Housing for battery cell

Abstract

A battery cell includes a can body of a housing, the can body including a metal sheet folded into an open cylindrical shape and welded. The can body includes a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the can body. The canister is configured to receive a stack of cells. The cover portion of the housing is attached to the first opening of the can body. A bottom portion of the housing is attached to the second opening of the can body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to battery cells, and more particularly to housings for prismatic or cylindrical battery cells. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not otherwise be prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure.

[0003] An electric vehicle (EV), such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid vehicle, and / or a fuel cell vehicle, includes one or more motors and a battery system including one or more battery cells, modules, and / or battery packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving. Summary of the invention

[0004] A battery cell includes a can of a housing, the can including a metal sheet folded into an open cylindrical shape and welded. The can includes a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the can. The can is configured to receive a battery cell stack. A cover portion of the housing is attached to the first opening of the can. A bottom portion of the housing is attached to the second opening of the can.

[0005] In other features, the battery cell stack includes A anode electrodes, C cathode electrodes, and S separators, where A, C, and S are integers greater than 1.

[0006] In other features, a first side of the housing includes a plurality of reinforcements arranged in a first pattern. A second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing includes a plurality of reinforcements arranged in a second pattern. The first pattern and the second pattern are different.

[0007] In other features, the first pattern and the second pattern are offset to allow the battery cell to be nested with one or more adjacent battery cells. The plurality of reinforcement portions include at least one of a recess and a stiffening bead. The recess has one of a rectangular cross section and an arcuate cross section.

[0008] In other features, one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes first and second terminals connected to external tabs of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, respectively. At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

[0009] In other features, the cover portion includes a first terminal connected to an external tab of the A anode electrodes. The bottom portion includes a second terminal connected to an external tab of the C cathode electrodes. At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

[0010] In other features, a side of the housing includes a reinforcing rib extending outwardly therefrom and a measuring device disposed in a volume created by the reinforcing rib. The first pattern includes a first region and a second region. The plurality of reinforcing portions are disposed in the first region and not in the second region, wherein the second region is hotter than the first region during a battery thermal event.

[0011] In other features, the edges of the metal sheets are welded together along the stress-free sides of the can body. The bottom portion is attached to the can body using one of welding and mechanical bonding. The cover portion is attached to the can body using one of welding and mechanical bonding. At least one of the bottom portion and the cover portion includes a dimple. The volume created by the plurality of reinforcement portions is filled with one of an isolation material and a thermal interface material.

[0012] A system includes a plurality of battery cells and a cooling plate. A thermal interface material is disposed between the cooling plate and a first battery cell of the plurality of battery cells and a second battery cell of the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] A system includes a plurality of battery cells and an isolation material disposed between adjacent battery cells in the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] A method for manufacturing a battery cell includes: using first and second rollers to produce a first pattern of reinforcement portions and a second pattern of reinforcement portions on a metal sheet; and folding the metal sheet into an open cylindrical shape to form a can body of an enclosure. The first pattern of reinforcement portions is located on one side of the enclosure, and the second pattern of reinforcement portions is located on another side of the enclosure. The method includes: welding the stress-free side of the enclosure; attaching a cover portion to a first opening of the can body; and attaching a bottom portion to a second opening of the can body.

[0015] In other features, the first pattern of reinforcements includes at least one of a recess and a reinforcement rib. The first pattern of reinforcements and the second pattern of reinforcements are different. The first pattern of reinforcements and the second pattern of reinforcements are offset to allow the battery cell to be nested with one or more adjacent battery cells.

[0016] In other features, the cover portion is attached to the first opening of the housing using at least one of a mechanical bond and a weld; and the base portion is attached to the second opening of the housing using at least one of a mechanical bond and a weld.

[0017] In other features, one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a first terminal and a second terminal connected to external wiring tabs of A anode electrodes and C cathode electrodes of the battery stack, respectively, and at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent; or, the cover portion includes a first terminal connected to an external wiring tab of one of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, the bottom portion includes a second terminal connected to an external wiring tab of another of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, and at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

[0018] Solution 1. A battery cell, comprising:

[0019] a tank body of the housing, said tank body comprising folded and welded metal sheets,

[0020] wherein the tank body comprises a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the tank body, and

[0021] wherein the tank is configured to receive a battery cell stack;

[0022] A cover portion of the housing is attached to the first opening of the can; and

[0023] The bottom portion of the housing is attached to the second opening of the can.

