Battery cell, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery cell according to the present disclosure comprises: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are stacked in a stacking direction; a battery cell case accommodating the electrode assembly; and a heat insulating member provided on a remaining side of the battery cell case except for both side portions in a stacking direction of the electrode assembly, the heat insulating member containing a heat insulating material, in which the battery cell case includes: a contact portion provided at a position different from a position at which the heat insulating member is provided, the contact portion being configured to contact the cooling member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle, and more specifically, to a battery cell for maintaining cooling performance under normal conditions and effectively mitigating and preventing heat propagation in the event of a thermal event, as well as a battery pack including the battery cell and a vehicle.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097262, filed on July 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Because rechargeable batteries are easily applied to various product types and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, they are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that operate using electric power sources. Rechargeable batteries significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, and in addition to these key advantages, they do not produce byproducts from energy consumption. From this perspective, rechargeable batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source with improved environmental friendliness and higher energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently, the types of rechargeable batteries used in a wide range of applications include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When a high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Alternatively, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set differently depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When a battery pack is formed by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, a battery module is typically formed, which includes at least one battery cell. The battery pack or battery rack is then formed using at least one battery module with additional components. Alternatively, recently, cell-to-pack battery packs have been manufactured by placing multiple battery cells directly within the battery pack housing without modularization.

[0006] However, battery packs comprising multiple individual cells can be susceptible to thermal cascading effects between cells or modules. For example, when a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in any one cell, it can propagate to other cells or modules. If this propagation is not properly contained, a thermal event in one cell can trigger a cascading effect in other cells or modules, potentially leading to an explosion or fire.

[0007] Because existing battery cells simply have a structure in which the electrode components are encapsulated in the battery cell housing, there are no problems under normal conditions. However, when a thermal event occurs, such as a battery cell catching fire, the electrode components inside the battery cell are exposed to high temperatures, making it very difficult to slow down and prevent heat propagation.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop battery cells that can maintain cooling performance under normal conditions or circumstances and effectively slow down and prevent heat propagation in the event of a thermal event. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell for minimizing the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly exposed to high temperatures, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery cell for minimizing the time that electrode components are exposed to high temperatures, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0012] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery cell for effectively mitigating and preventing heat transfer, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0013] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery cell for maintaining cooling performance, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0014] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery cell for improving thermal insulation performance, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0015] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery cell with improved durability and stiffness, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0016] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other problems from the following description.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] The battery cell according to this disclosure includes: an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked along a stacking direction; a battery cell housing housing the electrode assembly; and a heat insulation member disposed on one side of the battery cell housing other than the two sides in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly, the heat insulation member comprising a heat insulation material, wherein the battery cell housing includes: a contact portion disposed at a position different from the position where the heat insulation member is disposed, the contact portion being configured to contact a cooling component.

[0019] The insulation component can have a predetermined thickness.

[0020] The heat insulation component can be installed on the upper side of the battery cell casing.

[0021] The contact portion can be located on the lower side of the battery cell casing.

[0022] The heat insulation component can be installed on the underside of the battery cell casing.

[0023] The contact portion can be located on the upper side of the battery cell housing.

[0024] Heat insulation components can be installed on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell casing.

[0025] The contact portion may be disposed on at least one side of the two sides of the battery cell housing in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly.

[0026] The heat insulation component can be installed inside the battery cell casing.

[0027] The heat insulation component can be installed on the outside of the battery cell casing.

[0028] The insulation element can be designed as a strip.

[0029] Thermal insulation components may contain at least one material selected from mica, aerogel, and silicone.

[0030] The battery pack according to this disclosure includes at least one battery cell according to this disclosure.

[0031] The battery pack according to this disclosure includes at least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell, comprising: an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked along a stacking direction; and a battery cell housing housing the electrode assembly, wherein either the first battery cell or the second battery cell includes: a heat insulation member disposed on one side of the battery cell housing other than the two sides in the stacking direction, the heat insulation member comprising a heat insulation material, and wherein the battery cell housing of either the first battery cell or the second battery cell includes: a contact portion disposed at a position different from the position where the heat insulation member is disposed, the contact portion being configured to contact a cooling component.

