Battery cell comprising shell, battery device comprising battery cell and shell manufacturing process

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, provided is a battery cell, comprising: a housing comprising a first edge forming an opening and a joint portion arranged perpendicular to the first edge; an electrode assembly accommodated in the case; and a cover assembly coupled to the housing and sealing the opening. The case may include: a central region facing the electrode assembly; an end region surrounding at least a portion of the cap assembly; and a groove extending from the end region and accommodating a bead formed at the joint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell including a shell, a battery device including the battery cell, and a shell manufacturing process. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS). Secondary batteries can be lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-metal hydride batteries.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be manufactured as flexible pouch-type cells or rigid prismatic or cylindrical can-type cells. Multiple cells can be stacked to form a cell assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (1) Technical issues to be resolved

[0005] The battery cell may include an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly sealing an opening of the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

[0006] The housing can be manufactured using a stamping process. For example, the housing can be manufactured by folding at least a portion of a sheet material. By joining the edges (e.g., seams) of the sheet material together, the housing can be formed into a closed curve shape and form an opening.

[0007] However, the joining of the plate edges may form a weld bead. Part of the weld bead may protrude toward the cover assembly and contact a portion of the cover assembly (e.g., the cover plate). If the weld bead contacts the cover assembly (e.g., the cover plate), a gap may form between the cover assembly and the housing, potentially reducing the bonding strength between the cover assembly and the housing.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell that reduces poor bonding between a cap assembly and a case can be provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell that prevents a gap from being formed between a cap assembly and a case may be provided.

[0010] The disclosed battery cells and battery devices can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-based green technologies such as solar power generation and wind power generation. Furthermore, the disclosed battery cells and battery devices can be used in eco-friendly electric and hybrid vehicles, which aim to mitigate climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] (2) Technical solution

[0012] The battery cell of the present disclosure may include: a case including a first edge forming an opening and a joint perpendicular to the first edge; an electrode assembly housed within the case; and a cap assembly coupled to the case and sealing the opening. The case may include: a central region facing the electrode assembly; an end region surrounding at least a portion of the cap assembly; and a groove extending from the end region and accommodating a weld bead formed at the joint.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the opening may include: a first opening formed on one side of the battery cell; and a second opening formed on the other side of the battery cell. The cap assembly may include: a first cap assembly sealing the first opening; and a second cap assembly sealing the second opening.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the end region may include: a first end region forming the first opening; and a second end region forming the second opening. The joint may extend from the first end region through the central region to the second end region.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the groove may include: a first groove extending from the first end region and facing at least a portion of the first cover assembly; and a second groove extending from the second end region and facing at least a portion of the second cover assembly.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second thickness of the end region may be thinner than the first thickness of the central region.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the joint portion may be formed along a first direction. The housing may include a plurality of bent portions, the plurality of bent portions being bent with a direction parallel to the first direction as a reference.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the groove may be located between the end region and the central region.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the housing may include an outer surface facing the outside of the battery cell and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface. The welding bead may be located on the inner surface of the housing.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the housing may include at least one of aluminum and stainless steel.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the end region and the groove may be formed by forging.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the housing may include a plurality of second edges perpendicular to the first edge, and the joint may be formed by welding the plurality of second edges.

[0023] The battery device disclosed herein may include: a cell assembly including a plurality of cells; and a frame housing the cell assembly. Each of the plurality of cells may include: a housing including a first edge forming an opening and a joint disposed perpendicular to the first edge; an electrode assembly housed within the housing; and a cap assembly coupled to the housing and sealing the opening. The housing may include: a central region facing the electrode assembly; an end region surrounding at least a portion of the cap assembly; and a groove extending from the end region and housing a weld bead formed at the joint.

