Battery cell and battery module comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery cell, and aims to provide a battery cell in which a sudden failure is prevented and a life is prolonged, and a battery module including the battery cell. To this end, the present disclosure provides a battery cell comprising: a case accommodating an electrode assembly; the cover plate is arranged on the shell and seals the shell; an exhaust member disposed in the cover plate and communicating with an interior of the housing; and an electrolyte accommodating member provided in the housing, communicating with the exhaust member, accommodating an electrolyte, and rupturing when an internal pressure of the housing is greater than a first pressure value. According to the present disclosure, since the electrolyte is automatically replenished in the battery cell, the lifetime of the battery cell can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell and a battery module including the battery cell. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smart phones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and video cameras, and high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as drive power sources and energy storage batteries for motors in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case for accommodating the electrode assembly, electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly, and the like.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this background art section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background art of the present disclosure. Therefore, it may include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a battery cell in which sudden failures are prevented and the lifespan is extended, and a battery module including the battery cell.

[0005] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery cell including: a case that houses an electrode assembly; a cover plate that is provided on the case and seals the case; an exhaust member that is provided in the cover plate and communicates with the interior of the case; and an electrolyte accommodating member that is provided in the case, communicates with the exhaust member, accommodates an electrolyte, and ruptures when the internal pressure of the case is greater than a first pressure value.

[0007] The battery cell may further include a blocking member that is disposed on the cover plate and is provided to cover the exhaust member.

[0008] When the internal pressure of the case is greater than a second pressure value, the blocking member may rupture so that a rupture hole is formed in the blocking member.

[0009] The second pressure value may be greater than the first pressure value.

[0010] The battery cell may further include a sealing member that is provided in the exhaust member and moves by an increase in the internal pressure of the case to communicate between the exhaust member and the interior of the case.

[0011] The blocking member may be provided to contact the sealing member to press the sealing member toward the interior of the case.

[0012] The exhaust component may include: an exhaust hole formed in the lower surface of the cover plate, connected to the interior of the shell, and having a first diameter; an inclined exhaust portion arranged in the upper surface of the cover plate, having a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and formed inclined toward the exhaust hole.

[0013] The exhaust member may further include an exhaust gasket disposed between the exhaust hole and the inclined exhaust portion, and the sealing member is seated on the exhaust gasket.

[0014] The sealing component can connect the exhaust hole with the inclined exhaust portion when the difference between the internal pressure of the exhaust hole and the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion is greater than a predetermined value, and isolate the exhaust hole from the inclined exhaust portion when the difference between the internal pressure of the exhaust hole and the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion is less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0015] The shape of the sealing member may be a spherical shape.

[0016] The electrolyte containing member may be provided to shield the interior of the case from the exhaust member.

[0017] The electrolyte containing member may include an electrolyte containing film that contacts the electrolyte and moves toward the cap plate when the internal pressure of the case is greater than the internal pressure of the exhaust member.

[0018] The electrolyte containing member may further include a protrusion that ruptures the electrolyte containing film that moves according to the internal pressure of the case.

[0019] The projections may be provided on the lower surface of the cap plate, formed as thorns that project toward the electrolyte containing film, and rupture the moving electrolyte containing film so that the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte containing film may fall.

[0020] The electrolyte containing member may further include a guide member which guides the electrolyte containing film to move toward the cap plate.

[0021] The electrolyte containing film may include an electrolyte bag which surrounds the electrolyte and may be formed of an elastic material.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module is provided, which includes an outer shell and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the outer shell, wherein the battery cells include: a shell body that accommodates an electrode assembly; a cover plate that is arranged on the shell body and seals the shell body; a venting member that is arranged in the cover plate and communicates with the interior of the shell body; and an electrolyte containing member that is arranged in the shell body, communicates with the venting member, contains electrolyte, and ruptures when the internal pressure of the shell body is greater than a first pressure value.

[0023] The battery module may further include a blocking member disposed on the cover plate and configured to cover the exhaust member.

[0024] When the internal pressure of the housing is greater than the second pressure value, the blocking member may rupture, such that a rupture hole may be formed in the blocking member.

[0025] According to the present disclosure, since the electrolyte is automatically replenished in the battery cell, the lifespan of the battery cell can be extended.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, since the gas in the battery cell can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell, the safety of the battery cell can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe the aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is along Figure 4 sectional view taken along line A-A' of;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte accommodating member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of movement of the electrolyte accommodating member;

[0037] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of rupture of the electrolyte containing member;

[0038] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape after rupture of the electrolyte containing member;

[0039] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte containing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of movement of the electrolyte containing member;

[0041] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape after rupture of the electrolyte containing member;

[0042] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte containing member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of movement of the electrolyte containing member;

[0044] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape after rupture of the electrolyte containing member;

[0045] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte containing member according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of movement of the electrolyte containing member;

[0047] Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of rupture of the electrolyte containing member; and

[0048] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape after rupture of the electrolyte containing member. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0049] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as limited to the ordinary meaning or the dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as having a meaning and concept consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms.

[0050] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Thus, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0051] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0052] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of... " and "any one of... " modify the entire list of elements following the list, rather than individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and its variants may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize" and its variants, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0054] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (some) element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" or "over" the said other elements or features. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises", "comprising", and / or their variants are used in this specification, it is specified that there are the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0056] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained within the recited range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to expressly recite any sub-ranges included within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0057] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered to be low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). Additionally, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0058] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0059] When any element is said to be disposed on (or positioned on or located on) "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component, it may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be disposed between the component and the any element disposed on (or positioned on or located on) "above (or below)" the component.

