Terminal assembly AMD battery cell comprising the same
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250023463
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
Smart Images
Figure PAT00005_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal assembly and a battery cell including the same. Background Technology
[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.
[0004] The trend in the technological development of rechargeable batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of rechargeable batteries is critical as it is directly linked to the lives of passengers. The safety of rechargeable batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, the reliability of electrical insulation, and the delay of heat transfer in the event of a thermal runaway event. The problem to be solved
[0006] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a terminal assembly with improved performance and reliability.
[0007] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery cell with improved performance and reliability.
[0008] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery cell assembly with improved performance and reliability.
[0009] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack with improved performance and reliability. means of solving the problem
[0011] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a terminal assembly may be provided. The terminal assembly comprises: a housing arranged in the X direction with respect to an electrode assembly; a busbar received in the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a terminal coupled to the housing, wherein the housing comprises a first portion coupled to the terminal; and a second portion between the first portion and the electrode assembly, and the outer surface of the second portion may include a portion recessed toward the inner surface.
[0012] In one embodiment, the second part comprises a first sub-part, a second sub-part, and a third sub-part arranged sequentially in the X direction, wherein the first sub-part has a first perimeter, which is a first outer circumference in a plane intersecting the X direction, the second sub-part has a second perimeter, which is a second outer circumference in a plane intersecting the X direction, and the third sub-part has a third perimeter, which is a third outer circumference in a plane intersecting the X direction, and the second perimeter may be smaller than the first perimeter and the third perimeter.
[0013] In one embodiment, the third sub-part is located between the first sub-part and the electrode assembly, and the third perimeter may be smaller than the first perimeter.
[0014] In one embodiment, the second part includes a first sub-part, a second sub-part, and a third sub-part arranged sequentially in the X direction, and the distance from the outer surface of the second sub-part to the inner surface may be smaller than the distance from the outer surface of the first sub-part to the inner surface and the distance from the outer surface of the third sub-part to the inner surface.
[0015] In one embodiment, the third sub-part is located between the first sub-part and the electrode assembly, and the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part may be smaller than the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part.
[0016] In one embodiment, the recessed portion of the outer surface of the second portion may extend along the outer surface of the second portion in the Y direction and the Z direction intersecting the X direction.
[0017] In one embodiment, the first portion includes a hole penetrated by the terminal, and the second portion may surround the busbar in the Y and Z directions intersecting the X direction.
[0018] In one embodiment, a spacer between the electrode assembly and the housing may be further included.
[0019] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell may be provided. The battery cell comprises: an electrode assembly including an electrode terminal; a terminal assembly connected to the electrode assembly on one side in the X direction of the electrode assembly; and a cell case that encloses the electrode assembly and the terminal assembly in a Y direction intersecting the X direction, wherein the terminal assembly comprises: a housing arranged in the X direction with respect to the electrode assembly; a bus bar received in the housing and electrically connected to the electrode terminal; and a terminal coupled to the housing and electrically connected to the bus bar, wherein the housing comprises a first portion coupled to the terminal and a second portion between the first portion and the electrode assembly, wherein the first portion overlaps with the cell case in the X direction, and the outer surface of the second portion includes a recessed portion facing the inner surface, and the recessed portion may overlap with the cell case in the Y direction.
[0020] In one embodiment, the second part includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part between the first sub-part and the electrode assembly, the circumference of the outer surface of the second sub-part is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the first sub-part, the cell case overlaps with the first sub-part in the X direction, the cell case does not overlap with the first sub-part in the Y direction, and the cell case may overlap with the second sub-part in the Y direction.
[0021] In one embodiment, the second part includes a third sub-part between the second sub-part and the electrode assembly, the circumference of the outer surface of the second sub-part is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the third sub-part, and the cell case can overlap with the third sub-part in the Y direction.
[0022] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the second sub-part may be spaced apart from the cell case.
[0023] In one embodiment, the second part includes a third sub-part between the second sub-part and the electrode assembly, and the outer surface of the third sub-part may be in contact with the cell case. Effects of the invention
[0025] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the housing of a terminal assembly may include a recessed portion on its outer surface. The recessed portion provides a space to avoid a polymer material, thereby making the external dimensions of the battery cell uniform. Additionally, the recessed portion forms a step on the outer surface of the housing, thereby guiding the position of the cell case.
[0026] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a terminal assembly with improved performance and reliability can be provided.
[0027] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell with improved performance and reliability can be provided.
[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell assembly with improved performance and reliability can be provided.
[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack with improved performance and reliability can be provided.
[0030] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a terminal assembly of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a housing of a terminal assembly according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of a terminal assembly according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a housing of a terminal assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing of a terminal assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the housing of a terminal assembly according to exemplary embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a battery pack including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.
[0034] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.
[0035] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.
[0036] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.
