to execute instructions that process information. An
embedded controller 20 manages power for the processing components
and interactions with input/output (I/O) devices, such as a
keyboard 22 integrated in the upper surface of main housing portion
14. A lid housing portion 24 integrates a display 26 that
interfaces with processing components main housing portion 14 to
present information as visual images. In the example embodiment,
hinges 32 rotationally couple main housing portion 14 and lid
housing portion to rotate between open and closed positions as
depicted by arrow 30. In an alternative embodiment, lid housing
portion 24 may include processing components that operate
separately from main housing portion 14 to support removal of lid
housing portion 24 as indicated by arrow 28 to operate as a
standalone tablet. An external power source AC/DC adapter 34
provides external power that operates the processing components and
charges an integrated battery that supports mobile operation
without external power. In operation, an end user rotates display
26 to a vertical position over keyboard 22, typically referred to
as a clamshell position, so that an end user may type inputs at
keyboard 22 while viewing display 26. In one embodiment, lid
housing portion 24 rotates 360 degrees relative to main housing
portion 14 to operate in a tablet position, such as by using a
touchscreen of display 26 as the I/O device. Alternatively, lid
housing portion 24 separates from main housing portion 14 to act as
tablet. In such an embodiment, lid housing portion 24 integrates
processing components and a battery to support mobile use.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 2, a lower cutaway view depicts an
information handling system 10 having a battery pack 36 with
battery cells 38 disposed in a cantilevered configuration. As
illustrated by FIG. 2, disposition of processing components in main
housing portion 14 has tight constraints that limit thermal
dissipation of excess thermal energy created by the processing
components. In the example embodiment, a cooling fan 42 generates a
cooling airflow to remove thermal energy, such as is generated by a
CPU 16 coupled to a heat sink 44. Although CPU 16 presents the
greatest thermal energy source, other processing components
integrated in main housing portion 14 generate thermal energy that
contributes to the system's internal thermal state. For example,
external power provided by an adapter 34 is converted to
operational voltages and used to charge battery pack 36, thus
generating thermal energy. Larger components, such as solid state
drive 46, fill the housing space to reduce airflow that transports
excess thermal energy under the influence of cooling fan 42.
Battery pack 36 has an elongated and flat form that is not readily
accessible by cooling airflow. In addition, battery pack 38 is
coupled to main housing portion 14 in a region that includes
accessories that typically need access at the outside of housing
12, such as wireless local area network (WLAN) antenna 40 disposed
between cantilevered battery cells 38 and speakers 48.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side cross sectional view depicts
disposition of battery pack 36 in main housing portion 14 of
information handling system 10. The cross-sectional location is
indicated by lines A-A of FIG. 2. Battery pack 36 has battery cells
disposed in two separate planes with cantilevered battery cells 38
disposed in a plane located against the top surface of main housing
portion 14 and with a battery frame 50 holding a set of flat
battery cells in another plane below keyboard 22. Battery frame 50
and the battery cells in the lower plane help to support keyboard
22, which abuts against cantilevered battery cells 38. The offset
of the cantilevered battery cells 38 relative to the battery cells
in the lower plane of battery frame 50 provides improved thermal
dissipation from battery pack 36 and avoids concentrations of
thermal energy that can occur with direct vertical stacking of
battery cells of a battery pack.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, a front cross sectional view
depicts disposition of battery cells in battery pack 36 of
information handling system 10. Cantilevered battery cells 38
extend further towards the sides of main housing portion 14 than do
battery cells 52, which are disposed in the lower plane of battery
back 36. A battery management unit (BMU) 54 is assembled into frame
50 at a central location to manage charge and discharge of battery
pack 36. In the example embodiments, space created at the ends of
cantilevered battery cells 38 defines an acoustic chamber 56 that
aids in presentation of audible sounds by speakers 48. As is
evident from the side and front cross sectional views, a corner
portion of each cantilevered battery cell 38 in the plane of
battery frame 50 closest to the upper surface of main housing
portion 14 does not overlap with the battery cells 52 in the lower
plane of battery frame 50.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 5, an upper perspective view depicts
battery pack 36 separate from information handling system 10. In
the example embodiment, a first set of four flat battery cells 52
are coupled to battery frame 50 end to end to form a row in an
upper plane of battery frame 50. For example, battery cells 52
interface with BMU 54 in parallel or series connections to provide
a desired direct current output voltage at connector 58. Two
cantilevered battery cells 38 couple at each end of battery frame
50 to extend a corner portion out from the row defined by battery
cells 52. Between cantilevered battery cells 38 a BMU 54 couples to
frame 50 to interface cantilevered battery cells 38 with the
battery cells 52 as desired to achieve a desired output voltage at
connector 58. In the example embodiment, all of battery cells 52
and 38 are substantially identical in dimensions and electrical
characteristics, such as having the same model number and
manufacturer. To enhance thermal dissipation, cantilevered battery
cells 38 are rotated ninety degrees relative to battery cells 52.
