Battery cell holder and battery pack

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery cell holder for mounting battery cells therein and a battery pack. The battery cell holder may include: a first body at upper and lower portions of a battery cell, having exposure grooves exposing a first group of first and second electrode terminals of the battery cell, and extending around one side of the battery cell; a second body coupled to the first body, at upper and lower portions of the battery cell, having exposure grooves exposing a second group of the first and second electrode terminals of the battery cell, and extending around the other side of the battery cell; a first electrode tab contacting a first electrode terminal of the battery cell; and a second electrode tab contacting a second electrode terminal of the battery cell.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0125943, filed on September 13, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to a battery cell holder and a battery pack, and for example, to a battery cell holder and a battery pack including a first body and a second body attached to the side of a battery cell. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for recharging, secondary batteries are designed for discharging and recharging. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and / or camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are used as driving power sources for hybrid and / or electric vehicles and / or as power storage sources for energy storage systems (ESS). A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly consisting of positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and / or terminal portions connected to the electrode assembly.

[0004] In the case of battery packs using secondary batteries, the desired power system is ensured or provided by interconnecting multiple battery cells, depending on the type or kind of device used. In the case of cylindrical secondary batteries, if (for example, when) the battery pack is constructed or arranged, due to the characteristics of the battery shape, fixing devices such as retainers are desired or necessary to hold the arrangement of multiple battery cells. Therefore, a problem exists when constructing or arranging battery packs using cylindrical batteries: depending on the number of batteries to be assembled, it is necessary to manufacture fixing devices with one or more standard features.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One or more aspects of embodiments of this disclosure relate to a battery cell holder and a battery pack including a first body and a second body attached to the sides of a battery cell.

[0007] Additional aspects of the embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will also be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described in one or more embodiments, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure other problems not mentioned herein, as well as aspects and features of this disclosure that will solve these problems.

[0009] A battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is a battery cell holder for mounting a battery cell therein, and may include: a first body having, formed or disposed at the upper and lower portions of the battery cell, a first set of exposed grooves having exposed two electrode terminals (e.g., a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal) of the battery cell, and extending around the periphery of one side of the battery cell (e.g., around or around one side of the battery cell); a second body having, formed or disposed at the upper and lower portions of the battery cell, a second set of exposed grooves having exposed two electrode terminals (e.g., a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal) of the battery cell, extending around the periphery of the other side of the battery cell (e.g., around or around the other side of the battery cell), and coupled to the first body; a first electrode tab having contact with the first electrode terminal of the battery cell; and a second electrode tab having contact with the second electrode terminal of the battery cell.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first and second bodies may be combined in a hexagonal (e.g., approximately hexagonal) shape when viewed from above. In one or more embodiments, the first and second bodies may be combined to form or provide a hexagonal (e.g., approximately hexagonal) shape when viewed from above.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab may be soldered to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab may include: a protrusion partially cut and bent from the first electrode tab to project upward from the first electrode tab; and a welding hole at which the first electrode tab is welded to a first electrode terminal of the battery cell. In one or more embodiments, the protrusion is projected upward by partially cutting and bending the first electrode tab.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first body may be formed or provided with (or may have) an insertion groove into which a second electrode tab is inserted, and the second electrode tab may be inserted into and engaged with the insertion groove of the first body.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the second electrode tab may include a vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) plate having a terminal contact surface for contacting the second electrode terminal of the battery cell and an insertion surface that inserts into an insertion recess in the first body, and the upper portion of the insertion surface may be partially exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion recess in the first body. In one or more embodiments, the terminal contact surface may be formed or provided by bending an elongated vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) plate to contact the second electrode terminal of the battery cell.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the insertion surface may include an extension that extends the upper portion of the insertion surface exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion recess of the first body. In one or more embodiments, the insertion surface may extend to the upper portion of the insertion surface exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion recess of the first body.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first body and the second body may have one or more cooling holes.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first body may include a combination of protrusions and track grooves for slidably attaching to another battery cell holder.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the second body may include an engagement groove corresponding to an engagement protrusion of another battery cell holder and a track protrusion corresponding to a track groove of another battery cell holder.