[0038] (1st embodiment)
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell (100) viewed from a different direction than FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a terminal assembly (120) of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery cell (100) may include electrode assemblies (110), terminal assemblies (120), and a cell case (130). The battery cell (100) may further include an electrolyte within the cell case (130).
[0044] In the embodiments, the terminal assembly (120) may be arranged in the X direction with respect to the electrode assemblies (110). The cell case (130) may surround the electrode assemblies (110) and the terminal assembly (120) in the Y direction and the Z direction. In this specification, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may intersect each other.
[0045] In the embodiments, the terminal assembly (120) may be placed on both sides of the electrode assemblies (110). Specifically, the terminal assembly (120) may be placed on both sides of the electrode assemblies (110) in the X direction.
[0046] In the embodiments, the electrode assemblies (110) may include one or more electrode assemblies (111, 112) arranged in the Y direction. For example, the electrode assemblies (110) may include a first electrode assembly (111) and a second electrode assembly (112) arranged sequentially in the Y direction.
[0047] In the embodiments, each of the electrode assemblies (110) may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. A jelly-roll type electrode assembly may include a wound structure of an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between them. A stack type electrode assembly may include a plurality of anodes, a plurality of cathodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them that are sequentially stacked.
[0048] In the embodiments, each of the electrode assemblies (110) may include an electrode terminal (110T). Specifically, each of the electrode assemblies (110) may include an electrode terminal (110T) on one side in the X direction. For example, the first electrode assembly (111) may include a first electrode terminal (111T) protruding in the X direction. The second electrode assembly (112) may include a second electrode terminal (112T) protruding in the X direction.
[0049] In this embodiment, the terminal assembly (120) is positioned on both sides of the electrode assemblies (110) by exemplifying the case where the electrode terminals (110T) of the electrode assemblies (110) are formed in both directions, or the terminal assembly (120) may be positioned on only one side of the electrode assemblies (110) when the electrode terminals (110T) of the electrode assemblies (110) are formed in only one direction.
[0050] Each of the electrode assemblies (110) may be surrounded by a separating sheet. The electrode assemblies (110) may be secured to each other by the separating sheet. Accordingly, a short circuit between the electrode assemblies (110) due to direct contact between the electrode assemblies (110) may be prevented. The separating sheet may include a Solid Resin Separator (SRS), but is not limited thereto.
[0051] Referring together with FIG. 4, the terminal assembly (120) may include a spacer (121), a busbar (123), a plate (124), a housing (125), a terminal (127), and a gasket (129).
[0052] In the embodiments, the spacer (121) may be interposed between the electrode assemblies (110) and the housing (125). The spacer (121) may be composed of a first part (121_1) and a second part (121_2). The first part (121_1) and the second part (121_2) may be arranged in the Y direction. The first part (121_1) and the second part (121_2) may be in contact with each other. The first part (121_1) and the second part (121_2) may be symmetrical. The spacer (121) may include protrusions (121_1P, 121_2P). The first part (121_1) of the spacer (121) may include protrusions (121_1P). The second part (121_2) of the spacer (121) may include a protrusion (121_2P). The housing (125) may be joined to the spacer (121) by the protrusion (121_1P, 121_2P). The housing (125) may be reinforced with rigidity by the spacer (121).
[0053] In the embodiments, a receiving space (122) may be defined by a first part (121_1) and a second part (121_2) of a spacer (121). Electrode terminals (110T) of electrode assemblies (110) may be received in the receiving space (122). Specifically, a first electrode terminal (111T) of a first electrode assembly (111) and a second electrode terminal (112T) of a second electrode assembly (112) may be inserted into the receiving space (122). The first electrode terminal (111T) and the second electrode terminal (112T) may be folded to fit the shape of the receiving space (122), as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.
[0054] The shape of the spacer (121) is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The spacer (121) may be varied depending on the size of the electrode assemblies (110), the position of the electrode terminals (111T, 112T), or the shape of the housing (125), etc.
[0055] In the embodiments, the busbar (123) includes a portion disposed between the spacer (121) and the housing (125) and can be accommodated in the housing (125). The busbar (123) can be covered by the housing (125).
[0056] In the embodiments, the busbar (123) may be coupled to the electrode terminals of the electrode assemblies (110). For example, the first electrode terminal (111T) of the first electrode assembly (111) and the second electrode terminal (112T) of the second electrode assembly (112) may be welded to the busbar (123). The busbar (123) may comprise a conductive material. For example, the busbar (123) may be electrically connected to the electrode terminals of the electrode assemblies (110). The busbar (123) may comprise a metal, for example, aluminum.