[0060] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is said to be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to each other, or there may be one or more intervening elements therebetween through which the elements may be "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to the other element. Additionally, when a component is said to be "electrically coupled" to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there may be one or more intervening components therebetween such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0061] Throughout the specification, when stating "A and / or B", unless otherwise stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any combination or all combinations of the recited multiple items. When stating "C to D", unless otherwise specified, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0062] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the battery module according to the present embodiment includes a housing 100 and battery cells 200.

[0064] The housing 100 forms the overall exterior of the battery module and can serve as a component for fully supporting the battery cells 200 described below.

[0065] The housing 100 may include a housing body 110 and a housing cover 120.

[0066] The housing body 110 may be formed in a box shape having a hollow interior and an open upper side. Except for Figure 1 the quadrilateral shape shown in, the shape of the cross-section of the housing body 110 can be variously designed and changed.

[0067] The housing cover 120 can open or close the interior space of the housing body 110. The housing cover 120 may be formed in a substantially plate shape and disposed to face the upper surface of the opening of the housing body 110. The housing cover 120 can be detachably coupled to the housing body 110 by any of various coupling methods such as bolt connection, insertion coupling, and other methods.

[0068] The battery cells 200 can serve as unit structures for storing and supplying electric power in the battery module.

[0069] The battery cells 200 may be provided as a plurality of battery cells 200. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be disposed in the housing 100. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be arranged in the housing 100 in a first direction. In this case, the first direction may be a direction parallel to Figure 1 the X-axis in. The number of battery cells 200 is not limited to Figure 1 the number shown in, and can be variously designed and changed according to the size of the battery module, etc.

[0070] The battery cells 200 may include an electrolyte injection hole for injecting an electrolyte (e.g., Figure 7 the electrolyte injection hole 32 of), a sealing cap for sealing the electrolyte injection hole 32 (e.g., Figure 7 the sealing cap 33 of), and an exhaust member for discharging gas in the battery cells 200 to the outside (e.g.,Figure 7 of the exhaust member 230). The electrolyte injection hole 32, the sealing cap 33, and the exhaust member 230 will be described below in conjunction with Figure 7 the description of

[0071] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 4 .

[0072] Figures 4 to 6 The components shown in Figures 1 to 3 may be the same as or similar to the components shown in

[0073] Referring to Figures 4 to 6 , the battery cell 200 may include a housing 210, a cover plate 220, an exhaust member 230, a blocking member 2301 (see Figure 7 ) and a fixing member 250.

[0074] Hereinafter, an example in which the battery cell 200 is a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 200 may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0075] The housing 210 may form the overall exterior of the battery cell 200. The housing 210 may be formed in a can shape having a hollow interior and an open upper side. The housing 210 may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0076] At least one electrode assembly 10 formed by winding a positive electrode 11, a negative electrode 12, and a separator 13 disposed between the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 as an insulator may be accommodated in the housing 210. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 10 may be formed in a structure in which the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 formed of a plurality of sheets are alternately stacked and the separator 13 is disposed between the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12.

[0077] The current collector formed of a thin metal foil in each of the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 may include a coated portion as a region coated with an active material and an uncoated portion as a region not coated with the active material.

[0078] The cover plate 220 may be disposed on the housing 210 and may seal the housing 210. The cover plate 220 may be formed in a substantially plate shape and disposed to face the opening side of the housing 210, that is, the upper surface of the housing 210. The cover plate 220 may be fixed to the upper end portion of the housing 210 by any one of various coupling methods such as welding, bolting, and other methods. Accordingly, the internal space of the housing 210 may be sealed by the inner surface of the housing 210 and the inner surface of the cover plate 220. Like the housing 210, the cover plate 220 may be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0079] The positive terminal 21 electrically connected to the positive electrode 11 of the electrode assembly 10 and the negative terminal 22 electrically connected to the negative electrode 12 of the electrode assembly 10 may be formed on the cover plate 220. The positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be mounted to pass through the cover plate 220 and protrude upward from the cover plate 220. The positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this case, the second direction may be a direction parallel to Figure 1 the Y-axis in

[0080] Threaded connection may be performed on the outer circumferential surface of the columns at the upper portions of the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 protruding outward from the cover plate 220, and the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be fixed to the cover plate 220 by nuts. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be formed in a riveted structure to be riveted and coupled to the cover plate 220 or welded to the cover plate 220.

[0081] The positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be electrically connected to current collectors including a positive current collector and a negative current collector respectively welded to a positive uncoated portion or a negative uncoated portion.

[0082] For example, the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be respectively welded to the positive current collector and the negative current collector. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22 may be integrally formed with the positive current collector and the negative current collector respectively to be coupled to each other.

[0083] In addition, an insulating member may be mounted between the electrode assembly 10 and the cover plate 220. In this case, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 60 and a second lower insulating member 70, and each of the first lower insulating member 60 and the second lower insulating member 70 may be mounted between the electrode assembly 10 and the cover plate 220.

[0084] In addition, according to this embodiment, one end of a separation member that may be mounted to face one side of the electrode assembly 10 may be mounted between the insulating member and the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22.

[0085] In this case, the separating member may include a first separating member 80 and a second separating member 90.

[0086] Accordingly, one end of the first separating member 80 and one end of the second separating member 90, which can be installed to face one side of the electrode assembly 10, may be installed between the first lower insulating member 60 and the positive terminal 21 and between the second lower insulating member 70 and the negative terminal 22, respectively.

[0087] Accordingly, the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22, which are respectively welded to the positive current collector and the negative current collector, may be respectively coupled to one end of the first lower insulating member 60 and one end of the first separating member 80 and one end of the second lower insulating member 70 and one end of the second separating member 90.

[0088] In addition, an electrolyte injection hole 32 in which the sealing cap 33 can be installed may be formed in the cover plate 220.