[0024] Option 2. The battery cell according to Option 1, wherein the battery cell stack comprises:

[0025] A anode electrode;

[0026] C cathode electrodes; and

[0027] S spacers, where A, C and S are integers greater than 1.

[0028] Option 3. The battery cell according to Option 1, wherein the first side of the housing includes a plurality of reinforcing portions arranged in a first pattern.

[0029] Option 4. A battery cell according to Option 3, wherein:

[0030] a second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing including a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a second pattern, and

[0031] The first pattern and the second pattern are different.

[0032] Option 5. A battery cell according to Option 4, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are offset to allow the battery cell to be nested with one or more adjacent battery cells.

[0033] Option 6. The battery cell according to Option 3, wherein the plurality of reinforcing portions include at least one of recesses and reinforcing ribs.

[0034] Option 7. The battery cell according to Option 6, wherein the recess has one of a rectangular cross-section and an arcuate cross-section.

[0035] Option 8. The battery cell according to Option 2, wherein:

[0036] One of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a first terminal and a second terminal connected to external tabs of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, respectively; and

[0037] At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

[0038] Option 9. The battery cell according to Option 2, wherein:

[0039] The cover portion includes a first terminal connected to an external tab of the A anode electrodes;

[0040] The bottom portion includes a second terminal connected to the external tabs of the C cathode electrodes; and

[0041] At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

[0042] Option 10. The battery cell according to Option 1, wherein the side of the housing includes a reinforcing rib extending outward therefrom and a measuring device arranged in a volume created by the reinforcing rib.

[0043] Option 11. The battery cell according to Option 3, wherein:

[0044] The first pattern includes a first area and a second area; and

[0045] The plurality of reinforced portions are arranged in a first region and not in a second region, wherein the second region is hotter than the first region during a battery thermal event.

[0046] Option 12. The battery cell according to Option 1, wherein:

[0047] The edges of the metal sheets are welded together along the stress-free sides of the tank.

[0048] The bottom section is attached to the tank using one of welding and mechanical bonding, and

[0049] The cover portion is attached to the can body using one of welding and mechanical bonding.

[0050] Embodiment 13. The battery cell according to embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the bottom portion and the cover portion includes a micro-dimple.

[0051] Embodiment 14. The battery cell of embodiment 3, wherein the volume created by the plurality of reinforcement portions is filled with one of an isolation material and a thermal interface material.

[0052] Solution 15. A system comprising:

[0053] A plurality of battery cells according to scheme 1;

[0054] Cooling plate;

[0055] A thermal interface material is disposed between the cooling plate and a first battery cell of the plurality of battery cells and a second battery cell of the plurality of battery cells.

[0056] Solution 16. A system comprising:

[0057] A plurality of battery cells according to scheme 1;

[0058] An isolation material is disposed between adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0059] Solution 17. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising:

[0060] producing a first pattern of reinforcements and a second pattern of reinforcements on the metal sheet using first and second rollers;

[0061] The metal sheet is folded into an open cylindrical shape to form the can body of the shell,

[0062] wherein the reinforcement portion of the first pattern is located on one side of the shell, and the reinforcement portion of the second pattern is located on the other side of the shell;

[0063] Weld the stress-free sides of the housing;

[0064] attaching the cover portion to the first opening of the can; and

[0065] Attach the bottom portion to the second opening of the can.

[0066] Scheme 18. The method according to Scheme 17, wherein:

[0067] The reinforcement portion of the first pattern includes at least one of a recess and a reinforcement rib;

[0068] The reinforcement portions of the first pattern and the reinforcement portions of the second pattern are different; and

[0069] The first pattern of reinforced portions and the second pattern of reinforced portions are offset to allow the battery cell to be nested with one or more adjacent battery cells.

[0070] Solution 19. The method according to Solution 17, further comprising:

[0071] attaching the cover portion to the first opening of the housing using at least one of mechanical bonding and welding; and

[0072] The base is attached to the second opening of the housing using at least one of mechanical bonding and welding.

