BATTERY CELL HOUSING

Abstract

A battery cell comprises a can-shaped housing made of a sheet metal part folded and welded into an open cylindrical shape. The can-shaped housing has a first and a second opening at opposite ends. The housing is designed to hold a stack of battery cells. A lid portion of the housing is attached to the first opening of the can-shaped housing. A bottom portion of the housing is attached to the second opening of the can-shaped housing.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information contained in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. Work by the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against this disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to battery cells and, more particularly, to a housing for prismatic or cylindrical battery cells.

[0003] Electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles, comprise one or more electric machines and a battery system with one or more battery cells, modules, and / or packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving. SUMMARY

[0004] A battery cell comprises a can body of a housing comprising a metal sheet folded and welded into an open cylindrical shape. The can body includes a first and a second opening at opposite ends of the can body. The can body is configured to receive a battery cell stack. A lid 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.

[0005] For 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 one.

[0006] In other features, a first side of the housing includes a plurality of stiffening sections arranged in a first pattern. A second side of the housing, opposite the first side of the housing, includes a plurality of stiffening sections 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 nesting of the battery cell with one or more adjacent battery cells. The plurality of stiffening sections include recesses and / or stiffening beads. The recesses have a rectangular or arcuate cross-section.

[0008] In other features, the lid portion or the base portion includes a first terminal and a second terminal connected to the outer tabs of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, respectively. At least one of the lid portion and the base portion includes a vent opening.

[0009] In other features, the lid portion includes a first terminal connected to the outer tabs of the A anode electrodes. The bottom portion includes a second terminal connected to the outer tabs of the C cathode electrodes. At least one of the lid portion and the bottom portion includes a vent opening.

[0010] In other features, one side of the housing includes a stiffening bead extending outwardly therefrom and a sensing device disposed within a volume created by the stiffening bead. The first pattern includes a first region and a second region. The plurality of stiffening sections 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 sheet are welded together along a non-stressed side of the can body. The base portion is attached to the can body by welding or mechanical bonding. The lid portion is attached to the can body by welding or mechanical bonding. At least one of the lid portion and the base portion includes micro-recesses. A volume created by the plurality of stiffening sections is filled with an insulating material or a thermally conductive material.

[0012] A system comprises a plurality of battery cells and a cooling plate. A thermally conductive material is disposed between the cooling plate and a first of the plurality of battery cells and a second of the plurality of battery cells.

[0013] A system comprises a plurality of battery cells. An insulating material is disposed between adjacent cells of the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] A method of manufacturing a battery cell includes using a first roll and a second roll to create a first pattern of stiffening sections and a second pattern of stiffening sections on a metal sheet, and folding the metal sheet into an open cylindrical shape to form a can body of a casing. The first pattern of stiffening sections is located on one side of the casing, and the second pattern of stiffening sections is located on another side of the casing. The method includes welding a non-stressed side of the casing, attaching a lid 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 stiffening sections includes recesses and / or stiffening beads. The first pattern of stiffening sections and the second pattern of stiffening sections are different. The first pattern of stiffening sections and the second pattern of stiffening sections are offset to enable nesting of the battery cell with one or more adjacent battery cells.

[0016] In other features, the lid portion is attached to the first opening of the housing by mechanical joining and / or welding and the bottom portion is attached to the second opening of the housing by mechanical joining and / or welding.

[0017] In other features, the lid part or the bottom part comprises a first terminal and a second terminal connected to outer tabs of A anode electrodes and C cathode electrodes, respectively, of a battery stack, and at least one of the lid part and / or the bottom part comprises a vent opening, or the lid part comprises a first terminal connected to outer tabs of the A anode electrodes or the C cathode electrodes, the bottom part comprises a second terminal connected to outer tabs of the other of the A anode electrodes or the C cathode electrodes, and at least one of the lid part and the bottom part comprises a vent opening.