[0057] In the embodiments, the busbar (123) may include a plurality of metal layers. Each of the plurality of metal layers may include aluminum. The busbar (123) may be flexible and may include a curved shape. The busbar (123) may have a corrugated structure. The busbar (123) may include a portion having a Z shape. The busbar (123) may include a folding gap (123G) that overlaps in the X direction. The busbar (123) may include holes (123H), and the holes (123H) may be penetrated by terminals (127). However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto.
[0058] In the embodiments, the plates (124) may be placed between the folding gaps (123G) of the busbar (123). Each of the plates (124) may include a hole (124H). The hole (124H) of each of the plates (124) may be aligned in the X direction with the holes (123H) of the busbar (123). Each of the plates (124) may be made of the same material as the busbar (123).
[0059] For example, each of the plates (124) may have a square shape. The width of each of the plates (124) may be greater than the width (or diameter) of each of the holes (123H) of the busbar (123), thereby preventing separation between the busbar (123) and the terminal (127).
[0060] For example, the width (or diameter) of each hole (124H) of the plates (124) may differ from the width (or diameter) of the holes (123H) of the busbar (123). The width (or diameter) of each hole (124H) of the plates (124) may be smaller than the width (or diameter) of the holes (123H) of the busbar (123).
[0061] In the embodiments, the housing (125) may include an inner housing (not shown) and an outer housing (not shown). The inner housing may include a material having high rigidity. The inner housing may include a metal, for example, aluminum. The outer housing may include an insulating material. The outer housing may include, for example, polyphthalamide resin and a thermoplastic material. The outer housing may include any one of polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide polyamide, polyetheretherketone, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polysulfone, liquid crystal polymer, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyetherimide. The housing (125) may be provided by insert injection of the inner housing. Accordingly, the inner housing may not be exposed to the outside of the outer housing.
[0062] In the embodiments, the housing (125) may be coupled with the terminal (127). The housing (125) may include holes (125H) that are penetrated by the terminal (127). The busbar (123) is accommodated inside the housing (125), and the holes (123H) of the busbar (123) may each be aligned in the X direction with the holes (125H) of the housing (125).
[0063] In the embodiments, each terminal (127) may include a cylindrical portion (127S) and a contact portion (127C). The contact portion (127C) of each terminal (127) may protrude outside the housing (125). Accordingly, the contact portion (127C) may provide an electrical path between an external electrical element and the battery cell (100). The cylindrical portion (127S) of each terminal (127) may penetrate a corresponding hole (125H) of the housing (125), a hole (124H) of the plates (124), and a corresponding hole (123H) of the bus bar (123). The cylindrical portion (127S) of each terminal (127) may be inserted into a corresponding hole (123H) of the bus bar (123). The terminal (127) can be riveted, and accordingly, the busbar (123), plates (124), housing (125), and terminal (127) can be fixed.
[0064] In the embodiments, each terminal (127) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assemblies (110). According to exemplary embodiments, each terminal (127) may be a positive terminal of the battery cell (100), but is not limited thereto. Each terminal (127) may also be a negative terminal of the battery cell (100).
[0065] In the embodiments, each terminal (127) may be spaced apart from the busbar (123) with a plate (124) in between. Specifically, the plate (124) may be attached to the cylindrical portion (127S) of the terminal (127). The plate (124) may come into contact with the terminal (127) and the busbar (123), thereby providing an electrical connection between the busbar (123) and the terminal (127). In other embodiments, the terminal (127) may come into direct contact with the busbar (123).
[0066] In the embodiments, a gasket (129) may be provided between the terminal (127) and the housing (125). The gasket (129) may be compressed between the terminal (127) and the housing (125). The gasket (129) may seal the hole (125H) of the housing (125). The gasket (129) may provide insulation and liquid sealing to the terminal (127). The gasket (129) may comprise any one of rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, silicone, Teflon, polyamide, and fiber-reinforced plastic, but is not limited thereto.
[0067] In the embodiments, the gasket (129) may have a shape complementary to the shape of the terminal (127). The gasket (129) may include a hole (129H) that is penetrated by the cylindrical portion (127S) of the terminal (127). The hole (129H) of the gasket (129) may be aligned in the X direction with a corresponding hole (125H) of the housing (125). The gasket (129) may include a portion disposed within each of the holes (123H) of the busbar (123) and each of the holes (125H) of the housing (125).
[0068] In the embodiments, the terminal assembly (120) is illustrated as having two terminals (127), but the number of terminals (127) may not be limited thereto. In other embodiments, the terminal assembly (120) may include one terminal. Corresponding to the number of terminals, the terminal assembly (120) may include a busbar (123) having one hole, a housing (125) having one hole, and a gasket (129). According to other embodiments, the terminal assembly (120) may include three or more terminals. Corresponding to the number of terminals, the number of holes in the busbar (123), the number of holes in the housing (125), and the number of gaskets (129) may also increase. When the terminal assembly (120) includes multiple terminals, the magnitude of the voltage supplied to each terminal may be the same.