[0024] The shell manufacturing process disclosed herein may include: a preparation process of preparing a plate, wherein the plate includes a plurality of first edges and a plurality of second edges perpendicular to the plurality of first edges; a punching process of forming through holes on the plate; a pressurizing process of forming end areas on the plurality of first edges of the plate and forming grooves on a portion of the plurality of second edges; a bending process of bending at least a portion of the plate; and a joining process of joining the plurality of second edges.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the sheet material may include a central region surrounded by the plurality of first edges and the plurality of second edges.The groove may be located between the end regions and the central region.

[0026] According to one embodiment, during the joining process, a welding bead may be formed on the inner surface of the housing, and the groove may accommodate at least a portion of the welding bead.

[0027] (3) Beneficial effects

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, poor bonding of a cover assembly and a housing can be reduced.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the cover assembly and the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4a is a perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment. Figure 4b is a perspective view of a housing according to another embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell for explaining a combination of a case and a cover assembly according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery cell including a housing and a cover assembly according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a casing manufacturing process according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a housing manufacturing process according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0039] Description of reference numerals:

[0040] 100: Battery cell 230: Joint

[0041] 110: Electrode assembly 240: Trough

[0042] 120, 200: Shell 250: Welding beads

[0043] 210: Center area 260: Bend part

[0044] 220: End area DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the exemplary embodiments.

[0046] The terms and words used in the present specification and claims described below should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings. The inventors interpret the terms and words as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the principle that the concept of the term can be appropriately defined to best illustrate the invention.

[0047] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than representing all technical ideas of the present disclosure, and various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] Detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure will be omitted. In the drawings, a portion of components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the size of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size.

[0049] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment. Figure 2is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, a housing 120, a vent 130, cap assemblies 140 and 150, and / or an insulation bag 160. The battery cell 100 may be a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 100 may be a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery.

[0051] The electrode assembly 110 may include at least one positive electrode plate, at least one negative electrode plate, and at least one separator. The separator may prevent contact between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrode assembly 110 may be manufactured in a variety of ways. According to exemplary embodiments, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator may be repeatedly arranged to form an electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be a winding type, a stacking type, a Z-folding type, or a stack-folding type.

[0052] The housing 120 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the battery cell 100 and may house the electrode assembly 110. For example, the housing 120 may provide a space for housing the electrode assembly 110 and the electrolyte. According to one embodiment, the housing 120 may comprise aluminum. The housing 120 may be referred to as a can or an outer shell. The housing 120 may substantially have a rectangular parallelepiped shape with at least a portion being open. For example, the housing 120 may include a first side surface 120a and a second side surface 120b having a width greater than that of the first side surface 120a. The first side surface 120a may be referred to as a narrow side surface, and the second side surface 120b may be referred to as a wide side surface.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the housing 120 may include a first opening 121 formed on one side (+Y direction) of the lengthwise direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100; a second opening 122 formed on the other side (-Y direction) of the lengthwise direction of the battery cell 100; and a through hole 123 formed in the heightwise direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. The first opening 121, the second opening 122, and the through hole 123 may each be an empty space communicating with the interior space of the housing 120. For example, the first opening 121 may be an empty space extending from the second opening 122.

[0054] The exhaust portion 130 may provide a path for exhausting gas generated from inside the housing 120 to the outside of the housing 120. For example, the exhaust portion 130 may include a notch portion 131 configured to break at a specified pressure or higher and a base 132 coupled to the housing 120.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the vent portion 130 may be located on the first side surface 120a of the housing 120, where stress is relatively high, except for the portion where the cap assemblies 140 and 150 are joined. The vent portion 130 may be located between the first cap assembly 140 and the second cap assembly 150. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the vent portion 130 may be disposed within a through hole 123 formed on the first side surface 120a.