[0073] Scheme 20. The method according to Scheme 17, wherein one of the following is performed:

[0074] One of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes first and second terminals connected to external tabs of A anode electrodes and C cathode electrodes of the battery stack, respectively, and at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent; or

[0075] The cover portion includes a first terminal connected to an external terminal tab of one of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, the bottom portion includes a second terminal connected to an external terminal tab of the other of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, and at least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a ventilation hole.

[0076] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the accompanying drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0078] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a battery cell according to the present disclosure, the battery cell including a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a separator disposed in a battery cell housing;

[0079] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an example of a battery cell;

[0080] Figure 2B is a perspective view of an example of a battery cell having a pressure-based vent cap;

[0081] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F is a perspective view of an example of a housing of a battery cell having a reinforcement portion according to the present disclosure;

[0082] Figure 4A is a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a case of a battery cell according to the present disclosure.

[0083] Figure 4B is a top view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5Eare perspective and side views showing a nesting example of battery cells with reinforcing ribs according to the present disclosure;

[0085] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C are perspective and side views showing nesting of battery cells with reinforced recesses according to the present disclosure;

[0086] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a housing for a battery cell according to the present disclosure, a side surface of which includes a first area having a reinforced portion and a second area having no reinforced portion;

[0087] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to the present disclosure having reinforcing ribs on the stress-free side and a measuring device disposed therein, such as a reference electrode or a thermocouple.

[0088] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F are perspective and side cross-sectional views of a welded can body and mechanically joined cover and bottom portions according to the present disclosure.

[0089] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is a perspective view of a housing of a battery cell according to the present disclosure, including vents and terminals respectively arranged on opposite sides or the same side.

[0090] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a perspective view of an example of a plurality of battery cells arranged on a thermal interface material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure;

[0091] Fig.15 and Fig.16 shows an example of an interface between a thermal interface material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure; and

[0092] Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a perspective view of an example of multiple battery cells and a thermal interface material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure.

[0093] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] Although battery cells according to the present disclosure are illustrated in the context of electric vehicles, the battery cells may be used in stationary applications and / or other applications.

[0095] The battery cell includes a battery stack arranged in a battery housing. The battery housing may have form factor limitations when manufactured using impact extrusion, stamping and / or stretching methods. These manufacturing methods may also limit the location of the battery terminals on the battery housing. The battery housing needs to have sufficient strength to be able to cope with the expansion of the battery stack during battery cell cycling. The battery housing also needs to cope with high temperatures during thermal events, which may cause the battery housing to heat up and / or melt significantly.

[0096] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a battery housing for a prismatic or cylindrical battery cell. The battery housing includes a can body and a cover portion and a bottom portion.

[0097] In some examples, the can of the battery housing is made of a metal sheet. Using the manufacturing method described below, the battery housing can be manufactured in any form factor without being restricted by length, width, or height. In some examples, reinforcing portions such as ribs or recesses are formed in the metal sheet to increase rigidity and / or resist outward bending of the can due to internal pressure in the battery cell during operation. For example, the pressure in the battery cell housing increases due to pressure accumulation when the electrode expands during cycling and / or due to the accumulation of exhaust gases caused by thermal events such as thermal runaway.

[0098] In some examples, the can is made of steel, which has higher strength and stiffness than aluminum. The melting point of steel is higher than the expected temperature of the burning gases in the battery housing during thermal runaway. Steel battery housings can also be manufactured using thinner walls than aluminum, which saves space and results in an overall shorter battery pack. In some examples, the battery housing includes reinforcing ribs located on the stress-free narrow faces of the battery housing. The internal volume of the reinforcing ribs accommodates devices such as sensors, reference electrodes, thermocouples, or other sensors.

[0099] Reference now Figure 1 , the battery cell 10 includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32 arranged in a predetermined order as a battery stack 12 in a housing 50. The C cathode electrodes 20-1, 20-2, ..., and 20-C (where C is an integer greater than 1) include a cathode active layer 24 arranged on one or both sides of a cathode current collector 26. The A anode electrodes 40-1, 40-2, ..., and 40-A (where A is an integer greater than 1) include an anode active layer 42 arranged on one or both sides of an anode current collector 46.

[0100] In some examples, the anode active layer 42 and / or the cathode active layer 24 are independent electrodes arranged adjacent to (or attached to) the current collector. In some examples, the anode active layer 42 and / or the cathode active layer 24 include a coating comprising one or more active materials, one or more conductive fillers / additives, and / or one or more adhesive materials. In some examples, the battery cell and / or the electrode are manufactured by immersing the current collector in a molten metal (e.g., lithium or a lithium alloy) or applying a slurry to coat the current collector during a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. In some examples, the cathode current collector 26 and / or the anode current collector 46 include a foil layer.