[0069] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the cell case (130) can surround the electrode assemblies (110) and the terminal assembly (120). The cell case (130) can surround the electrode assemblies (110) and the terminal assembly (120) in the Y direction and the Z direction.
[0070] Specifically, the cell case (130) may be a pouch case comprising an aluminum laminate sheet. The cell case (130) may include an inner resin layer, a metal layer, and an outer resin layer. The inner resin layer may have heat-sealability, thereby enabling sealing of the cell case (130). The inner resin layer may include, for example, a polyolefin-based material. The metal layer may include any one of an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, and manganese, an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel, and aluminum.
[0071] In the embodiments, the cell case (130) may surround the housing (125). According to exemplary embodiments, the housing (125) may be made of PPA resin, etc., so that the housing (125) and the cell case (130) can be directly heat-fused. That is, additional processes such as additional application of PPA and / or surface treatment for the heat-fusion of the housing (125) and the cell case (130) may be omitted.
[0073] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a housing (125) of a terminal assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing (125) of a terminal assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line I-I of FIG. 5.
[0075] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating the housing (125) of a terminal assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the EX1 area of FIG. 6.
[0076] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a housing (125) of a terminal assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 5.
[0077] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the housing (125) of a terminal assembly (120) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows the outer peripheries of sub-parts of a second part (125_2) of the housing (125) superimposed.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 8, the housing (125) may include a first part (125_1) and a second part (125_2). The first part (125_1) and the second part (125_2) may be arranged in the X direction.
[0079] In the embodiments, the first part (125_1) can be coupled with the terminal (127). Specifically, the first part (125_1) may include holes (125H) that are penetrated by the terminal (127).
[0080] In the embodiments, the second part (125_2) may be located between the first part (125_1) and the electrode assembly (110). Specifically, the second part (125_2) may refer to a portion that is integrally formed with the first part (125_1) and surrounds the busbar (123) in the Y direction and Z direction. For example, the second part (125_2) may include a square ring shape. For example, the second part (125_2) may have a perimeter on an imaginary plane extending in the Y direction and Z direction.
[0081] The second part (125_2) may include a first side (125S1) and a second side (125S2) that intersect each other. The first side (125S1) may be arranged in the Z direction. The first side (125S1) may overlap with the busbar (123) in the Z direction. The second side (125S2) may be arranged in the Y direction. The second side (125S2) may overlap with the busbar (123) in the Y direction.
[0082] The second part (125_2) may include an inner surface (125IS) and an outer surface (125OS) extending in the X direction. For example, at the first side (125S1) of the second part (125_2), the inner surface (125IS) and the outer surface (125OS) overlap each other in the Z direction and may extend in the X and Y directions. For example, at the second side (125S2) of the second part (125_2), the inner surface (125IS) and the outer surface (125OS) overlap each other in the Y direction and may extend in the X and Z directions.
[0083] In the embodiments, the outer surface (125OS) of the second part (125_2) may include a recessed portion (125R). Specifically, the outer surface (125OS) of the second part (125_2) may include a recessed portion (125R) toward the inner surface (125IS). For example, at the first side (125S1) of the second part (125_2), the outer surface (125OS) may include a recessed portion (125R) in the Z direction toward the inner surface (125IS). For example, at the second side (125S2) of the second part (125_2), the outer surface (125OS) may include a recessed portion (125R) in the Y direction toward the inner surface (125IS).
[0084] In the embodiments, the recessed portion (125R) may include a ring shape. Specifically, the recessed portion (125R) may include a square ring shape extending in the Y direction and the Z direction along the outer surface (125OS) of the second portion (125_2). For example, at the first side (125S1) of the second portion (125_2), the recessed portion (125R) may include a portion extending in the Y direction. For example, at the second side (125S2) of the second portion (125_2), the recessed portion (125R) may include a portion extending in the Z direction.
[0085] Specifically, the second part (125_2) may include a first sub-part (125_21), a second sub-part (125_22), and a third sub-part (125_23) arranged sequentially in the X direction. The first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may overlap each other in the X direction. The first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) together constitute the second part (125_2), but for convenience of explanation, each of the arbitrarily divided sub-parts may be referred to.
[0086] For example, the outer surface (125OS) of the second part (125_2) may include the outer surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23). The inner surface (125IS) of the second part (125_2) may include the inner surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23).
[0087] For example, each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) includes a square ring shape, and each of the square ring shapes can overlap each other in the X direction.
[0088] Specifically, the first sub-part (125_21) may be a part directly connected to the first part (125_1). The second sub-part (125_22) may be positioned between the first sub-part (125_21) and the third sub-part (125_23). The third sub-part (125_23) may be positioned between the second sub-part (125_22) and the electrode assembly (110).
