Battery cell holder and battery pack

Abstract

A battery cell holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells and a battery pack are provided. The battery cell holder includes a lower holder including a plurality of cell placement grooves in which battery cells can be placed. An electrode tab shaped to be connected to electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells is provided in a battery cell holder, and the battery cell holder further includes an upper holder configured to cover the plurality of battery cells in a lower holder, wherein the upper holder includes a terminal hole exposing electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells and a tab placement groove corresponding to a shape of the electrode tab, and the electrode tab is positioned in the tab placement groove of the upper holder.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0140748, filed on October 15, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery cell holder and a battery pack, and more specifically, to a battery cell holder having a tab placement groove formed therein for placing patterned electrode tabs, and a battery pack including the battery cell holder. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for charging, secondary batteries can be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders. High-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources to drive motors in hybrid or electric vehicles, as well as for energy storage. A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and terminal portions that connect to the electrode assembly.

[0004] In battery packs containing secondary batteries, a desired power system is ensured by connecting multiple battery cells to each other. Welding is commonly used to achieve high-current and sensed electrical connections within the battery pack. In related technologies, electrode tabs are manufactured from plates, and the welded portions are configured in a bent shape. However, when the welded portions of the electrode tabs are bent upwards along the electrode terminals, inefficiencies in the height direction may occur.

[0005] The information disclosed in this section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure and may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure aims to provide a battery cell holder in which a tab placement groove for placing patterned electrode tabs is formed, and a battery pack including the battery cell holder.

[0007] However, 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 from the following description other problems not mentioned herein, as well as aspects and features of this disclosure that will solve these problems.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell holder may be a battery cell holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells therein, and may include: a lower holder including a cell placement groove in which a plurality of battery cells may be placed; an electrode tab shaped to connect to electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; and an upper holder configured to cover the plurality of battery cells disposed in the lower holder, the upper holder including terminal holes exposing the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells and a tab placement groove corresponding to the shape of the electrode tab, the electrode tab being positioned in the tab placement groove of the upper holder.

[0009] In one embodiment, the upper retainer may include welding holes configured to expose some of the plurality of battery cells, thereby enabling electrode tabs to be welded to the plurality of battery cells.

[0010] In one embodiment, the upper retainer may include a protrusion projecting upward from the periphery of the terminal hole, the protrusion being configured to prevent contact between adjacent portions of the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells exposed through the terminal hole and the electrode tabs.

[0011] In this embodiment, the terminal hole is circular, and the protrusion around the terminal hole is shaped as an arc corresponding to the circular shape of the terminal hole.

[0012] In one embodiment, the upper retainer may include a protrusion formed in the tab placement groove and projecting upward to align the electrode tabs.

[0013] In an embodiment, the protrusion may have a linear shape.

[0014] In an embodiment, the electrode tab may include a portion bent into a shape corresponding to the protrusion and attached to the protrusion.

[0015] In an embodiment, the terminal hole may include a positive terminal hole for exposing the positive terminals of a plurality of battery cells and a negative terminal hole for exposing the negative terminals of a plurality of battery cells.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electrode terminals can be integrated into a protection circuit module (PCM) for controlling multiple battery cells.

[0017] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cell holders, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell holders accommodates a plurality of battery cells, and wherein each of the plurality of battery cell holders includes: a lower holder including a cell placement recess therein in which the plurality of battery cells accommodated by the lower holder are placed; an electrode tab connected to an electrode terminal of the plurality of battery cells accommodated by the lower holder; and an upper holder covering the plurality of battery cells disposed in the lower holder, the upper holder including a terminal hole exposing the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the lower holder and a tab placement recess corresponding to the shape of the electrode tab, and the electrode tab being positioned in the tab placement recess of the upper holder.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the upper retainers may include a welding hole formed to expose some of the plurality of battery cells, thereby enabling the electrode tabs to be welded to the plurality of battery cells.

[0019] In an embodiment, each of the upper retainers may include a protrusion projecting upward from the periphery of the terminal hole, the protrusion preventing contact between the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells exposed through the terminal hole and adjacent portions of the electrode tabs.