[0019] A battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of battery cell holders for mounting the plurality of battery cells therein, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell holders may include: a first body formed or disposed at the upper and lower portions of each of the plurality of battery cells having a first set of exposed recesses exposing two electrode terminals (e.g., a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal) of each of the plurality of battery cells, and extending around the periphery of one side of each of the plurality of battery cells (e.g., around or around one side of each of the plurality of battery cells); a second body formed or disposed at the upper and lower portions of each of the plurality of battery cells having a second set of exposed recesses exposing two electrode terminals (e.g., a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal) of each of the plurality of battery cells, extending around the periphery of the other side of each of the plurality of battery cells (e.g., around or around the other side of each of the plurality of battery cells), and coupled to the first body; a first electrode tab contacting a first electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells; and a second electrode tab contacting a second electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cell holders may be hexagonal (e.g., substantially hexagonal) when viewed from above, the first and second bodies may be combined with each other to form or provide a hexagonal (e.g., substantially hexagonal) shape.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab may be soldered to the first electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab may include: a protrusion partially cut and bent from the first electrode tab to project upward from the first electrode tab; and a welding hole at which the first electrode tab is welded to a first electrode terminal of each of a plurality of battery cells. In one or more embodiments, the protrusion is projected upward by partially cutting and bending the first electrode tab.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the first body may be formed or provided with (or may have) an insertion groove into which a second electrode tab is inserted, and the second electrode tab may be inserted into and engaged with the insertion groove of the first body.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the second electrode tab may include an elongated vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) plate having a terminal contact surface for contacting a second electrode terminal of each of a plurality of battery cells and an insertion surface for insertion into an insertion recess in a first body, and the upper portion of the insertion surface may be partially exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion recess in the first body. In one or more embodiments, the terminal contact surface may be formed or provided by bending the elongated vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) plate to contact the second electrode terminal of each of a plurality of battery cells.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the insertion surface may include an extension that extends the upper portion of the insertion surface exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion recess of the first body. In one or more embodiments, the insertion surface may extend to the upper portion of the insertion surface exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion recess of the first body.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, at least one of the first body and the second body may have one or more cooling holes.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the first body may include a combination of protrusions and track grooves for slidably attaching to another battery cell holder.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the second body may include a coupling groove corresponding to a coupling protrusion of another battery cell holder and a track protrusion corresponding to a track groove of another battery cell holder.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, multiple battery cell holders can be connected to form or provide a battery pack, each of the multiple battery cell holders being able to mount one battery cell.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the first body and the second body may be coupled to the side of the battery cell (or the side of each of the plurality of battery cells) and have vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) separating edges, and the shape of the first body and the second body coupled together when viewed from above may be hexagonal (e.g., approximately hexagonal), thereby providing relatively high durability against external forces and improving or enhancing the reliability of the battery pack.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, because the multiple battery cell holders can be slidably coupled and vertically (e.g., substantially vertically) detachable, the battery pack can be manufactured and repaired relatively simply, and thus the replacement of individual battery cells can be feasible, thereby improving or enhancing operability. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings, included in this disclosure, illustrate embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings: Figure 1A This is a top-view perspective view of a cylindrical secondary battery; Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery; Figure 2A This is an exploded view showing the shape of the battery cell holder attached to the battery cell according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2B This is a combined view of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3A This is a view showing the first body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3B This is a bottom view showing the first body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4A This is a view showing the second body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4B This is a bottom view showing the second body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5A This is a view showing the first electrode terminal of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5B This is a plan view showing the first electrode terminal of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6A This is a view showing the second electrode terminal of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6B This is a perspective view showing an extension of the second electrode tab of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a view showing a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] One or more embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before description, it should be noted that the terms or words used in this disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather should be understood to have meanings and concepts consistent with the spirit and scope of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of each term in order to describe his / her own invention in the best possible way. Therefore, since the constructions or arrangements shown in the one or more embodiments described in this specification and the drawings are merely examples of this disclosure and do not cover all the technical ideas and aspects of one or more embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made upon filing this application.

[0034] It will also be understood that if (for example, when) the terms “including / comprise” and / or variations thereof are used herein, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers (whole), steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers (whole), steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0035] In this disclosure, it will be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and variations thereof indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers (as a whole), steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Furthermore, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof, or similar terms include or support the terms “consisting of,” and “substantially consisting of,” indicating the presence of the stated features, integers (as a whole), steps, operations, elements, and / or components, while other features, integers (as a whole), steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof are absent or substantially absent.

[0036] For ease of understanding of this disclosure, the drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of one or more components may be exaggerated. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to substantially the same components in different embodiments.