[0089] In the embodiments, the outer surface (125OS) of the second part (125_2) may include at least two parts disposed at different levels. For example, a recessed part (125R) of the outer surface (125OS) of the second part (125_2) may be disposed at a different level from another part of the outer surface (125OS).
[0090] Specifically, the outer surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may be positioned at different levels.
[0091] For example, in the first side (125S1) as exemplified in FIG. 6, the outer surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may be positioned at different Z-direction levels. For example, the Z-direction level (LV3_Z) of the outer surface of the third sub-part (125_23) may be positioned between the Z-direction level (LV1_Z) of the outer surface of the first sub-part (125_21) and the Z-direction level (LV2_Z) of the second sub-part (125_22).
[0092] For example, in the second side (125S2) as exemplified in FIG. 8, the outer surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may be positioned at different Y-direction levels. For example, the Y-direction level (LV3_Y) of the outer surface of the third sub-part (125_23) may be positioned between the Y-direction level (LV1_Y) of the outer surface of the first sub-part (125_21) and the Y-direction level (LV2_Y) of the second sub-part (125_22).
[0093] In the embodiments, the inner surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may include a portion disposed at the same level as each other.
[0094] For example, in the first side (125S1) as exemplified in FIG. 6, the inner surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may be arranged at the same Z-direction level. For example, in the second side (125S2) as exemplified in FIG. 8, the outer surface of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) may be arranged at the same Y-direction level.
[0095] Referring together with FIG. 9, the first sub-part (125_21) may include a first outer circumference (125_21OB) on a virtual first plane that intersects the X direction and extends in the Y and Z directions. The first plane may be part of the first sub-part (125_21). The first outer circumference (125_21OB) may be part of the outer surface (125OS). The first sub-part (125_21) may have a first circumference (D1) which is the perimeter of the first outer circumference (125_21OB).
[0096] The second sub-part (125_22) may include a second outer circumference (125_22OB) on a virtual second plane that intersects the X direction and extends in the Y and Z directions. The second plane may be parallel to the first plane and may be part of the second sub-part (125_22). The second outer circumference (125_22OB) may be part of the outer surface (125OS). The second sub-part (125_22) may have a second circumference (D2) which is the perimeter of the second outer circumference (125_22OB).
[0097] The third sub-part (125_23) may include a third outer circumference (125_23OB) on a virtual third plane that intersects the X direction and extends in the Y and Z directions. The third plane may be parallel to the first plane and may be part of the third sub-part (125_23). The third outer circumference (125_23OB) may be part of the outer surface (125OS). The third sub-part (125_23) may have a third circumference (D3) which is the perimeter of the third outer circumference (125_23OB).
[0098] In the embodiments, the second circumference (D2) of the outer circumference (125_22OB) of the second sub-part (125_22) may be smaller than the first circumference (D1) of the outer circumference (125_21OB) of the first sub-part (125_21) and the third circumference (D3) of the outer circumference (125_23OB) of the third sub-part (125_23). Additionally, the third circumference (D3) may be smaller than the first circumference (D1).
[0099] The size difference between the first perimeter (D1), the second perimeter (D2), and the third perimeter (D3) may be due to the outer surfaces of each of the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) being positioned at different levels.
[0100] Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 8, the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the second sub-part (125_22) may be smaller than the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part (125_21) and the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part (125_23). Additionally, the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part (125_23) may be smaller than the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part (125_21).
[0101] For example, in the first side (125S1), the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part (125_21) may mean the thickness of the first sub-part (125_21) in the Z direction. In the first side (125S1), the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the second sub-part (125_22) may mean the thickness of the second sub-part (125_22) in the Z direction. In the first side (125S1), the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part (125_23) may mean the thickness of the third sub-part (125_23) in the Z direction.
[0102] For example, in the second side (125S2), the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part (125_21) may mean the thickness of the first sub-part (125_21) in the Y direction. In the second side (125S2), the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the second sub-part (125_22) may mean the thickness of the second sub-part (125_22) in the Y direction. In the second side (125S2), the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part (125_23) may mean the thickness of the third sub-part (125_23) in the Y direction.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the first side (125S1) of the second part (125_2), the first sub-part (125_21) may have a first thickness (T1) in the Z direction. The first thickness (T1) may mean the distance in the Z direction from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part (125_21). Likewise, in the first side (125S1) of the second part (125_2), the second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23) may each have a second thickness (T2) and a third thickness (T3) in the Z direction. The second thickness (T2) may mean the distance in the Z direction from the outer surface to the inner surface of the second sub-part (125_22). The third thickness (T3) may mean the distance in the Z direction from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part (125_23). In the embodiments, the first thickness (T1) may be greater than the second thickness (T2) and the third thickness (T3). The third thickness (T3) may be greater than the second thickness (T2).
[0105] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a part of the cross-section along line AA of FIG. 1.
[0106] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows a part of a cross-section along line BB of FIG. 1.