[0018] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an example of a battery cell with cathode electrodes, anode electrodes and separators arranged in a battery cell housing according to the present disclosure in a cross-sectional side view, Fig. 2A shows an example of a battery cell in a perspective view, Fig. 2B shows an example of a battery cell with a pressure-assisted vent cap in a perspective view, Fig. 3A to 3F show examples of housings for battery cells with stiffening sections according to the present disclosure, each in a perspective view, Fig. 4A shows a perspective view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing casings for a battery cell according to the present disclosure, Fig. 4B is a plan view illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing the battery cell according to the present disclosure, Fig. 5A to 5E show perspective and side views illustrating an example of battery cell nesting with stiffening beads according to the present disclosure, Fig. 6A to 6C show perspective and side views illustrating the nesting of the battery cell with stiffening recesses according to the present disclosure, Fig. 7 shows a housing for a battery cell with a side surface comprising a first region with stiffening sections and a second region without stiffening sections, according to the present disclosure, in a perspective view, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show battery cells with a stiffening bead on a non-loaded side and a measuring device arranged therein, such as a reference electrode or a thermocouple according to the present disclosure, each in a perspective view, Fig. 10A to 10F show a can body which is welded and a lid part and a bottom part which are mechanically connected according to the present disclosure in perspective views and cross-sectional side views, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show housings for battery cells with a vent opening and terminals arranged on opposite sides or on the same side, according to the present disclosure, each in a perspective view, Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 show examples of a plurality of battery cells arranged on a thermally conductive material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure, each in a perspective view, Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 illustrate examples of a contact surface between the thermal interface material and the cooling plate according to the present disclosure, and Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 show examples of a plurality of battery cells and a thermal interface material and a cooling plate according to the present disclosure, each in a perspective view.

[0020] Reference symbols may be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Although battery cells according to the present disclosure are shown in the context of electric vehicles, the battery cells may also be used in stationary applications and / or other applications.

[0022] The battery cells comprise a battery stack arranged within a battery casing. The battery casings may have form factor limitations during manufacturing through processes such as extrusion, stamping, and / or drawing. These manufacturing processes may also limit the location of the battery terminals on the battery casing. The battery casing must have sufficient strength to accommodate the swelling of the battery stack during battery cell cycling. The battery casing must also withstand high temperatures during thermal events that could result in significant heating and / or melting of the battery casing.

[0023] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a battery casing for prismatic or cylindrical battery cells. The battery casing comprises a can body, a lid portion, and a base portion.

[0024] In some examples, the can body of the battery casing is constructed from sheet metal. Using the manufacturing methods described below, the battery casing can be manufactured in any form factor without limitations on length, width, or height. In some examples, stiffening sections, such as ridges or depressions, are formed in a sheet metal to increase rigidity and / or to counteract outward bulging of the can body due to internal pressure within the battery cell during operation. For example, pressure within the battery cell casing increases due to pressure buildup as the electrodes expand during cycling and / or due to the buildup of vent gases resulting from thermal events such as thermal runaway.

[0025] In some examples, the can body is constructed of steel, which has greater strength and rigidity than aluminum. The melting point of steel is higher than the expected temperature of the burning gases within the battery case during thermal runaway. Steel battery cases can also be manufactured with thinner walls compared to aluminum, saving space and resulting in an overall shorter battery pack. In some examples, the battery case includes a stiffening bead on a non-loaded narrow side of the battery case. The internal volume of the stiffening bead houses a device such as a sensor, reference electrode, thermocouple, or other sensor.

[0026] With reference now to Fig. 1, a battery cell 10 comprises C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32, which are arranged in a predetermined order in a stack 12 located in a housing 50. The C cathode electrodes 20-1, 20-2, ... and 20-C (where C is an integer greater than one) comprise cathode active layers 24 arranged on one or both sides of cathode current collectors 26. The A anode electrodes 40-1, 40-2, ... and 40-A (where A is an integer greater than one) comprise anode active layers 42 arranged on one or both sides of the anode current collectors 46.

[0027] In some examples, the anode active layers 42 and / or the cathode active layers 24 are freestanding electrodes disposed adjacent to (or attached to) the current collectors. In some examples, the anode active layers 42 and / or the cathode active layers 24 include coatings comprising one or more active materials, one or more conductive fillers / additives, and / or one or more binders. In some examples, the battery cells and / or electrodes are manufactured by immersing the current collector in molten metal (such as lithium or a lithium alloy) or applying a slurry to coat the current collectors in a roll-to-roll process. In some examples, the cathode current collectors 26 and / or the anode current collectors 46 include a foil layer.