[0037] Referring to two compared elements and / or features as “identical” means that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include what is considered a low deviation in the art, such as 5% or less. The uniformity of any parameter in a given region can refer to its uniformity from an average perspective (e.g., substantially uniform).

[0038] Although terms such as “first” and / or “second” are used to describe one or more components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, unless specifically stated to the contrary, the first component may be referred to as the second component without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0039] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0040] Arranging any component "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component can mean that any component is positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of that component, or that other components can be positioned between that component and any component above (or below) that component.

[0041] It will be understood that if (for example, when) a component is referred to as “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another component, it can not only be “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to said other component directly, but it can also be “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to said other component indirectly, with other elements placed between them.

[0042] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure” when (for example, when) describing embodiments of this disclosure. Expressions such as “at least one” and “one or more” modify the entire list of elements when preceding a list of elements, without modifying individual elements within that list.

[0043] Throughout the specification, if (for example, when) "A and / or B" is stated, it refers to A, B, or A and B unless otherwise stated. Additionally, if (for example, when) "C to D" is stated, it refers to C or greater and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0044] If, for example, a phrase such as “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “at least one of the group selected from A, B and C” or “at least one of A, B and C” is used to specify a list of elements A, B and C, then the phrase may refer to any suitable combination and all suitable combinations.

[0045] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilization”. As used herein, the terms “basic,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe one or more 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. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0047] For ease of explanation, when describing the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings and another element or feature(s), spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” may be used herein. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatial relative positions are intended to also encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if (e.g., when) the device in the drawings is flipped, any element described as “below” or “under” another element may subsequently be oriented “above” or “above” another element. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both upward and downward directions.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing one or more embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have substantially the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly available or commonly used dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0050] Examples of secondary batteries include coin-shaped (or similar), cylindrical (or similar), prismatic (or similar), and pouch-shaped (or similar). This disclosure is applicable to prismatic secondary batteries. Therefore, cylindrical secondary batteries will be described in more detail first before describing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 1A This is a top-view perspective view of a cylindrical secondary battery. Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0052] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe cylindrical secondary battery may include an electrode assembly 30, a housing 10 therein containing the electrode assembly 30 and an electrolyte, a cover assembly 50 connected to the opening of the housing 10 and sealing the housing 10, and an insulating plate 37 between the electrode assembly 30 and the cover assembly 50 within the housing 10.

[0053] The electrode assembly 30 may include a diaphragm 32, a first electrode 33, and a second electrode 31, with the diaphragm between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 31, and the electrode assembly 30 may be wound in the form of an electrode core.

[0054] The first electrode 33 may include a first substrate and a first active material layer in the first substrate. A first lead connector 35 may extend from a first uncoated portion belonging to the first substrate and in which the first active material layer is not disposed (or provided) to the outside. The first lead connector 35 may be electrically connected to the cover assembly 50.

[0055] The second electrode 31 may include a second substrate and a second active material layer within the second substrate. A second lead connector 34 may extend from a second uncoated portion belonging to the second substrate, where the second active material layer is not disposed (or provided), to the outside. The second lead connector 34 may be electrically connected to the housing 10. The first lead connector 35 and the second lead connector 34 may extend in opposite directions (e.g., facing each other).

[0056] The first electrode 33 can be used as or serve as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate can be, for example, aluminum foil. The first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 31 can be used as or serve as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate can be, for example, copper foil and / or nickel foil. The second active material layer can include, for example, graphite.

[0057] The separator 32 can act or be used to allow the movement (or flow) of lithium ions and to prevent short circuits between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 31. The separator 32 can be, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, and / or a polyethylene-polypropylene film. The housing 10 can accommodate the electrode assembly 30 and the electrolyte, and can be formed or provided with the external form of the battery together with the cover assembly 50. The housing 10 may include a body portion 12 having a generally cylindrical shape and a bottom portion 11 connected to one side of the body portion 12. A rolled edge portion 13, which has been deformed toward the interior of the body portion 12, may be in the body portion 12. A crimped portion 15, which has been bent toward the interior of the body portion 12, may be at the open end of the body portion 12.

[0058] The rolled edge portion 13 can suppress movement of the electrode assembly 30 within the housing 10 (or reduce the degree or occurrence of movement of the electrode assembly 30 within the housing 10) and can facilitate the placement of the gasket 44 and the cover assembly 50. The crimp portion 15 can securely fix the cover assembly 50 by applying pressure to the edge of the cover assembly 50 via the gasket 44. The housing 10 can be made of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0059] The cover assembly 50 can seal the housing 10 by being secured to the interior of the crimp portion 15 via a gasket 44. The cover assembly 50 may include an upper cover portion, a safety vent, a lower cover portion, an insulating member, and a subplate, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. The cover assembly 50 may be adapted for deformation.

[0060] The top cover portion may be located at the top of the cover assembly 50. The top cover portion may include a terminal portion that protrudes upward and connects to an external circuit. An outlet portion for discharging gas around the terminal portion may be located within the top cover portion.

[0061] The safety vent may be located below the top cover portion. The safety vent may include a downwardly projecting portion that is connected to the subplate and at least one recess around the projecting portion.

[0062] If gas is generated due to overcharging and / or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protruding portion will deform upwards and separate from the sub-board due to the pressure of the gas. Furthermore, the safety vent can be cut along the notch. The cut safety vent can prevent (or reduce the extent or occurrence of) a secondary battery explosion by venting gas to the outside.

[0063] The lower cover portion may be located below the safety vent. A first opening for exposing the protruding portion of the safety vent and a second opening for venting gas may be located within the lower cover portion. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent and the lower cover portion, thereby insulating the safety vent from the lower cover portion.

[0064] The sub-plate can be located below the lower cover portion. The sub-plate can be fixed to the bottom of the lower cover portion to close the first opening of the lower cover portion. The protruding portion of the safety vent can be fixed to the sub-plate. The first lead connector 35, already led out from the electrode assembly 30, can be fixed to the sub-plate. Therefore, the upper cover portion, the safety vent, the lower cover portion, and the sub-plate can be electrically connected to the first electrode 33 of the electrode assembly 30.

[0065] An insulating plate 37 may be provided or disposed adjacent to the electrode assembly 30 below the rolled edge portion 13. A connector opening for leading out the first lead connector 35 may be provided in the insulating plate 37. A cover assembly 50, which is electrically connected to the first electrode 33 via the first lead connector 35, may face the electrode assembly 30, and the insulating plate 37 is positioned between the cover assembly 50 and the electrode assembly 30. The cover assembly 50 may maintain or provide a state in which the cover assembly 50 is insulated from the electrode assembly 30 via the insulating plate 37. The cylindrical secondary battery may include another insulating plate 36 for insulation between the electrode assembly 30 and the bottom portion 11 of the housing 10.

[0066] Figure 2A This is an exploded view showing the shape of the battery cell holder attached to the battery cell according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2B This is a combined diagram of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell holder 100 may include a first body 110, a second body 120, a first electrode terminal 130, and a second electrode terminal 140. A battery cell 1 may be mounted in the battery cell holder 100.

[0068] The first body 110 may be formed or disposed at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell, having a first set of exposed grooves that expose the two electrode terminals (e.g., the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal) of the battery cell 1, and may be around one side of the battery cell 1 (e.g., around one side of the battery cell 1).

[0069] The second body 120 may be formed or disposed at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell, having a second set of exposed grooves that expose the two electrode terminals (e.g., the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal) of the battery cell 1, around the other side of the battery cell 1 (e.g., around the other side of the battery cell 1) and attached to the first body 110.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the first body 110 and the second body 120 may each include a fastening protrusion and a fastening recess, and may be as follows: Figure 2B They are fastened and joined together as shown. In one or more embodiments, the fastening protrusions may have a hook shape (e.g., a generally hook shape).

[0071] In one or more embodiments, such as Figure 2B As shown, when viewed from above, the shape of the first body 110 and the second body 120 combined together can be hexagonal (e.g., approximately hexagonal).

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the first body 110 and the second body 120 may be coupled to the side of the battery cell and have vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) separating edges, and the shape in which the first body 110 and the second body 120 are coupled together may be hexagonal (e.g., approximately hexagonal) when viewed from above, thereby providing high durability against external forces and improving or enhancing the reliability of the battery pack.

[0073] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes the configuration (or specific arrangement) of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 3A This is a view showing the first body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 3B This is a bottom view showing the first body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] Reference Figure 3A The first body 110 may have an insertion groove into which a second electrode contact 140 is inserted, and the second electrode contact 140 may be inserted into and engaged with the insertion groove of the first body 110. The second electrode contact 140 may be inserted into and engaged with the insertion groove, and the construction or arrangement of the second electrode contact 140 may be formed or disposed on one side of the battery cell holder 100, such that the battery cell holder 100 according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure may have strong durability against external forces. The configuration (or specific construction) or arrangement of the second electrode contact 140 is described in one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the first body 110 may include a coupling protrusion 111 and a track groove 112 for slidably engaging with another battery cell holder. As described in one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the coupling protrusion 111 and track groove 112 may be slidably engaged with the coupling groove 121 and track protrusion 122 of the second body 120. Figure 3B As shown, the protrusion 111 and the track groove 112 can be formed or provided at the corner of the first body 110.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the first body 110 may have one or more cooling holes 113. Even if heat is generated in the installed battery cell 1, the battery cell holder 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can cool the heat by contacting air via the cooling holes 113. In one or more embodiments, the cooling holes 113 may be rectangular (e.g., generally rectangular) in shape on the side of the first body 110.

[0078] Figure 4A This is a view showing the second body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 4B This is a bottom view showing the second body of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The second body 120 may include a coupling groove 121 corresponding to a coupling protrusion 111 of another battery cell holder and a track protrusion 122 corresponding to a track groove 112 of another battery cell holder. The coupling groove 121 and the track protrusion 122 may be slidably coupled to the coupling protrusion 111 and the track groove 112 of the first body 110. Figure 4B As shown, the groove 121 and the track protrusion 122 can be located at the corner of the second body 120.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, similar to the first body 110, the second body 120 may have one or more cooling holes 123. Even if heat is generated in the installed battery cell 1, the battery cell holder 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can cool the heat by contacting air via the cooling holes 123. In one or more embodiments, the cooling holes 123 may be rectangular (e.g., generally rectangular) in shape on the side of the second body 120.

[0081] Figure 5A This is a view showing the first electrode terminal of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 5B This is a plan view showing the first electrode terminal of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first electrode terminal 130 may be formed or provided as a flat (e.g., generally flat) plate having a circular (e.g., generally circular) shape. The first electrode terminal 130 may be soldered to a first electrode terminal of the battery cell 1. In one or more embodiments, the first electrode terminal of the battery cell 1 soldered to the first electrode terminal 130 may be a positive terminal.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab 130 may include a protrusion 131 and a welding hole 132, the protrusion being partially cut and bent from the first electrode tab 130 to project upward therefrom, the first electrode tab 130 being welded to a first electrode terminal of the battery cell 1 at the welding hole 132. In one or more embodiments, the protrusion 131 is projected upward by partially cutting and bending the first electrode tab 130.

[0084] The first electrode terminal piece 130 may be made of a plate material having an outer shape that allows a portion of the center to be cut and bent to form or provide an inner circular (e.g., generally circular) shape.

[0085] Figure 6A This is a view showing the second electrode terminals of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 6B This is a perspective view showing an extension of the second electrode tab of a battery cell holder according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] Reference Figure 6A The second electrode tab 140 may include an elongated vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) plate having a terminal contact surface 141 for contacting the second electrode terminal of the battery cell 1 and an insertion surface 142 inserted into an insertion recess in the first body. In one or more embodiments, the second electrode terminal of the battery cell 1 that contacts the second electrode tab 140 may be a negative terminal. In one or more embodiments, the terminal contact surface 141 may be formed or disposed by bending the elongated vertical (e.g., substantially vertical) plate to contact the second electrode terminal of the battery cell 1.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the upper portion of the insertion surface 142 may be partially exposed if (e.g., when) the insertion surface 142 is inserted into the insertion recess of the first body 110. In this way, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion of the insertion surface 142 may be exposed to the upper portion of the battery cell holder 100, thereby allowing both electrodes to be exposed to the upper portion of the battery cell holder 100.

[0088] like Figure 6BAs shown, the insertion surface 142 of the second electrode tab 140 may include an extension 143 that exposes the upper portion of the insertion surface 142 when inserted into the insertion recess of the first body 110. In one or more embodiments, the insertion surface 142 of the second electrode tab 140 may extend to the upper portion of the insertion surface 142 exposed when inserted into the insertion recess of the first body 110. The insertion surface 142 may include the extension 143 such that, if a two-stage cover film is constructed or arranged, the insertion surface 142 can be relatively easily connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), or relatively easily connected to another battery cell holder 100 on the insertion surface 142.

[0089] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a view showing a battery pack according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The shape of a battery pack 1000 is shown, in which multiple battery cell holders 100, each containing a plurality of battery cells 1, are coupled together.

[0091] like Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in a battery pack 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell holder 100 may include a coupling protrusion 111, a coupling groove 121 corresponding to the coupling protrusion 111, a track groove 112, and a track protrusion 122 corresponding to the track groove 112, such that each battery cell holder 100 is vertically (e.g., substantially vertically) detachable. In this way, because the plurality of battery cell holders 100 are slidably coupled and vertically (e.g., substantially vertically) detachable, the battery pack 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be manufactured and repaired relatively simply, and therefore individual replacement of battery cells can be feasible, thereby improving or enhancing operability.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, such as Figure 7B As shown, in a battery pack 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a plurality of battery cell holders 100 have complementary support structures by means of hexagonal (e.g., generally hexagonal) shapes, and thus have strong durability against external forces, thereby improving or enhancing the reliability of the battery pack 1000.

[0093] Materials that can be used in secondary batteries according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

[0094] Compounds capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiation intercalation compounds) can be used as positive electrode active materials. For example, one or more types (or classes) of composite oxides selected from lithium and metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel and combinations thereof can be used as positive electrode active materials.

[0095] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide. More detailed examples of composite oxides may include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free lithium nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0096] For example, a compound represented by one of the following chemical formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, and 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, and 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, and 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b- c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, and 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, and 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, and 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0097] In the aforementioned chemical formula, A can be nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), or a combination thereof. X can be aluminum (Al), Ni, Co, Mn, chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), vanadium (V), rare earth elements, or a combination thereof; D can be oxygen (O), fluorine (F), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), or a combination thereof. G can be Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), Sr, V, or a combination thereof. L 1 It can be Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0098] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material, and may also include a binder and / or a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material.

[0099] Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content (e.g., amount) of the positive electrode active material can be from about 90wt% to about 99.5wt%. Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content (e.g., amount) of the binder and conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material can be from about 0.5wt% to about 5wt%.

[0100] Aluminum (Al) can be used as a current collector, but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto.

[0101] The negative electrode active material may include materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, lithium metal alloys, materials capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0102] Materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions can include carbon-based negative electrode active materials, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous (e.g., non-crystalline) carbon, or combinations thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon can include graphite, such as natural graphite and / or synthetic graphite. Examples of amorphous (e.g., non-crystalline) carbon can include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbides, and / or coke.

[0103] Silicon (Si)-based negative electrode active materials and / or tin (Sn)-based negative electrode active materials can be used as materials capable of doping and de-doping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active materials can be silicon, silicon-carbon composites, silicon oxides (e.g., SiO x , where 0 < x ≤ 2; e.g., SiO2), Si-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0104] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous (e.g., non-crystalline) carbon. According to one or more embodiments, the silicon-carbon composite can include silicon particles and can have a form in which amorphous (e.g., non-crystalline) carbon has been coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0105] The silicon-carbon composite can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous (e.g., non-crystalline) carbon coating provided on the surface of the core.

[0106] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery can include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer can include a negative electrode active material and can further include a binder and / or a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material.

[0107] For example, the negative electrode active material layer can include 90 wt% to 99 wt% of a negative electrode active material, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% of a binder, and 0 wt% to 5 wt% of a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material.

[0108] Non-aqueous (e.g., water-insoluble) type binders, aqueous (e.g., water-soluble) type binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof can be used as the binder. If (e.g., when) an aqueous (e.g., water-soluble) type binder is used as the binder of the negative electrode, the binder of the negative electrode can further include a cellulose series compound (or cellulose-based compound) capable of imparting or increasing viscosity.

[0109] One selected from nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer matrix (or polymer derivative) coated with a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) metal, and combinations thereof can be used as the current collector of the negative electrode.

[0110] The electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery can include a non-aqueous (e.g., water-insoluble) organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0111] The non-aqueous (e.g., water-insoluble) organic solvent can act as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reaction of the battery can move.

[0112] Non-aqueous (e.g., water-insoluble) organic solvents can be carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, aprotic solvents, or combinations thereof. Carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, or aprotic solvents can be used alone, or two or more of them can be mixed and used as non-aqueous (e.g., water-insoluble) organic solvents.

[0113] Furthermore, if (for example, when) carbonate solvents are used, cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be mixed and used.

[0114] Depending on the type of lithium-ion secondary battery, the separator can be placed between the positive and negative electrodes. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride, or multilayers having two or more layers of these materials, can be used as separators.

[0115] The membrane may include a porous substrate and a coating comprising organic, inorganic or a combination thereof disposed on one or both sides of the porous substrate (e.g., two opposite sides).

[0116] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers and / or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0117] Inorganic materials may include inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0118] Organic and inorganic substances can be in the form in which organic and inorganic substances are mixed in a coating, or in the form in which a coating comprising organic substances and a coating comprising inorganic substances are stacked.

[0119] While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described in conjunction with what is now considered to be actual embodiments, it will be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover one or more suitable modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Therefore, it will be understood that the one or more embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A battery cell holder for mounting battery cells therein, the battery cell holder comprising: The first body has, at the upper and lower parts of the battery cell, exposed grooves that expose the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal of the battery cell, and extends around the periphery of one side of the battery cell. The second body, coupled to the first body, has exposed grooves at the upper and lower portions of the battery cell, exposing a second set of the first and second electrode terminals of the battery cell, and extending around the periphery on the other side of the battery cell; The first electrode terminal piece contacts the first electrode terminal of the battery cell; as well as The second electrode terminal contacts the second electrode terminal of the battery cell.

2. The battery cell holder according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from above, the first and second bodies combine to form a hexagonal shape.

3. The battery cell holder according to claim 1, wherein, The first electrode terminal is welded to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell.

4. The battery cell holder according to claim 3, wherein, The first electrode connector includes: A protrusion, partially cut and bent from the first electrode tab, protrudes upward from the first electrode tab; and A welding hole is provided, at which the first electrode terminal piece is welded to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell.

5. The battery cell holder according to claim 1, wherein, The first body has an insertion groove, and the second electrode terminal is inserted into the insertion groove. The second electrode contact is inserted into the insertion groove of the first body and is engaged with the insertion groove of the first body.

6. The battery cell holder according to claim 5, wherein, The second electrode terminal includes a vertical plate having a terminal contact surface for contacting the second electrode terminal of the battery cell and an insertion surface for insertion into the insertion groove of the first body. When the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion groove of the first body, the upper part of the insertion surface is partially exposed.

7. The battery cell holder according to claim 6, wherein, The insertion surface includes an extension that extends the upper portion of the insertion surface exposed when the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion groove of the first body.

8. The battery cell holder according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first body and the second body has a cooling hole.

9. The battery cell holder according to claim 1, wherein, The first body includes a combined protrusion and a track groove for slidably attaching to another battery cell holder.

10. The battery cell holder according to claim 9, wherein, The second body includes a coupling groove corresponding to a coupling protrusion of another battery cell holder and a track protrusion corresponding to a track groove of another battery cell holder.

11. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; as well as Multiple battery cell holders, wherein the multiple battery cells are respectively installed in the multiple battery cell holders. Each of the plurality of battery cell holders includes: The first body has, at the upper and lower portions of each of the plurality of battery cells, exposed grooves for a first set of first electrode terminals and second electrode terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells, and extends around the periphery of one side of each of the plurality of battery cells. The second body, coupled to the first body, has, at the upper and lower portions of each of the plurality of battery cells, a second set of exposed grooves exposing the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells, and extends around the periphery on the other side of each of the plurality of battery cells; The first electrode terminal contacts the first electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells; and The second electrode terminal contacts the second electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, When viewed from above, the first and second bodies combine to form a hexagonal shape.

13. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The first electrode terminal is soldered to the first electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, wherein, The first electrode connector includes: A protrusion, partially cut and bent from the first electrode tab, protrudes upward from the first electrode tab; and A welding hole is provided, at which the first electrode tab is welded to the first electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, wherein, The first body has an insertion groove, and the second electrode terminal is inserted into the insertion groove. The second electrode contact is inserted into the insertion groove of the first body and is engaged with the insertion groove of the first body.

16. The battery pack according to claim 15, wherein, The second electrode terminal includes a vertical plate having a terminal contact surface for contacting the second electrode terminal of each of the plurality of battery cells and an insertion surface for insertion into the insertion groove of the first body. When the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion groove of the first body, the upper part of the insertion surface is partially exposed.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, wherein, The insertion surface includes an extension that extends the upper portion of the insertion surface exposed when the insertion surface is inserted into the insertion groove of the first body.

18. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the first body and the second body has a cooling hole.

19. The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein, The first body includes a combined protrusion and a track groove for slidably attaching to another battery cell holder.

20. The battery pack according to claim 19, wherein, The second body includes a coupling groove corresponding to a coupling protrusion of another battery cell holder and a track protrusion corresponding to a track groove of another battery cell holder.

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