[0107] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a battery cell (100) according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the EX2 region of FIG. 11.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 12, the cell case (130) of the battery cell (100) may surround the electrode assemblies (110) and the terminal assembly (120) in the Y direction and the Z direction. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the cell case (130) may overlap with the housing (125) in the Z direction. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the cell case (130) may overlap with the housing (125) in the Y direction.
[0109] In the embodiments, the first part (125_1) of the housing (125) may overlap with the cell case (130) in the X direction. The first part (125_1) of the housing (125) may not overlap with the cell case (130) in the Y direction and the Z direction.
[0110] In the embodiments, the second portion (125_2) of the housing (125) may include at least a portion that overlaps with the cell case (130) in the Y direction. As previously described, the outer surface of the second portion (125_2) of the housing (125) may include a recessed portion (125R), and the recessed portion (125R) may overlap with the cell case (130) in the Y direction. Likewise, the second portion (125_2) of the housing (125) may include at least a portion that overlaps with the cell case (130) in the Z direction, and the recessed portion (125R) may overlap with the cell case (130) in the Z direction.
[0111] Specifically, the second part (125_2) may include the first sub-part (125_21), the second sub-part (125_22), and the third sub-part (125_23) as described above. The first sub-part (125_21) may overlap with the cell case (130) in the X direction. The first sub-part (125_21) may not overlap with the cell case (130) in the Y direction and the Z direction.
[0112] In the embodiments, the second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23) may overlap with the cell case (130) in the Y direction. Likewise, the second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23) may overlap with the cell case (130) in the Z direction. The second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23) may not overlap with the cell case (130) in the X direction.
[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second part (125_2) may include a first step (SP1) at the boundary between the first sub-part (125_21) and the second sub-part (125_22). The first step (SP1) may be caused by recessing (125R) a portion of the outer surface of the second part (125_2), so that the outer surfaces of the first sub-part (125_21) and the second sub-part (125_22) are positioned at different levels. For example, the first step (SP1) may refer to a portion of the first sub-part (125_21) having a thickness difference in the Y direction with respect to the second sub-part (125_22). Although FIG. 12 illustrates that the second part (125_2) includes a first step (SP1) in the Y direction, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second part (125_2) may also include a step in the Z direction at the boundary between the first sub-part (125_21) and the second sub-part (125_22).
[0114] In the embodiments, the position of the cell case (130) can be guided by the first step (SP1) of the second part (125_2). For example, the position of the cell case (130) can be limited between the first step (SP1) formed in the housing (125) of each of the two terminal assemblies (120) spaced apart in the X direction. By doing so, the cell case (130) can be prevented from being placed in an undesirable X direction position.
[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second part (125_2) may include a second step (SP2) at the boundary between the second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23). The second step (SP2) may be caused by the first step (SP1) being recessed (125R) of a portion of the outer surface of the second part (125_2), so that the outer surfaces of the second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23) are positioned at different levels. For example, the second step (SP2) may refer to a portion of the third sub-part (125_23) having a thickness difference in the Y direction from the second sub-part (125_22). Although FIG. 12 illustrates that the second part (125_2) includes a second step (SP2) in the Y direction, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second part (125_2) may also include a step in the Z direction at the boundary between the second sub-part (125_22) and the third sub-part (125_23).
[0116] In the embodiments, the second sub-part (125_22) may be spaced apart from the cell case (130). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second sub-part (125_22) may be spaced apart from the cell case (130) in the Z direction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the second sub-part (125_22) may be spaced apart from the cell case (130) in the Y direction.
[0117] Specifically, a recess space (125RS) may be formed between the second sub-part (125_22) and the cell case (130). The recess space (125RS) may be located between the first step (SP1) and the second step (SP2). For example, the second part (125_2) may include a portion spaced apart from the cell case (130) with the recess space (125RS) in between. For example, the housing (125) may include a portion spaced apart from the cell case (130) with the recess space (125RS) in between.
[0118] In the embodiments, as the second part (125_2) includes a first step (SP1), a second step (SP1), and a recess space (125RS), the external dimensions of the battery cell (100) can be made uniform.
[0119] Specifically, in the process of fusing the cell case (130) to the housing (125), heat and pressure are applied to the housing (125) so that the polymer material (e.g., PPA resin) of the housing (125) melts and then solidifies again. At this time, if the polymer material is pushed out of the cell case (130), a poly ball may be formed, which may cause non-uniformity in the external dimensions of the battery cell (100).
[0120] On the other hand, according to embodiments based on the technical concept of the present invention, even if the polymer material hardens, it can be pushed out of the cell case (130) to form a poly ball, instead of being pushed out to form a poly ball, and thus be diverted into the recess space (125RS). By doing so, the external dimensions of the battery cell (100) can be made uniform.