[0056] As shown in one embodiment of the present invention, in a battery cell 100 including a plurality of cap assemblies 140, 150 located on both sides of the length direction of the housing 120, the space available for one cap assembly 140, 150 can be reduced. Since the exhaust portion 130 is formed on the housing 120, the design freedom of the exhaust portion 130 can be increased, and the discharge of gas inside the housing 120 can be improved. Although the exhaust portion 130 formed on the first side surface 120a of the housing 120 is shown herein, this is merely exemplary. For example, in another embodiment, the exhaust portion 130 can be located on the cap assemblies 140, 150.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the base 132 may be welded along an edge portion to the housing 120. The base 132 may be a plate including aluminum.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the notch 131 may be a recess, groove, and / or hole formed in the base 132. The notch 131 may be a portion of the vent 130 that ruptures earlier than other portions when the pressure inside the housing 120 is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure. The thickness of at least a portion of the notch 131 may be thinner than that of the base 132. At least a portion of the gas generated inside the housing 120 can be discharged through the empty space in the vent 130 formed when the notch 131 ruptures. Therefore, from the perspective of the battery cell 100, the gas discharge direction can be controlled.

[0059] Cap assemblies 140 and 150 may be attached to both sides of the housing 120 in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). For example, the cap assemblies 140 and 150, together with the housing 120, may house the electrode assembly 110 and the electrolyte. Cap assemblies 140 and 150 may include a first cap assembly 140 attached to one end of the housing 120 (e.g., the +Y-axis direction) and a second cap assembly 150 attached to the other end of the housing 120 (e.g., the -Y-axis direction). The first cap assembly 140 may seal the first opening 121 of the housing 120. The second cap assembly 150 may seal the second opening 122 of the housing 120.

[0060] The cover assemblies 140 , 150 may include multiple components.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cap assemblies 140 and 150 may include cap plates 142 and 152 that are coupled to the housing 120 to seal the housing 120. For example, the cap plates 142 and 152 may be made of aluminum or a material containing aluminum. The cap plates 142 and 152 may be laser welded to the housing 120 along their edges. When the cap plates 142 and 152 are coupled to the housing 120, the interior of the housing 120 is sealed. Therefore, at least one of the cap plates 142 and 152 may include an electrolyte injection port 148 for injecting electrolyte into the interior of the housing 120. The electrolyte injection port 148 may be sealed with a plug or the like after the electrolyte is injected.

[0062] The cap assemblies 140 and 150 may include terminal plates 141 and 151. The terminal plates 141 and 151 may be coupled to one side of the cap plates 142 and 152. The side of the cap plates 142 and 152 may be opposite to the side facing the interior of the housing 120. When configuring a battery module or battery pack, the battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to adjacent battery cells 100 via the terminal plates 141 and 151.

[0063] The terminal plates 141 and 151 can have positive or negative polarity. For example, referring to the accompanying drawings, the first terminal plate 141 disposed on one side of the housing 120 (e.g., in the +Y direction) can have negative polarity, while the second terminal plate 151 disposed on the other side of the housing 120 (e.g., in the -Y direction) can have positive polarity. For example, the terminal plates 141 and 151 can each be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110 via an electrode tab.

[0064] The cap assemblies 140 and 150 may include current collector plates 143 and 153 disposed on the other side of the cap plates 142 and 152. These current collector plates 143 and 153 may be connected to the negative or positive electrode plates of the electrode assembly 110, respectively, and have negative or positive polarity. Insulating plates (inner insulating plates) 144a, 144b, 154a, and 154b may be disposed between the cap plates 142 and 152 and the current collector plates 143 and 153, and between the current collector plates 143 and 153 and the interior of the housing 120, respectively. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the insulating plates 144a, 144b, 154a, and 154b may be replaced by a resistor plate.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the cap assemblies 140, 150 may include rivet terminals 145, 155 that pass through in the thickness direction from the terminal plates 141, 151 to the collector plates 143, 153. To this end, the cap plates 142, 152, the terminal plates 141, 151, the collector plates 143, 153, and a portion of the insulating plates 144a, 154a may include holes into which the rivet terminals 145, 155 are inserted, and washers 147, 157 may be installed between the holes and the rivet terminals 145, 155.

