Guide and method for battery cell current collector tab reinforcement

Abstract

A system for reinforcing tabs of a battery cell includes a tab guide configured to receive a plurality of tabs extending from electrode layers of a battery cell stack configured to be disposed in a housing to form a battery cell, the tab guide includes opposing guide members configured to be positioned between the battery cell stack and the solder plate, the tab guide configured to receive a plurality of tabs between the opposing guide members. The system also includes an actuator configured to be operated to move the one or more opposing guide members to deform a length of the one or more tabs between the stack of cells and the welding plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to batteries and, more particularly, to the manufacture and assembly of battery cells. Background Art

[0002] Battery cells are used in various applications, such as automotive applications (e.g., in electric and hybrid vehicles). For example, electric and hybrid vehicle battery systems include a battery module having a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may be pouch-type battery cells or other types of battery cells, and typically include multiple layers of anode material and cathode material. The anode layers are electrically connected by welding a stack of anode tabs, and the cathode layers are electrically connected by welding a stack of cathode tabs. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for consolidating a tab of a battery cell includes a tab guide configured to receive a plurality of tabs extending from an electrode layer of a battery cell stack configured to be disposed in a housing to form a battery cell, the tab guide including opposing guide members configured to be positioned between the battery cell stack and a welding plate, the tab guide configured to receive the plurality of tabs between the opposing guide members. The system also includes an actuator configured to be operated to move one or more opposing guide members to deform a length of one or more tabs between the battery cell stack and the welding plate.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the actuator is operated prior to welding the plurality of tabs to the weld plate.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the system includes a bonding device configured to engage the plurality of splices and bond the plurality of splices together to form a splice stack.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the system includes a welding apparatus configured to weld the tab stack to the welding plate.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the bonding device is movable with at least one of the opposing guide members such that the bonding device is configured to engage the plurality of tabs when one or more of the opposing guide members are moved to deform the length of one or more tabs.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the opposing guide components are configured to deform the one or more tabs of the length by imparting a curvature to the one or more tabs of the length.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the opposing guide components include a first guide component having a first member and a second guide component having a second member, the first member and the second member extending in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the one or more opposing guide components.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first member is offset from the second member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the first member and the second member includes a male end portion.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the first member and the second member includes an S-shaped end.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of reinforcing a tab of a battery cell includes obtaining a battery cell stack configured to be disposed in a housing to form a battery cell, the battery cell stack having a plurality of tabs extending from an electrode layer of the battery cell stack, and inserting the plurality of tabs through a tab guide and between opposing guide members of the tab guide, the opposing guide members being located between the battery cell stack and a welding plate. The method also includes operating an actuator to move one or more opposing guide members and deform a length of one or more tabs between the battery cell stack and the welding plate, wherein the actuator is operated before welding the plurality of tabs to the welding plate.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method includes joining the plurality of tabs via a bonding device to bond the plurality of tabs together and form a tab stack.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the method includes welding the stack of tabs to the welding plate after deforming the length of one or more tabs and after joining the plurality of tabs by the bonding apparatus.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the opposing guide components are configured to deform the one or more tabs of the length by imparting a curvature to the one or more tabs of the length.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the opposing guide components include a first guide component having a first member and a second guide component having a second member, the first member and the second member extending in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the one or more opposing guide components.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first member is offset from the second member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, at least one of the first member and the second member includes at least one of a male end and an S-shaped end.

[0020] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable memory having computer executable instructions stored thereon, the computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform operations. The operations include obtaining a battery cell stack configured to be disposed in a housing to form a battery cell, the battery cell stack having a plurality of tabs extending from an electrode layer of the battery cell stack, and inserting the plurality of tabs through a tab guide and between opposing guide members of the tab guide, the opposing guide members being located between the battery cell stack and a welding plate. The operations also include operating an actuator to move one or more opposing guide members and deform a length of one or more tabs between the battery cell stack and the welding plate, wherein the actuator is operated prior to welding the plurality of tabs to the welding plate.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, operations include engaging the plurality of tabs via a bonding device to bond the plurality of tabs together and form a tab stack.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the opposing guide components are configured to deform the one or more tabs of the length by imparting a curvature to the one or more tabs of the length.