[0101] In some examples, the current collector is made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of copper, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zinc, aluminum, and / or alloys thereof. In some examples, the external tabs of the current collectors connected to the anode and cathode electrodes are located on opposite sides of the battery stack (e.g., Figure 1 ) or on the same side of the battery stack as shown below.

[0102] Reference now Figure 2A and Figure 2B , the battery cell 58 includes a housing 60. In some examples, the housing 60 has a rectangular cross-section in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis planes. The housing 60 includes a can 61, which includes a side 80 and a side 82 that define a rectangular prism or a cube with an open end. In some examples, the side 80 has a narrower width than the side 82.

[0103] The cover portion 84 and the bottom portion 86 are attached to the can 61 to respectively close the top and bottom openings of the can 61. The battery cell 58 includes external terminals 62 and 64 passing through the cover portion 84. The battery stack 12 of C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32 is arranged in the housing 60.

[0104] External terminals 62 and 64 are connected to external terminals of A anode electrodes 40 and C cathode electrodes 20, respectively. Figure 2A In the embodiment, the cover portion 84 does not include a pressure-based vent cap. Figure 2B , the cover portion 84 (and / or the bottom portion 86) includes a pressure-based vent cap 66. The pressure-based vent cap 66 is configured to release exhaust gas when the pressure within the inner housing is greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0105] Although Figure 2A and Figure 2B The battery cell in FIG. 1 is shown as having a typical form factor, but any form factor in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis planes can be produced according to the manufacturing method of the present disclosure. Alternatively, a cylindrical battery cell form can be used. Now refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3F, the battery cell 94 includes a housing 96 having one or more side surfaces 128, and the side surface 128 includes a plurality of reinforcing portions 122. Although the reinforcing portions 122 include recesses, the reinforcing portions 122 may have different shapes, such as ribs or other shapes. In some examples, the recesses have a rectangular or hemispherical or arcuate shape.

[0106] In some examples, the reinforcing portions 122 are arranged on the side surfaces 128 of the battery cells 94 in a predetermined pattern 120. In some examples, the reinforcing portions 122 are arranged on the surface of the housing 96 having the largest area. In some examples, two or more side surfaces of the battery cells 94 have the same pattern of reinforcing portions 122. In other examples, opposite side surfaces of the battery cells 94 have different patterns of reinforcing portions 122.

[0107] exist Figure 3A In the embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement portion 122 includes a recess extending outwardly from the side surface 128 of the housing 96. Figure 3B In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 is arranged in a first predetermined pattern 120-1 on one of the side surfaces 128 of the housing 96. Figure 3C In some examples, when two or more battery cells 94 are arranged adjacent to each other, the reinforcing portions 122 of the facing side surfaces 128 of the housing 96 are offset to allow nesting. In some examples, an insulation layer or thermal interface material and a cooling plate are arranged between adjacent battery cells.

[0108] exist Figures 3D to 3F In the embodiment, the reinforcing portion 122 includes reinforcing ribs or ribs having a rectangular cross-section and extending vertically or horizontally along one or more side surfaces. The reinforcing portion 122 is arranged on one side of the battery cell 94 in a first predetermined pattern 120-3 and on the opposite side surface of the battery cell 94 in a second predetermined pattern 120-4.

[0109] In some examples, the first predetermined pattern and the second predetermined pattern are the same. In other examples, the reinforcement portions of the first predetermined pattern and the second predetermined pattern are different. For example, the reinforcement portions on one side are complementary to allow nesting or overlapping to minimize space (e.g., offset relative to the reinforcement portions on the opposite side). In other words, adjacent battery cells in the battery cell can be arranged in close proximity (e.g., the reinforcement portions are in a nested or staggered pattern when aligned and / or positioned adjacent to each other).

[0110] In some examples, the back volume created by the reinforced portion is filled with a material to provide a smooth surface. In some examples, the material includes an isolation material or a thermal interface material. In other examples, the material includes a first inhibitor material, such as sodium bicarbonate.