[0066] According to one embodiment, a portion of the cap assemblies 140 , 150 (eg, the first cap assembly 140 ) may include an insulation plate 146 (eg, an outer insulation plate) disposed between the first terminal plate 141 and the first cap plate 142 .

[0067] The components of the cover assemblies 140 and 150 described above are merely one embodiment, and thus some of the components of the cover assemblies 140 and 150 may be omitted, or other configurations not described may be added.

[0068] Insulation bag 160 can be used to insulate housing 120 of battery cell 100. For example, insulation bag 160 can contain an insulating material. Insulation bag 160 can also be referred to as tape, protective film, protective component, protective tape, insulating film, insulating component, and / or insulating tape. According to one embodiment, insulation bag 160 can contain an adhesive material for bonding to housing 120 and vent 130.

[0069] The insulation bag 160 may cover at least a portion of the housing 120. Although the insulation bag 160 is shown herein as covering the entire housing 120, the location where the insulation bag 160 covers the housing 120 may vary depending on the design. For example, in one embodiment, a side surface 160a of the insulation bag 160 may cover at least a portion of the exhaust portion 130 and the first side surface 120a of the housing 120. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the insulation bag 160 may be folded and overlapped.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the covering region 162 of the insulation bag 160 may cover the exhaust portion 130. After the notch portion 131 of the exhaust portion 130 is broken, at least a portion of the insulation bag 160 (eg, the covering region 162) may contact and melt at least a portion of the exhaust gas passing through the notch portion 131.

[0071] Although the battery cell 100 is shown herein as a prismatic battery cell with bidirectional openings, this is merely exemplary. For example, in an embodiment not shown, the battery cell 100 may be a prismatic battery cell with unidirectional openings.

[0072] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment. Figure 4a is a perspective view of a housing according to one embodiment. Figure 4b is a perspective view of a housing according to another embodiment. Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell for explaining a combination of a case and a cover assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery cell including a housing and a cover assembly according to one embodiment.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b 、 Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110 , cap assemblies 140 and 150 , and a case 200 . The case 200 may include a central region 210 , end regions 220 , a joint portion 230 , a groove 240 , and a bent portion 260 . Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 At least a portion of the description of the battery cell 100, electrode assembly 110, housing 120, and cap assemblies 140, 150 may be applicable to Figure 3 、 Figure 4a 、 Figure 4b 、 Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 The battery cell 100, the electrode assembly 110, the shell 200 and the cap assemblies 140 and 150 are shown.

[0074] The housing 200 can accommodate the battery cells (eg, Figure 1 For example, the housing 200 may include a housing that surrounds the electrode assembly (eg, Figure 2 The case 200 may include a central region 210 of at least a portion of the electrode assembly 110 and an end region 220 extending from the central region 210 . The end region 220 may form an end of the case 200 .

[0075] The end region 220 may be connected to a cover assembly (e.g., Figure 2 The cover assemblies 140 and 150 are connected to the housing 200. The cover assemblies 140 and 150 may be coupled to the end region 220 of the housing 200. The end region 220 may surround at least a portion of the cover assemblies 140 and 150. The end region 220 may include a seating surface 220a that contacts the cover assemblies 140 and 150. The seating surface 220a may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cover plates 142 and 152.

[0076] The end region 220 may include a first end region 221 connected to the first cover assembly 140 and a second end region 222 connected to the second cover assembly 150. The central region 210 may be located between the first end region 221 and the second end region 222.

[0077] The housing 200 can be formed into a shape for accommodating the cover assemblies 140 and 150. For example, different portions of the housing 200 can have different thicknesses. The second thickness T2 of the end regions 220 can be thinner than the first thickness T1 of the center region 210. Because the second thickness T2 of the end regions 220 is thinner than the first thickness T1 of the center region 210, accidental movement of the cover assemblies 140 and 150 can be prevented. For example, the end regions 220 can contact the cover assemblies 140 and 150 to prevent the cover assemblies 140 and 150 from moving toward the interior of the housing 200. In one embodiment, the sum of the depth T3 of the groove 240 and the second thickness T2 of the end regions 220 can be substantially the same as the first thickness T1 of the center region 210.