[0028] In some examples, the current collectors are made of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of copper, stainless steel, brass, bronze, zinc, aluminum, and / or their alloys. In some examples, the outer tabs connected to the current collectors of the anode electrodes and cathode electrodes are located on opposite sides of the battery stack (as in Fig. 1) or on the same side of the battery stack as shown below.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, a battery cell 58 includes a housing 60. In some examples, the housing 60 has a rectangular cross-section in the x-, y-, and z-axis planes. The housing 60 includes a can body 61 having sides 80 and sides 82 forming an open rectangular prism or an open rectangular cube. In some examples, the sides 80 have a lesser width than the sides 82.

[0030] A lid portion 84 and a bottom portion 86 are attached to the can body 61 to enclose the top and bottom openings of the can body 61, respectively. The battery cell 58 includes external terminals 62 and 64 that pass through the lid portion 84. The stack 12 of the C cathode electrodes 20, the A anode electrodes 40, and the S separators 32 is arranged in the housing 60.

[0031] The outer terminals 62 and 64 are connected to the outer tabs of the A anode electrodes 40 and the C cathode electrodes 20, respectively. Fig. 2A, the cover portion 84 does not include a pressure-assisted vent cap. In Fig. 2B, the lid portion 84 (and / or the base portion 86) includes a pressure-assisted vent cap 66. The pressure-assisted vent cap 66 is configured to release vent gases when the pressure within the inner housing is greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0032] The battery cells in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B are shown with a typical form factor, but any form factor in the x-, y-, and z-axis planes can be manufactured using the manufacturing method according to the present disclosure. Alternatively, a cylindrical battery cell format can be used. Referring now to Fig. 3A through 3F, a battery cell 94 includes a housing 96 having one or more side surfaces 128 that include a plurality of stiffening portions 122. While the stiffening portions 122 include recesses, the stiffening portions 122 may also have other shapes, such as ridges or other shapes. In some examples, the recesses have a rectangular, hemispherical, or arcuate shape.

[0033] In some examples, the stiffening sections 122 are arranged in a predetermined pattern 120 on the side surface 128 of the battery cell 94. In some examples, the stiffening sections 122 are arranged on the largest surfaces of the housing 96. In some examples, two or more side surfaces of the battery cell 94 have the same pattern of stiffening sections 122. In other examples, the opposite side surfaces of the battery cell 94 have different patterns of stiffening sections 122.

[0034] In Fig. 3A, the stiffening sections 122 comprise recesses that extend outwardly from the side surface 128 of the housing 96. In Fig. 3B, the stiffening sections 122 are arranged in a first predetermined pattern 120-1 on one of the side surfaces 128 of the housing 96. In Fig. 3C, the stiffening sections 122 are arranged in a second predetermined pattern 120-1 on an opposite one of the side surfaces 128 of the housing 96. In some examples where two or more of the battery cells 94 are arranged adjacent to each other, the stiffening sections 122 of the facing side surfaces of the adjacent battery cells are offset to allow for nesting. In some examples, a thermal barrier layer or thermal interface material and a cold plate are arranged between adjacent battery cells.

[0035] In Fig. 3D to 3F, the stiffening sections 122 comprise stiffening beads or ribs that have a rectangular cross-section and extend vertically or horizontally along one or more of the side surfaces. The stiffening sections 122 are arranged in a first predetermined pattern 120-3 on one side of the battery cell 94 and a second predetermined pattern 120-4 on an opposite side surface of the battery cell 94.

[0036] In some examples, the first predetermined pattern and the second predetermined pattern are identical. In other examples, the stiffening portions of the first predetermined pattern and the second predetermined pattern are different. For example, the stiffening portions on one side are complementary to allow for nesting or overlapping to minimize space requirements (e.g., offset relative to the stiffening portions on the opposite side). In other words, adjacent cells of the battery cells may be arranged in close proximity (e.g., the stiffening portions are arranged in a nested pattern when aligned and / or positioned adjacent to each other).

[0037] In some examples, a backside volume created by the stiffening sections is filled with a material to achieve a smooth surface. In some examples, the material comprises an insulating material or a thermally conductive material. In other examples, the material comprises a first inhibiting material such as sodium bicarbonate.