[0122] According to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, the terminal assembly (120) may include a recessed portion (125R) formed on the outer surface (125OS) of the housing (125). By doing so, the position of the cell case (130) can be guided. Additionally, the formation of poly balls that may occur during the process of heat-fusing the housing (125) with the cell case (130) can be prevented.
[0123] According to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, the battery cell (100) may include a terminal assembly (120) including a recessed portion (125R) formed in a housing (125).
[0124] According to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a terminal assembly (120) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.
[0125] According to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery cell (100) including a terminal assembly (120) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.
[0127] (2nd Example)
[0128] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a battery cell assembly (10) including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0129] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 13, the battery cell assembly (10) may include a plurality of battery cells (100) and a plurality of pads (200).
[0130] A plurality of battery cells (100) may be arranged in the Y direction. The terminal assemblies (120) of the plurality of battery cells (100) may be spaced apart from each other in the X direction.
[0131] According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of pads (200) may alternate with a plurality of battery cells (100) in the Y direction. There may be a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells (100) between two adjacent pads (200), and there may be a corresponding one of the plurality of pads (200) between two adjacent battery cells (100).
[0132] A plurality of pads (200) may include a compressible material. A plurality of pads (200) may include, for example, polyurethane. A plurality of pads (200) may absorb swelling of a plurality of battery cells (100). A plurality of pads (200) may be thermal separators.
[0133] According to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery cell assembly (10) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.
[0135] (3rd Example)
[0136] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a battery pack (1) including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0137] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack (1) including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention.
[0138] FIG. 16 is a perspective view for illustrating a battery pack (1) including a battery cell according to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a perspective view in which the pack cover (600) is omitted from the battery pack (1) of FIG. 14 to show the arrangement between the elements of the battery pack (1).
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, a battery pack (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies (10), a pack housing (300), cooling ports (410a, 410b), an electrical component assembly (500), first to third interbus bars (510, 520, 530), and a pack cover (600).
[0140] The battery cell assemblies (10) may be loaded directly into the pack housing (300) without being housed in another frame. That is, the battery pack (1) may be of a modular type, and each of the battery cell assemblies (10) may not include a module frame, but is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art will be able to easily arrive at an embodiment in which each of the battery cell assemblies (10) includes a module frame based on what is described herein.
[0141] The electrical component assembly (500) may include a relay device, a current sensor, a fuse, a Battery Management System (BMS), and a Manual Service Disconnector (MSD). The relay device may be a switching device that selectively opens and closes a charging and discharging path through which current flows. The relay device may cut off the flow of charging and discharging current when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack (1). The BMS may be configured to control the charging and discharging operations of the battery assemblies (10) overall. The MSD is a system for selectively cutting off the power of the high-voltage battery by a physical method. The MSD may be configured to disconnect a service plug to cut off the power as needed.
[0142] The pack housing (300) can provide a space for accommodating battery assemblies (10) and electrical component assemblies (500). The pack housing (300) may include a material (e.g., metal) having high rigidity for the battery cell assemblies (10) and electrical component assemblies (500), and accordingly, can protect the battery assemblies (10) and electrical component assemblies (500) from external impact.
[0143] The pack housing (300) according to the present embodiment may include a flat base plate (310) and side walls (320, 330, 340, 350) approximately perpendicular to the base plate (310). Some of the side walls (330, 340) may include mounting wings (343, 353). The mounting wings (343, 353) may be used to load the battery pack (1) into an application (e.g., a vehicle). Brackets (332) may be used to secure the battery pack (1) to the application (e.g., a vehicle).
[0144] Two directions substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base plate (310) are defined as the X direction and the Y direction. Here, the Y direction may be the direction in which the battery cells (100) are arranged. The X direction may be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. A direction substantially perpendicular to each of the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction.
[0145] The pack housing (300) may further include a center beam (370) and cross beams (360) that partition the space where battery cell assemblies (10) are loaded. The center beam (370) and cross beams (360) may be on a base plate (310). The center beam (370) and cross beams (360) may be fixed to the base plate (310) by methods such as bolting and / or welding.
[0146] The center beam (370) can be extended in the Y direction. The center beam (370) can isolate the battery cell assemblies (10) in the X direction. The center beam (370) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (10) in the X direction. The cross beams (360) can be extended in the X direction. The cross beams (360) can be interposed between the battery cell assemblies (10) in the Y direction. The cross beams (360) can isolate the battery cell assemblies (10) in the Y direction.
[0147] The base plate (310), side walls (320, 330, 340, 350), cross beams (360), and center beam (370) can be provided by an extrusion process. Accordingly, the base plate (310), side walls (320, 330, 340, 350), cross beams (360), and center beam (370) can have a constant cross-section in the longitudinal direction, except for variations caused by mechanical tooling.