[0078] The housing 200 may be formed by bending the plate 209 multiple times. For example, the housing 200 may include multiple bending portions 260. The plate 209 may be a metal substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. For example, the housing 200 may be bent to form the opening 201 (e.g., Figure 2 The sheet 209 is provided with a first opening 121 and / or a second opening 122 (of the first opening 121 and / or the second opening 122). In one embodiment, the sheet 209 can be bent in a direction parallel to the joint 230. For example, the sheet 209 can be folded multiple times along a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The housing 200 may include multiple folding portions 260, each of which is bent in a direction parallel to the first direction (the Y-axis direction). The sheet 209 may include a first edge 207 and a second edge 208 perpendicular to the first edge 207. The first edge 207 may be at least a portion of the end region 220. For example, the end region 220 may form the first edge 207. Multiple first edges 207 may be provided. For example, the first edge 207 may include a 1-1 edge 207a located in the first end region 221 and a 1-2 edge 207b located in the second end region 222. The second edge 208 may include a 2-1 edge 208a and a 2-2 edge 208b parallel to the 2-1 edge 208a. In one embodiment, the joint portion 230 may be formed on a narrow surface of the housing 120 (eg, Figure 1 first side 120a).

[0079] The housing 200 can be formed by welding a bent sheet material 209. The housing 200 can include a joint 230. The joint 230 can be formed by welding the plurality of second edges 208a and 208b. The joint 230 can extend from the first end region 221 through the central region 210 to the second end region 222. For example, the joint 230 can be a joint formed along the first direction (the Y-axis direction). The joint 230 can be joined by a weld line formed along the first direction (the Y-axis direction).

[0080] The joint 230 can be substantially perpendicular to the end region 220. For example, the housing 200 may include: the end region 220 located at an end in a first direction (the Y-axis); and joint regions 231 and 232 located at ends in a second direction (the X-axis) perpendicular to the first direction (the Y-axis). The joint regions 231 and 232 can form at least a portion of the end of the plate 209 in the X-axis direction. The joint 230 can be formed by welding the first joint region 231 and the second joint region 232.

[0081] The housing 200 may be made of a material that can be welded and bent. For example, the housing 200 may be formed of a rigid metal having a size greater than or equal to a specified size. In one embodiment, the housing 200 may include at least one of aluminum or stainless steel.

[0082] The housing 200 may include a joint 230 and / or a weld bead 250 formed around the joint 230. The weld bead 250 may be a portion of the sheet 209 formed by solidification of the melted parent material (e.g., the sheet 209) when the second edges 208a and 208b of the housing 200 are joined by welding. For example, the weld bead 250 may be a plurality of protrusions or projections formed during the welding process of the joint 230. The weld bead 250 may form an irregular surface on the inner surface 200b of the housing 200. The housing 200 may include an outer surface 200a facing the exterior of the battery cell 100 and an inner surface 200b opposite the outer surface 200b. The weld bead 250 may be formed on the inner surface 200b of the housing 200. For example, the weld bead 250 may be formed on the inner surface 200b of the housing 200 at the location of the joint 230. When the welding bead 250 contacts the cover plates 142 , 152 , the bonding force between the cover plates 142 , 152 and the housing 200 may be reduced. For example, the welding bead 250 may reduce the contact area between the cover plates 142 , 152 and the end region 220 of the housing 200 .