[0032] The battery pack according to this disclosure includes at least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell, comprising: an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked along a stacking direction; a battery cell housing housing the electrode assembly; and a heat insulation member disposed on one side of the battery cell housing other than the two sides in the stacking direction, the heat insulation member comprising heat insulation material, wherein the heat insulation member of the first battery cell and the heat insulation member of the second battery cell are disposed at different locations, and wherein the battery cell housing of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell includes: a contact portion disposed at a location different from the location of the heat insulation member, the contact portion being configured to contact a cooling component.

[0033] The vehicle according to this disclosure includes at least one battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] According to this disclosure, a battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle can be provided by means of a heat insulation element to minimize the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly exposed to high temperatures.

[0036] Additionally, a heat insulation component can be used to provide a battery cell that minimizes the time that the electrode assembly is exposed to high temperatures, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle that include the battery cell.

[0037] In addition, a heat insulation component can be used to provide a battery cell for effectively mitigating and preventing heat transfer, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0038] In addition, by providing a heat insulation element on one side of the battery cell housing other than the two sides, a battery cell for maintaining cooling performance, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, can be provided.

[0039] In addition, by providing a cooling component located at a different position from the heat insulation component, it is possible to provide a battery cell for maintaining cooling performance, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0040] In addition, a battery cell for improving thermal insulation performance, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, can be provided by means of a heat insulation component.

[0041] In addition, by means of thermal insulation, it is possible to provide battery cells with improved durability and rigidity, as well as battery packs and vehicles including such battery cells.

[0042] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other effects from this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the following detailed description, are intended to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any of the drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery cell excluding the heat insulation element according to this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the entire battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a cooling component located on the underside of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a variation of the entire battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a cooling component located on the upper side of a battery cell, according to a variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an entire battery cell of another variation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a cooling component located on the side of a battery cell, according to another variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a heat insulation member formed inside the battery cell housing in a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing a strip-type heat insulation element in a battery cell according to yet another variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a heat insulation member in close contact with a folded portion of the battery cell housing in a battery cell, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 12 This is a side cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 13 This is a side cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, in accordance with the principle that the inventors are allowed to properly define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0059] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are embodiments of the present disclosure describing technical aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. It should be understood that various other equivalent substitutions and modifications may be made thereto when filing an application.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery cell excluding the heat insulation element according to this disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the entire battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a cooling component located on the underside of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 3 A battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. The battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly, a battery cell housing 110, and a heat insulation member 200.

[0062] The electrode assembly may include a stack of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator may be stacked along a stacking direction. For example, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator may be stacked in the Y-axis direction, and may be stacked repeatedly in sequence.

[0063] The battery cell housing 110 can accommodate electrode assemblies. The electrode assemblies can be accommodated within the battery cell housing 110. The battery cell housing 110 can have a housing portion 111.

[0064] The electrode assembly can be housed in the housing portion 111. The housing portion 111 can be configured as a three-dimensional shape having a predetermined length, width, and height in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The housing portion 111 may include a lower end portion 111a, an upper end portion 111b, and a side portion 111c. The lower end portion 111a may be the -Z side portion of the housing portion 111. The upper end portion 111b may be the +Z side portion of the housing portion 111. The side portion 111c may be formed on the side surface in the stacking direction of the battery cell housing 110. Specifically, each side portion 111c may be formed on each of the two sides of the battery cell housing 110 in the same direction as the stacking direction of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator of the electrode assembly. For example, the side portion 111c may be the -Y side portion and the +Y side portion of the housing portion 111.

[0065] The heat insulation element 200 may be disposed on the battery cell housing 110. The heat insulation element 200 may be disposed on one side of the battery cell housing 110 other than the two sides 111c. Specifically, the heat insulation element 200 may be disposed on at least one side of the housing portion 111 other than the two sides 111c.