[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Additional features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 An example of a battery cell is depicted;

[0026] Figure 2 depicts a system for manufacturing a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 depicts a pre-weld tab guide in an open position according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 Depicted is a closed or actuated position according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 Pre-welded tab guides;

[0029] Figure 5AAn example of a conventional tab guide is depicted;

[0030] Figures 5B-5D depicts an example of a pre-welded tab guide according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of reinforcing an electrode layer tab and / or manufacturing a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Fig. 7A and 7B depicts a pre-welded tab guide in an open position and a closed or actuated position according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0033] Figure 8 A computer system according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0035] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, methods, devices, and systems are provided for facilitating the attachment and electrical connection of electrodes (anodes and cathodes) in battery cells. An embodiment of a system for reinforcing and connecting portions of electrodes or electrode layers includes a tab guide configured to receive a plurality of electrode connection portions (referred to as "tabs" or "tab foils") and reinforce the tabs in preparation for welding or otherwise attaching the tabs to a welding plate, bus, connector, or other conductive component. Tabs (or portions of tabs) put together in preparation for welding are referred to as "tab stacks." The system can be part of a battery cell manufacturing system.

[0036] The tab guide includes at least one feature or component configured to deform a portion of the electrode as it is reinforced and to impart a curvature to a portion of at least one electrode. The deformation or curvature increases the length of a portion of at least some of the tabs behind the tab stack. The additional length provided by imparting the curvature acts as a stress reliever to accommodate forces applied to the tab 22 by subsequent operations. For example, the additional length provides additional tolerance when welding, which allows the tab 22 to be pulled without tearing or other damage during the welding process.

[0037] In one embodiment, the tab guide is part of a reinforcement system. The reinforcement system includes opposing members defining a gap or opening through which a set of electrode layer tabs (e.g., anode foil or cathode foil) are inserted. The reinforcement system may include a platform or other support structure that holds a welding plate, connector, or other conductive component. In use, the set of tabs is inserted through the opposing members so that a portion of each tab is aligned with a conductive component (also referred to herein as a "contact component" or "welding plate").

[0038] After the tabs are inserted, the opposing members are brought together to induce curvature in at least one or all of the tabs, or otherwise increase the length of at least one tab behind the tab stack (i.e., between the contact member and the battery cell stack). A bonding device, such as a body having a flat surface (and / or a body or device for heating the tabs in the tab stack), can engage the tab stack to bond the tab portions in the tab stack together. The tab stack can then be welded to the welding plate.

[0039] The embodiments described herein present many advantages and technical effects. These embodiments provide an improved manufacturing process that facilitates proper attachment and electrical connection of electrode tabs. For example, by providing a pre-welded tab guide as described herein, stress on the tab layers is reduced during welding. This can prevent tearing and other damage that is typically associated with existing welding processes.

[0040] For example, current tab guides are designed to gather tabs toward a central location relative to a battery cell stack using a flat tab guide. With this design, tabs that extend into the interior of the tab stack (between the outer tabs) can easily be stretched and weakened, potentially causing tearing. Embodiments address this issue by providing a pre-welded tab guide to prevent tab stretching.

[0041] Figure 1 An example of a battery cell 10 is depicted. The battery cell includes a housing, which may be a flexible housing, such as an envelope or pouch 12, which is sealed to enclose a plurality of electrodes. The pouch 12 may be an aluminum laminate foil or other suitable pouch material. The embodiments described herein are not limited to any particular type of battery cell, or any particular shape, size, or material of the electrodes and housing. For example, embodiments may be applicable to prismatic battery cells and other types of battery cells.

[0042] The battery cell 10 includes multiple layers that form a negative electrode or anode and a positive electrode or cathode. The anode is made of a conductive anode layer 14 and the cathode is made of a conductive cathode layer 16. The anode layer 14 and the cathode layer 16 are constructed as thin sheets or foils. A separator 18 made of an electrically insulating material (such as a polymer or ceramic) is disposed between each anode layer 14 and the adjacent cathode layer 16. An active material 20, such as graphite or a material containing lithium, is disposed in a soft pack 12 between the different layers. These inner layers constitute a battery cell stack 21.

[0043] Note that the number of electrodes is not limited to Figure 1 The battery cell 10 may have any number of anode layers 14 and any number of cathode layers 16. For example, the battery cell 10 may have hundreds of individual foil layers forming the electrode layers.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, each anode layer 14 includes a portion 22 that extends away from the interior of the battery cell 10 and allows each anode layer 14 to be electrically connected to another anode layer 14. The portion 22 is also referred to as a tab 22 or a connecting tab 22. Although not shown, the cathode layer 16 includes a tab so that the cathode layer 16 can be connected.

[0045] Portions (or subsets thereof) of the tabs 22 are stacked together as a tab stack 24. The portions that make up the tab stack 24 are welded together, for example, by primary ultrasonic welding. The welds may be solid-state welds formed by ultrasonic welding or fusion welds formed by laser welding, although other metal-to-metal joining methods may also be used.