[0083] Housing 200 may include a groove 240. Groove 240 may accommodate at least a portion of a weld bead 250 formed on joint 230. By accommodating at least a portion of weld bead 250 in groove 240, direct contact between weld bead 250 and lid assemblies 140, 150 may be prevented. For example, at least a portion of weld bead 250 may be located within groove 240. For example, end region 220 may surround at least a portion of an edge of a cover plate 142, 152 of lid assemblies 140, 150 and contact cover plates 142, 152. By preventing weld bead 250 from directly contacting lid assemblies 140, 150, the bonding strength between lid assemblies 140, 150 and housing 200 and the assembly position accuracy of lid assemblies 140, 150 may be increased. Since groove 240 accommodates weld bead 250, a gap may be prevented from forming between lid assemblies 140, 150 and housing 200. Groove 240 may extend from end region 220. For example, the groove 240 may be an empty space (eg, a notch) extending from the end region 220 toward the inside of the housing 200 . The groove 240 may be located between the end region 220 and the central region 210 .

[0084] The groove 240 may face at least a portion of the cover assembly 140, 150. For example, the groove 240 may face a portion of the edge of the cover plate 142, 152. Since the groove 240 accommodates the weld bead 250, the cover plate 142, 152 may be prevented from contacting the weld bead 250. For example, during a bonding process (e.g., Figure 8 In the bonding process 350), a portion of the melted plate 209 may flow into the groove 240, thereby preventing the welding bead 250 from contacting the cover plates 142, 152. The groove 240 may be a groove formed from the seating surface 220a toward the interior of the housing 200.

[0085] The shape of the groove 240 can be selectively designed. For example, the structure of the groove 240 is not limited, as long as it is formed in the first bonding area 231 and / or the second bonding area 232 to accommodate the welding bead 250 formed in the bonding portion 230. According to one embodiment (for example, Figure 4a ), the groove 240 may have a substantially quadrilateral cross-sectional shape. For example, the groove 240 may include: a first surface 240a substantially perpendicular to the placement surface 220a; and a second surface 240b, at least a portion of which is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 240a and substantially parallel to the placement surface 220a. According to one embodiment (for example, Figure 4b ), the groove 240 may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. For example, the groove 240 may include a third surface 240c inclined relative to the seating surface 220a.

[0086] The groove 240 may include a first groove 241 extending from the first end region 221 and a second groove 242 extending from the second end region 222 .

[0087] First groove 241 may face at least a portion of first cover assembly 140 (e.g., first cover plate 142). First groove 241 prevents weld beads 250 from contacting first cover plate 142 and increases the contact area between first cover plate 142 and first end region 221. Second groove 242 may face at least a portion of second cover assembly 150 (e.g., second cover plate 152). Second groove 242 prevents weld beads 250 from contacting second cover plate 152 and increases the contact area between second cover plate 152 and second end region 222.

[0088] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a casing manufacturing process according to an embodiment. Figure 8 is a flow chart of a housing manufacturing process according to one embodiment.

[0089] Reference Figure 7 and / or Figure 8 The shell manufacturing process 300 may include a process 310 of preparing the plate 209 , a punching process 320 of forming the through hole 209 a , a pressurizing process 330 of forming the end region 220 and the groove 240 , a bending process 340 of bending the plate, and a joining process 350 .

[0090] Figures 3 to 6 The description of the housing 200 in Figure 7 For example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The housing manufacturing process 300 may be used to manufacture Figures 3 to 6 The manufacturing process of the housing 200 is shown in FIG.

[0091] In the process 310 of preparing the sheet 209 (e.g., Figure 7 In (a)), plate 209 can be a metal plate or sheet. Plate 209 can be made of a metal that can be welded and stamped (e.g., aluminum and / or stainless steel). Plate 209 can include a plurality of first edges 207 and a plurality of second edges 208 perpendicular to first edges 207. First edges 207 can include a 1-1 edge 207a and a 1-2 edge 207b parallel to 1-1 edge 207a.

[0092] In the punching process 320 (e.g., Figure 7 In (b)), a through hole 209a may be formed on the plate 209. In one embodiment, the through hole 209a may accommodate a vent (eg, Figure 1 In another embodiment, the through hole 209a may be a notch for discharging exhaust gas.