[0111] Reference now Figure 4A and Figure 4B , shows an example of manufacturing a battery cell. Figure 4A In the embodiment, the metal sheet 214 is squeezed between the first roller 220 and the second roller 222. In some examples, the metal sheet 214 is made of steel with a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In some examples, the metal sheet 214 is made of steel with a thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0112] In some examples, the isolation layer 216 is transferred to one or both surfaces of the metal sheet 214 by rollers 217 and 219. In some examples, the isolation layer 216 includes a polymer film, such as polypropylene (PP), arranged on the inner surface of the housing to isolate the housing (rather than using an isolation layer around the battery stack). In other examples, the isolation layer includes a coating sprayed onto the metal sheet 214.

[0113] The first roller 220 includes first and second groups of convex protrusions 224 corresponding to the positions of the reinforcement portions of the first and second predetermined patterns. In some examples, the reinforcement portions have a height ranging from 0.05 mm to less than 1 mm. A space 226 is located between the first and second groups of convex protrusions 224.

[0114] The second roller 222 includes first and second groups of concave cavities 228 that align with and correspond to the locations of the first and second predetermined groups of convex protrusions 224. A space 229 is located between the first and second groups of concave cavities 228 (e.g., corresponding to an area without a reinforcement portion, such as a stress-free side of the housing). The first and second groups of convex protrusions 224 bias the metal sheet 214 into the first and second groups of concave cavities 228 to form a reinforcement portion 240. After passing through the first roller 220 and the second roller 222. The metal sheet 214 is cut to a certain length at 244.

[0115] As can be appreciated, the circumference of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 can be equal to the length of the blank for the shell (or a multiple thereof). The outer surface of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 can include patterns for N shells, where N is an integer. Figure 4A In FIG. 2 , N=1. The circumferences of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 increase with N.

[0116] exist Figure 4B, a metal sheet 310 (e.g., cut from metal sheet 214) corresponding to a housing 330 of a battery cell is shown. The metal sheet 310 is shown with fold lines 370 to delineate sides 320, 322, 324, and 326 of the housing 330. During manufacturing, the metal sheet 310 is folded along the fold lines 370 and then welded to form the can body of the housing 330.

[0117] Reference now FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , shows an example of a battery cell 400 having reinforcing ribs 416 and 418. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the embodiment, the reinforcing ribs 416 and 418 on the opposite sides 410 and 412 are arranged to be offset from each other to allow the reinforcing ribs of adjacent battery cells 400-1, 400-2, ... and 400-C to be nested, such as Figure 5C This reduces the space as shown in .

[0118] exist Figure 5D In some examples, the isolation layer 401 is arranged between the stress sides of adjacent battery cells. In some examples, the isolation layer 401 is compressed and deformed around the reinforcing ribs 416 and 418. In some examples, the isolation layer 401 has a thickness in a range from 2 mm to 5 mm. In some examples, the isolation layer 401 has a thickness in a range from 3 mm to 4 mm. In some examples, the isolation layer 401 includes a silica aerogel.

[0119] exist Figure 5E In the embodiment, thermal interface material 403 is arranged on the stress side of adjacent battery cells, and cooling plate 405 is arranged between thermal interface material 403. In some examples, thermal interface material 403 is compressed and deformed around stiffeners 416 and 418. In some examples, thermal interface material 403 has a thickness in a range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm (e.g., 1 mm).

[0120] Reference now FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C , shows an example of a battery cell 450 having reinforced recesses 466 and 468. Fig. 6A and 6B In the embodiment, the reinforcing recesses 466 and 468 on the opposite sides 460 and 462 are arranged to be offset from each other to allow the reinforcing recesses of adjacent battery cells 450-1, 450-2, ... and 450-C to be nested, as shown in FIG. Figure 6C This reduces space. A thermal insulation layer or thermal interface material and a cooling plate (e.g., similar to Figure 5D and 5E ).

[0121] Referring now to 7, the battery cell 500 includes a housing 504 having one or more sides 510 including a first or peripheral region 516 and a second or central region 530 (e.g., disposed inside the peripheral region 516). The central region 530 of the side surface 510 of the battery housing is typically the hottest location when a thermal runaway event occurs. In some examples, reinforcement portions are omitted in areas of the housing that tend to be hotter (e.g., the central region 530 of the side 510). Reinforced portions 518 and 520 are disposed in the peripheral region 516 (while the central region 530 does not include reinforcement portions).