[0066] The heat insulation element 200 can be disposed on the battery cell housing in different ways or shapes. For example, the heat insulation element 200 can be separate from the battery cell housing 110, combined with the battery cell housing, or combined with the interior of the battery cell housing 110.

[0067] The heat insulation component 200 can insulate against high-temperature heat. For heat insulation, the heat insulation component 200 may include heat insulation material. The heat insulation material may have heat insulation properties.

[0068] According to this disclosure, the battery cell housing 110 of the battery cell 100 may have a contact portion. The contact portion can be understood as part of the contact cooling component 300 of the battery cell housing 110. For example, when the cooling component 300 contacts the housing portion 111 of the battery cell, the contact portion can be understood as a specific portion of the housing portion 111 that contacts the cooling component 300. The cooling component 300 can cool the battery cell 100. A cooling medium can flow within the cooling component 300.

[0069] The contact portion can be formed at a location different from that of the heat insulation member 200. Specifically, the contact portion can be provided at a location that overlaps with or does not overlap with the heat insulation member 200.

[0070] Existing battery cells simply have a structure in which the electrode assembly is encapsulated within the battery cell housing. When existing battery cells are installed in vehicles, they function without problems during the manufacturing process and under normal conditions. However, when a thermal event occurs within the battery cell, such as a fire, the electrode assembly within the battery cell housing is exposed to high temperatures, making it very difficult to mitigate or prevent heat transfer.

[0071] However, by means of the heat insulation element 200, the battery cell 100 according to this disclosure can minimize the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly exposed to high temperature and the time the electrode assembly is exposed to high temperature, thereby effectively slowing down and preventing heat propagation when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100.

[0072] Additionally, the battery cell 100 according to this disclosure may include: a heat insulation member 200 disposed on one side of the battery cell housing 110 other than the two side portions 111c; and a contact portion that contacts the cooling member 300 at a position different from that of the heat insulation member 200 in the battery cell housing 110, thereby maintaining the cooling performance of the battery cell 100 at a level almost similar to that of a conventional battery cell under normal conditions by means of the cooling member 300.

[0073] Therefore, the battery cell 100 according to this disclosure has the significant effect of maintaining cooling performance under normal conditions through the cooling component 300 and effectively mitigating and preventing heat propagation in the event of a thermal event.

[0074] The thermal insulation component 200 may contain at least one material selected from mica, aerogel, and silicone. Specifically, the thermal insulation material of the thermal insulation component 200 may contain at least one of the listed materials.

[0075] Since mica, aerogel and silicone are materials with good fire resistance and thermal insulation properties, the thermal insulation performance of the thermal insulation component 200 can be further enhanced when the thermal insulation component 200 contains at least one of these materials.

[0076] The heat insulation component 200 may have a predetermined thickness. That is, the heat insulation component 200 may be configured as a component with a predetermined thickness. For example, the heat insulation component 200 may be configured as a plate with a thickness. For example, the heat insulation component 200 may be attached to and bonded to the housing portion 111 of the battery cell housing 110, and the connection method or related structure between the heat insulation component 200 and the housing portion 111 is not limited to a particular one.

[0077] As described above, when the heat insulation component 200 is configured as a component with a predetermined thickness, excellent heat insulation performance of the battery cell 100 can be achieved, and the durability and rigidity of the battery cell 100 can be expected to be improved.

[0078] On the other hand, the lower end portion 111a of the housing portion 111 may include a bridging portion 112. After the electrode assembly is placed inside the housing portion 111 in its unfolded state, the housing portion 111 can be folded and assembled to surround the electrode assembly, and the housing portion 111 can be folded at the bridging portion 112 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0079] On the other hand, the housing portion 111 may also include sealing portions 113 and 114. Sealing portions 113 and 114 may be locations where at least a portion of the edge of the housing portion 111 is sealed. For example, sealing portions 113 and 114 may be formed at the two X-side ends and +Z-side portions of the housing portion 111, excluding the lower end portion 111a of the housing portion 111. Sealing portions 113 and 114 may include a platform portion 113 and a folded portion 114. The platform portion 113 may be configured to seal the area where the electrode lead 120 is located, as described below. The folded portion 114 may be configured to seal the upper end portion 111b of the housing portion 111. The folded portion 114 may be configured to allow the component to be folded.