[0038] With reference now to Fig. 4A and Fig. Figure 4B shows an example of the manufacturing of a battery cell. Fig. 4A, a metal sheet 214 is pressed between the first roller 220 and the second roller 222. In some examples, the metal sheet 214 is made of steel with a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. In some examples, the metal sheet 214 is made of steel with a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0039] In some examples, an insulating layer 216 is applied to one or both surfaces of the metal sheet 214 by rollers 217 and 219. In some examples, the insulating layer 216 comprises a polymer film, such as polypropylene (PP), disposed on an inner surface of the housing to insulate the housing (rather than using an insulating layer around the battery stack). In other examples, the insulating layer comprises a coating sprayed onto the metal sheet 214.

[0040] The first roller 220 includes a first and a second set of male protrusions 224 that correspond to the positions of the stiffening sections of the first and second predetermined patterns. In some examples, the stiffening sections have a height in the range of 0.05 mm to less than 1 mm. Gaps 226 are located between the first and second sets of male protrusions 224.

[0041] The second roller 222 includes first and second sets of female cavities 228 that are aligned with and correspond to the positions of the first and second predetermined sets of male projections 224. Gaps 229 (corresponding, for example, to areas without stiffening sections, such as the non-loaded sides of the housing) are located between the first and second sets of female cavities 228. The first and second sets of male projections 224 press the metal sheet 214 into the first and second sets of female cavities 228 to form the stiffening sections 240. After passing through the first roller 220 and the second roller 222, the metal sheet 214 is cut to length at 244.

[0042] It should be noted that the circumference of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 may be equal to the length of a blank for the housing (or multiples thereof). The outer surface of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 may include patterns for N of the housings, where N is an integer. Fig. 4A, N = 1. The circumference of the first roller 220 and the second roller 222 increases with N.

[0043] In Fig. 4B shows a metal sheet 310 (e.g., cut from metal sheet 214) corresponding to a housing 330 for a battery cell. The metal sheet 310 is shown with fold lines 370 defining the sides 320, 322, 324, and 326 of the housing 330. During manufacture, the metal sheet 310 is folded along the fold lines 370 and then welded to form a can body of the housing 330.

[0044] With reference now to Fig. 5A to 5C, an example of a battery cell 400 with stiffening beads 416 and 418 is shown. In Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B, the stiffening beads 416 and 418 are arranged offset from one another on the opposite sides 410 and 412, respectively, in order to allow nesting of the stiffening beads of adjacent battery cells 400-1, 400-2, ... and 400-C, as in Fig. 5C, which reduces the space requirement.

[0045] In Fig. 5D, an insulating layer 401 is disposed between the loaded sides of adjacent battery cells. In some examples, the insulating layer 401 is compressed and deformed around the stiffening beads 416 and 418. In some examples, the insulating layer 401 has a thickness in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm. In some examples, the insulating layer 401 has a thickness in the range of 3 mm to 4 mm. In some examples, the insulating layer 401 comprises silica aerogel.

[0046] In Fig. 5E, a thermal interface material 403 is disposed on loaded sides of the adjacent battery cells, and a cooling plate 405 is disposed between the thermal interface material 403. In some examples, the thermal interface material 403 is compressed and deformed around the stiffening beads 416 and 418. In some examples, the thermal interface material 403 has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm (e.g., 1 mm).

[0047] With reference now to Fig. 6A to 6C, an example of a battery cell 450 with stiffening recesses 466 and 468 is shown. In Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the stiffening recesses 466 and 468 are arranged offset from one another on the opposite sides 460 and 462, respectively, in order to allow nesting of the stiffening recesses of adjacent battery cells 450-1, 450-2, ... and 450-C, as in Fig. 6C, which reduces the space requirement. Thermal insulation layers or thermal interface materials and cooling plates can be used (e.g., similar to Fig. 5D and Fig. 5E).

[0048] With reference now to Fig. 7, a 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., within the peripheral region 516). The central region 530 of the side surface 510 of the battery housing is typically the hottest spot when thermal runaway occurs. In some examples, stiffening sections are omitted in areas of the housing that tend to be hotter, such as the central region 530 of the sides 510. The stiffening sections 518 and 520 are disposed in the peripheral region 516 (while the central region 530 does not include any stiffening sections).

[0049] The battery case in Fig. 7 helps limit heat transfer or spread between adjacent battery cells. There are no ridges or depressions in the central region 530, where one or both adjacent battery cells are hottest. In some examples, thermal insulation material or thermal interface material and a cold plate (see below) are disposed between the central regions 530 of the adjacent battery cells.