[0093] During the pressurization process 330 (e.g., Figure 7In (c)), at least a portion of the end region 220 and the groove 240 may be formed. For example, the press process 330 may be a forging process in which a portion of the sheet 209 is pressurized to form the end region 220 and the groove 240. The end region 220 may be disposed adjacent to the opening 201 of the sheet 209. For example, the end region 220 may be formed on the first edge 207 of the sheet 209. The groove 240 may be disposed adjacent to the vertex of the sheet 209. For example, the groove 240 may extend from the end region 220 adjacent to the second edge 208. In one embodiment, the groove 240 may be formed on each of the plurality of second edges 208.

[0094] In one embodiment, the end region 220 and the groove 240 can be formed using a single pressurizing device. For example, the pressurizing device can be formed into a shape corresponding to the end region 220 and the groove 240 and can apply pressure to the sheet 209. In another embodiment, the end region 220 and the groove 240 can be formed using separate pressurizing devices.

[0095] Using a bending process 340 (e.g., Figure 7 (d) and (e)), at least a portion of the sheet material 209 may be bent. For example, the bending process 340 may include a first bending process that bends a portion of the sheet material 209 where the second edge 208 is located. The housing 200 may include a first bent portion 261 formed adjacent to the groove 240. The first bent portion 261 may be a portion of the housing 200 formed by the first bending process.

[0096] The bending process 340 may include a second bending process to form a second bent portion 262 separated from the first bent portion 261. Through the second bending process, the housing 200 may be formed into a closed curve shape having an opening 201. The housing 200 including the first bent portion 261 and the second bent portion 262 may include the opening 201. The first edge 207 may form the opening 201. For example, at least a portion of the opening 201 may be an empty space surrounded by the first edge 207. In the bending process 340, the sheet material 209 may be bent in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the second edge 208 extends. The housing 200 is formed by the bending process 340, and thus the end region 220 and the groove 240 may be formed on the inner surface 200b of the housing 200.

[0097] During the bonding process 350 (e.g., Figure 7 In (e), the edges of the sheet material 209 (e.g., the plurality of second edges 208) may be joined. For example, through the joining process 350, the plurality of second edges 208a and 208b may be welded to each other to form the joint 230. After the bending process 340, the plurality of second edges 208 may be joined to each other.

[0098] Through the bonding process 350 , a weld bead (eg, weld bead 250 in the figure) may be formed on the inner surface 200 b of the housing 200 . The groove 240 may accommodate at least a portion of the weld bead 250 formed through the bonding process 350 .

[0099] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a battery device according to one embodiment.

[0100] Reference Figure 9 The battery device 400 may include a plurality of battery cell assemblies 101 and a frame 410 for accommodating the plurality of battery cell assemblies 101 .

[0101] The plurality of cell assemblies 101 may each include a plurality of cell 100. Each of the plurality of cell 100 may be a prismatic cell including a housing 200. For example, Figures 1 to 6 The description of the battery cell 100 and / or housing 120, 200 described in Figure 9 100 battery cells.

[0102] The battery device 400 may be referred to as a battery module or a battery pack.

[0103] The frame 410 can accommodate components of the battery device 400 (eg, the cell assembly 101 ) and may include a bottom member 411 supporting the cell 100 , a cover member 412 covering the cell assembly 101 , and sidewalls 413 surrounding at least a portion of the bottom member 411 and the cover member 412 .

[0104] The frame 410 may include a partition 420 that traverses at least a portion of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 101. For example, the receiving space of the frame 410 may be divided into multiple spaces by the partition 420. The partition 420 may be installed to traverse the receiving space to enhance the rigidity of the frame 410. In one embodiment, the partition 420 may include a first partition 420a that traverses the plurality of battery cell assemblies 101 and a plurality of second partitions 420b that are substantially perpendicular to the first partition 420a.