[0020] In this embodiment, the terminal hole is circular, and the protrusion around the terminal hole is shaped as an arc corresponding to the circular shape of the terminal hole.

[0021] In an embodiment, each of the upper retainers may include a protrusion formed in a tab placement groove and projecting upward to align the electrode tabs.

[0022] In an embodiment, the protrusion may have a linear shape.

[0023] In an embodiment, the electrode tab may include a portion bent into a shape corresponding to the protrusion and attached to the protrusion.

[0024] In an embodiment, the terminal hole may include: a positive terminal hole exposing the positive terminals of multiple battery cells and a negative terminal hole exposing the negative terminals of multiple battery cells.

[0025] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of battery cell holders may further include a protection circuit module (PCM) incorporated into the electrode terminals to control the plurality of battery cells.

[0026] In an embodiment, the PCM may have a shape corresponding to a portion of the electrode tab.

[0027] In one embodiment, in each of the plurality of cell holders, with the electrode tabs placed in the upper holder, a potting compound is formed along the tab groove.

[0028] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a tab placement groove can be formed for placing patterned electrode tabs, so that the electrode tabs do not need to be bent in the upward direction, thereby providing more efficient space utilization in the height direction.

[0029] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the opening portion of the upper retainer can be minimized, and protrusions can be formed to prevent contact when the electrode tabs are placed around the opening, thereby preventing short circuits between the electrodes.

[0030] According to embodiments of this disclosure, welding holes can be formed in the upper retainer, thus the welding portion can be patterned, thereby facilitating the automated manufacturing of secondary batteries.

[0031] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the electrode contacts are placed in the upper retainer, potting can be performed by applying potting compound along the groove where the contacts are placed, thus easily forming a potting structure.

[0032] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following detailed description other aspects and features not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. The drawings illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure: Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of a cylindrical secondary battery; Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery; Figure 2A This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a battery cell holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2B This is a view of a battery pack including a battery cell holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 The upper retainer of the battery cell retainer according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in detail; and Figure 4 The shape in which the upper retainer and electrode terminals of the battery cell retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are joined together is shown in detail. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather should be understood to have meanings and concepts consistent with the spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of each term in order to best describe his / her own invention. Therefore, since the embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the drawings are merely examples of this disclosure and do not cover all the technical ideas of this disclosure, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made when this application is filed.

[0035] It will be further understood that when the terms “including / comprise” and / or variations thereof are used herein, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

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

[0037] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” means that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include what is considered a low deviation in the art, for example, 5% or less. The uniformity of any parameter in a given region can mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

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

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

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

[0041] What will be understood is that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another component, it can be directly “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another component, and it can also be indirectly “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to another component, with other elements placed between them.

[0042] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 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” and “one or more” modify the entire list of elements when preceding it, without modifying individual elements within that list.

[0043] Throughout the specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise stated. Similarly, when “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0044] When phrases such as “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “at least one of the group selected from A, B and C” or “at least one of A, B and C” are used to specify a list of elements A, B and C, the phrase can refer to any suitable combination and all suitable combinations.

[0045] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilization”. As used herein, the terms “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.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. 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.

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

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

[0049] Examples of secondary batteries include coin-shaped, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped types. This disclosure is essentially applicable to cylindrical secondary batteries. Therefore, cylindrical secondary batteries will be briefly described first before describing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of a cylindrical secondary battery. Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0051] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The cylindrical secondary battery may include an electrode assembly 30 and a housing 10 for containing the electrode assembly 30 and electrolyte. A cover assembly 50 is connected to the opening of the housing 10 and seals the housing 10. An insulating plate 37 is disposed within the housing 10 between the electrode assembly 30 and the cover assembly 50.

[0052] The electrode assembly 30 may include a first electrode 33 and a second electrode 31, with a diaphragm 32 disposed between the electrodes 31 and 33. The electrode assembly 30 may be wound in the form of an electrode core.

[0053] The first electrode 33 may include a first substrate and a first active material layer disposed on the first substrate. A first lead tab 35 may extend from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate excluding the first active material layer. The first lead tab 35 may be electrically connected to the cover assembly 50.

[0054] The second electrode 31 may include a second substrate and a second active material layer disposed on the second substrate. A second lead tab 34 may extend from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate excluding the second active material layer. The second lead tab 34 may be electrically connected to the housing 10. The first lead tab 35 and the second lead tab 34 may extend in opposite directions.

[0055] The first electrode 33 can serve as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate can be, for example, an aluminum foil. The first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode 31 can serve as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate can be, for example, a copper foil or a nickel foil. The second active material layer can include, for example, graphite.

[0056] The separator 32 allows lithium ions to move and prevents short circuits between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 31. The separator 32 can be formed of, for example, a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, or a polyethylene-polypropylene film. The housing 10 can accommodate the electrode assembly 30 and the electrolyte, and the housing 10, together with the cover assembly 50, forms the external form of the battery. The housing 10 may include a body portion 12 having an approximately cylindrical shape and a bottom portion 11 connected to one side of the body portion 12. A rolled edge portion 13 deformed toward the interior of the body portion 12 may be provided in the body portion 12. A crimped portion 15 bent toward the interior of the body portion 12 may be provided at the open end of the body portion 12.

[0057] The crimped portion 13 can suppress movement of the electrode assembly 30 within the housing 10, and the crimped portion 13 can facilitate the placement of the gasket 14 and the cover assembly 50. The crimped portion 15 can securely hold the cover assembly 50 in place by pressing the edge of the cover assembly 50 via the gasket 14. The housing 10 can be made of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0058] The cover assembly 50 can seal the housing 10 by being secured to the interior of the crimp portion 15 via the gasket 14. The cover assembly 50 may include an upper cover portion, a safety vent, a lower cover portion, an insulating member, and a subplate. However, this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The cover assembly 50 may be modified in various ways.

[0059] The top cover portion may be located at the top of the cover assembly 50. The top cover portion may include a terminal portion that protrudes upward in a raised manner and connects to an external circuit. An outlet for venting gas may be provided in the top cover portion around the terminal portion.

[0060] A safety vent may be located below the top cover portion. The safety vent may include a protruding portion that extends downwards and connects to the sub-board. At least one recess may be provided around the protruding portion. When gas is generated in the secondary battery due to, for example, overcharging or abnormal operation, the protruding portion may deform upwards due to gas pressure and separate from the sub-board. Furthermore, the safety vent may open along the recess. Therefore, a shut-off safety vent can prevent the secondary battery from exploding by venting gas to the outside of the secondary battery.

[0061] The lower cover portion can be located below the safety vent. A first opening for exposing the protruding portion of the safety vent and a second opening for venting gas can be located in the lower cover portion. An insulating member can be located between the safety vent and the lower cover portion, and the insulating member can insulate the safety vent from the lower cover portion.

[0062] The sub-board can be disposed below the lower cover portion. The sub-board can be fixed to the bottom of the lower cover portion to close the first opening of the lower cover portion. The protruding portion of the safety vent can be fixed to the sub-board. The first lead terminal 35 extending from the electrode assembly 30 can be fixed to the sub-board. Therefore, the upper cover portion, the safety vent, the lower cover portion, and the sub-board can be electrically connected to the first electrode 33 of the electrode assembly 30.

[0063] An insulating plate 37 can be positioned below the rolled edge portion 13 to the electrode assembly 30. A lead tab opening can be formed in the insulating plate, and a first lead tab 35 extends through the lead tab opening. A cover assembly 50 electrically connected to the first electrode 33 via the first lead tab 35 can face the electrode assembly 30, and the insulating plate 37 is positioned between the cover assembly 50 and the electrode assembly 30. The cover assembly 50 can be kept insulated from the second electrode 31 by the insulating plate 37. The cylindrical secondary battery may include another insulating plate 36 for insulation between the first electrode 33 and the bottom portion 11 of the housing 10.

[0064] Figure 2A This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack including a cell holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B This is an assembly diagram of a battery pack including a battery cell holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The battery cell holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a lower holder 110, an electrode terminal piece 120, and an upper holder 130. The battery pack 100 including the battery cell holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a protection circuit module (PCM) 140 for controlling a plurality of battery cells 1. The plurality of battery cells 1 disposed in the battery cell holder according to embodiments of the present disclosure may all be large-diameter battery cells in which the positive and negative electrodes extend in an upward direction.

[0066] A cell placement groove 111 for placing multiple battery cells 1 can be formed in the lower holder 110. The cell placement groove 111 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the size and shape of each of the multiple battery cells 1. Therefore, when the battery cell 1 is placed in the lower holder 110, the battery cell 1 can be fixed in the lower holder 110.

[0067] The electrode connector 120 may have a pattern shape that connects the electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells 1 to each other. Therefore, when the electrode connector 120 is placed in the upper retainer 130 (described below), the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells 1 can be connected to each other.

[0068] The upper retainer 130 can cover multiple battery cells 1 disposed in the lower retainer 110. Referring below... Figure 3 The detailed construction of the upper retainer 130 of the battery cell retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0069] Figure 3 This is a view showing in detail the upper retainer 130 of a battery cell holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper retainer 130 may include terminal holes 131, 132 through which the electrode terminals of a plurality of battery cells 1 are exposed, and a tab placement groove 133 corresponding to the shape of the electrode tab 120. Thus, the electrode tab 120 can be placed in the upper retainer 130. A fixing groove (not shown) formed to correspond to the size and shape of the plurality of battery cells 1 and to fix the plurality of battery cells 1 may be formed in the lower part of the upper retainer 130.

[0070] In an embodiment, terminal holes 131 and 132 may include a positive terminal hole 131 for exposing the positive terminal of a battery cell and a negative terminal hole 132 for exposing the negative terminal of a battery cell. The plurality of battery cells 1 positioned in the battery cell holder may all be large-diameter battery cells in which the positive and negative terminals face upwards. Therefore, the positive and negative terminals of the battery cells exposed through each positive terminal hole 131 and each negative terminal hole 132 in the upper holder 130 can be electrically connected to each other via electrode tabs 120 placed in the upper holder 130.

[0071] In one embodiment, a welding hole 134 is provided in the upper retainer 130 for welding the electrode tab 120 to the battery cell 1 by exposing a portion of some of the plurality of battery cells 1. After the electrode tab 120 is placed in the upper retainer 130, it can be welded through the terminal holes 131, 132 and the welding hole 134 to secure the electrode tab 120 to the upper retainer 130.

[0072] The upper retainer 130 may include a first protrusion 135 that protrudes upward at the periphery of the positive terminal hole 131 to prevent contact between the electrode terminal exposed through the positive terminal hole 131 and the adjacent electrode tab 120. Figure 3 The diagram shows a first protrusion 135 formed around the positive terminal aperture 131, and the first protrusion 135 may also be formed around the negative terminal aperture 132. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the positive terminal hole 131 may have a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the positive terminal of the battery cell 1, and the first protrusion 135 at the periphery of the positive terminal hole 131 may have an arc shape corresponding to the circular shape of the positive terminal hole 131.

[0073] The upper retainer 130 may include a second protrusion 136 formed in the tab placement groove to project upwards so as to align the electrode tabs 120. Figure 3 In some embodiments, the second protrusion 136 may have a linear shape. The second protrusion 136 may allow the electrode tab 120 and the upper retainer 130 to engage with each other. Hereinafter, a method for engaging the electrode tab 120 and the upper retainer 130 of a battery cell retainer according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0074] Figure 4 The shape in which the upper retainer 130 of the battery cell holder and the electrode terminal 120 are joined together is shown in detail.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 The electrode tab 120 may include a bent portion 121, which is bent into a shape corresponding to and coupled to the second protrusion 136. Figure 4 In one embodiment, the bent portion 121 can be bent into a straight shape of the second protrusion 136. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the bent portion 121 of the electrode tab 120 and the second protrusion 136 of the upper retainer 130 can mate and engage with each other. Therefore, the electrode tab 120 can be placed on the upper retainer 130, and at the same time, the electrode tab 120 can be aligned with and engaged with the terminal holes 131, 132 and the solder hole 134.