[0046] The tab stack 24 is attached to a conductive member 26 that serves as a connector (e.g., by welding). The connector 26 forms a negative terminal. The cathode layer 16 can be similarly welded to a positive terminal (not shown) that extends outside the soft pack 12. The connector 26 can be configured as a welding plate and provides a contact point for welding the tab stack 24 together.

[0047] Figure 2 An example of a manufacturing system 30 for manufacturing battery cells is depicted. The manufacturing system 30 includes various manufacturing stations that can be controlled or operated by computer systems, human operators, or a combination thereof. As described herein, "station" refers to any number, combination, and layout of equipment, and is not intended to limit the manufacturing system 30 to any particular machine or combination of machines.

[0048] The manufacturing system 30 includes, for example, an active material processing station 32 for preparing active materials to be applied to the electrode layer. The system 30 may also include a coating station 34 for coating the electrode with the active material. The manufacturing system 30 also includes an electrode cutting station 36, which can be used to form electrode layers and tabs from sheets of electrode material (e.g., copper and aluminum sheets).

[0049] The system 30 also includes a stacking station 38 for forming the layers of the battery stack, and a welding station 40 for welding the electrode layer tabs. The welding station 40 may include a pre-weld tab guide as described herein in conjunction with a welding apparatus.

[0050] The system 30 may include other stations for performing subsequent processes to complete the battery cells. Examples include assembly stations 42 (eg, for pouch construction, sealing, electrolyte filling, etc.), and stations for manufacturing battery components such as battery packs and / or modules.

[0051] For example, the battery cells may be mounted in a battery assembly. A battery assembly may be a battery module having a plurality of electrically connected battery cells, such as a battery module incorporated into a vehicle (eg, an electric or hybrid vehicle) as part of a battery pack.

[0052] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of a tab connection assembly 50 is depicted that is configured to reinforce a tab stack of a battery cell and electrically connect the tab stack to a welding plate or other connector. Figure 3 The assembly 50 is shown in an open position, Figure 4 The assembly 50 is shown in an actuated or closed position.

[0053] The tab connection assembly 50 includes a pre-weld tab guide 52 having opposing guide members 54 and 56 that are activated prior to welding. The guide members 54 and / or 56 are movable relative to a conductive member such as a welding plate 58. The welding plate 58 defines a flat surface against which the inserted tabs are brought together for subsequent welding to the welding plate 58. The welding plate 58 can be any suitable conductive member or body and is not limited to any particular size or shape.

[0054] One or both of the guide components 54 and 56 include members or other features that cause portions or lengths of at least some of the tabs 22 to bend or otherwise deform behind the welding plate 58 (i.e., between the welding plate 58 and the battery cell stack 21) when the guide components 54 and 56 are brought together. In one embodiment, one or both of the guide components 54 and 56 include a protrusion or member that extends in a direction corresponding to the direction of movement of the one or more guide components when the pre-weld tab guide 52 is actuated.

[0055] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the pre-weld tab guide 52 includes a first (upper) member 60 extending in the y-direction from the guide component 54 (also referred to as the "upper guide component") to the guide component 56 (also referred to as the "lower guide component"). The lower guide component 56 includes a second (lower) member 62 extending toward the upper guide component 54. The first member 60 is offset from the second member 62 in a direction (x-direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the members extend.

[0056] The upper guide member 54 and / or the lower guide member 56 may be movable in the y-direction to actuate the tab guide 52 by moving the upper member 60 and the lower member 62 toward each other. One or both of the members 60, 62 may be moved, for example, by operating any suitable actuator 64. For example, one member may move while the other remains stationary, or both members may move simultaneously toward the center of the battery cell group (in the y-direction).

[0057] The tab connection assembly 50 also includes a bonding device 66 that is movable with one or more guide members and is configured to bond the inserted tabs 22 to form the tab stack 24 and facilitate subsequent welding to the welding plate 58. The bonding device 66 is configured to bond the tabs 22 by compression, heat, or a combination of both.

[0058] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, the bonding device 66 is a body attached to the upper guide member 54, or can be moved with the upper guide member 54 in other ways. The body includes a flat surface 68 facing the welding plate 58. The welding plate 58 can be attached to the lower guide member 56, or can be moved with it in other ways.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, when the guide members 54 and 56 are moved toward each other to reach the actuated position, the opposing members 60 and 62 form a curved or tortuous path, which increases the length of at least a portion of some of the tabs. The "portion" of the tab described herein refers to a portion of the tab extending from the battery cell stack and disposed between the battery cell stack 21 and the tab stack 24. In the actuated position, the guide members 60 and 62 impart a partial bend to at least some of the tabs 22 (including tabs within the tab stack between the outermost tabs), thereby increasing the length of at least a portion of the interior tabs. This increased length acts as a stress reliever and provides tolerance to the tabs 22 so that the tabs 22 can withstand stress without tearing during the welding process.