[0105] In one embodiment, the battery device 400 may include a tube member 430. The tube member 430 may include an exhaust space for providing a path for gas and / or flames exhausted from the battery cell 100. The tube member 430 may be disposed within the frame 410. The tube member 430 may surround at least a portion of the battery cell assembly 101. For example, the battery cells (e.g., Figure 1 Gas and / or flame generated by the battery cell 100 may be transferred to the outside of the battery device 400 through the exhaust space of the tube member 430. In the present disclosure, the tube member 430 may be referred to as an exhaust pipe or an exhaust member.

[0106] The battery device 400 may include a battery control unit 490 for controlling the battery cells 100. The battery control unit 490 may be disposed within the frame 410. The battery control unit 490 may include a battery management system (BMS). Because the configuration of the battery control unit 490 is well known in various forms, a detailed description thereof is omitted. In one embodiment, the battery control unit 490 may be referred to as a processor.

[0107] Figure 9 The structure of the battery device 400 is exemplary. For example, the number of battery cells 100 included in the battery device 400, the structure of the frame 410 and / or the tube member 430 may be selectively designed.

[0108] The above content is only an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. For example, the present disclosure may be implemented by deleting some of the components in the above-described embodiments, and the various embodiments may be implemented in combination with one another.

Claims

1. A battery cell comprising: The housing comprises a first edge forming an opening and a joint portion arranged perpendicular to the first edge; an electrode assembly housed in the housing; as well as a cover assembly coupled to the housing and sealing the opening, The housing comprises: a central region facing the electrode assembly; an end region surrounding at least a portion of the cover assembly; and A groove extends from the end region and receives a weld bead formed at the joint.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The opening comprises: a first opening formed on one side of the battery cell; and A second opening is formed on the other side of the battery cell, The cover assembly comprises: a first cover assembly that seals the first opening; and A second cover assembly seals the second opening.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein: The end region comprises: a first end region forming the first opening; and a second end region, forming the second opening, The junction extends from the first end region through the central region to the second end region.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The tank comprises: a first slot extending from the first end region and facing at least a portion of the first cover assembly; and A second slot extends from the second end region and faces at least a portion of the second cover assembly.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The second thickness of the end regions is thinner than the first thickness of the central region.

6. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The joining portion is formed along a first direction, The housing includes a plurality of bent portions, and the plurality of bent portions are bent with a direction parallel to the first direction as a reference.

7. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The slot is located between the end regions and the central region.

8. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The shell includes an outer surface facing the outside of the battery cell and an inner surface opposite to the outer surface. The weld bead is located on the interior surface of the housing.

9. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing comprises at least one of aluminum and stainless steel.

10. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The end region and the groove are formed by forging.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing includes a plurality of second edges perpendicular to the first edge, The joint is formed by welding the plurality of second edges.

12. A battery device comprising: A battery cell assembly, comprising a plurality of battery cells; as well as A frame accommodating the battery cell assembly, Each of the plurality of battery cells comprises: The housing comprises a first edge forming an opening and a joint portion arranged perpendicular to the first edge; an electrode assembly housed in the housing; and a cover assembly coupled to the housing and sealing the opening, The housing comprises: a central region facing the electrode assembly; an end region surrounding at least a portion of the cover assembly; and A groove extends from the end region and receives a weld bead formed at the joint.

13. A shell manufacturing process, comprising: A preparation process of preparing a plate, wherein the plate includes a plurality of first edges and a plurality of second edges perpendicular to the plurality of first edges; Punching process to form through holes in the plate; A pressing process is performed to form end regions on the plurality of first edges of the plate and to form grooves on a portion of the plurality of second edges; A bending process for bending at least a portion of the plate; as well as A bonding process is performed to bond the plurality of second edges.

14. The shell manufacturing process according to claim 13, wherein: The sheet includes a central region surrounded by the plurality of first edges and the plurality of second edges, and the groove is located between the end regions and the central region.

15. The shell manufacturing process according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: In the bonding process, a welding bead is formed on the inner surface of the housing. The groove receives at least a portion of the weld bead.

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