Patent ID: 7438989
Filing Date: 2008-10-21
Classification: B60K,H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A flat cell, comprising: a power-generating element which includes a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator provided between the positive and negative plates; a sheath member, the sheath member including an upper sheath member and a lower sheath member, wherein the sheath member envelopes the power-generating element, the upper sheath member including a flat wall in a portion parallel to a long axis of the power-generating element and an inclined wall extending generally away from the flat wall generally towards an outer periphery of the sheath member; and positive and negative terminals connected to the power-generating element through a plurality of collectors and extended from the outer periphery of the sheath member, wherein a first internal pressure inside the sheath member is present due to evacuation inside the sheath member, the first internal pressure being sufficient to force the inclined wall to be continuously smoothly convexly curved relative to an inside of the cell as opposed to a relaxed state of the inclined wall which is a state in which the inclined wall extends substantially linearly at an oblique angle relative to a surface of one of the terminals.