[0060] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the guide members 60 and 62 has a dome-shaped or convex end, which can be configured as desired (e.g., by selecting the width and / or radius of the end). The guide members 60 and 62 are not limited thereto and can have any suitable shape, size and length.

[0061] Figures 5A-5D Examples of other guide member and guide component designs are shown; Figures 5A-5D An example of an increased length of the tab portion behind the welding plate is also shown. Figure 5A An example of a conventional flat tab guide 70 is shown, which includes a bonding device 72 and a welding plate 74 .

[0062] Figures 5B-5D Examples of guide member designs are shown and the increase in length these designs impart to the tab portion is demonstrated. Figure 5B An example is shown in which the upper guide member 60 and the lower guide member 62 have complementary S-shaped ends (ie, ends that fit together when in contact with each other).

[0063] exist Figure 5C In the example of FIG. 6 , the lower guide member 62 has a domed or convex end 63. The upper guide member 60 may have a complementary concave end 61 , or have a different shape.

[0064] Figure 5D The example of FIG. 6 shows an example in which the ends 61 and 63 of the guide members 60 and 62 are offset in the x-direction. The guide member ends 61 and 63 each define a rectangular outline.

[0065] Figure 6 An embodiment of a method 80 of manufacturing a battery cell is shown. The method 80 (or portions thereof) may be performed by any suitable one or more processing devices, such as one or more controllers of the manufacturing system 30 and / or the connection system 50, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] Method 80 includes a number of steps or stages represented by blocks 81-87. Method 80 is not limited to the number or order of steps therein, as some steps represented by blocks 81-87 may be performed in an order different than described below, or fewer than all of the steps may be performed.

[0067] The method 80 is described in conjunction with forming a tab stack from anode tabs and welding the anode tabs to an anode welding plate. It should be understood that the method 80 is equally applicable to cathode tabs.

[0068] At block 81, an electrode is created or obtained, which includes an anode plate and a cathode plate made of a coated conductive material. For example, the anode plate is made of copper and the cathode plate is made of aluminum.

[0069] Anode and cathode sheets are coated, cut, trimmed and / or otherwise processed to create anode and cathode layers, and the anode and cathode layers are assembled with other layers (e.g., separator layers) to form a cell stack 21. Each anode and cathode layer has a respective tab 22 extending from the cell stack.

[0070] At frame 82 , the anode tab 22 is inserted through opposing guide features and components of the pre-weld tab guide 52 .

[0071] At block 83 , the tab guide 52 is operated, such as by moving the opposing guide members 60 and 62 toward each other, until the bonding apparatus 66 and / or the welding plate 58 engage the tab 22 .

[0072] The guide members 54 and 56 and their respective members 60 and 62 move in opposite directions and are urged toward each other. As the members 60 and 62 approach each other, portions of the tabs 22 behind the welding plate 58 (i.e., between the battery cell stack 21 and the welding plate 58) are deformed and pulled, causing a curvature to be created in at least one group of tabs 22 inside the tab stack 24 (i.e., in the middle and / or between the outer tabs). Because the tabs 22 have not yet been bonded, a single tab 22 can be pulled to form a bend without significant stretching or tensile deformation. This curvature results in an increase in the length of the tab portion between the battery cell stack 21 and the tab stack 24. When the guide members 54 and 56 are open, the increase in length acts as a stress reliever when subsequent operations (e.g., welding) apply force.

[0073] For example, Fig. 7A and 7B As shown, the tabs 22 are inserted through the tab guides 52 such that an end portion of each tab 22 extends through the guide members 60 and 62 and rests on top of the welding plate 58 . Fig. 7A The tab 22 is shown after insertion and when the tab guide 52 is in the open position.

[0074] Figure 7B The tab guide 52 is shown in a closed position. As can be seen, the members 60 and 62 induce a significant curvature behind the tab stack 24, thereby increasing the length of at least a portion of the middle tab 22.

[0075] At block 84, the tab portions forming the tab stack 24 are bonded to each other and to the welding plate 58 or other connector using suitable bonding equipment. Fig. 7A and 7B , closing of the tab guide 52 causes the bonding device 66 to compress the tab stack 24 together with the welding plate 58 .

[0076] At box 85, the tab guide is opened and the tab stack 24 is then welded to the welding plate 58. Any suitable joining or welding process may be used. During the welding process, various forces, such as pulling forces, may be exerted on the tab 22. The additional length provided by imparting curvature allows the tab 22 to be pulled without tearing.

[0077] At box 86 , additional steps are performed to complete assembly of the battery cell 10 , such as mounting welded electrodes in a housing (eg, pouch or rigid housing) with a separator layer, quality inspection, electrolyte filling, housing sealing, and the like.

[0078] At block 87 , the battery cell 10 may be installed in a battery assembly, such as a battery pack or a battery module. For example, the battery cell 10 is installed in a battery module with other battery cells, and the battery module is installed in an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0079] Note that the manufacturing system 30, connection system 50, and method 80 are not intended to limit the embodiments to any particular manufacturing process.Any suitable manufacturing system or process that includes some form of battery tab creation and electrical connection may be used.

[0080] Figure 8 Various aspects of an embodiment of a computer system 140 are shown, which can perform various aspects of the embodiments described herein. The computer system 140 includes at least one processing device 142, which typically includes one or more processors for performing various aspects of the image acquisition and analysis methods described herein.

[0081] Components of the computer system 140 include a processing device 142 (such as one or more processors or processing units), a memory 144, and a bus 146 that couples various system components including the system memory 144 to the processing device 142. The system memory 144 may include various computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that can be accessed by the processing device 142, and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, as well as removable and non-removable media.

[0082] For example, system memory 144 includes nonvolatile memory 148, such as a hard drive, and may also include volatile memory 150, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Computer system 140 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / nonvolatile computer system storage media.

[0083] The system memory 144 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein. For example, the system memory 144 stores various program modules that generally perform the functions and / or methods of the embodiments described herein. One or more modules 152 may be included to perform functions related to the preparation and insertion of the tabs described herein. One or more control modules 154 may be included to control the pre-welded tab guides. The system 140 is not limited in this regard, as other modules may be included. As used herein, the term "module" refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions.

[0084] Processing device 142 may also communicate with one or more external devices 156, which are keyboards, pointing devices, and / or any device (e.g., network cards, modems, etc.) that enables processing device 142 to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Communications with various devices may occur through input / output (I / O) interfaces 164 and 165.

[0085] The processing device 142 may also communicate with one or more networks 166, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), a bus network, and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter 168. It should be understood that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with the computer system 40. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, and data archival storage systems, etc.

[0086] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various aspects.

[0087] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0088] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the filing date of the present application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0089] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0090] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from its scope, and equivalents may be substituted for its elements. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A system for reinforcing a tab of a battery cell, comprising: a tab guide configured to receive a plurality of tabs extending from electrode layers of a battery cell stack configured to be disposed in a housing to form a battery cell, the tab guide comprising opposing guide members configured to be positioned between the battery cell stack and the welding plate, the tab guide configured to receive the plurality of tabs between the opposing guide members; and An actuator is configured to be operated to move the one or more opposing guide members to deform a length of one or more tabs between the battery cell stack and the welding plate.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is operated prior to welding the plurality of tabs to the welding plate.

3. The system according to claim 1 further includes a bonding device configured to engage the plurality of splices and bond the plurality of splices together to form a splice stack; and a welding device configured to weld the splice stack to the welding plate.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the engaging device is movable with at least one opposing guide member such that the engaging device is configured to engage the plurality of tabs when one or more opposing guide members are moved to deform the length of the one or more tabs.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the opposing guide components are configured to deform the one or more tabs of the length by imparting a curvature to the one or more tabs of the length.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the opposing guide components include a first guide component having a first member and a second guide component having a second member, the first member and the second member extending in a direction parallel to a direction of movement of the one or more opposing guide components.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first member is offset from the second member in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first member and the second member comprises a male end or an S-shaped end.

9. A method for reinforcing a tab of a battery cell, comprising: Obtaining a battery cell stack configured to be disposed in a housing to form a battery cell, the battery cell stack having a plurality of tabs extending from electrode layers of the battery cell stack; inserting a plurality of tabs through the tab guide and between opposing guide members of the tab guide, the opposing guide members being located between the battery cell stack and the welding plate; and An actuator is operated to move the one or more opposing guide members and deform a length of one or more tabs between the battery cell stack and the welding plate, wherein the actuator is operated prior to welding the plurality of tabs to the welding plate.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the opposing guide members are configured to deform the one or more tabs of the length by imparting a curvature to the one or more tabs of the length.

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