[0080] The heat insulation element 200 can be disposed on the upper side of the battery cell housing 110. Specifically, the heat insulation element 200 can be disposed on the upper end portion 111b of the housing portion 111. The heat insulation element 200 can be attached to the upper end portion 111b of the housing portion 111.

[0081] In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the surface area of ​​the upper part of the electrode assembly exposed to high temperature and the time exposed to high temperature can be minimized, thereby effectively slowing down and preventing heat propagation, especially in the upper part of the battery cell 100.

[0082] As described above, when the heat insulation member 200 is provided on the upper side of the battery cell housing 110, the contact portion can be provided on the lower side of the battery cell housing 110. That is, the cooling member 300 can contact the lower end portion 111a of the battery cell housing 110.

[0083] In this case, when the heat insulation component 200 is disposed on the upper side of the battery cell housing 110, the cooling component 300 can be disposed opposite to the heat insulation component 200, thereby effectively maintaining the cooling performance of the battery cell 100 under normal conditions through the cooling component 300.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a variation of the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a cooling component located on the upper side of a battery cell, according to a variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A detailed description of a variant of the battery cell 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] In a variant of the battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat insulation member 200 may be provided on the lower side of the battery cell housing 110. Specifically, the heat insulation member 200 may be provided at the lower end portion 111a of the housing portion 111. The heat insulation member 200 may be attached to the lower end portion 111a of the housing portion 111.

[0087] In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the surface area of ​​the lower part of the electrode assembly exposed to high temperature and the time exposed to high temperature can be minimized, thereby effectively slowing down and preventing heat propagation, especially in the lower part of the battery cell 100.

[0088] As described above, when the heat insulation member 200 is provided on the lower side of the battery cell housing 110, the contact portion can be provided on the upper side of the battery cell housing 110. That is, the cooling member 300 can contact the upper end portion 111b of the battery cell housing 110.

[0089] In this case, when the heat insulation component 200 is disposed on the lower side of the battery cell housing 110, the cooling component 300 can be disposed opposite to the heat insulation component 200, thereby effectively maintaining the cooling performance of the battery cell 100 under normal conditions through the cooling component 300.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing another variation of an embodiment according to the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a cooling component located on the side of a battery cell, according to another variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A battery cell 100 of another variation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0092] In another variant of the battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat insulation member 200 may be provided on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell housing 110. Specifically, the heat insulation member 200 may be provided on each of the upper end portion 111b and the lower end portion 111a of the housing portion 111. The heat insulation member 200 may be integrated into each of the upper end portion 111b and the lower end portion 111a of the housing portion 111.

[0093] In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, the surface area and time of exposure to high temperature in each of the upper and lower parts of the electrode assembly can be minimized, thereby effectively slowing down and preventing heat propagation, especially in the upper and lower parts of the battery cell 100.

[0094] As described above, when the heat insulation member 200 is disposed on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell housing 110, the contact portion can be disposed on at least one of the two sides 111c of the battery cell housing 110. That is, the cooling member 300 can contact one side 111c of the battery cell housing 110. Specifically, the cooling member 300 can be disposed on at least one of the two sides 111c of the battery cell housing 110 in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the cooling component 300 can be disposed on both sides 111c of the battery cell 100, or together with... Figure 7 Unlike other components, the cooling component 300 can be disposed on either of the two sides 111c of the battery cell 100 (for example, one cooling component 300 is disposed for every two battery cells 100). The sides 111c of the battery cell 100 and the cooling component 300 can be in surface contact with each other.

[0095] In this case, when the heat insulation component 200 is provided on each of the upper and lower sides of the battery cell housing 110, the cooling component 300 can be provided at a different location than the heat insulation component 200, that is, on the side 111c of the battery cell housing 110, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell 100 can be effectively maintained by the cooling component 300 under normal conditions.

[0096] Return to reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the battery cell 100 according to this disclosure, the heat insulation element 200 may not be provided on the platform portion 113 side.

[0097] The battery cell 100 may further include electrode leads 120. Electrode leads 120 may be electrically connected to electrode assemblies. Electrode leads 120 may form terminals of the battery cell 100 and may have a first polarity or a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. Electrode leads 120 may extend outward from the battery cell housing 110 and may include at least one electrode lead. Electrode leads 120 may include two electrode leads. Either one of the two electrode leads 120 may have a first polarity, while the other may have a second polarity.

[0098] The battery cell housing 110 may include a platform portion 113. The platform portion 113 may be configured to seal the portion of the sealing portions 113 and 114 where the electrode leads 120 are located. The platform portion 113 may be provided on the electrode lead 120 side of the battery cell housing 110. For example, when the electrode leads 120 extend from the -X direction side and the +X direction side of the battery cell housing 110, the platform portion 113 may be provided on the -X direction side and the +X direction side of the battery cell housing 110. The platform portion 113 may cover the electrode leads 120. The platform portion 113 may seal the electrode leads 120.

[0099] The heat insulation component 200 may not be installed on the platform section 113 side.

[0100] Return to reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the battery cell 100 according to this disclosure, a heat insulation member 200 may be disposed on the outside of the battery cell housing 110. For example, the heat insulation member 200 may be disposed on the outside of the upper end portion 111b and / or the lower end portion 111a of the battery cell housing 110. In this case, the heat insulation member 200 may be integrated into the outside of the battery cell housing 110.

[0101] As described above, when the heat insulation element 200 is disposed on the outside of the battery cell housing 110, there is a particular advantage that the surface area of ​​the battery cell 100 exposed to high temperature and the time exposed to high temperature can be minimized.

[0102] The heat insulation member 200 can seal the battery cell housing 110 from the outside. Specifically, the heat insulation member 200 can be disposed on the outside of the battery cell housing 110 to seal the battery cell housing 110. In this case, the heat insulation member 200 can be in close contact with the outside of the battery cell housing 110. For example, the heat insulation member 200 can be in close contact with the outside of the upper end portion 111b and / or the lower end portion 111a of the battery cell housing 110. In this case, the shape of at least a portion of the heat insulation member 200 can conform to the shape of the outside of the battery cell housing 110.

[0103] As described above, when the heat insulation 200 is configured to seal the battery cell housing 110 from the outside, there is an advantage that the surface area of ​​the battery cell 100 exposed to high temperature and the time exposed to high temperature can be further minimized.

[0104] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a heat insulation member formed inside the battery cell housing in a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 In the battery cell 100 according to this disclosure, the heat insulation element 200 may be disposed inside the battery cell housing 110. For example, as Figure 8 As shown, the heat insulation element 200 may be disposed on the inner side of the upper end portion 111b of the battery cell housing 110. Although not shown in the figure, this disclosure does not exclude the heat insulation element 200 disposed on the inner side of the lower end portion 111a of the battery cell housing 110.

[0106] The battery cell 100 can be assembled by placing the electrode assembly inside the unfolded battery cell housing 110 and folding and sealing the battery cell housing 110. In this case, the heat insulation element 200 can be placed inside the battery cell housing 110 before the folding and sealing of the battery cell housing 110.

[0107] As described above, when the heat insulation member 200 is disposed inside the battery cell housing 110, there is a particular advantage in minimizing the surface area and duration of exposure to high temperatures inside the battery cell 100. Furthermore, because the battery cell 100 can be compressed during its manufacturing process, there is also the advantage that when the heat insulation member 200 is placed inside the battery cell housing 110, it can be easily attached and tightly held between the battery cell housing 110 and the electrode assembly.

[0108] The heat insulation element 200 can form a seal between the battery cell housing 110 and the electrode assembly. Specifically, the heat insulation element 200 can be disposed on the inner side of the battery cell housing 110 to form a seal between the battery cell housing 110 and the electrode assembly. In this case, the heat insulation element 200 can be in close contact with the inner side of the battery cell housing 110. For example, the width (Y direction) and length (X direction) of the heat insulation element 200 can almost match the inner width (Y direction) and inner length (X direction) of the battery cell housing 110 to ensure close contact between the heat insulation element 200 and the inner side of the battery cell housing 110. Conversely, for example, when the width (Y direction) or length (X direction) of the heat insulation element 200 is smaller than the inner width (Y direction) or inner length (X direction) of the battery cell housing 110, a seal can be provided at the edge of the heat insulation element 200 to ensure close contact between the heat insulation element and the inner side of the battery cell housing 110. In addition, the shape of at least a portion of the heat insulation element 200 can conform to the internal shape of the battery cell housing 110.

[0109] As described above, when the heat insulation 200 is configured to form a seal between the battery cell housing 110 and the electrode assembly, there is an advantage that the surface area of ​​the battery cell 100 exposed to high temperatures and the time exposed to high temperatures can be further minimized.

[0110] Unlike the description above, the heat insulation element 200 can be disposed on each of the outer and inner sides of the battery cell housing 110. In this case, it can have the advantage of minimizing the surface area and time of exposure to high temperatures on the exterior and interior of the battery cell 100.

[0111] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing a strip-type heat insulation element in a battery cell according to yet another variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 9 A battery cell 100 of yet another variation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0113] According to another variation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 100 may include a strip-shaped heat insulation member 200. When the heat insulation member 200 is configured as a strip, it can be tightly attached to the battery cell housing 110. The strip-shaped heat insulation member 200 may be attached to the upper end portion 111b and / or the lower end portion 111a of the battery cell housing 110, and may also be attached to the outer and / or inner sides of the battery cell housing 110.

[0114] As described above, when the heat insulation element 200 is configured as a strip, it can be more easily and securely mounted on the battery cell housing 110. Furthermore, the heat insulation element 200 can enhance the sealing of the battery cell housing 110. Additionally, since the heat insulation element 200 occupies a small volume, the energy density of the battery cell 100 can be increased.

[0115] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a heat insulation member in close contact with a folded portion of the battery cell housing in a battery cell, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Reference Figure 10 The heat insulation member 200 can be in close contact with the fold portion 114. The heat insulation member 200 can be configured to apply pressure to the fold portion 114. As described above, the fold portion 114 can be configured to allow the component to be folded. Specifically, the fold portion 114 can be formed by folding the battery cell housing 110 so that any two ends of the unfolded battery cell housing 110 come into contact with each other to form the upper end portion 111b of the battery cell housing 110, and by bending and folding a portion of the upper end portion 111b.

[0117] The heat insulation element 200 can be in close contact with the fold 114, and in this case, the heat insulation element 200 can apply pressure to the fold 114. When the heat insulation element 200 applies pressure to the fold 114, a more effective seal can be achieved on the side of the fold 114, and the volume of the heat insulation element 200 and the battery cell 100 can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell 100.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may include at least one battery cell 100 according to this disclosure. The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells 100 according to this disclosure. In the battery pack 10, the plurality of battery cells 100 may form a modular unit. Alternatively, in the battery pack 10, the plurality of battery cells 100 may form a so-called moduleless structure, rather than a modular unit.

[0120] On the other hand, in the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure, a plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked. For example, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100.

[0121] On the other hand, the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may also include the aforementioned cooling component 300.

[0122] On the other hand, the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may also include a battery pack housing 400. The battery pack housing 400 may have a space for accommodating at least one battery cell 100. The battery pack housing 400 may include a bottom 410, sidewalls 420, and a battery pack cover 430. The bottom 410 may form the bottom of the battery pack housing 400, the sidewalls 420 may be disposed around the bottom 410 to form a space for accommodating the battery cell 100, and the battery pack cover 430 may be attached to the sidewalls 420 to cover the battery pack housing 400. Although not shown, the battery pack housing 400 may also include a partition wall frame to separate the space for accommodating the battery cell 100. The battery pack housing 400 may also include a venting device 440 to release high-temperature exhaust gas to the atmosphere in the event of a thermal event in the battery cell 100.