[0050] With reference now to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, examples of battery cells 550 and 580 with stiffening beads 560 and 584, respectively, on a non-loaded side surface are shown. The stiffening beads 560 and 584 extend outward from the housing along the non-loaded surface of the battery cell. The volume created by the stiffening beads 560 and 584 can be used for devices 561 and 585, respectively. In some examples, the devices 561 and 585 (such as a reference electrode, a thermocouple, a sensor, or other device) are disposed within a volume created by the stiffening beads 560 and 584. The reference electrode, for example, provides a constant electrode reference that can be used to analyze the potentials of the other electrodes in the battery cell. In some examples, the reference electrode comprises a silver (Ag) and silver chloride (AgCl) reference electrode.

[0051] With reference now to Fig. 10A to 10F, a housing for a battery cell is welded along one side (e.g., a non-loaded side such as the side opposite the side with the stiffening beads 560 and / or 584). In Fig. 10A, a weld 590 connects the opposite sides 592 and 594. In Fig. 10B, a weld 590-1 comprises a butt weld. In Fig. 10C, a weld 590-2 includes a lap weld. In some examples, weld 590 includes a laser weld, but other welding types may be used.

[0052] For reference, the internal design pressure of an aerosol can is 1.7 MPa, which is below 1.4 MPa, which is the maximum design pressure for battery cell casings. The aerosol can is made of 0.2 mm thick steel. The body of the aerosol can is welded, and the lid and / or base are mechanically joined (e.g., by double folding and / or crimping) to create a hermetically sealed enclosure.

[0053] In Fig. 10D and Fig. 10E, the cover part and / or the base part of the housing can be mechanically connected. In Fig. 10D, a flange 610 with an "L"-shaped cross-section is formed at the ends of the sides of the battery cells 550 of the housing using a bracket or other device. A cap 614 with a "C"-shaped cross-section is mechanically connected to the flange 610 (e.g., from below). Fig. 10E, a flange 630 with a "C"-shaped cross-section is formed at the ends of the sides 550 of the housing using a fixture or other device. A cap 634 with a "C"-shaped cross-section is mechanically connected to the flange (e.g., from above). In some examples, the caps 614 and 634 include micro-recesses 635, as shown in Fig. 10F to increase the cooling surface.

[0054] With reference now to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shows examples of the arrangement of connections and vents on the housing. In Fig. 11, a housing 700 for a battery cell includes a vent opening 720 and terminals 712 and 714. The vent opening is located on the same side as terminal 712. Terminals 712 and 714 are located on opposite sides.

[0055] The housing may have countercurrent ports located on opposite sides of the can body (e.g., the lid and the base). The outer tabs of the cathode and anode electrodes face in opposite directions. The vent opening may be located on either the lid and / or the base of the housing. The electrolyte may also be filled through the lid and / or the base. In some examples, the battery pack is inserted through the lid and the lid is sealed. The housing is then turned over, and the electrolyte is filled through the base. The base is then sealed by welding (e.g., laser welding) or mechanical bonding. The electrolyte may also be filled through a conventional electrolyte fill opening sealed with a vent cap (e.g., a cap made of aluminum (Al) and steel).The vent cap can be connected to the lid by laser soldering or welding.

[0056] In Fig. 12, a housing 750 for a battery cell includes a vent 720 and terminals 712 and 714. The vent 720 is located on the opposite side of terminals 712 and 714. Terminals 712 and 714 are located on the same side. The housing has DC terminals (e.g., the terminals are located on the same side of the can (e.g., either on the lid or on the bottom)). The outer tabs of the cathode electrode and the anode electrode are located on the same side. It should be noted that the outer tabs may still be on opposite sides of the housing, but the two terminals are on one side. In some examples, outer tabs located on the bottom of the housing touch the housing (which is conductive), and one of the terminals is connected or shorted to the housing.The vent hole is located on the side opposite the side with the connections.

[0057] With reference now to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shows examples of cooling plates. In Fig. 13, 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 the top surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 750-1, 750-2, ..., and 750-B opposite the bottom surfaces.

[0058] In Fig. 14, a plurality of battery cells 800-1, 800-2, ..., and 800-B are disposed on the thermal interface material 770 and the 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 the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 800-1, 800-2, ..., and 800-B adjacent to the bottom surfaces.