[0148] Cooling ports (410a, 410b) may be coupled to the base plate (310). The base plate (310) may include a plurality of cooling channels, and the cooling ports (410a, 410b) may be configured to introduce or discharge a cooling material into the plurality of cooling channels.
[0149] Each of the first interbus bars (510) can be overlapped in the Z direction with corresponding cross beams (360) and center beam (370). Each of the first interbus bars (510) can be overlapped in the Z direction with corresponding four of the plurality of battery cell assemblies (10). The first interbus bars (510) can connect battery cell assemblies (10) arranged in the Y direction in series. The third interbus bar (530) can connect battery cell assemblies (10) spaced apart in the X direction in series.
[0150] The second interbus bar (520) may be output terminals for outputting the resulting voltage of a plurality of battery cell assemblies (10) connected in series by the first and third interbus bars (510, 530). The second interbus bar (520) may be connected to wiring connected to an external load and charging system directly or through an electrical component assembly (500).
[0151] According to exemplary embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention, a battery pack (1) with improved performance and reliability may be provided.
[0153] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application. Explanation of the symbols
[0155] 1: Battery pack 10: Battery cell assemblies 100: Battery cell 110: Electrode assemblies 120: Terminal Assembly 121: Spacer 123: Busbar 124: Plate 125: Housing 125R: Recessed part 127: Terminal 129: Gasket 130: Cell case
Claims
Claim 1 A terminal assembly comprising: a housing arranged in the X direction with respect to an electrode assembly; a busbar received in the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a terminal coupled to the housing, wherein the housing comprises: a first portion coupled to the terminal; and a second portion between the first portion and the electrode assembly, wherein the outer surface of the second portion comprises a portion recessed toward the inner surface. Claim 2 A terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a first sub-part, a second sub-part, and a third sub-part arranged sequentially in the X direction, wherein the first sub-part has a first perimeter, which is a first outer perimeter in a plane intersecting the X direction, the second sub-part has a second perimeter, which is a second outer perimeter in a plane intersecting the X direction, and the third sub-part has a third perimeter, which is a third outer perimeter in a plane intersecting the X direction, and wherein the second perimeter is smaller than the first perimeter and the third perimeter. Claim 3 A terminal assembly according to claim 2, wherein the third sub-part is located between the first sub-part and the electrode assembly, and the third perimeter is smaller than the first perimeter. Claim 4 A terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second part comprises a first sub-part, a second sub-part, and a third sub-part arranged sequentially in the X direction, and the distance from the outer surface of the second sub-part to the inner surface is smaller than the distance from the outer surface of the first sub-part to the inner surface and the distance from the outer surface of the third sub-part to the inner surface. Claim 5 A terminal assembly according to claim 4, wherein the third sub-part is located between the first sub-part and the electrode assembly, and the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the third sub-part is smaller than the distance from the outer surface to the inner surface of the first sub-part. Claim 6 A terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of the outer surface of the second portion extends along the outer surface of the second portion in the Y and Z directions intersecting the X direction. Claim 7 A terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first portion includes a hole penetrated by the terminal, and the second portion surrounds the busbar in the Y and Z directions intersecting the X direction. Claim 8 A terminal assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a spacer between the electrode assembly and the housing. Claim 9 A battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly including an electrode terminal; a terminal assembly connected to the electrode assembly on one side in the X direction of the electrode assembly; and a cell case that encloses the electrode assembly and the terminal assembly in a Y direction intersecting the X direction, wherein the terminal assembly comprises: a housing arranged with the electrode assembly in the X direction; a busbar received in the housing and electrically connected to the electrode terminal; and a terminal coupled to the housing and electrically connected to the busbar, wherein the housing comprises a first portion coupled to the terminal and a second portion between the first portion and the electrode assembly, wherein the first portion overlaps with the cell case in the X direction, and the outer surface of the second portion includes a recessed portion facing the inner surface, and the recessed portion overlaps with the cell case in the Y direction. Claim 10 A battery cell according to claim 9, wherein the second portion comprises a first sub-part and a second sub-part between the first sub-part and the electrode assembly, the circumference of the outer surface of the second sub-part is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the first sub-part, the cell case overlaps with the first sub-part in the X direction, the cell case does not overlap with the first sub-part in the Y direction, and the cell case overlaps with the second sub-part in the Y direction. Claim 11 A battery cell according to claim 10, wherein the second part comprises a third sub-part between the second sub-part and the electrode assembly, the circumference of the outer surface of the second sub-part is smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the third sub-part, and the cell case overlaps the third sub-part in the Y direction. Claim 12 A battery cell according to claim 10, characterized in that the outer surface of the second sub-part is spaced apart from the cell case. Claim 13 A battery cell according to claim 12, wherein the second portion comprises a third portion between the second sub-part and the electrode assembly, and the outer surface of the third sub-part is in contact with the cell case.