[0123] Although not shown, the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure may also include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the individual battery cells 100, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, or a fuse.

[0124] Figure 12 This is a side cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include at least one first battery cell 100-1 and at least one second battery cell 100-2.

[0126] Each of the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 may include the same electrode assembly and battery cell housing 110 as those of the battery cell 100 according to the present disclosure described above. The battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include, as... Figure 11The battery pack housing 400 shown can accommodate the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2.

[0127] However, depending on the presence or absence of the heat insulation element 200, the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 may be different from each other. Specifically, in a battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, either the first battery cell 100-1 or the second battery cell 100-2 may include the heat insulation element 200.

[0128] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 can be arranged alternately, and the heat insulation member 200 can be disposed at the upper end 111b of the first battery cell 100-1, and the heat insulation member 200 may not be disposed on the second battery cell 100-2. For example, with Figure 12 The heat insulation component 200 can be disposed at the lower end 111a of the first battery cell 100-1, or the heat insulation component 200 can be disposed on the second battery cell 100-2, but not on the first battery cell 100-1.

[0129] Additionally, the battery cell housing 110 of either the first battery cell 100-1 or the second battery cell 100-2, which includes the heat insulation member 200, may include a contact portion disposed at a position different from that of the heat insulation member 200, the contact portion being configured to contact the cooling member 300.

[0130] However, the above description is for illustrative purposes only, and the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure should be understood to cover many different situations, such as the battery pack 10 including at least one first battery cell 100-1 and at least one second battery cell 100-2, wherein either the first battery cell 100-1 or the second battery cell 100-2 includes a heat insulation element 200, while the other does not include a heat insulation element 200.

[0131] In the aforementioned battery pack 10, the presence or absence of the heat insulation component 200 can be designed differently for each battery cell 100, thereby increasing the design diversity and scalability of the battery pack 10.

[0132] Additionally, the battery pack 10 may also include a cooling component 300.

[0133] Simultaneously, the battery pack 10 may also include a separator P between any two adjacent battery cells 100. The separator P can separate any two adjacent battery cells 100. The separator P can divide multiple battery cells 100 into so-called group units. For example, the separator P can be a baffle, and the baffle can contain refractory material. For example, the separator P can be a cooling component 300. For example, the separator P can be a cooling component 300 located on the side 111c of the battery cell housing 110 of the battery cell 100, such as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0134] Figure 13 This is a side cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 13 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include at least one first battery cell 100-1 and at least one second battery cell 100-2 (it should be understood that the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 of the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are different from the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 of the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure).

[0136] Each of the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 may include the same electrode assembly, battery cell housing 110, and heat insulation element 200 as those of the battery cell 100 according to the present disclosure described above. The battery pack 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure further includes, as... Figure 11 The battery pack housing 400 shown can accommodate the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2.

[0137] However, depending on the position of the heat insulation element 200, the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 can be different from each other. Specifically, in a battery pack 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the heat insulation element 200 of the first battery cell 100-1 and the heat insulation element 200 of the second battery cell 100-2 can be located in different positions.

[0138] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 can be arranged alternately, and the heat insulation member 200 can be disposed at the upper end 111b of the first battery cell 100-1 and at the lower end 111a of the second battery cell 100-2. For example, with Figure 13In contrast, the heat insulation component 200 can be disposed at the lower end 111a of the first battery cell 100-1, and the heat insulation component 200 can be disposed at the upper end 111b of the second battery cell 100-2.

[0139] Additionally, the battery cell housing 110 of each of the first battery cell 100-1 and the second battery cell 100-2 may include a contact portion disposed at a position different from that of the heat insulation member 200, the contact portion being configured to contact the cooling member 300.

[0140] However, the above description is for illustrative purposes only, and the battery pack 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure should be understood to include a variety of different situations, such as the battery pack 10 including at least one first battery cell 100-1 and at least one second battery cell 100-2, wherein the position of the heat insulation element 200 of either the first battery cell 100-1 or the second battery cell 100-2 is different from the position of the heat insulation element 200 of the other battery cell 100.