[0122] Figure 7 The battery housing in the 500A helps limit heat transfer or propagation between adjacent battery cells. There are no ribs or recesses in the central region 530 where one or both of the adjacent battery cells are hottest. In some examples, insulation or thermal interface materials and cooling plates (as shown below) are arranged between the central regions 530 of adjacent battery cells.

[0123] Reference now Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , examples of battery cells 550 and 580 are shown as including reinforcing ribs 560 and 584, respectively, located on the stress-free side surfaces. Reinforcing ribs 560 and 584 extend outward from the housing along the stress-free surface of the battery cell. The volume created by reinforcing ribs 560 and 584 can be used for devices 561 and 585, respectively. In some examples, devices 561 and 585 (e.g., reference electrodes, thermocouples, sensors, or other devices) are arranged in the volume created by reinforcing ribs 560 and 584. For example, the reference electrode provides a constant electrode reference that can be used to analyze the potential of other electrodes in the battery. In some examples, the reference electrode includes a silver (Ag) / silver chloride (AgCl) reference electrode.

[0124] Reference now FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F , the housing of the battery cell is welded along one side (e.g., a stress-free side, such as the side opposite the side including the reinforcing ribs 560 and / or 584). Fig. 10A In FIG. 5 , weld 590 joins opposing sides 592 and 594 together. Fig. 10B In, weld 590-1 comprises a butt joint. Fig. 10C In some examples, weld 590-2 comprises a lap joint. In some examples, weld 590 comprises a laser weld, but other types of welding may also be used.

[0125] For reference, the internal design pressure of the aerosol can is 1.7 MPa, which is less than the 1.4 MPa corresponding to the maximum design pressure of the battery cell housing. The aerosol can is made of 0.2 mm thick steel. The body of the aerosol can is welded, and the lid and / or bottom portion are mechanically joined (e.g., double-seam and / or crimped) to produce a hermetically sealed housing.

[0126] exist Fig. 10D and 10E In the embodiment, the cover part and / or the bottom part of the housing can be mechanically joined. Fig. 10D In the embodiment, a flange 610 having an "L" shaped cross section is formed on the end of the side of the battery cell 550 of the housing using a clamp or other device. A cap 614 having a "C" shaped cross section is mechanically coupled to the flange 610 (e.g., from below). Fig.10E In the embodiment, a flange 630 having a "C" shaped cross section is formed on the end of the side 550 of the housing using a clamp or other device. A cap 634 having a "C" shaped cross section is mechanically coupled to the flange (e.g., from above). In some examples, caps 614 and 634 include Fig.10F The dimples 635 shown in FIG. 5 are provided to increase the cooling area.

[0127] Reference now Fig.11 and Fig.12 , showing an example of the location of the terminals and vents on the housing. Fig.11 , a housing 700 for a battery cell includes a vent 720 and terminals 712 and 714. The vent is arranged on the same side as the terminal 712. The terminals 712 and 714 are arranged on opposite sides.

[0128] The housing may have countercurrent terminals located on opposite sides of the can (e.g., the cover portion and the bottom portion). Internally, the external tabs of the cathode electrode and the anode electrode face in opposite directions. The vents may be located on the cover portion and / or the bottom portion of the housing. The electrolyte may also be filled through the cover portion and / or the bottom portion. In some examples, the battery stack is inserted through the cover portion and the cover portion is sealed. The housing is then inverted and the electrolyte is filled through the bottom. The bottom is then sealed by welding (e.g., laser welding) or mechanical bonding. The electrolyte may also be filled through a conventional electrolyte filling port, which will be sealed with a vent cap (e.g., an aluminum (Al) / steel cap). The vent cap can be bonded to the cover using laser brazing or welding.

[0129] exist Fig.12, the housing 750 of the battery cell includes a vent 720 and terminals 712 and 714. The vent 720 is arranged on the side opposite to the terminals 712 and 714. The terminals 712 and 714 are arranged on the same side. The housing has parallel terminals (e.g., the terminals are located on the same side of the can (e.g., the cover portion or the bottom portion). Internally, the external tabs for the cathode electrode and the anode electrode are located on the same side. It is noted that the external tabs can still be located on opposite sides of the housing, but the two terminals are located on one side. In some examples, the external tab arranged at the bottom of the housing contacts the housing (is conductive) and one of the terminals is connected or shorted to the housing. The vent is located on the side opposite to the side including the terminals.