For instance battery cells 52 have a rectangular shape with a short
side of the rectangle parallel to the front of battery pack 36
while cantilevered battery cells 38 have the same rectangular shape
with a short side of the rectangle perpendicular to the front of
battery pack 36. Battery frame 50 supports cantilevered battery
cells 38 with a metal structure that prevents hyper extension and
damage to the cells. Although the example embodiment has six
identical battery cells, alternative embodiments may use more or
fewer battery cells and may include battery cells with different
dimensions and shapes. For example, flat battery cells may be
selected to have shapes that fit into desired spaces of a housing
with each plane of battery pack 36 having battery cells of similar
dimensions as desired to meet physical layout constraints within
the housing.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 6, an upper side perspective view
depicts battery frame 50 without battery cells installed. Battery
frame 50 is constructed of a light weight metal, such as aluminum,
or plastic having sufficient rigidity to prevent undue stress to
the battery cells. In particular, battery cavities 60 formed in the
cantilever plane support the portions of cantilevered battery cells
38 that extend out from battery pack 36. Interconnects 61 formed in
battery frame 50 define interfaces by the battery cells with BMU
54.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, a thermal simulation
depicts an example of improved thermal dissipation for stacked
versus cantilevered battery cells. Thermal simulation 62 depicts
temperature distributions in a battery pack having six battery
cells with stacked battery cells aligned at the outer sides of the
battery pack, such as during a defined power discharge or charge.
Thermal simulation 64 depicts temperature distributions in a
battery pack having six battery cells with a cantilevered
configuration. In simulation 64, the cantilevered battery cells
have an orientation perpendicular to that of the row of battery
cells with a corner extending outward from the row. Chart 66 shows
the battery cell temperature distribution across the battery pack
at each battery cell as numbered in simulations 62 and 64.
Cantilevered disposition of battery cells decreases cell
temperatures under like conditions by approximately between 2.2 and
2.5 degrees Celsius.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 8, an upper perspective view depicts a
battery pack 36 having an integrated wireless charger 68. In the
example embodiment, wireless charger 68 fits between battery cells
52 in the upper plane of battery frame 50 to accept battery charger
from an external wireless charger. In a typical configuration,
wireless charger 68 would assemble at the bottom of an information
handling system housing to be in proximity to the wireless charger
when resting on the wireless charger. FIG. 9 depicts an exploded
view of battery pack 36 to illustrate one example of integration
with battery cells 52. In the example embodiment, wireless charger
68 assembles in the place of the center two battery cells 52. A
power receiving unit (PRU) 70 couples at the base of battery frame
50 and interfaces with the battery management unit to control
presentation of charge to the battery cells. A charging coil 72
couples over and interfaces with PRU 70 to accept inductive
charging signals from an external wireless power source and provide
the power to PRU 70. The assembly of wireless battery charger 68 is
then integrated in battery pack 35 with a protective tape 74 to
encapsulate the assembly. Although the example embodiment replaces
two battery cells with battery charger 68, in alternative
embodiments battery charger 68 may be assembled in the cantilevered
plane of battery frame 50 between cantilevered battery cells 38 so
that all six battery cells are included in battery pack 36. The
example embodiments of battery pack 36 depict six battery cells,
however, in alternative embodiments additional battery cells may be
included as may additional battery frame cells to hold the battery
cells. For instance, a third plane may be included in battery pack
36 having additional cantilevered battery cells with the cells
aligned with the opposing cantilevered battery cells or extending
from an opposite side of battery pack 36.
[0029] Although the present invention has been described in detail,
it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and
alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *