Battery cell and battery module comprising same

Abstract

Disclosed are a battery cell and a battery module including the same. A battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, a cap plate sealing the case, a pair of terminals protruding from the cap plate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction, an exhaust port between the terminals, a first insulating sheet facing the cap plate, and a second insulating sheet extending from the first insulating sheet and facing the case. According to the present disclosure, chain ignition due to thermal runaway of one battery cell can be prevented by disposing the first insulating sheet having heat resistance and insulating properties at a position facing the exhaust port of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to a battery cell and a battery module including the battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, due to the recent surge in battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density and capacity has increased rapidly. Therefore, research and development to improve the performance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are actively underway.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode containing active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions, as well as an electrolyte solution, and generates energy through oxidation / reduction reactions when lithium ions are inserted / deintercalated at the positive and negative electrodes.

[0004] The information disclosed in the art that forms the background of this disclosure is provided to improve the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and may therefore include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell capable of preventing chain ignition and a battery module including the battery cell are provided.

[0006] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a housing housing the electrode assembly, a cover plate sealing the housing, a pair of terminals protruding from the cover plate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction, an vent between the pair of terminals, a first insulating sheet facing the cover plate, and a second insulating sheet extending from the first insulating sheet and facing the housing.

[0008] The first insulating sheet can be placed between the terminals.

[0009] The area of ​​the first insulating sheet can be larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port.

[0010] The opposite ends of the first insulating sheet, spaced apart from each other in a first direction, may be bent.

[0011] The first insulating sheet may include a ruptured portion facing the exhaust port and configured to open by the pressure of gas discharged from the exhaust port.

[0012] The battery cell may further include a first adhesive member between the first insulating sheet and the cover plate to secure the first insulating sheet.

[0013] The first adhesive member may include a pair of blocking portions spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0014] The blocking section can be located on the opposite side of the exhaust port.

[0015] The distance between the two blocking parts can be equal to or greater than the width of the exhaust port in the second direction.

[0016] The sum of the width of the blocking portion in the second direction and the width of the vent in the second direction can be equal to or less than the width of the cover plate in the second direction.

[0017] The length of the blocking portion in the first direction can be equal to or greater than the length of the exhaust port in the first direction.

[0018] The battery cell may further include one or more pinholes passing through the first insulating sheet and adhesive filler in the pinholes protruding from the first adhesive member and disposed in the one or more pinholes.

[0019] The second insulating sheet may include a pair of second insulating sheets facing different surfaces of the housing.

[0020] The housing may include a bottom portion, a pair of first side portions extending from the bottom portion and facing each other in a first direction, and a pair of second side portions extending from the bottom portion and facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein a second insulating sheet may face the second side portion of the pair of second side portions.

[0021] The area of ​​the second side portion can be larger than the area of ​​the first side portion in the pair of first side portions.

[0022] The battery cell may further include a first adhesive member between the first insulating sheet and the cover plate to fix the first insulating sheet, and a second adhesive member between the second insulating sheet and the second side portion to fix the second insulating sheet.

[0023] The second adhesive member may include a pair of side adhesive portions that are spaced apart from the first adhesive member and face each other in a first direction.

[0024] The second adhesive member may further include an extended adhesive portion extending from the first adhesive member and disposed between the opposite adhesive portions.

[0025] The battery cell may be further included in a third adhesive member on the outside of the second insulating sheet.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module includes a housing and a plurality of battery cells housed in the housing, wherein each battery cell may include an electrode assembly, a housing housing the electrode assembly, a cover plate sealing the housing, a pair of terminals protruding from the cover plate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction, an exhaust port between the pair of terminals, a first insulating sheet facing the cover plate, and a second insulating sheet extending from the first insulating sheet and facing the housing. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0029] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the battery module;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic exploded perspective view of the structure of a single battery cell;

[0032] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of a single battery cell;

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic top view of the structure of a single battery cell;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view showing the construction of the first and second insulating sheets according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 Rear view of the first and second insulating sheets shown;

[0037] Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 10-10' in the diagram;

[0038] Figure 11It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 11-11' in the diagram;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the operating state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a first insulating sheet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a modified example of the first insulating sheet shown;

[0042] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of line 16-16' in the diagram;

[0044] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0045] Figure 18 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Here, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the terms and concepts as his / her own lexicographer.

[0047] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not necessarily represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application to replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0048] It will be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "on" another component or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or linked to the other component or layer, or there may be one or more intermediate components or layers. When a component or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another component or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another component or layer, there are no intermediate components or layers. For example, when a first component is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second component, the first component can be directly linked to or connected to the second component, or the first component can be indirectly linked to or connected to the second component via one or more intermediate components.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements within that list, when following a list of elements. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using…,” and “being used” can be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “using…,” and “being exploited,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations 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.

[0050] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not 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 teachings of the exemplary embodiments, 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.

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relation terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relation descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” and / or “containing” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1.0 and the maximum value of 10.0, that is, all subranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein.

[0054] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are identical or substantially identical. Therefore, the phrase “identical” or “substantially identical” can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0055] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0056] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" an assembly, it can mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the assembly, and it can also mean that another assembly can be inserted between the assembly and any arbitrary element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the assembly.

[0057] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another element, these elements may be directly "connected," "linked," or "attached" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them through which the element can be "connected," "linked," or "attached" to the other element. Additionally, when a part is referred to as "electrically connected" to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediate parts between them, such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0058] Throughout this specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0059] The terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the battery module.

[0061] As will be described below, the first direction can be based on Figure 1 The direction parallel to the Y-axis, the second direction can be based on Figure 1 The direction parallel to the X-axis, the third direction can be based on Figure 1 The direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0062] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery module according to the embodiment may include a housing 100 and a battery cell 200.

[0063] The outer casing 100 can support the battery cell 200 and protect the battery cell 200 from external impacts and foreign substances.

[0064] The housing 100 may include a housing body 110 and a housing cover 120.

[0065] The outer casing 110 can provide space to accommodate the battery cell 200.

[0066] According to the embodiment, the outer casing 110 can be formed to have a box shape, which has an empty interior and an open side. For example, based on Figure 1 The opening side of the outer casing 110 can be configured to be perpendicular to a third direction and facing upwards. However, the cross-sectional shape of the outer casing 110 is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape shown is a quadrilateral, but it can be varied in design to have any of the various shapes, such as polygons, circles, ellipses, etc.

[0067] The outer cover 120 can be engaged with the outer cover body 110 to close the internal space of the outer cover body 110.

[0068] The housing cover 120 according to this embodiment can be formed to have a generally plate shape. The housing cover 120 can be disposed perpendicular to a third direction. The housing cover 120 can be disposed opposite to the opening side of the housing body 110 in a third direction. The housing cover 120 can be fixed to the upper part of the housing body 110 by any of various types of joining methods (such as bolt connection, welding, mating, etc.).

[0069] The battery cell 200 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery module. The battery cell 200 can be disposed inside the housing 100.

[0070] The battery cell 200 can be provided as a plurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells 200 can be arranged in multiple rows inside the housing 100. As an example, the plurality of battery cells 200 can be arranged in multiple rows along a second direction inside the housing body 110. However, the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells 200 is not limited thereto, and the plurality of battery cells 200 can be arranged in multiple rows along a first direction inside the housing body 110, or in multiple rows along both the second and first directions.

[0071] Here, an example in which the battery cell 200 is a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery will be described. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 200 may be, for example, a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic exploded perspective view of the structure of a single battery cell; Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of a single battery cell; Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3A schematic top view of the structure of a single battery cell.

[0073] Reference Figures 3 to 6 According to the embodiment, the battery cell 200 includes an electrode assembly 210, a housing 220, a cover plate 230, a terminal 240, an exhaust port 250, a first insulating sheet 260, and a second insulating sheet 270.

[0074] The electrode assembly 210 can be used as a unit structure for performing electrical charging and discharging operations in the battery cell 200. The electrode assembly 210 can be housed inside the housing 220.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figures 3 to 7 The electrode assembly 210 according to the embodiment may include a first electrode 211, a second electrode 212 and a diaphragm 213.

[0077] Here, an example of an electrode assembly 210 formed in a stacked configuration in which a first electrode 211, a second electrode 212, and a diaphragm 213 are alternately stacked in a second direction will be described. However, the electrode assembly 210 is not limited thereto; in embodiments, it may be formed in a core configuration in which the first electrode 211, the second electrode 212, and the diaphragm 213 are stacked sequentially and wound around a winding shaft.

[0078] The first electrode 211 can be used as the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 210.

[0079] According to the embodiment, the first electrode 211 can be formed into a foil shape comprising a metallic material (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The two surfaces or opposite surfaces of the first electrode 211 can be arranged perpendicular to the second direction. There are no particular limitations on the type, size, shape, etc., of the first electrode 211, as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. Besides a rectangular shape, the shape of the first electrode 211 can be varied in design to have any of a variety of shapes.

[0080] The first electrode 211 can be provided as a plurality of first electrodes. The plurality of first electrodes 211 can be arranged in a second direction. The number of first electrodes 211 can be varied in design to any of various quantities, such as depending on the charging capacity of the battery cell 200.

[0081] The first electrode 211 may include a first active material layer 211a.

[0082] The first active material layer 211a may be provided in the form of at least a part of the first electrode 211 being coated with the first active material layer 211a. Both surfaces or opposite surfaces of the first electrode 211 may be coated with the first active material layer 211a, or only one surface of the first electrode 211 may be coated with the first active material layer 211a.

[0083] In an embodiment, the first electrode 211 serves as a positive electrode, and the first active material layer 211a may include a positive electrode active material.

[0084] The positive electrode active material may be a compound (lithiated insertion compound) capable of reversibly inserting and extracting lithium ions. In an embodiment, as the positive electrode active material, one or more of composite oxides of metals selected from the group consisting of cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and combinations thereof with lithium may be used.

[0085] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of lithium-iron-phosphorus oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium-manganese-iron-phosphorus oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, LNCM). Here, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 can be satisfied. The positive electrode active material may include only one of lithium-iron-phosphorus oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium-manganese-iron-phosphorus oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, LNCM), or may include two or all of lithium-iron-phosphorus oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium-manganese-iron-phosphorus oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, LNCM).

[0086] The first active material layer 211a may further include a positive electrode conductive material.

[0087] The positive electrode conductive material imparts conductivity to the first active material layer 211a, and any suitable conductive material that does not cause a chemical change can be used. Examples of positive electrode conductive materials may include carbon-based materials (such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes), metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc., conductive polymers (such as polyphenylene derivatives), or mixtures thereof.

[0088] The first active material layer 211a may further include a positive electrode binder.

[0089] The positive electrode binder effectively binds the particles constituting the positive electrode active material and effectively binds the positive electrode active material to the first electrode 211.

[0090] Examples of positive electrode adhesives may include non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0091] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0092] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxygenated alcohol, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0093] If the aqueous binder is used as the positive electrode binder, the aqueous binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. In embodiments, the alkali metal may be Na, K, or Li.

[0094] Dry adhesives can be fibrous polymeric materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0095] The first electrode 211 may include a first uncoated portion 211b that is not coated with the first active material layer 211a. According to an embodiment, the first uncoated portion 211b may be disposed at the end region of the first electrode 211 in a first direction. However, the first uncoated portion 211b is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, it may be formed over the entire edge region of the first electrode 211.

[0096] The second electrode 212 can be used as the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 210.

[0097] The second electrode 212 according to the embodiment can be formed into a foil shape having a metallic material (such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy). The two surfaces or opposite surfaces of the second electrode 212 can be arranged perpendicular to the second direction. There are no particular limitations on the type, size, shape, etc., of the second electrode 212, as long as the second electrode 212 is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. Except... Figure 7 In addition to the rectangular shape shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second electrode 212 can be varied in design to have any of a variety of shapes.

[0098] The second electrode 212 can be provided as a plurality of second electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes 212 can be arranged in a second direction. The plurality of first electrodes 211 and the plurality of second electrodes 212 can be alternately arranged in the second direction.

[0099] The second electrode 212 may include a second active material layer 212a and a second uncoated portion 212b.

[0100] The second active material layer 212a may be provided in the form that at least a portion of the second electrode 212 is coated with the second active material layer 212a. Both surfaces or opposite surfaces of the second electrode 212 may be coated with the second active material layer 212a, or in an embodiment, only one surface of the second electrode 212 may be coated with the second active material layer 212a.

[0101] In an embodiment, the second electrode 212 is used as a negative electrode, and the second active material layer 212a may include a negative electrode active material.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Materials capable of reversibly embedding / extracting lithium ions can be carbon-based negative electrode active materials, which can include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon can include graphite, such as amorphous, plate-like, flaky, spherical, or fibrous natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon can include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0104] As a lithium metal alloy, an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn can be used.

[0105] As a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, a Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used. The Si-based negative electrode active material can be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), a Si-Q alloy (Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements (excluding Si), Group 15 elements, Group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material can be Sn, SnO2, a Sn-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0106] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are aggregated and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) located on the surface of the secondary particles. The amorphous carbon can be located between the primary silicon particles, for example, such that the primary silicon particles can be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles can be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0107] 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 carbon coating located on the surface of the core.

[0108] The Si-based negative electrode active material or the Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used in combination with the carbon-based negative electrode active material.

[0109] The second active material layer 212a can further include a negative electrode conductive material and a negative electrode binder.

[0110] The negative electrode conductive material imparts conductivity to the second active material layer 212a, and any suitable conductive material that does not cause a chemical change can be used. Examples of negative electrode conductive materials may include carbon-based materials (such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes), metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc., conductive polymers (such as polyphenylene derivatives), or mixtures thereof.

[0111] The negative electrode binder effectively binds the particles constituting the negative electrode active material and also effectively binds the negative electrode active material to the second electrode 212.

[0112] Examples of negative electrode adhesives may include non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0113] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0114] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxygenated alcohol, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0115] If the aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, the aqueous binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. In embodiments, the alkali metal may be Na, K, or Li.

[0116] Dry adhesives can be fibrous polymeric materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0117] The second electrode 212 may include a second uncoated portion 212b that is not coated with the second active material layer 212a. According to an embodiment, the second uncoated portion 212b may be disposed at the end region of the second electrode 212 in the first direction. However, the second uncoated portion 212b is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, it may be formed over the entire edge region of the second electrode 212.

[0118] A separator 213 may be disposed between the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212. The separator 213 prevents or substantially prevents short circuits between the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212, while allowing lithium ions to move between them. In an embodiment, the separator 213 may be configured to completely surround the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly 210. Therefore, the separator 213 prevents or substantially prevents the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 from being directly exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 210.

[0119] The diaphragm 213 may be composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer membrane of two or more layers thereof, and may use mixed multilayer membranes, such as a two-layer membrane of polyethylene / polypropylene, a three-layer membrane of polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene, or a three-layer membrane of polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene.

[0120] The diaphragm 213 may include a porous substrate and a coating, the coating comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof, the coating being located on one or both or opposite surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0121] The porous substrate can be a polymer membrane made of a polymer selected from polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), or it can be a polymer membrane made of copolymers or mixtures of two or more of the above materials.

[0122] Organic materials may include polymers based on polyvinylidene fluoride or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0123] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, 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.

[0124] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a coating, or they can be in the form of a coating that includes (or contains) organic materials and a coating that includes (or contains) inorganic materials stacked on top of each other.

[0125] The electrode assembly 210 according to the embodiment may further include a first terminal 214 and a second terminal 215.

[0126] The first connector 214 can be connected to the first electrode 211.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the first terminal piece 214 may have a foil shape extending from the first uncoated portion 211b of the first electrode 211 in a direction parallel to the first direction. In an embodiment, the first terminal piece 214 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the first terminal piece 214 is not limited to this, but can be changed to any of a variety of shapes.

[0128] In one embodiment, the first terminal piece 214 may be integrally formed with the first electrode 211. For example, the first terminal piece 214 may be the area remaining after a portion of the first uncoated portion 211b has been cut or removed by means of a notch. In another embodiment, the first terminal piece 214 may be manufactured separately from the first electrode 211 and then connected to the first uncoated portion 211b by means of welding or the like. In yet another embodiment, the material of the first terminal piece 214 may be the same as the material of the first electrode 211.

[0129] The first contact piece 214 can be provided as a plurality of first contact pieces. Each first contact piece 214 can extend from a different first uncoated portion 211b of the first electrode 211. Adjacent first contact pieces 214 can be arranged facing each other in a second direction. That is, a plurality of first contact pieces 214 can be arranged along the second direction. Adjacent first contact pieces 214 can be arranged parallel to each other. Adjacent first contact pieces 214 in the second direction can contact each other at one end and be spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the diaphragm 213 at the other end.

[0130] Multiple first terminals 214 may be provided on multiple first electrodes 211 respectively. For example, a pair of first terminals 214 may be formed on each first electrode 211. The pair of first terminals 214 formed on each first electrode 211 may be arranged in a third-order orientation.

[0131] The second connector 215 can be connected to the second electrode 212.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the second terminal piece 215 may have a foil shape extending from the second uncoated portion 212b of the second electrode 212 in a direction parallel to the first direction. In an embodiment, the extending directions of the first terminal piece 214 and the second terminal piece 215 may be opposite. In an embodiment, the second terminal piece 215 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the second terminal piece 215 is not limited to this, but can be changed to any of a variety of shapes.

[0133] In one embodiment, the second contact piece 215 may be integrally formed with the second electrode 212. For example, the second contact piece 215 may be the area remaining after a portion of the second uncoated portion 212b has been cut or removed by means of a notch. In another embodiment, the second contact piece 215 may be manufactured separately from the second electrode 212 and then connected to the second uncoated portion 212b by means of welding or the like. In yet another embodiment, the material of the second contact piece 215 may be the same as the material of the second electrode 212.

[0134] The second contact piece 215 can be provided as a plurality of second contact pieces. Each second contact piece 215 can extend from a different second uncoated portion 212b of the second electrode 212. Adjacent second contact pieces 215 can be arranged facing each other in a second direction. That is, a plurality of second contact pieces 215 can be arranged along the second direction. Adjacent second contact pieces 215 can be arranged parallel to each other. Adjacent second contact pieces 215 in the second direction can contact each other at one end and be spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the diaphragm 213 at the other end.

[0135] Multiple second terminals 215 may be provided on multiple second electrodes 212 respectively. For example, a pair of second terminals 215 may be formed on each second electrode 212. The pair of second terminals 215 formed on each second electrode 212 may be arranged in a third-order orientation.

[0136] The housing 220 can form the overall appearance of the battery cell 200 and house the electrode assembly 210. In embodiments, the housing 220 may include a conductive metallic material, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0137] According to the embodiments, the housing 220 may include a bottom portion 221, a first side portion 222, and a second side portion 223.

[0138] The bottom portion 221 can form the appearance of the lower side of the housing 220. According to the embodiment, the bottom portion 221 can have a rectangular plate shape. The bottom portion 221 can be disposed facing the bottom surface of the housing body 110. The bottom portion 221 can be disposed facing the bottom surface of the housing body 110 in a third-order direction.

[0139] The first side portion 222 may extend from the bottom portion 221 to form part of the appearance of the side surface of the housing 220.

[0140] According to the embodiment, the first side portion 222 may have a rectangular plate shape extending from the bottom portion 221 in a direction parallel to a third direction. The first side portion 222 may be disposed perpendicular to a first direction. The lower end portion of the first side portion 222 may be connected to the edge of the bottom portion 221 disposed parallel to a second direction. The upper end portion of the first side portion 222 may be disposed toward the housing cover 120. The upper end portion of the first side portion 222 may be disposed facing the housing cover 120 in a third direction.

[0141] The first side portion 222 can be provided as a pair of first side portions. The pair of first side portions 222 can be arranged apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) and opposite to each other in a first direction. The pair of first side portions 222 can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0142] The second side portion 223 may extend from the bottom portion 221 to form the remainder of the appearance of the side surface of the housing 220.

[0143] According to the embodiment, the second side portion 223 may have a rectangular plate shape extending from the bottom portion 221 in a direction parallel to a third direction. The second side portion 223 may be configured to intersect with the first side portion 222. As an example, the second side portion 223 may be configured perpendicular to the second direction.

[0144] The lower end of the second side portion 223 can be connected to the edge of the bottom portion 221 that is parallel to the first direction. The upper end of the second side portion 223 can be positioned toward the housing cover 120. The upper end of the second side portion 223 can be positioned to face the housing cover 120 in a third direction.

[0145] The area of ​​the second side portion 223 can be larger than the area of ​​the first side portion 222.

[0146] The second side portion 223 can be provided as a pair of second side portions. The pair of second side portions 223 can be arranged apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) and opposite to each other in a second direction. The pair of second side portions 223 can be arranged parallel to each other.

[0147] Therefore, the housing 220 according to the embodiment can have a cuboid shape, wherein the upper part of the opening faces the outer cover 120.

[0148] The cover plate 230 can be engaged with the housing 220 to seal the housing 220.

[0149] According to the embodiment, the cover plate 230 can be formed to have a flat plate shape. The cover plate 230 can be configured to face the housing 220 in a third direction. As an example, the inner surface of the cover plate 230 can be configured to face the upper surface of the opening of the housing 220. The outer surface of the cover plate 230 can be configured to face the inner surface of the outer cover 120. The cover plate 230 can be configured parallel to the bottom portion 221 of the housing 220 and the outer cover 120.

[0150] A cover plate 230 can be mounted on the upper portions of the second side portion 223 and the first side portion 222. In an embodiment, the cover plate 230 can be inserted into the housing 220, and the peripheral surface of the cover plate 230 can contact the inner surfaces of the second side portion 223 and the first side portion 222. The cover plate 230 can be joined to the upper portions of the second side portion 223 and the first side portion 222 by any of a variety of joining methods (such as welding, bolting, mating, etc.).

[0151] Terminal 240 can be engaged with cover plate 230 and can protrude outward from cover plate 230. Terminal 240 can be electrically connected to electrode assembly 210.

[0152] According to the embodiment, the terminal 240 can extend through the cover plate 230 in a third-direction upward direction. The upper portion of the terminal 240 can protrude outward from the cover plate 230, and the lower portion of the terminal 240 can protrude into the interior of the housing 220. However, the shape of the terminal 240 is not limited to this. Figures 3 to 6 The shape shown is not fixed, but can be changed into any of various shapes.

[0153] Terminal 240 may be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, copper, etc.

[0154] Terminal 240 can be provided as a pair of terminals. The pair of terminals 240 can be arranged on the cover plate 230 at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from each other along a first direction.

[0155] Each of the terminals 240 can be connected to one of the first electrode 211 and the second electrode 212 of the electrode assembly 210. Therefore, each of the terminals 240 can be used as one of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell 200.

[0156] As an example, the first terminal of the terminal pair 240 can be connected to the first contact piece 214. In an embodiment, the first terminal of the terminal pair 240 can be indirectly connected to the first contact piece 214 by soldering it to a current collector 241. In an embodiment, the terminal 240 can be directly connected to the first contact piece 214.

[0157] Furthermore, the second terminal of the terminal pair 240 can be connected to the second contact piece 215. In one embodiment, the second terminal of the terminal pair 240 can be indirectly connected to the second contact piece 215 by soldering it to the current collector 241 of the second contact piece 215. In another embodiment, the terminal 240 can be directly connected to the second contact piece 215.

[0158] In one embodiment, an insulator G may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 230. The insulator G may be provided as a pair of insulators. The pair of insulators G may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 230. Each of the pair of insulators G may be configured to surround a different terminal 240. The insulator G may be made of an insulating material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rubber, etc.

[0159] An exhaust port 250 may be provided in the cover plate 230 and configured to open and close according to the internal pressure of the housing 220. If the internal pressure of the housing 220 increases to a set value or greater due to overcurrent, thermal runaway, etc., the exhaust port 250 may provide a discharge path for gases, flames, smoke, etc. generated inside the housing 220. The exhaust port 250 may be located between a pair of terminals 240. As described below, the longitudinal direction of the exhaust port 250 may be parallel to a first direction, and the width direction of the exhaust port 250 may be parallel to a second direction.

[0160] The exhaust port 250 may include an exhaust hole 251 and an exhaust plate 252.

[0161] The vent 251 can be formed into a shape having a hole extending through the cover plate 230 in a third-order upward direction. The lower side of the vent 251 can connect to the internal space of the housing 220. The upper side of the vent 251 can connect to the external space of the cover plate 230. The cross-sectional shape of the vent 251 can be various shapes, such as elliptical, circular, polygonal, etc. In an embodiment, the area, length, and width of the vent 250, which will be described below, can be the same as the area, length, and width of the vent 251. In an embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the vent 250 (i.e., the vent 251) to the area of ​​the upper surface of the cover plate 230 can be 0.05 or greater, or 0.1.

[0162] The vent plate 252 can open and close according to changes in the internal pressure of the housing 220. That is, if the battery cell 200 is operating normally, the vent plate 252 can remain closed and seal the housing 220. The vent plate 252 can open when the internal pressure of the housing 220 increases to a certain pressure (e.g., a set value) or greater due to overcharging, fire, etc. of the battery cell 200, and can discharge flames, gases, smoke, etc. generated inside the housing 220 to the outside of the housing 220.

[0163] In one embodiment, the exhaust plate 252 can be formed into a flat plate shape. The exhaust plate 252 can be positioned so that it faces the exhaust hole 251 in a third-order direction. In another embodiment, the thickness of the exhaust plate 252 can be less than the thickness of the cover plate 230. In another embodiment, the upper surface of the exhaust plate 252 can be joined to the lower surface of the cover plate 230 by any of various joining methods (such as welding, bolting, mating, etc.). In another embodiment, the exhaust plate 252 can be inserted into the exhaust hole 251, and the peripheral surface of the exhaust plate 252 can be joined to the inner surface of the exhaust hole 251.

[0164] In one embodiment, an exhaust recess 253 may be formed on the exhaust plate 252 to induce a breakage operation of the exhaust plate 252. The exhaust recess 253 according to the embodiment may have a groove shape that recesses from the outer surface of the exhaust plate 252 into the interior of the exhaust plate 252. However, the shape of the exhaust recess 253 is not limited to this. Figure 4 The shape shown is not the same as the one shown in the figure, but can be formed into any of the various patterns on the exhaust plate 252.

[0165] The first insulating sheet 260 can be configured to face the cover plate 230 to cover the vent 250. In the event of thermal runaway in one of the battery cells 200, the first insulating sheet 260 can protect the cover plate 230 and vent 250 of the adjacent battery cell 200 from the effects of flames, gases, etc. generated in said one of the battery cells 200.

[0166] Figure 8 This is a schematic top view showing the construction of the first and second insulating sheets according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 Rear view of the first and second insulating sheets shown; Figure 10 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line 10-10' in the diagram; Figure 11 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of line 11-11' in the diagram.

[0167] Reference Figures 3 to 11According to an embodiment, the first insulating sheet 260 may have a flat plate shape disposed perpendicular to a third direction. The first insulating sheet 260 may be disposed between a pair of terminals 240. The lower surface of the first insulating sheet 260 may be configured to face the upper surface of the cover plate 230 located between the pair of terminals 240 in a third direction. In an embodiment, the first insulating sheet 260 may have a rectangular shape. In an embodiment, the two end portions of the first insulating sheet 260 spaced apart from each other in a first direction, or opposite end portions, may have a straight shape perpendicular to the first direction.

[0168] The first insulating sheet 260 may include any of various types of insulating materials, such as materials with high heat resistance and insulation properties, such as mica, aerosol, foam, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, silicone foam, etc. In an embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the first insulating sheet 260 may be greater than or equal to 0.01 W / m•K and less than or equal to 0.05 W / m•K.

[0169] The area of ​​the first insulating sheet 260 can be larger than the area of ​​the vent 250, and in this embodiment, it is larger than the area of ​​the vent hole 251. In this embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the first insulating sheet 260 to the area of ​​the upper surface of the cover plate 230 can be greater than or equal to 0.05 and less than or equal to 0.85.

[0170] In one embodiment, the first insulating sheet 260 may include a broken portion 261.

[0171] A ruptured portion 261 may be provided in the first insulating sheet 260 and configured to open by the pressure of gas discharged from the vent 250 in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cell 200.

[0172] According to the embodiment, the rupture portion 261 can be a portion of the entire area of ​​the first insulating sheet 260 that is positioned directly facing the exhaust port 250. In the embodiment, the area of ​​the rupture portion 261 can be larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port 250. Although Figure 6 and Figure 8 An example of a rectangular shape is shown for the fracture portion 261, but the shape of the fracture portion 261 is not limited to this, but can be varied into various shapes such as ellipse, circle, polygon, etc.

[0173] In one embodiment, the rupture portion 261 may include a rupture notch 261a, which will be opened by the pressure of the gas discharged from the vent 250.

[0174] The rupture notch 261a according to the embodiment may have the shape of a groove recessed from the surface of the rupture portion 261. The rupture notch 261a can cause the rupture portion 261 to open by the pressure of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 250, etc., by partially reducing the thickness of the rupture portion 261 facing the exhaust port 250. In the embodiment, the shape of the rupture notch 261a may be the same as the shape of the exhaust notch 253 formed in the exhaust plate 252. However, the shape of the rupture notch 261a is not limited to this, and can be varied in shape within the area of ​​the rupture portion 261.

[0175] Although an example of a ruptured portion 261 including a rupture notch 261a has been described above, the ruptured portion 261 is not limited thereto, and in embodiments, it may be formed without a rupture notch 261a and have a thickness smaller than that of the rest of the first insulating sheet 260.

[0176] The second insulating sheet 270 may extend from the first insulating sheet 260 and may be positioned facing the housing 220. The second insulating sheet 270 may be disposed between adjacent battery cells 200 in a second direction. If thermal runaway occurs in one battery cell 200, the second insulating sheet 270 may prevent or substantially prevent chain ignition by blocking heat transfer between adjacent battery cells 200.

[0177] The second insulating sheet 270 can be provided as a pair of second insulating sheets. Each of the pair of second insulating sheets 270 can be configured to extend from one side of the first insulating sheet 260 or the opposite side and face a different surface of the housing 220.

[0178] The second insulating sheet 270 according to the embodiment may have a flat plate shape arranged perpendicular to the second direction. A first end portion of the second insulating sheet 270 may be connected to a first end portion of the first insulating sheet 260. The second insulating sheet 270 may be integrally formed with the first insulating sheet 260, or may be manufactured separately from the first insulating sheet 260 and then connected to it. The second insulating sheet 270 may be bent from the end portion of the first insulating sheet 260 along a third direction. The second insulating sheet 270 may be positioned to face the second side portion 223 of the housing 220 in the second direction. Although... Figure 8 and Figure 9 An example of a second insulating sheet 270 having a rectangular shape is shown, but the second insulating sheet 270 is not limited to this and can be varied in various shapes.

[0179] In this embodiment, the ratio of the area of ​​the second insulating sheet 270 to the area of ​​the second side portion 223 can be in the range of 0.9 to 1.

[0180] The second insulating sheet 270 may include any of various types of insulating materials, such as materials with high heat resistance and insulation properties, such as mica, aerosol, foam, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, silicone foam, etc. In an embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the second insulating sheet 270 may be greater than or equal to 0.01 W / m•K and less than or equal to 0.05 W / m•K.

[0181] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first insulating sheet 260 may be less than or equal to the thickness of the second insulating sheet 270. For example, in another embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the first insulating sheet 260 to the thickness of the second insulating sheet 270 may be greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than or equal to 1.

[0182] In an embodiment, the thickness of the first insulating sheet 260 and the second insulating sheet 270 can be greater than or equal to 0.1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0183] The pair of second insulating sheets 270 can be bent upwards from two end portions or opposite end portions of the first insulating sheet 260 spaced apart from each other in a second direction. The second insulating sheets 270 in the pair can be arranged to face each other in the second direction, with the housing 220 inserted therebetween. Each of the pair of second insulating sheets 270 can be arranged to face a different second side portion 223 of the housing 220.

[0184] Each of the second insulating sheets 270 can be stacked in the second direction between a pair of battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction. Therefore, the battery module according to the embodiment can further enhance the insulation performance between the pair of battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other. The second insulating sheets 270 disposed between the pair of battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other can be kept in close contact with the housing 220 by the pressing force between the battery cells 200.

[0185] In the outermost battery cell 200 among a plurality of battery cells 200, the thickness of the second insulating sheet 270 directly facing the housing body 110 may be less than or equal to the thickness of the other second insulating sheets 270. In an embodiment, for example, the ratio of the thickness of the second insulating sheet 270 directly facing the housing body 110 to the thickness of the second insulating sheets 270 disposed between adjacent battery cells 200 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 and less than or equal to 1.

[0186] According to the embodiment, the battery cell 200 may further include a first adhesive member 281.

[0187] The first adhesive member 281 can be disposed between the first insulating sheet 260 and the cover plate 230. The first adhesive member 281 can fix the first insulating sheet 260 to the cover plate 230.

[0188] In one embodiment, the first adhesive member 281 may be implemented as an adhesive formed solely of an adhesive material (such as polyurethane, epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate, etc.), or as an adhesive tape in which the surface of a film or sheet is coated with an adhesive material. In another embodiment, the first adhesive member 281 may further include a flame-retardant material, such as tribromophenoxyethane, chlorinated paraffin, etc., to prevent or substantially prevent damage due to high temperatures.

[0189] The first adhesive member 281 according to the embodiment may include a blocking portion 281a.

[0190] If the vent 250 of a battery cell 200 is open, the blocking portion 281a can prevent flame or gas from being transmitted to the adjacent battery cell 200 through the gap between the cover plate 230 and the first insulating sheet 260.

[0191] According to the embodiment, the blocking portion 281a may be a portion of the entire area of ​​the first adhesive member 281 that is positioned facing the exhaust port 250 in the second direction.

[0192] The blocking portion 281a can be provided as a pair of blocking portions. The pair of blocking portions 281a can be arranged separately from each other in the second direction, and the exhaust port 250 is inserted therebetween.

[0193] The distance between the pair of blocking portions 281a can be equal to or greater than the width of the exhaust port 250 parallel to the second direction. The distance between the pair of blocking portions 281a can be equal to or greater than the width of the rupture portion 261 parallel to the second direction. Therefore, the blocking portions 281a do not need to be configured to directly face the exhaust port 250 and the rupture portion 261 in the third direction.

[0194] In this embodiment, the sum of the width of the blocking portion 281a parallel to the second direction and the width of the exhaust port 250 can be equal to or less than the width of the cover plate 230 parallel to the second direction. Therefore, the blocking portion 281a does not need to protrude outward from the cover plate 230.

[0195] In one embodiment, the length of the blocking portion 281a parallel to the first direction may be greater than the length of the exhaust port 250 parallel to the first direction. As an example, the length of the blocking portion 281a parallel to the first direction may be equal to the length of the first insulating sheet 260 parallel to the first direction.

[0196] The first adhesive member 281 according to the embodiment may further include a connecting portion 281b.

[0197] The connecting portion 281b can be disposed between the pair of blocking portions 281a.

[0198] According to the embodiment, the connecting portion 281b may be located within the entire area of ​​the first adhesive member 281, facing the exhaust port 250 in a first direction and connecting the remaining areas of the pair of blocking portions 281a.

[0199] The connecting portion 281b can be provided as a pair of connecting portions. The pair of connecting portions 281b can be arranged separately from each other in a first direction, and the exhaust port 250 is inserted therebetween.

[0200] In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of connecting portions 281b can be equal to or greater than the length of the exhaust port 250 parallel to the first direction. The distance between the pair of connecting portions 281b can also be equal to or greater than the length of the rupture portion 261 parallel to the first direction. Therefore, the connecting portions 281b do not need to be configured to directly face the exhaust port 250 and the rupture portion 261 in the third direction.

[0201] The two end portions or opposite end portions of the connecting portion 281b, spaced apart from each other in the second direction, can each be connected to one of the pair of blocking portions 281a. Although for ease of description, Figure 9 An example is shown of marking boundary lines in the boundary region between the blocking portion 281a and the connecting portion 281b, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, the connecting portion 281b may be connected to the blocking portion 281a without any boundary lines.

[0202] According to the embodiment, the battery cell 200 may further include a second adhesive member 282.

[0203] The second adhesive member 282 may be disposed between the second insulating sheet 270 and the second side portion 223. The second adhesive member 282 can fix the second insulating sheet 270 to the second side portion 223.

[0204] In one embodiment, the second adhesive member 282 may be implemented as an adhesive formed solely of an adhesive material (such as polyurethane, epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate, etc.), or as an adhesive tape in which the surface of a film or sheet is coated with an adhesive material. In another embodiment, the second adhesive member 282 may further include a flame-retardant material, such as tribromophenoxyethane, chlorinated paraffin, etc., to prevent or substantially prevent damage due to high temperatures.

[0205] The second adhesive member 282 can be provided as a pair of second adhesive members. The pair of second adhesive members 282 can each be disposed between the second insulating sheet 270 and the second side portion 223.

[0206] The second adhesive member 282 according to this embodiment may include a side adhesive portion 282a.

[0207] The side adhesive portion 282a can be spaced apart from the first adhesive member 281, and the second insulating sheet 270 can be fixed to the second side portion 223.

[0208] According to the embodiment, the side adhesive portion 282a can be provided as a pair of side adhesive portions. The opposing side adhesive portions 282a can be disposed apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) in a first direction. The opposing side adhesive portions 282a can each be disposed at one of the two edges or opposite edges of the second insulating sheet 270. Although Figure 9 An example of a rectangular shape is shown for the side adhesive portion 282a, but the shape of the side adhesive portion 282a is not limited to this and can be changed to various shapes.

[0209] based on Figure 11 The length of the side adhesive portion 282a parallel to the third direction can be equal to or less than the length of the second insulating sheet 270 parallel to the third direction. The distance between the two side adhesive portions 282a can be greater than the length of the first insulating sheet 260 parallel to the first direction.

[0210] In this embodiment, the ratio of the total area of ​​the opposite adhesive portion 282a to the area of ​​the second insulating sheet 270 can be 0.05 or greater.

[0211] The second adhesive member 282 according to the embodiment may further include an extended adhesive portion 282b.

[0212] The extended adhesive portion 282b can extend from the first adhesive member 281 and secure the second insulating sheet 270 to the second side portion 223. The extended adhesive portion 282b can prevent or substantially prevent the second insulating sheet 270 from lifting off the second side portion 223 by securing the connection portion of the first insulating sheet 260 and the second insulating sheet 270 together with the blocking portion 281a.

[0213] According to the embodiment, the extended adhesive portion 282b can extend upward from the end portion of the blocking portion 281a in a third direction, and the extended adhesive portion 282b is disposed perpendicular to the second direction. The extended adhesive portion 282b can be disposed perpendicular to the blocking portion 281a. The extended adhesive portion 282b can be disposed between the opposite adhesive portions 282a. The two end portions or opposite end portions of the extended adhesive portion 282b can be disposed at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the opposite adhesive portion 282a.

[0214] The length of the extended adhesive portion 282b parallel to the first direction can be equal to or greater than the length of the blocking portion 281a parallel to the first direction. The length of the extended adhesive portion 282b parallel to the third direction can be equal to or less than the length of the second insulating sheet 270 parallel to the third direction.

[0215] Multiple battery cells 200 can be electrically connected via busbar B.

[0216] According to the embodiment, the busbar B can be formed of a conductive material (such as copper, nickel, aluminum, etc.). The busbar B can be disposed between the battery cell 200 and the housing cover 120. The two end portions or opposite end portions of the busbar B can each be connected to a terminal 240 of either one of a pair of battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction, and to a terminal 240 of the other battery cell 200 in the pair. Depending on the type of terminals 240 connected to the two end portions or opposite end portions of the busbar B, the busbar B can be connected in series or in parallel to the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction. However, the shape of the busbar B is not limited to this. Figure 1 The shape shown is not fixed, but can be changed to any of a variety of shapes that allow adjacent battery cells 200 to be electrically connected.

[0217] Busbar B can be provided as multiple busbars. Each busbar B can be connected to the terminal 240 of a different battery cell 200. The number of busbars B can vary depending on the number of battery cells 200, the connection structure of the battery cells 200, etc.

[0218] The battery module according to the embodiment may further include a retainer 300.

[0219] The retainer 300 can be disposed inside the housing 100 and positioned facing the cover 230 of the battery cell 200. The retainer 300 can support the busbar B inside the housing 100 and protect the battery cell 200 from external impacts, etc.

[0220] The retainer 300 according to the embodiment may have a plate shape disposed perpendicular to a third direction between the cover plates 230 of the battery cell 200 exposed through the first insulating sheet 260. The retainer 300 may be formed of an insulating material. Therefore, the retainer 300 may be electrically insulated from the battery cell 200 and the busbar B.

[0221] The retainer 300 can support the busbar B. As an example, a retainer hole 301 can be formed in the retainer 300, extending through the retainer 300 in a third direction. The retainer hole 301 can be provided as a plurality of retainer holes. The plurality of retainer holes 301 can be provided on both sides or opposite sides of the retainer 300. As an example, the plurality of retainer holes 301 can be arranged in two rows in a first direction. The plurality of retainer holes 301 provided in each row can be arranged in a second direction. Each retainer hole 311 can be configured to face one of the terminals 240 of different battery cells 200 arranged in the second direction. The busbar B can be joined to the retainer 300 by any of various types of joining methods (such as bolting, mating, hooking, etc.). The two end portions or opposite end portions of the busbar B can contact the terminals 240 arranged adjacent to each other through the retainer holes 311 and be connected to the terminals 240 by welding or the like.

[0222] In one embodiment, a plurality of retainer vents 302 may be formed in the retainer 300.

[0223] The retainer vent 302 can be provided in the retainer 300 and can guide the exhaust of gases and flames discharged from the vent 250.

[0224] According to an embodiment, the retainer vent 302 may have the shape of a hole that passes vertically through the retainer 300 in a third-order direction. The retainer vent 302 may be disposed between a plurality of retainer holes 301 spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The retainer vent 302 may be configured to face the vent 250 in a third-order direction, wherein the rupture portion 261 is inserted between the retainer vent 302 and the vent 250. In an embodiment, the area of ​​the retainer vent 302 may be larger than the area of ​​the vent 250, and in an embodiment, larger than the area of ​​the vent hole 251.

[0225] Multiple retainer vents 302 can be arranged at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) in a second direction. Each retainer vent 302 can be configured to face the vent 250 of a different battery cell 200. The number of retainer vents 302 and the distance between adjacent retainer vents 302 can be varied depending on the number of vents 250, the distance between vents 250, etc.

[0226] The operation of a battery module according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described here.

[0227] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the operating state of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0228] Reference Figures 1 to 12 If the vent 250 of a battery cell 200 opens due to overcurrent or thermal runaway, gas and flame are emitted from the vent 250 of that battery cell 200.

[0229] The broken portion 261 of the first insulating sheet 260, which is positioned to face the open exhaust port 250, is opened by the pressure of the gas discharged from the exhaust port 250.

[0230] During this process, because the second insulating sheet 270 extending from both sides or opposite sides of the first insulating sheet 260 is firmly fixed to a pair of second side portions 223 by the pressure between the second adhesive member 282 and the battery cell 200, the first insulating sheet 260 can remain fixed in the correct position without separating from the cover plate 230.

[0231] Gas and flame flowing into the space between the first insulating sheet 260 of the battery cell 200 and the housing cover 120 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module by providing vent holes in the housing cover 120 or housing body 110, without being introduced into the vent holes 250 of the remaining battery cells 200.

[0232] Here, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0233] The difference between the battery module according to this embodiment and the battery module according to the previous embodiment of this disclosure may lie in the structure of the battery cell 200.

[0234] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to this embodiment, only the structure of the battery cell 200, which is different from the structure of the battery cell in the battery module according to the previous embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0235] The description of the battery module according to the previous embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the battery module according to this embodiment.

[0236] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a first insulating sheet according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a modified example of the first insulating sheet shown.

[0237] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14 In one embodiment, the two end portions of the first insulating sheet 260 that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction or opposite end portions may be bent.

[0238] In the implementation method, such as Figure 13 As shown, two end portions or opposite end portions of the first insulating sheet 260, spaced apart from each other in a first direction, may protrude toward the terminal 240. Therefore, according to the embodiment, the first insulating sheet 260 can cover the cover plate 230 over a wider area.

[0239] In the implementation method, such as Figure 14 As shown, the two end portions or opposite end portions of the first insulating sheet 260, spaced apart from each other in a first direction, may be recessed toward the rupture portion 261. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or substantially prevent the first insulating sheet 260 from interfering with the shape of the terminal 240 or the shape of the separated components on the cover plate 230 according to the embodiment.

[0240] Here, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0241] The difference between the battery module according to this embodiment and the battery module according to the previous embodiment of this disclosure may lie in the structure of the battery cell 200.

[0242] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to this embodiment, only the structure of the battery cell 200, which is different from the structure of the battery cell in the battery module according to the previous embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0243] The description of the battery module according to the previous embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the battery module according to this embodiment.

[0244] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16 It is along Figure 15 A schematic cross-sectional view of line 16-16' in the diagram.

[0245] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The battery cell 200 according to the embodiment may further include pinholes 290 and adhesive filler 283.

[0246] The pinhole 290 may have the shape of a hole extending through the first insulating sheet 260 in a third-direction orientation. The pinhole 290 may be disposed separately from the rupture portion 261.

[0247] The pinhole 290 can be formed as one or more pinholes. As an example, the pinhole 290 can be provided as a pair of pinholes. The pair of pinholes 290 can be arranged separately from each other in a first direction, with the rupture portion 261 inserted therebetween. However, the number of pinholes 290 is not limited to this; for example, it can be varied to various numbers, such as one or three. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the pinhole 290 is not limited to... Figure 15 The shape shown is not circular, but can be changed into various shapes, such as ellipse, polygon, etc.

[0248] The adhesive filler 283 can protrude from the first adhesive member 281 and can be disposed inside the pinhole 290.

[0249] The adhesive filler 283 according to the embodiment can be implemented in the form of an adhesive formed from an adhesive material (such as polyurethane, epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate, etc.). The adhesive filler 283 can protrude from the first adhesive member 281 in a direction parallel to a third direction. The adhesive filler 283 can protrude from the blocking portion 281a and / or from the connecting portion 281b depending on the location of the pinhole 290.

[0250] In one embodiment, the adhesive filler 283 can be disposed inside the pinhole 290 by being injected in liquid form into the pinhole 290 and then cured. The outer peripheral surface of the adhesive filler 283 can be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the pinhole 290. In another embodiment, the lower end portion of the adhesive filler 283 can be integrally connected to the first adhesive member 281. Therefore, the adhesive filler 283 can effectively prevent or substantially prevent the first insulating sheet 260 from separating by further enhancing the bonding strength between the first insulating sheet 260 and the first adhesive member 281.

[0251] Here, a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0252] The difference between the battery module according to this embodiment and the battery module according to the previous embodiment of this disclosure may lie in the structure of the battery cell 200.

[0253] Therefore, when describing the battery module according to this embodiment, only the structure of the battery cell 200, which is different from the structure of the battery cell in the battery module according to the previous embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0254] The description of the battery module according to the previous embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the remaining components of the battery module according to this embodiment.

[0255] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 18This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the construction of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0256] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 The battery cell 200 according to this embodiment may further include a third adhesive member 284.

[0257] The third adhesive member 284 can be disposed on the outer side of the second insulating sheet 270. The third adhesive member 284 can be disposed on the outer surface of the second insulating sheet 270 that does not directly face the housing 220. The third adhesive member 284 can fix the second insulating sheets 270 of adjacent battery cells 200 to each other.

[0258] According to the embodiment, the third adhesive member 284 may be disposed on the outer surface of one of a pair of second insulating sheets 270 extending from the first insulating sheet 260.

[0259] In one embodiment, the third adhesive member 284 may be implemented as an adhesive formed solely of an adhesive material (such as polyurethane, epoxy resin, cyanoacrylate, etc.), or as an adhesive tape in which the surface of a film or sheet is coated with an adhesive material. In another embodiment, the third adhesive member 284 may further include a flame-retardant material, such as tribromophenoxyethane, chlorinated paraffin, etc., to prevent or substantially prevent damage due to high temperatures.

[0260] although Figure 17 An example of a rectangular shape for the third adhesive member 284 is shown, but the shape of the third adhesive member 284 is not limited to this and can be changed to various shapes.

[0261] In one embodiment, the third adhesive member 284 may be provided as a pair of third adhesive members. The pair of third adhesive members 284 may be positioned a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) apart from each other in a first direction. Each of the pair of third adhesive members 284 may be located at one of the two edges or opposite edges of the second insulating sheet 270. Each third adhesive member 284 may be positioned facing the side adhesive portion 282a with the second insulating sheet 270 inserted therebetween. In another embodiment, the third adhesive member 284 may be positioned misaligned with the side adhesive portion 282a with respect to a second direction.

[0262] In the implementation method, based on Figure 17 The length of the third adhesive member 284 parallel to the third direction can be equal to or less than the length of the second insulating sheet 270 parallel to the third direction.

[0263] The area of ​​the third adhesive member 284 may differ from the area of ​​the side adhesive portion 282a. As an example, the area of ​​the third adhesive member 284 may be smaller than the area of ​​the side adhesive portion 282a.

[0264] The surface of the third adhesive member 284 can be fixed to a second insulating sheet 270 provided in one of a pair of adjacent battery cells 200, and the other surface of the third adhesive member 284 can be fixed to a second insulating sheet 270 provided in the other of the pair of battery cells 200. Therefore, the third adhesive member 284 according to the embodiment can prevent or substantially prevent the first insulating sheet 260 from separating due to thermal runaway of the battery cells 200 by additionally ensuring the bonding strength between the second insulating sheets 270 of the different battery cells 200.

[0265] According to this disclosure, by arranging a first insulating sheet having heat resistance and insulation at the position facing the vent of the battery cell, chain ignition due to thermal runaway of a battery cell can be prevented.

[0266] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a pair of second insulating sheets located between adjacent battery cells are integrally connected to the first insulating sheet, which can prevent or substantially prevent the first insulating sheet from separating due to the pressure of gas generated when the vent is open.

[0267] However, the aspects and effects available through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure other technical aspects and effects not mentioned.

[0268] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it will be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on these embodiments.

Claims

1. A single battery cell, comprising: Electrode assembly; Housing that houses the electrode assembly; Cover plate, sealing the housing; A pair of terminals protruding from the cover plate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction; An exhaust port is located between the pair of terminals; The first insulating sheet faces the cover plate; as well as A second insulating sheet extends from the first insulating sheet and faces the housing.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating sheet is between the pair of terminals.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The area of ​​the first insulating sheet is larger than the area of ​​the exhaust port.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The opposite ends of the first insulating sheet, spaced apart from each other in the first direction, are bent.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The first insulating sheet includes a ruptured portion facing the vent and configured to open by the pressure of gas discharged from the vent.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising a first adhesive member, the first adhesive member being between the first insulating sheet and the cover plate to fix the first insulating sheet.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The first adhesive member includes a pair of blocking portions spaced apart from each other in a second direction that intersects the first direction.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, The pair of blocking portions are on the opposite side of the exhaust port.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The distance between the pair of blocking portions is equal to or greater than the width of the exhaust port in the second direction.

10. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The sum of the width of the pair of blocking portions in the second direction and the width of the vent in the second direction is equal to or less than the width of the cover plate in the second direction.

11. The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, The length of the blocking portion in the first direction of the pair of blocking portions is equal to or greater than the length of the exhaust port in the first direction.

12. The battery cell according to claim 6, further comprising: One or more pinholes pass through the first insulating sheet; as well as An adhesive filler protrudes from the first adhesive member and is disposed in the pinholes of the one or more pinholes.

13. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The second insulating sheet comprises a pair of second insulating sheets facing different surfaces of the housing.

14. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes: bottom part; A pair of first side portions, extending from the bottom portion and facing each other in the first direction; and A pair of second side portions, extending from the bottom portion and facing each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The second insulating sheet faces the second side portion of the pair of second side portions.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, wherein, The area of ​​the second side portion is greater than the area of ​​the first side portion of the pair of first side portions.

16. The battery cell according to claim 14, further comprising: A first adhesive member is positioned between the first insulating sheet and the cover plate to secure the first insulating sheet. as well as A second adhesive member is placed between the second insulating sheet and the second side portion to secure the second insulating sheet.

17. The battery cell according to claim 16, wherein, The second adhesive member includes a pair of side adhesive portions, which are spaced apart from the first adhesive member and face each other in the first direction.

18. The battery cell according to claim 17, wherein, The second adhesive member further includes an extended adhesive portion that extends from the first adhesive member and is disposed between the pair of side adhesive portions.

19. The battery cell according to claim 16, further comprising a third adhesive member on the outside of the second insulating sheet.

20. A battery module, comprising: shell; and Multiple battery cells are housed within the casing. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes: Electrode assembly; Housing that houses the electrode assembly; Cover plate, sealing the housing; A pair of terminals protruding from the cover plate and spaced apart from each other in a first direction; An exhaust port is located between the pair of terminals; A first insulating sheet, facing the cover plate; and A second insulating sheet extends from the first insulating sheet and faces the housing.

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