[0130] Reference now Fig.13 and Fig.14 , shows an example of a cooling plate. Fig.13 In the embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 750-1, 750-2, ... and 750-B are arranged on a thermal interface material 770 and a cooling plate 774 to cool the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 750-1, 750-2, ... and 750-B. The plurality of battery cells 750-1, 750-2, ... and 750-B include terminals 762 and 764 on top surfaces opposite to the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 750-1, 750-2, ... and 750-B.

[0131] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 800-1, 800-2, ... and 800-B are arranged on a thermal interface material 770 and a cooling plate 774 to cool the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 800-1, 800-2, ... and 800-B. The plurality of battery cells 800-1, 800-2, ... and 800-B include terminals 812 and 814 on side surfaces adjacent to the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 800-1, 800-2, ... and 800-B.

[0132] Reference now Fig.15 and 16 , shows an example of the interface between the bottom of the housing 790 of the battery cell and the thermal interface material 770 and the cooling plate 774. When the bottom of the housing 790 is flat, the thermal interface material 770 and the cooling plate 774 can be flat.

[0133] exist Fig.16 In the embodiment, the housing 860 of the battery cell is not flat (e.g., mechanically bonded) and a groove is formed at 870. The thermal interface material 770 includes a portion 871 extending into the groove 870 to maintain thermal communication. The cooling plate 774 includes a protrusion 890 extending into the portion 871 and / or the groove 870.

[0134] Reference now Fig.17 and Fig.18 , shows another example of cooling of multiple battery cells. Fig.17 In the embodiment, B battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B are arranged in an array including multiple rows and multiple columns. A cooling structure 918 including a cooling plate 920 sandwiched between thermal interface materials 922 is arranged between adjacent ends 930 of battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B located in adjacent columns. In this example, the terminals are arranged on the top surfaces of the battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B.

[0135] exist Fig.18 In the example, battery cells 950-1, 950-2, ... and 950-B are arranged adjacent to each other in a single row. A cooling structure 918 (e.g., including a cooling plate 920 sandwiched between thermal interface materials 922) is arranged between the sides of adjacent battery cells in battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B. In some examples, the reinforcement portion is arranged against the thermal interface material 922. In this example, the terminals are arranged on the end surfaces of battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ... and 900-B.

[0136] The foregoing description is essentially only illustrative, and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that, without changing the principles of the present disclosure, one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously). In addition, although each of the embodiments is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with reference to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any one of the other embodiments and / or combined with the features of any one of the other embodiments, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0137] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top of," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when describing the relationship between a first and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship can be a direct relationship in which there are no other intermediate elements between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship in which there are one or more intermediate elements (spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C) using a non-exclusive logical "or," and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0138] In a diagram, the direction of an arrow, as represented by an arrow, generally indicates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest to the diagram. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information, but the information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the diagram, an arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request for the information or an acknowledgment of receipt of the information to element A.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: a tank body of the housing, said tank body comprising folded and welded metal sheets, wherein the tank body comprises a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the tank body, and wherein the can is configured to receive a battery cell stack; A cover portion of the housing is attached to the first opening of the can; and The bottom portion of the housing is attached to the second opening of the can.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell stack includes: A anode electrode; C cathode electrodes; and S spacers, where A, C and S are integers greater than 1.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The first side of the housing includes a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a first pattern.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: a second side of the housing opposite the first side of the housing including a plurality of reinforcement portions arranged in a second pattern, and The first pattern and the second pattern are different.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein: The first pattern and the second pattern are offset to allow the battery cell to be nested with one or more adjacent battery cells.

6. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of reinforcement portions include at least one of recesses and reinforcement ribs.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein: The recess has one of a rectangular cross section and an arcuate cross section.

8. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: One of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a first terminal and a second terminal connected to external tabs of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, respectively; as well as At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

9. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: The cover portion includes a first terminal connected to an external tab of the A anode electrodes; The bottom portion includes a second terminal connected to the external tabs of the C cathode electrodes; as well as At least one of the cover portion and the bottom portion includes a vent.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The side of the housing includes a reinforcing rib extending outwardly therefrom and a measuring device disposed in a volume created by the reinforcing rib.

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