[0059] With reference now to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shows examples of a contact surface between a bottom of the battery cell housing 790 and the thermal interface material 770, as well as the cooling plate 774. If the bottom of the housing 790 is flat, the thermal interface material 770 and the cooling plate 774 may be flat.

[0060] In Fig. 16, a battery cell housing 860 is not planar (e.g., mechanically connected) and forms a recess at 870. The thermal interface material 770 includes portions 871 that extend into the recesses 870 to maintain thermal communication. The cooling plate 774 includes a protrusion 890 that extends into the portions 871 and / or into the recesses 870.

[0061] With reference now to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 shows further examples of cooling a variety of battery cells. In Fig. 17, B battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ..., and 900-B are arranged in an array having a plurality of horizontal rows and a plurality of vertical rows. A cooling structure 918 having a cooling plate 920 sandwiched between the thermally conductive material 922 is disposed between adjacent ends 930 of the battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ..., and 900-B located in adjacent vertical rows. In this example, the terminals are arranged on a top surface of the battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ..., and 900-B.

[0062] In Fig.18, battery cells 950-1, 950-2, ..., and 950-B are arranged adjacent to one another in a single row. The cooling structure 918 (e.g., including the cooling plate 920 sandwiched between the thermal interface material 922) is disposed between the sides of adjacent battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ..., and 900-B. In some examples, the stiffening portions are disposed on the thermal interface material 922. In this example, the terminals are disposed on one end side of the battery cells 900-1, 900-2, ..., and 900-B.

[0063] The above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses in any way. The broad teachings of the disclosure may be embodied in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be limited thereto, since other changes will become apparent after studying the drawings, the patent specification, and the following claims. It is understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of the present disclosure.Furthermore, although the embodiments are each described above as having specific features, any one or more of these features described with respect to one embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented and / or combined with features of any of the other embodiments, even if this combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and interchange of one or more embodiments remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0064] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaging," "coupled," "adjacent," "beside," "on top of," "over," "below," and "disposed." If a relationship between first and second elements is not explicitly described as "direct" in the above disclosure, that relationship may be a direct relationship, with no other intervening elements between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship, with one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) between the first and second elements.As used herein, the term “A, B and / or C” should be construed as logical (A ORed with B ORed with C) using a non-exclusive logical OR and should not be understood as “at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C”.

[0065] In the figures, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by the arrowhead, generally illustrates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, if element A and element B exchange a lot of information, but the information passed from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is passed from element B to element A. Furthermore, for information being sent from element A to element B, element B may send requests for or acknowledgments of receipt of the information to element A.

Claims

[1] Battery cell, comprising: a can body of a housing comprising a folded and welded metal sheet, wherein the can body comprises a first opening and a second opening at opposite ends of the can body and wherein the can body is designed to accommodate a battery cell stack, a lid part of the housing which is attached to the first opening of the can body, and a base part of the housing which is attached to the second opening of the can body. [2] The battery cell of claim 1, wherein the battery cell stack comprises: A anode electrodes, C cathode electrodes and S separators, where A, C and S are integers greater than one. [3] The battery cell of claim 1, wherein a first side of the housing comprises a plurality of stiffening sections arranged in a first pattern. [4] Battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: a second side of the housing, opposite the first side of the housing, comprising a plurality of stiffening sections arranged in a second pattern, and the first pattern and the second pattern are different. [5] The battery cell of claim 4, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are offset to enable nesting of the battery cell with one or more adjacent battery cells. [6] Battery cell according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of stiffening sections comprise depressions and / or stiffening beads. [7] Battery cell according to claim 6, wherein the recesses have a rectangular or an arcuate cross-section. [8] Battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: the cover part or the base part comprises a first terminal and a second terminal connected to the outer tabs of the A anode electrodes and the C cathode electrodes, respectively, and at least one of the lid part and the base part comprises a vent opening. [9] Battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: the cover part comprises a first terminal which is connected to the outer tabs of the A anode electrodes, the bottom part comprises a second terminal connected to the outer tabs of the C cathode electrodes, and at least one of the lid part and the base part comprises a vent opening. [10] The battery cell of claim 1, wherein one side of the housing includes a stiffening bead extending outwardly therefrom and a measuring device disposed in a volume created by the stiffening bead.

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