Battery, battery pack including battery, and vehicle including battery pack

Abstract

A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side thereof; a cap configured to cover the opening; and a frame coupled to an inner surface of the cap while being at least partially spaced apart from the cap to form a first space, and including a gas passing portion configured to allow gas generated in a second space in which an electrode assembly is accommodated to flow into the first space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery, a battery pack including the battery, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0089124 filed on July 19, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0089123 filed on July 19, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0087994 filed on July 6, 2023 in Korea, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The secondary battery undergoes a charge / discharge process for activation and a degassing process for discharging gas generated in the secondary battery during the charge / discharge process during the manufacturing process.

[0004] The degassing process of the secondary battery can be performed by applying negative pressure to a portion of the opening of the secondary battery. For example, after partially opening one side of the secondary battery having an airtight sealing structure, the secondary battery can be placed in a chamber where negative pressure is formed. In this case, the gas can be discharged through the opening of the secondary battery.

[0005] In the process of removing gas generated in the secondary battery, when the gas is discharged by negative pressure, electrolyte leakage may occur in the secondary battery.

[0006] In addition, in the process of manufacturing the secondary battery, the secondary battery can be transported while standing, lying down, and inverted, and in this process, electrolyte stains may appear on the inner wall of the housing. In this case, when negative pressure is applied to the opening portion of the secondary battery, the electrolyte stains around the opening portion may leak.

[0007] Alternatively, the secondary battery may be placed in a specific direction during transportation, but in this case, electrolyte stains may appear around the opening portion for the degassing process due to movement of the electrolyte solution during transportation. When negative pressure is applied to the opening portion for the degassing process, the electrolyte stains around the opening portion may leak.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery having a structure for minimizing electrolyte contamination around an opening portion for a degassing process during a manufacturing process. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery having a structure for minimizing electrolyte stains around an opening portion for a degassing process during a manufacturing process.

[0011] However, technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other problems from the following description.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an electrode assembly; a shell, which accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening portion on one side; a cap, which covers the opening portion; and a frame, the frame including a gas passing portion, the gas passing portion being configured to allow gas generated in a second space accommodating the electrode assembly to flow into a first space, wherein, when the frame is connected to the inner surface of the cap, the first space is formed to be at least partially separated from the cap.

[0014] The frame is configured such that communication between the first space and the second space occurs only through the gas passing portion.

[0015] The cap may include a degassing portion configured to discharge gas generated in the housing.

[0016] The battery may include a cover for hermetically closing the degassing portion.

[0017] The cover is integrally formed with the cap by welding a region forming the degassing portion after a degassing process of discharging gas generated in the housing.

[0018] The battery may include a valve assembly disposed in the first space and configured to open the degassing portion during a degassing process of discharging gas generated in the case, and to close the degassing portion after the degassing process is completed.

[0019] The valve assembly may include: a closure configured to be inserted into the degassing portion from the first space; and an elastic member disposed between the closure and the frame and configured to elastically press the closure toward the degassing portion.

[0020] The cap may have a vent configured to rupture when internal pressure of the housing increases.

[0021] A distance from a center of the cap to a coupling portion of the frame and the cap is greater than a distance from a center of the cap to the discharge port.

[0022] The frame may have an insulating layer on a first surface facing the electrode assembly.

[0023] The cap may not be polar.

[0024] The battery may include a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

[0025] The battery may include a current collector coupled to one side of the electrode assembly and configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly to the case.

[0026] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Beneficial Effects

[0029] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, electrolyte contamination around an opening portion used for a degassing process during a manufacturing process may be minimized.

[0030] However, the advantageous effects obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other advantageous effects from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is shown having a degassing section for the degassing process Figure 1 Diagram of a battery.

[0034] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the gas exhaust flow during the degassing process of a battery of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a cover for closing the degassing portion after the degassing process is completed. Figure 2 Diagram of a battery.

[0036] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the degassing portion of a battery closed by welding after the degassing process is complete.

[0037] Figure 6 A valve assembly for opening and closing the degassing portion is shown. Figure 2 Diagram of a battery.

[0038] Figure 7 is shown when the degassing section is open Figure 6 Diagram of the gas emission flow in a battery.

[0039] Figure 8 It is shown that by operating Figure 6 Figure 2 is a diagram of the degassing portion of a battery with a valve assembly in an open state and a closed state.

[0040] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cap having a discharge port in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.10 It is shown in Fig. 9 A diagram showing a position where a discharge port is formed in a battery module and a position where a frame is coupled to a cap.

[0042] Fig.11 is a diagram showing a frame of the present disclosure having an insulating layer.

[0043] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a lower portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an upper portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.14 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.15 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but are interpreted based on the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation, based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure for describing the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and are not intended to be restrictive, so it should be understood that various other equivalent treatments and modifications may be made to them when submitting this application.

[0048] Will refer to Figures 1 to 3The structure of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is shown having a degassing section for the degassing process Figure 1 Diagram of a battery. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the gas exhaust flow during the degassing process of a battery of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the battery 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly 10, a case 20, a cap 30, and a frame 40. The battery 1 of the present disclosure may be a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 1 may be, for example, a cylindrical battery.

[0050] The electrode assembly 10 may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly 10 may be, for example, a roll-type electrode assembly formed by winding a stack of positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and separators. The housing 20 may be configured to accommodate the electrode assembly 10 through an opening portion on one side. The housing 20 may include a conductive metal. The housing 20 may contain an electrolyte solution together with the electrode assembly 10. The cap 30 may be configured to cover an opening portion on one side of the housing 20. The cap 30 may include a metal.

[0051] The frame 40 may be coupled to the inner surface of the cap 30, being at least partially spaced apart from the cap 30. When the frame 40 is coupled to the cap 30, a first space S1 may be formed between the cap 30 and the frame 40.

[0052] The frame 40 may include a gas passing portion 41. The gas passing portion 41 may be configured to allow gas generated in the second space S2 accommodating the electrode assembly 10 to flow into the first space. The gas passing portion 41 may be, for example, a through hole in the frame 40. The gas passing portion 41 may be one or more.

[0053] As described above, since the battery 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes the frame 40 coupled to the inner surface of the cap 30, it is possible to minimize the electrolyte residue on the inner surface of the cap 30 due to the movement of the electrolyte solution in the case 20 during the manufacturing process of the battery 1. Since the frame 40 has the gas passing portion 41, the gas generated in the case 20 can enter the first space S1 from the second space S2. Therefore, the battery 1 of the present disclosure can be discharged through the degassing portion 31 of the cap 30 at a position corresponding to the first space S1.

[0054] As described above, according to the battery 1 of the present disclosure, proper discharge of the gas generated in the battery 1 can be achieved through the activation process (see Figure 3 ), and prevent or minimize electrolyte leakage through the degassing portion 31 during gas discharge.

[0055] In the present disclosure, the degassing portion 31 of the cap 30 may be pre-formed when the cap 30 is manufactured, and alternatively, may be formed later for a degassing process.

[0056] The frame 40 may be configured such that communication between the first space S1 and the second space S2 occurs only through the gas passing portion 41. In this case, the size of the gas passing portion 41 may be adjusted so that the gas generated in the second space S2 smoothly passes through the gas passing portion 41 while keeping the electrolyte solution from smoothly passing through the gas passing portion 41. Therefore, the electrolyte solution may be prevented from moving to the degassing portion 31 of the cap 30 during the process of manufacturing the battery 1.

[0057] The cap 30 may include a degassing portion 31 to discharge gas generated in the housing 20. As described above, the degassing portion 31 may be formed when manufacturing the cap 30, and may be formed later for a degassing process. The degassing portion 31 may be, for example, a through hole in the cap 30. The degassing portion 31 may be formed at a position corresponding to the first space S1.

[0058] Then, reference will be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cover 50 applied to the battery 1 of the present disclosure is described.

[0059] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a cover for closing the degassing portion after the degassing process is completed. Figure 2 Figure 1. Battery diagram. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the degassing portion of a battery closed by welding after the degassing process is complete.

[0060] First, refer to Figure 4 , the battery 1 of the present disclosure may include a cover 50 for hermetically closing the degassing portion 31. The cover 50 may have a size corresponding to the degassing portion 31 to allow the degassing portion 31 to be hermetically closed by interference fit or screw coupling. That is, the cover 50 may be a different component from the cap 30.

[0061] Alternatively, if Figure 5 As shown, the cover 50 may be integrally formed with the cap 30 by welding a region forming the degassing portion 31 after a degassing process of discharging gas generated in the housing 20. When the cover 50 is coupled to the degassing portion 31 by welding, sealing of the housing 20 may be increased.

[0062] Then, refer to Figures 6 to 8 A valve assembly 60 applicable to the present disclosure is described.

[0063] Figure 6 A valve assembly for opening and closing the degassing portion is shown. Figure 2 Diagram of a battery. Figure 7 is shown when the degassing section is open Figure 6 Diagram of the gas emission flow in a battery. Figure 8 It is shown that by operating Figure 6 Figure 2 is a diagram of the degassing portion of a battery with a valve assembly in an open state and a closed state.

[0064] First, refer to Figure 6 , the battery 1 may include a valve assembly 60. The valve assembly 60 may be applied instead of the cap 50.

[0065] The valve assembly 60 may be disposed in the first space S1 and configured to open the degassing portion 31 during a degassing process of discharging gas generated in the housing 20 , and close the degassing portion 31 after the degassing process is completed.

[0066] The valve assembly 60 may include a closure 61 and an elastic member 62. The closure 61 may be configured to be inserted from the first space S1 into the degassing portion 31. In this case, the width at the outer end of the degassing portion 31 may be smaller than the maximum width of the closure 61 to prevent the closure 61 from slipping off the battery 1. The closure 61 may be, for example, a spherical metal ball.

[0067] The elastic member 62 may be disposed between the closure 61 and the frame 40 and configured to elastically press the closure 61 toward the degassing portion 31. That is, the elastic member 62 in a compressed state may be interposed between the closure 61 and the frame 40. The elastic member 62 may be, for example, a spring.

[0068] The valve assembly 60 may further include a fixing member 63 interposed between the closure 61 and the elastic member 62. The fixing member 63 may be configured to support the closure 61 on one side and be supported by the elastic member 62 on the other side. One side of the fixing member 63 may be coupled to the closure 61. The other side of the fixing member 63 may be coupled to the elastic member 62.

[0069] When the battery 1 of the present disclosure includes the valve assembly 60, the degassing portion 31 of the cap 30 can be opened by applying pressure to the closure 61 in the direction of compressing the elastic member 62. When the degassing portion 31 is opened, the gas in the battery 1 can be discharged along the direction of the valve assembly 60. Figure 7 The arrow direction shown is away from the battery 1. That is, during the degassing process, the degassing portion 31 can be opened by applying pressure to the closure 61 from the outside of the degassing portion 31, and when an external negative force is applied to the opened degassing portion 31, the gas in the battery 1 can be discharged.

[0070] Reference Figure 8, which shows that pressure is applied to the closure 61 and the elastic member 62 is compressed, and then the degassing portion 31 opens (see Figure 8 (a)), and when the pressure is removed from the closure member 61, the degassing portion 31 is closed by the closure member 61 (see Figure 8 (b)). When the battery 1 of the present disclosure includes the valve assembly 60, the degassing portion 31 can be reversibly opened and closed by compression and extension of the elastic member 62. Therefore, after the degassing process, there is no need to perform an additional process for closing the degassing portion 31.

[0071] Then, reference will be made to Fig. 9 The drain port 32 of the present disclosure is described. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cap having a discharge port in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] refer to Fig. 9 , the cap 30 may have a discharge port 32. The discharge port 32 may be configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the housing 20 increases. The discharge port 32 may be a portion of the cap 30 that is more vulnerable than any other surrounding area. The discharge port 32 may be, for example, an area having a smaller thickness than the remaining area of ​​the cap 30. The discharge port 32 may be, for example, a recessed area in one or both surfaces of the cap 30. The discharge port 32 may extend in the shape of a closed loop around the center of the cap 30. The discharge port 32 may be formed continuously or discontinuously.

[0073] As described above, when the battery 1 of the present disclosure has the vent 32 , it is possible to prevent the internal pressure of the battery 1 from rising above a predetermined level when a defect or a failure occurs in the battery 1 .

[0074] Then, reference will be made to Fig.10 as well as Fig. 9 The position of the coupling portion of the cap 30 and the frame 40 of the present disclosure is described. Fig.10 It is shown Fig. 9 A diagram showing a position where a discharge port is formed in a battery module and a position where a frame and a cap are coupled.

[0075] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the battery 1 of the present disclosure having the discharge port 32 , a distance D1 from the center of the cap 30 to a coupling portion of the frame 40 and the cap 30 may be greater than a distance D2 from the center of the cap 30 to the discharge port 32 .

[0076] In the case where the coupling portion of the frame 40 and the cap 30 is located at a position further inward than the discharge port 32, the weight of the frame 40 may hinder a portion of the cap 30 from being removed through the rupture of the discharge port 32. When the rupture of the discharge port 32 is hindered, timely gas discharge may fail. According to the above-mentioned configuration of the present disclosure, when the internal pressure of the battery 1 increases abnormally, the rupture pressure of the discharge port 32 can be prevented from deviating from the design value due to the weight of the frame 40, thereby improving the safety of the battery 1 when in use.

[0077] Then, refer to Fig.11 The insulating structure of the frame 40 applied to the present disclosure is described. Fig.11 is a diagram showing a frame of the present disclosure having an insulating layer.

[0078] refer to Fig.11 , the frame 40 may have an insulating layer 42 on a first surface facing the electrode assembly 10. The cap 30 may include metal to ensure strength, and in this case, the frame 40 may also include metal for welding coupling with the cap 30.

[0079] When the frame 40 includes metal and has conductive properties, unnecessary electrical contact may occur between the frame 40 and the electrode assembly 10 or between the frame 40 and other metal parts. When the frame 40 has the insulating layer 42 as described above, unnecessary electrical contact can be prevented. The insulating layer 42 can be formed, for example, by coating an insulating coating on a first surface of the frame 40.

[0080] In addition, in the battery 1 of the present disclosure, the cap 30 may not be polar. For this reason, the cap 30 may be electrically insulated from the case 20, and may also be electrically insulated from the electrode assembly 10. When the cap 30 is not polar, the occurrence and / or propagation of a thermal event caused by contact between high temperature gas and a polar component during the discharge of high temperature gas through the degassing portion 31 of the cap 30 and / or the discharge of high temperature gas through the rupture of the discharge port 32 may be prevented.

[0081] Then, refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 The electrical connection structure and the airtight sealing structure of the battery 1 are described. Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a lower portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an upper portion of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13, the battery 1 of the present disclosure may include a terminal T1 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10. The terminal T1 may be, for example, electrically connected to the first uncoated portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10. The terminal T1 may be exposed to the outside of the case 20 through a closed portion opposite to the opening portion of the case 20. The electrical connection between the terminal T1 and the electrode assembly 10 may be established through a first current collector P1. The case 20 may be electrically connected to the second uncoated portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10. The electrical connection between the case 20 and the electrode assembly 10 may be established through a second current collector P2.

[0083] An insulator IS for insulation may be interposed between the electrode assembly 10 and the closed portion of the case 20, or between the first current collector P1 and the closed portion of the case 20. A gasket for insulation and sealing may be interposed between the terminal T1 and the case 20. A gasket G for insulation and sealing may be inserted between the cap 30 and the case 20.

[0084] Through the electrical connection structure, the battery 1 of the present disclosure may use the terminal T1 as the first electrode terminal and the entire closed portion of the case 20 as the second electrode terminal T2 .

[0085] Then, refer to Fig.14 A battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.14 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Fig.14 , a battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one battery 1 of the present disclosure. The battery 1 may be housed in a battery pack housing 2. The battery pack 3 may include a battery management system (BMS) for electrically connecting components of the battery 1 and / or controlling charging and discharging of the battery 1.

[0087] Then, reference will be made to Fig.15 A vehicle 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Fig.15 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] refer to Fig.15 , a vehicle 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one battery pack 3. The vehicle 5 may be powered by the battery pack 3. The vehicle 5 may be, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or an electric vehicle (EV).

[0089] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is apparent that those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0090] [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: Battery

[0092] 2: Battery pack housing

[0093] 3: Battery Pack

[0094] 5: Vehicles

[0095] 10: Electrode assembly

[0096] 11: First uncoated portion

[0097] 12: Second uncoated portion

[0098] 20: Shell

[0099] 30: Cap

[0100] 31: Degassing section

[0101] 32: Discharge port

[0102] 40: Framework

[0103] 41: Gas passing part

[0104] 42: Insulation layer

[0105] 50: Cover

[0106] 60: Valve assembly

[0107] 61: Closure

[0108] 62: Elastic member

[0109] 63: Fixed components

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: Electrode assembly; a shell, wherein the shell accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening portion on one side; a cap covering the opening portion; as well as a frame including a gas passing portion configured to allow a gas generated in a second space accommodating the electrode assembly to flow into the first space, Wherein, when the frame is coupled to the inner surface of the cap, the first space is formed to be at least partially spaced apart from the cap.

2. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The frame is configured such that communication between the first space and the second space occurs only through the gas passing portion.

3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The cap includes a degassing portion configured to discharge gas generated in the housing.

4. The battery according to claim 3, comprising: A cover is provided for hermetically closing the degassing portion.

5. The battery according to claim 4, wherein The cover is integrally formed with the cap by welding a region forming the degassing portion after a degassing process of discharging gas generated in the housing.

6. The battery according to claim 3, comprising: A valve assembly is disposed in the first space and is configured to open the degassing portion during a degassing process of discharging gas generated in the housing and to close the degassing portion after the degassing process is completed.

7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein The valve assembly comprises: a closure configured to be inserted from the first space into the degassing portion; and An elastic member is provided between the closure and the frame and is configured to elastically press the closure toward the degassing portion.

8. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The cap has a vent configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the housing increases.

9. The battery according to claim 8, wherein A distance from a center of the cap to a coupling portion of the frame and the cap is greater than a distance from a center of the cap to the discharge port.

10. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The frame has an insulating layer on a first surface facing the electrode assembly.

11. The battery according to claim 1, wherein The cap is non-polar.

12. The battery according to claim 1, comprising: A terminal is electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

13. The battery according to claim 12, comprising: A current collector is coupled to one side of the electrode assembly and is configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly to the case.

14. A battery pack comprising the battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 14.

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