[0089] An exhaust member 230 may be provided in the cover plate 220 and may be opened or closed according to a change in the internal pressure of the housing 210. That is, when the electrode assembly 10 is operating normally, the exhaust member 230 may remain closed to seal the housing 210. When the internal pressure of the housing 210 increases to a preset size or more due to gas generation, overcharging, or ignition caused by aging of the battery cell 200, the exhaust member 230 may be opened to discharge the flame and discharge these gases from the inside of the housing 210 to the outside.

[0090] The exhaust member 230 may be provided in the cover plate 220 between the positive terminal 21 and the negative terminal 22. The thickness of the exhaust member 230 may be less than the thickness of the cover plate 220. A notch or the like for causing the exhaust member 230 to rupture when the internal pressure of the housing 210 increases may be formed in the exhaust member 230.

[0091] A blocking member 2301 may be disposed on the cover plate 220 and may be provided to face the exhaust member 230. When thermal runaway of the battery cell 200 occurs, the blocking member 2301 may serve as a component for preventing successive thermal runaway of the battery cell 200 by blocking heat from being transferred to an adjacent battery cell 200 and blocking the flame or gas from being introduced into the exhaust member 230 of the adjacent battery cell 200.

[0092] According to an example, the blocking member 2301 may be implemented in the form of a mesh film. The blocking member 2301 implemented in the form of a mesh film may discharge the gas in the battery cell to the outside and prevent foreign substances from the outside from penetrating into the battery cell.

[0093] The blocking member 2301 can be individually installed in each battery cell 200, and the blocking members 2301 can be separated from each other. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in any one of the battery cells 200, the blocking member 2301 installed in the corresponding battery cell 200 can be separated from the cover plate 220 independently of the blocking members 2301 installed in other battery cells 200, and can prevent deterioration of the thermal blocking performance of the other battery cells 200.

[0094] The blocking member 2301 can be formed in a sheet shape having a substantially quadrilateral or circular cross section. The blocking member 2301 can be disposed on the upper surface of the cover plate 220 at the position where the blocking member 2301 is provided, so as to vertically face the exhaust member 230. The area of the blocking member 2301 can be larger than the area of the exhaust member 230.

[0095] The fixing member 250 can be provided to surround the housing 210 and the cover plate 220, and can fix the blocking member 2301 to the cover plate 220. That is, the fixing member 250 can serve as an assembly for protecting the housing 210 from external impacts, foreign matters, etc. during the manufacturing process of the battery cell 200 and fixing the blocking member 2301 to the cover plate 220. Therefore, even without an additional process and additional structure for attaching double-sided tape, the blocking member 2301 can be stably fixed to the cover plate 220.

[0096] The fixing member 250 can be formed in a thin sheet shape with an adhesive material coated on its inner surface. The fixing member 250 can include a synthetic resin material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or polypropylene (PP).

[0097] The fixing member 250 can include a first fixing member 251 and a second fixing member 252.

[0098] The first fixing member 251 can form the outside of one side of the fixing member 250, and can be provided to surround the housing 210. Similar to the housing 210, the first fixing member 251 can be formed in a shape having a hollow interior and an open upper side. The inner surface of the first fixing member 251 can be provided to completely surround the outer peripheral surface of the housing 210 except for the open side of the housing 210. The inner surface of the first fixing member 251 can be fixedly attached to the outer surface of the housing 210 by using the adhesive material coated on its inner surface.

[0099] The second fixing member 252 can form the outside of the other side of the fixing member 250. The second fixing member 252 can be provided to extend from the first fixing member 251 and surround the cover plate 220 and the blocking member 2301.

[0100] The second fixing member 252 may include a first extension portion 252a and a second extension portion 252b.

[0101] The first extension portion 252a may extend from one side of the first fixing member 251. In this case, the cross-sections of the first extension portion 252a and the first fixing member 251 may have a substantially shape. The inner surface of the first extension portion 252a may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the cover plate 220.

[0102] The second extension portion 252b may extend from the other side of the first fixing member 251 opposite to the said one side. In this case, the cross-sections of the second extension portion 252b and the first fixing member 251 may have a substantially shape. The inner surface of the second extension portion 252b may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the cover plate 220.

[0103] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Figure 7 The components shown in Figures 1 to 6 may be the same as or similar to the components shown in

[0105] An electrolyte injection hole 32 passing through the cover plate 220 may be formed in the cover plate 220. The electrolyte may be injected into the battery cell 200 through the electrolyte injection hole 32, so the battery cell 200 may be used as a battery. The electrolyte injection hole 32 may be sealed by a sealing cover 33. The sealing cover 33 may prevent foreign matters from penetrating into the battery cell 200 through the electrolyte injection hole 32.

[0106] An exhaust member 230 may be formed in the cover plate 220. The gas in the battery cell 200 may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust member 230. A blocking member 2301 may be provided on the exhaust member 230. The blocking member 2301 may be formed to be larger than the exhaust member 230 and provided on the cover plate 220. Since the exhaust member 230 and the blocking member 2301 are provided at the cover plate 220, the gas in the battery cell 200 may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust member 230, and the blocking member 2301 may prevent foreign matters from penetrating into the exhaust member 230. Through the exhaust member 230, the expansion phenomenon and explosion of the battery cell 200 can be prevented. Details of the exhaust member 230 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 21 describe the details of the exhaust member 230.

[0107] The electrolyte accommodating member 240 may be provided (for example, in the -Z axis direction) below the cover plate 220. The electrolyte accommodating member 240 may accommodate the electrolyte (for example, Figure 8The electrolyte 242). When the battery cell 200 ages, the internal electrolyte evaporates, and the electrolyte becomes insufficient. The electrolyte can be replenished in the battery cell 200 through the electrolyte accommodating member 240. As described above, when replenishing the electrolyte in the battery cell 200 through the electrolyte accommodating member 240, it may not be necessary to remove the sealing cover 33. In addition, since the user does not need to operate the sealing cover 33, the convenience of the user using the battery cell 200 can be improved. Details of the electrolyte accommodating member 240 will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 17 to describe the details of the electrolyte accommodating member 240.

[0108] Figure 8 The exhaust member 230 shown in can be the same as or similar to Figures 9 to 21 the exhaust member 230 shown in. Therefore, reference will be made to Figure 8 to describe the exhaust member 230, the inclined exhaust portion 231, the exhaust hole 232, the sealing member 233, the exhaust gasket 234, the electrolyte accommodating member 240, the electrolyte accommodating film 241, the electrolyte 242, the protrusion 243, the guiding member 244, the blocking member 2301, and the rupture hole 2302 (see Figure 10 ).

[0109] Reference will be made to Figures 8 to 21 to briefly describe the structure in which the electrolyte 242 is automatically replenished in the battery cell 200 and the inside and outside of the battery cell 200 are automatically connected or separated from each other.

[0110] The electrolyte accommodating film 241 accommodating the electrolyte 242 can move toward the cover plate 220 due to the pressure difference between the exhaust member 230 and the inside of the battery cell 200. According to an example, the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can move toward the cover plate 220 in the upward direction (e.g., the +Z-axis direction).

[0111] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 is greater than a predetermined pressure (e.g., the first pressure value), the electrolyte accommodating film 241 of the electrolyte accommodating member 240 can rupture. When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 is greater than the pressure corresponding to the breaking strength of the electrolyte accommodating film 241 (e.g., the first pressure value), the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can rupture. Optionally, the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can rupture through the protrusion 243 at a predetermined pressure (e.g., the first pressure value). Optionally, the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can contact the protrusion 243 provided on the cover plate 220 and can rupture through the protrusion 243. The protrusion 243 can be formed in the form of a thorn with a sharp end. The sharp thorn of the protrusion 243 will cause the electrolyte accommodating film 241 of the electrolyte accommodating member 240 to rupture.

[0112] When the electrolyte containment film 241 ruptures, the electrolyte 242 contained in the electrolyte containment film 241 can be discharged to the outside of the electrolyte containment film 241. According to an example, the electrolyte 242 can be discharged to the outside of the electrolyte containment film 241 and can fall. When the electrolyte containment film 241 ruptures, the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 can be directly transmitted to the sealing member 233.

[0113] The inclined exhaust portion 231 can be communicated with or partitioned from the exhaust hole 232 through the sealing member 233 provided in the exhaust member 230 to adjust the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231. The sealing member 233 can be arranged to contact the blocking member 2301 covering the exhaust hole 232. The blocking member 2301 can be formed of an elastic material. Optionally, the blocking member 2301 can be formed in the form of a mesh film. The sealing member 233 can contact the blocking member 2301, and the blocking member 2301 can limit the movement or movement range of the sealing member 233. According to an example, when a force greater than or equal to a preset magnitude acts on the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 can overcome the elastic force acting on it by the blocking member 2301 and move. When a force greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude acts on the sealing member 233, a gap G can be formed between the sealing member and the inclined exhaust portion 231, so that the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 can communicate with each other. When the magnitude of the force acting on the sealing member 233 decreases to a value less than or equal to the preset value, due to the elastic force generated by the blocking member 2301, the sealing member 233 can be arranged on the exhaust gasket 234. Therefore, the communication between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 can be blocked. According to an example, when the pressure of the exhaust hole 232 is greater than the pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231, the sealing member 233 can move away from the exhaust hole 232, and the exhaust hole 232 and the inclined exhaust portion 231 can communicate with each other, so that the pressure of the exhaust hole 232 and the pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231 can be equal or similar to each other. When the pressure of the exhaust hole 232 and the pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231 are equal or similar to each other, the sealing member 233 can move toward the exhaust hole 232 through the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 to partition the exhaust hole 232 from the inclined exhaust portion 231.

[0114] When the usage time of the battery cell 200 increases, the electrolyte in the battery cell 200 will evaporate, so the pressure of the battery cell 200 will increase. Therefore, the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231 will gradually increase.

[0115] According to an example, when the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231 increases, the sealing member 233 can move, the gas can pass through the blocking member 2301 formed as a mesh film, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 200 through the blocking member 2301.

[0116] According to another example, when the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion 231 increases to reach a predetermined pressure (e.g., the second pressure value) corresponding to the breaking strength of the blocking member 2301, a part of the blocking member 2301 may break, and a rupture hole 2302 may be formed in the blocking member 2301. The exterior of the battery cell 200 and the inclined exhaust portion 231 may communicate with each other through the rupture hole 2302. Accordingly, the pressure difference between the inside of the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exterior of the battery cell 200 may be reduced or eliminated. The rupture hole 2302 may be formed to be smaller than the sealing member 233 so as not to allow the sealing member 233 to disengage to the exterior of the battery cell 200. Even when the rupture hole 2302 is formed in the blocking member 2301, the sealing member 233 may move to the exhaust gasket 234 by the elastic force of the blocking member 2301. Alternatively, the sealing member 233 may move toward the exhaust gasket 234 due to the weight of the sealing member 233. Accordingly, the interior and the exterior of the battery cell 200 may be blocked from each other by the sealing member 233.

[0117] According to this configuration, when gas is generated in the battery cell 200 during long-term use and the pressure of the generated gas increases, the electrolyte accommodating member 240 may break at a predetermined pressure value (e.g., the first pressure value), the electrolyte 242 may be replenished in the battery cell 200, and foreign matter outside the battery cell 200 may be prevented from penetrating into the battery cell 200.

[0118] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte accommodating member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of movement of the electrolyte accommodating member, Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of rupture of the electrolyte accommodating member, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a shape after the electrolyte accommodating member has ruptured.

[0119] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte accommodating member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of movement of the electrolyte accommodating member, Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a shape after the electrolyte accommodating member has ruptured.

[0120] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte accommodating member according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a process of movement of the electrolyte accommodating member, Figure 17It is a cross-sectional view showing the shape after the electrolyte housing member is ruptured.

[0121] Figure 18 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover plate, an exhaust member, and an electrolyte housing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of movement of the electrolyte housing member. Figure 20 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the process of rupture of the electrolyte housing member. Figure 21 It is a cross-sectional view showing the shape after the electrolyte housing member is ruptured.

[0122] Hereinafter, the Figures 8 to 21 common components in

[0123] The inside and outside of the battery cell 200 can be communicated with each other through the exhaust member 230. The exhaust member 230 can be formed to pass through the cover plate 220.

[0124] The exhaust member 230 may include a blocking member 2301, an inclined exhaust portion 231, and an exhaust hole 232.

[0125] The blocking member 2301 can be provided (e.g., in the +Z axis direction) on the exhaust member 230.

[0126] According to one example, the blocking member 2301 can be formed as a film. According to another example, the blocking member 2301 can be formed as a mesh film. Thus, the outside of the battery cell 200 and the exhaust member 230 can be communicated with each other.

[0127] The blocking member 2301 can be arranged to contact the sealing member 233. The blocking member 2301 can contact the sealing member 233 to press the sealing member 233 in one direction (e.g., in the -Z axis direction). Thus, even when an external force acts on the sealing member 233, the movement of the sealing member 233 is restricted, or even when the sealing member 233 moves, when the external force is removed, the sealing member 233 can move to be arranged on the exhaust gasket 234. Optionally, when the external force is removed, the sealing member 233 can move by its own weight to be arranged on the exhaust gasket 234.

[0128] Since the blocking member 2301 is provided on the exhaust member 230, the exterior of the battery cell 200 and the exhaust member 230 can be partitioned. Accordingly, a pressure difference may occur between the exterior of the battery cell 200 and the exhaust member 230. The blocking member 2301 may be ruptured by an external impact. According to one example, the blocking member 2301 may be ruptured by a pressure difference between the inside of the cover plate 220 (e.g., the exhaust member 230) and the outside. The magnitude of the pressure value (e.g., the second pressure value) when the blocking member 2301 is ruptured may be greater than the magnitude of the pressure value (e.g., the first pressure value) when the electrolyte accommodating member 240 is ruptured. Optionally, the magnitude of the pressure value (e.g., the first pressure value) when the electrolyte accommodating member 240 is ruptured may be greater than or equal to the magnitude of the pressure value (e.g., the second pressure value) when the blocking member 2301 is ruptured.

[0129] When the magnitude of the pressure value (e.g., the second pressure value) when the blocking member 2301 is ruptured is greater than the magnitude of the pressure value (e.g., the first pressure value) when the electrolyte accommodating member 240 is ruptured, the electrolyte accommodating member 240 may be ruptured before the blocking member 2301 is ruptured. The electrolyte accommodating member 240 may be ruptured by a pressure difference or by the protrusion 243 at a predetermined pressure (e.g., the second pressure value). When the blocking member 2301 is ruptured, a rupture hole 2302 may be formed in the blocking member 2301. The pressure difference between the exhaust member 230 and the exterior of the battery cell 200 may be reduced or eliminated through the rupture hole 2302 of the blocking member 2301. Even when the rupture hole 2302 is formed in the blocking member 2301, the sealing member 233 may move by the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233 to be disposed on the exhaust gasket 234. Optionally, the sealing member 233 may move by the weight of the sealing member 233 to be disposed on the exhaust gasket 234.

[0130] The inclined exhaust portion 231 may be provided at one side of the cover plate 220, and the exhaust hole 232 may be provided at the other side of the cover plate 220. According to one example, the inclined exhaust portion 231 may be provided at the upper side of the cover plate 220 (e.g., in the +Z axis direction), and the exhaust hole 232 may be provided at the lower side of the cover plate 220 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction). The inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 may communicate with each other, and thus, the upper side and the lower side of the cover plate 220 may communicate with each other.

[0131] The inclined exhaust portion 231 may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the cover plate 220 (e.g., the X-Y plane). Accordingly, the size of the inclined exhaust portion 231 in the surface of the cover plate 220 may be larger than the size of the exhaust hole 232. According to one example, each of the cross-sectional shapes of the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 parallel to the surface of the cover plate 220 (e.g., the X-Y plane) may be a circular shape, and the diameter of the cross-section of the inclined exhaust portion 231 may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the cross-section of the exhaust hole 232.

[0132] The sealing member 233 may be disposed in the exhaust member 230. The sealing member 233 may be disposed between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 to connect or disconnect the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232. Since the sealing member 233 connects the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232, the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 may be reduced or eliminated, and since the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 are disconnected, the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 may occur. When an external force is applied to the sealing member 233 that is set to block the connection between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232, the sealing member 233 may move to connect the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232. When the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 are connected to eliminate the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232, the sealing member 233 may move due to the weight of the sealing member 233 or the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233 to be disposed on the exhaust gasket 234. Since the sealing member 233 moves to be disposed on the exhaust gasket 234, the connection between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 may be blocked.

[0133] The exhaust gasket 234 may be disposed between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232. The exhaust gasket 234 may be formed of an elastic material. According to one example, the exhaust gasket 234 may be formed of rubber. The sealing member 233 may be disposed on the exhaust gasket 234 (e.g., in the +Z axis direction). The sealing member 233 may be formed in a spherical shape. The sealing member 233 may be disposed on the lowermost end of the inclined exhaust portion 231 due to the weight of the sealing member 233 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction). Alternatively, when the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233 presses the sealing member 233 in one direction (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) such that the sealing member 233 is disposed on the lowermost end of the inclined exhaust portion, the inclined exhaust portion 231 may be disconnected from the exhaust hole 232 through the sealing member 233 and the exhaust gasket 234, and thus the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 may occur.

[0134] When a pressure difference appears between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 and a pressure difference greater than the weight of the sealing member 233 acts on the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 can move. Optionally, when the pressure difference that appears between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 is greater than the sum of the weight of the sealing member 233 and the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 can move. Therefore, the inclined exhaust portion 231 communicates with the exhaust hole 232, and the pressure between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 can be adjusted. When the pressure between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 is adjusted according to the movement of the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 can be disposed at the lowermost end (e.g., the exhaust gasket 234) of the inclined exhaust portion 231. Since the sealing member 233 is disposed at the lowermost end of the inclined exhaust portion 231, even when the blocking member 2301 formed as a net or a film is broken, foreign matters can be prevented from being introduced into the exhaust hole 232.

[0135] The electrolyte accommodating member 240 can be disposed (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) below the cover plate 220. The electrolyte accommodating member 240 can include an electrolyte accommodating film 241, an electrolyte 242 accommodated in the electrolyte accommodating film 241, a protrusion 243, and a guiding member 244.

[0136] The electrolyte accommodating film 241 can be formed in the form of a bag or a film. In Figures 8 to 14 this, an example of the electrolyte accommodating film 241 is formed in the form of a bag or a film, and in Figures 15 to 17 this, an example of the electrolyte accommodating film 241 is formed in the form of a film. A predetermined pressure value (e.g., a first pressure value) when the electrolyte accommodating film 241 is broken can be determined through experiments and can be less than a predetermined pressure value (e.g., a second pressure value) when the blocking member 2301 is broken.

[0137] The electrolyte 242 can be accommodated in the electrolyte accommodating film 241, and the electrolyte accommodating film 241 is formed in the form of a bag (e.g., an electrolyte bag) and is disposed adjacent to the cover plate 220. The capacity of the electrolyte 242 accommodated in the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can be in the range of about 3 cc to 20 cc. When the electrolyte accommodating film 241 is broken, the electrolyte 242 can fall, and the electrolyte can be replenished in the battery cell 200.

[0138] The guiding member 244 can be disposed (e.g., in the -Z axis direction) below the cover plate 220.

[0139] According to one example, the guide member 244 may be formed in a column shape having two open sides. The shape of the cross section of the column in a direction perpendicular to the length direction may vary. According to one example, the shape of the cross section of the column in a direction perpendicular to the length direction may be a quadrilateral shape or a circular shape.

[0140] According to one example, the guide member 244 may be implemented in the form of a rod or a plate. One end side of the guide member 244 may be fixed to the cap plate 220 , and the other end side thereof may be connected to the electrolyte containing film 241 .

[0141] The guide member 244 may contact the electrolyte containing film 241 and may shield the vent hole 232 from the inside of the battery cell 200. When the vent hole 232 is shielded from the inside of the battery cell 200, a pressure difference may occur between the vent hole 232 and the inside of the battery cell 200.

[0142] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases, the electrolyte containing film 241 may move toward the cap plate 220 due to the pressure difference between the vent hole 232 and the inside of the battery cell 200. According to one example, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 is greater than a preset value, the electrolyte containing film 241 may move toward the cap plate 220. The electrolyte containing film 241 may be guided to move toward the cap plate 220 by the guide member 244.

[0143] The electrolyte containing film 241 may be ruptured at a preset pressure value (eg, a first pressure value), and thus the electrolyte 242 contained in the electrolyte containing film 241 may fall down. Therefore, the electrolyte 242 may be automatically replenished in the battery cell 200.

[0144] When the electrolyte containing film 241 is ruptured, the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 is directly transmitted to the sealing member 233, and the sealing member 233 may move when a pressure greater than the weight of the sealing member 233 acts on the sealing member 233. Alternatively, the sealing member 233 may move when a pressure greater than the sum of the weight of the sealing member 233 and the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233 acts on the sealing member 233.

[0145] When the sealing member 233 moves, the inclined exhaust portion 231 can communicate with the interior of the battery cell 200, and the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 can be directly transmitted to the blocking member 2301. When a pressure greater than the breaking strength of the blocking member 2301 acts on the blocking member 2301, the blocking member 2301 can rupture, and a rupture hole 2302 can be formed in the blocking member 2301. Optionally, the blocking member 2301 formed as a mesh can discharge the internal gas to the outside of the battery cell 200. Therefore, the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 can be adjusted (e.g., reduced) to prevent the expansion phenomenon or explosion of the battery cell 200.

[0146] Figures 8 to 11 The components shown in Figures 1 to 7 can be the same as or similar to the components shown in. Therefore, the description of the same components can be omitted.

[0147] Referring to Figures 8 to 11 , the exhaust member 230 can be provided in the cover plate 220, and the electrolyte accommodating member 240 can be provided below the cover plate 220.

[0148] The electrolyte accommodating member 240 can be provided below the exhaust member 230 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction). The electrolyte accommodating member 240 can include an electrolyte accommodating film 241 in which an electrolyte 242 is accommodated, a protrusion 243, and a guiding member 244.

[0149] The electrolyte accommodating film 241 can be attached to the lower surface of the cover plate 220 using an adhesive or the like. Optionally, the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can be supported by the guiding member 244. The guiding member 244 can guide the movement of the electrolyte accommodating film 241. The communication between the exhaust member 230 and the interior of the battery cell 200 can be blocked by the guiding member 244 and the electrolyte accommodating film 241. The electrolyte accommodating film 241 can move according to the pressure difference between the exhaust member 230 and the interior of the battery cell 200.

[0150] The electrolyte accommodating film 241 can be formed of an elastic material and can block the communication between the exhaust member 230 and the interior of the battery cell 200 so that the exhaust member 230 does not communicate with the interior of the battery cell 200. The exhaust member 230 can be blocked from the interior of the battery cell 200 by the electrolyte accommodating film 241, and the exhaust member 230 can be blocked from the interior of the battery cell 200 by the electrolyte accommodating film 241 and the guiding member 244.

[0151] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases, the electrolyte accommodating film 241 can move toward the cover plate 220 (see Figure 9) When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., the first pressure value), the electrolyte containing film 241 may rupture due to the internal pressure of the battery cell 200, or may move toward the cover plate 220, may contact the protrusion 243 provided below the cover plate 220, and may rupture through the protrusion 243 (see Figure 10 )

[0152] The exhaust member 230 may include a blocking member 2301. The blocking member 2301 formed as a film may rupture at a predetermined pressure (e.g., the second pressure value). When the blocking member 2301 ruptures, a rupture hole 2302 may be formed in the blocking member 2301, and the size of the rupture hole 2302 may be smaller than the size of the sealing member 233 provided in the exhaust member 230. According to another example, the blocking member 2301 may be formed of a mesh film.

[0153] The sealing member 233 may move according to the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 of the exhaust member 230. When the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 is greater than the weight of the sealing member 233 or greater than the sum of the weight of the sealing member 233 and the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 may move to separate from the exhaust gasket 234, and the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 may be reduced or eliminated. When the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 becomes smaller than the weight of the sealing member 233 or smaller than the sum of the weight of the sealing member 233 and the elastic force of the blocking member 2301 in contact with the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 may move to contact the exhaust gasket 234.

[0154] When the electrolyte containing film 241 ruptures, the electrolyte 242 contained in the electrolyte containing film 241 may be discharged to the outside of the electrolyte containing film 241 (see Figure 10 )

[0155] After the electrolyte containing film 241 ruptures, the electrolyte containing film 241 may be disposed below the cover plate 220, and the sealing member 233 may be placed on the exhaust gasket 234, so that the inside and outside of the battery cell 200 may be separated from each other. Therefore, foreign matter can be prevented from being introduced into the battery cell 200.

[0156] Figures 12 to 14 The components shown in Figures 1 to 11 may be the same as or similar to the components shown in

[0157] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the exhaust member 230 can be partitioned from the interior of the battery cell 200 by the guiding member 244 and the electrolyte containing film 241 (see Figure 12 ). Therefore, a pressure difference can occur between the exhaust member 230 and the interior of the battery cell 200, and the electrolyte containing film 241 can move according to the pressure difference.

[0158] When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases, the electrolyte containing film 241 can move toward the cover plate 220. When the electrolyte containing film 241 moves toward the cover plate 220, the electrolyte containing film 241 can contact the protrusion 243 provided below the cover plate 220, so the electrolyte containing film 241 can rupture. When the electrolyte containing film 241 ruptures, the electrolyte 242 contained in the electrolyte containing film 241 can be discharged into the interior of the battery cell 200. The electrolyte 242 discharged from the electrolyte containing film 241 will fall (see Figure 13 ).

[0159] After the electrolyte containing film 241 ruptures and the electrolyte 242 is discharged, the sealing member 233 can be set to partition the inclined exhaust portion 231 from the exhaust hole 232. The sealing member 233 can be set to be placed on the exhaust gasket 234 (see Figure 14 ).

[0160] Figures 15 to 17 The components shown in Figures 1 to 12 can be the same as or similar to the components shown in

[0161] Therefore, the description of the same components can be omitted. Figures 15 to 17 Referring to Figure 15 , the electrolyte containing film 241 can be set to block the opening of the guiding member 244. The electrolyte 242 can be contained in the space surrounded by the electrolyte containing film 241 and the guiding member 244. The protrusion 243 can be provided below the cover plate 220. The protrusion 243 can be provided in the space surrounded by the cover plate 220 and the guiding member 244 (see

[0162] The portion of the electrolyte containing film 241 connected to the guiding member 244 can be fixed, and the portion of the electrolyte containing film 241 not connected to the guiding member 244 can be elastically deformed. When the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases, the electrolyte containing film 241 can move toward the cover plate 220 (see Figure 16 ). While the electrolyte containing film 241 moves toward the cover plate 220, the electrolyte containing film 241 can be deformed.

[0163] As the electrolyte containment film 241 deforms, the sealing member 233 can move, and the internal pressure of the exhaust member 230 can change. While the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases, the electrolyte containment film 241 can deform, and when the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 increases to a pressure greater than the breaking strength of the electrolyte containment film 241, the electrolyte containment film 241 can rupture. Optionally, the electrolyte containment film 241 and the protrusion 243 are in contact with each other, so the electrolyte containment film 241 can rupture (see Figure 17 ). When the electrolyte containment film 241 ruptures, the electrolyte 242 can be discharged from the electrolyte containment film 241. The electrolyte 242 discharged from the electrolyte containment film 241 can fall into the battery cell 200.

[0164] Referring to Figures 18 to 21 , an enlarged view of the exhaust area R in which the cover plate 220, the exhaust member 230, the blocking member 2031, and the rupture hole 2302 are provided can be shown (see Figure 8 ). The exhaust member 230 can include a blocking member 2301. It can be checked that the sealing member 233 provided on the exhaust gasket 234 is formed to be spaced apart from the blocking member 2301.

[0165] According to one example, the blocking member 2301 formed as a film can rupture at a predetermined pressure (e.g., the second pressure value). When the blocking member 2301 ruptures, a rupture hole 2302 can be formed in the blocking member 2301, and the size of the rupture hole 2302 can be smaller than the size of the sealing member 233 provided in the exhaust member 230.

[0166] According to another example, the blocking member 2301 can be formed as a mesh film. Since the blocking member 2301 is formed as a mesh film, the inside and the outside of the battery cell 200 can communicate with each other through the blocking member 2301.

[0167] The sealing member 233 can be provided to block the communication between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 of the exhaust member 230 (see Figure 18 ). The sealing member 233 can be provided on the exhaust gasket 234 provided between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 to block the communication between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232. The sealing member 233 can be prevented from detaching from the exhaust member 230 by the blocking member 2301.

[0168] The sealing member 233 can move according to the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 of the exhaust member 230 (see Figure 19) When the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 is greater than the weight of the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 can move to separate from the exhaust gasket 234, so that the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 can be reduced or eliminated. When the pressure difference between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 becomes less than the weight of the sealing member 233, the sealing member 233 can move to contact the exhaust gasket 234.

[0169] According to one example, when the pressure acting on the inclined exhaust portion 231 is greater than the pressure corresponding to the breaking strength of the barrier member 2301, the barrier member 2301 formed as a film can rupture (see Figure 20 ). According to another example, the barrier member 2301 formed as a mesh film can be formed to allow gas to pass through the barrier member 2301 to reduce the pressure acting on the inclined exhaust portion 231. Therefore, the sealing member 233 can not detach to the outside of the battery cell 200, and the gas in the battery cell 200 can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 200 to reduce the internal pressure of the battery cell 200.

[0170] As the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 decreases, the sealing member 233 can move due to its weight to contact the exhaust gasket 234. When the sealing member 233 moves to contact the exhaust gasket 234, the communication between the inclined exhaust portion 231 and the exhaust hole 232 can be blocked. Therefore, foreign matter can be prevented from being introduced into the battery cell 200, the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 can be prevented from increasing to a value greater than or equal to a predetermined value, so that the swelling phenomenon of the battery cell 200 can be prevented, and the durability of the battery cell 200 can be improved.

[0171] Using this configuration, while using the battery cell 200, the electrolyte can be automatically replenished in the battery cell 200, and the internal pressure of the battery cell 200 can be adjusted. Therefore, the usage time of the battery cell 200 can be increased, and the safety of the battery cell 200 can be improved.

[0172] According to the present disclosure, since the electrolyte is automatically replenished in the battery cell, the life of the battery cell can be extended.

[0173] According to the present disclosure, since the gas in the battery cell can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell, the safety of the battery cell can be improved.

[0174] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present disclosure.

[0175] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to limited specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes within the scope of the technical spirit of the present disclosure and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: A housing for accommodating the electrode assembly; A cover plate, disposed on the housing and sealing the housing; an exhaust member disposed in the cover plate and communicating with the interior of the housing; as well as An electrolyte containing member is provided in the case, communicates with the exhaust member, contains an electrolyte, and is ruptured when the internal pressure of the case is greater than a first pressure value. 2 . The battery cell according to claim 1 , further comprising a blocking member disposed on the cap plate and arranged to cover the exhaust member.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: When the internal pressure of the housing is greater than a second pressure value, the blocking member is ruptured so that a rupture hole is formed in the blocking member.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The second pressure value is greater than the first pressure value. 5 . The battery cell according to claim 2 , further comprising a sealing member provided in the vent member and moved by an increase in the internal pressure of the case to communicate between the vent member and the interior of the case.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein: The blocking member is disposed in contact with the sealing member to press the sealing member toward the interior of the housing.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein: The exhaust component comprises: an exhaust hole formed in a lower surface of the cover plate, communicating with the interior of the housing, and having a first diameter; and The inclined exhaust portion is provided in the upper surface of the cover plate, has a second diameter greater than the first diameter, and is formed inclined toward the exhaust hole.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein: The exhaust member further includes an exhaust gasket disposed between the exhaust hole and the inclined exhaust portion, and the sealing member is seated on the exhaust gasket.

9. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein: The sealing member: When a difference between an internal pressure of the exhaust hole and an internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion is greater than a predetermined value, communicating the exhaust hole with the inclined exhaust portion; and When the difference between the internal pressure of the exhaust hole and the internal pressure of the inclined exhaust portion is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the exhaust hole is blocked from the inclined exhaust portion.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein: The shape of the sealing member is a spherical shape.

11. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The electrolyte containing member is provided to shield the interior of the case from the exhaust member.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, wherein: The electrolyte containing member includes an electrolyte containing film that contacts the electrolyte and moves toward the cap plate when the internal pressure of the case is greater than the internal pressure of the exhaust member.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein: The electrolyte containing member further includes a protrusion that ruptures the electrolyte containing film that moves according to the internal pressure of the case.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, wherein: The projections are provided on the lower surface of the cap plate, are formed as thorns that project toward the electrolyte containing film, and rupture the moving electrolyte containing film so that the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte containing film falls.

15. The battery cell according to claim 13, wherein: The electrolyte containing member further includes a guide member which guides the electrolyte containing film to move toward the cap plate.

16. The battery cell according to claim 13, wherein: The electrolyte containing film includes an electrolyte bag which surrounds the electrolyte and is formed of an elastic material.

17. A battery module, comprising: shell; as well as A plurality of battery cells are disposed in the housing. The battery cell includes: a shell that accommodates an electrode assembly; a cover plate that is disposed on the shell and seals the shell; a venting member that is disposed in the cover plate and communicates with the interior of the shell; and an electrolyte containing member that is disposed in the shell, communicates with the venting member, contains electrolyte, and ruptures when the internal pressure of the shell is greater than a first pressure value. 18 . The battery module according to claim 17 , further comprising a blocking member disposed on the cover plate and arranged to cover the exhaust member.

19. The battery module according to claim 18, wherein: When the internal pressure of the housing is greater than a second pressure value, the blocking member is ruptured so that a rupture hole is formed in the blocking member.

Images