[0141] In the aforementioned battery pack 10, the position of the heat insulation component 200 can be designed differently for each battery cell 100, thereby increasing the design diversity and scalability of the battery pack 10.

[0142] Additionally, the battery pack 10 may also include a cooling component 300.

[0143] The above description presents examples of a battery cell 100 and a battery pack 10 according to this disclosure. Technical aspects of this disclosure are not limited to these examples and may include any combination of two or more of them.

[0144] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] In the following text, refer to Figure 14 The battery pack 10 according to this disclosure can be applied to a vehicle V, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. That is, the vehicle V according to this disclosure may include the battery pack 10 according to this disclosure. The battery pack 10 may be mounted in the vehicle body frame below the vehicle seats or trunk space. In addition to the battery pack 10, the vehicle V according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include any other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery pack 10 according to embodiments of this disclosure, the vehicle V according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include a body, a motor, or a controller such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0146] In addition, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be used in any other device, equipment, and machine that uses secondary batteries, such as an energy storage system, in addition to the vehicle V.

[0147] In this specification, terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used to indicate direction; however, these terms are used only for the purpose of convenience of description, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may change depending on the position of the object or the observer.

[0148] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and drawings, it is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that various modifications and alterations can be made within the technical aspects of this disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0149] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0150] 10: Battery Pack

[0151] 100: Battery cell

[0152] 110: Battery cell casing

[0153] 111: Shell section

[0154] 111a: Lower end

[0155] 111b: Upper end

[0156] 111c: Side

[0157] 112: Bridging section

[0158] 113: Platform Department

[0159] 114: Folding section

[0160] 120: Electrode leads

[0161] 200: Thermal insulation

[0162] 300: Cooling components

[0163] 400: Battery pack casing

[0164] 410: Bottom

[0165] 420: Side wall portion

[0166] 430: Battery pack cover

[0167] 440: Exhaust device

[0168] P: partition

[0169] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A single battery cell, comprising: The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked along the stacking direction. A battery cell housing that accommodates the electrode assembly; as well as A heat insulation element is disposed on one side of the battery cell housing, excluding the two sides in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly, and the heat insulation element comprises heat insulation material. The battery cell housing includes: The contact portion is located at a position different from that of the heat insulation component, and the contact portion is configured to contact the cooling component.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation component has a predetermined thickness.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation component is disposed on the upper side of the battery cell casing.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, in, The contact portion is located on the lower side of the battery cell housing.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation component is located on the lower side of the battery cell housing.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, The contact portion is located on the upper side of the battery cell casing.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation components are disposed on the upper and lower sides of the battery cell housing.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, in, The contact portion is disposed on at least one side of the two sides of the battery cell housing in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation component is disposed on the inner side of the battery cell casing.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation component is disposed on the outside of the battery cell casing.

11. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The heat insulation element is configured as a strip.

12. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The thermal insulation component comprises at least one material selected from mica, aerogel, and silicone.

13. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A battery pack, comprising: At least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell, including: The electrode assembly comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked along the stacking direction; and The battery cell housing houses the electrode assembly. Wherein, either the first battery cell or the second battery cell includes: A heat insulation element is disposed on one side of the battery cell housing, excluding the two sides in the stacking direction, and the heat insulation element comprises heat insulation material. Wherein, the battery cell housing of any one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell includes: The contact portion is located at a position different from that of the heat insulation component, and the contact portion is configured to contact the cooling component.

15. A battery pack, comprising: At least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell, including: The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked along the stacking direction. Battery cell housing, accommodating the electrode assembly; and A heat insulation element is disposed on one side of the battery cell housing, excluding the two sides in the stacking direction, and the heat insulation element comprises heat insulation material. The heat insulation components of the first battery cell and the second battery cell are located at different positions. Wherein, the battery cell housing of each of the first battery cell and the second battery cell includes: The contact portion is located at a position different from that of the heat insulation component, and the contact portion is configured to contact the cooling component.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack as claimed in claim 13.

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