[0076] Refer again Figure 2A The PCM 140 can be coupled to the electrode terminal 120. The PCM 140 can provide control during abnormal operating conditions, such as overcharge, over-discharge, or overcurrent of each of the plurality of battery cells 1 included in the battery pack 100. The PCM 140 can have a shape corresponding to a portion of the electrode terminal 120. The PCM 140 can be coupled to the electrode terminal 120 and can be supplied with power from the plurality of battery cells 1.

[0077] A battery pack 100 including a battery cell holder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. Potting may be performed in the battery pack 100 to protect the electrical connection between the battery cells 1 and the electrode tabs 120. For example, potting may be performed by applying potting compound along the grooves 133 of the tabs, with the electrode tabs 120 placed on the upper holder 130.

[0078] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a tab placement groove 133 is formed for placing patterned electrode tabs 120. Therefore, it is not necessary to bend the electrode tabs in the upward direction, thereby effectively utilizing the area in the height direction.

[0079] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the opening portion of the upper retainer 130 is minimized. Furthermore, a protrusion is formed to prevent the electrode terminals from contacting the electrode tabs 120 located around the periphery of the opening portion, thereby preventing short circuits between the electrodes.

[0080] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a weld hole 134 is formed in the upper retainer 130. Therefore, the weld portion can be patterned to facilitate the automation of secondary battery manufacturing.

[0081] According to embodiments of this disclosure, potting can be performed by applying potting compound along the placement groove 133 of the electrode tab 120 after it has been placed in the upper retainer 130. Therefore, a potting structure is easily formed.

[0082] In the following, materials that can be used in secondary batteries according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

[0083] Compounds capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiation intercalation compounds) can be used as positive electrode active materials. Specifically, one or more composite oxides of lithium and metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used as positive electrode active materials.

[0084] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide. Examples of composite oxides include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free lithium nickel manganese oxides, or combinations of these compounds. For example, a compound represented by one of the following chemical formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b- c Mn b X c O 2-α Dα (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8). In these chemical formulas, A can be Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X can be Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements, or a combination thereof; D can be O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G can be Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; and L 1 It can be Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0085] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material, and may also include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0086] The amount of positive electrode active material can be from 90 wt% to 99.5 wt% relative to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer. The amount of binder and conductive material can be from 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% relative to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer.

[0087] Aluminum can be used as a current collector. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0088] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping with respect to lithium, or a transition metal oxide. The material capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions may include a carbon-based negative electrode active material, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon are graphite, such as natural graphite or synthetic graphite. Examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, and coke.

[0089] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as the material capable of doping and dedoping with lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x < 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof. The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one example, the silicon-carbon composite includes silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating may be provided on the surface of the core.

[0090] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0091] The negative electrode active material layer may include, for example, 90 wt% to 99 wt% of a negative electrode active material, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% of a binder, and 0 wt% to 5 wt% of a conductive material.

[0092] A non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof may be used as the binder. If an aqueous binder is used, the binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity.

[0093] One of nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer matrix coated with a conductive metal, and a combination thereof may be used as the current collector of the negative electrode.

[0094] The electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery may include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt. The non-aqueous organic solvent may be a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reaction of the battery move. The non-aqueous organic solvent may be a carbonate solvent, an ester solvent, an ether solvent, a ketone solvent, an alcohol solvent, an aprotic solvent, or a combination of these. The carbonate solvent, ester solvent, ether solvent, ketone solvent, alcohol solvent, or aprotic solvent may be used alone, or two or more of these may be mixed and used as the non-aqueous organic solvent. In addition, if a carbonate solvent is used, a cyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate may be mixed and used.

[0095] Depending on the type of lithium-ion secondary battery, a separator can be present between the positive and negative electrodes. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride, or multilayers with two or more layers of these examples, can be used as separators.

[0096] The membrane may include a porous substrate and a coating, the coating comprising an organic, inorganic, or a combination of organic and inorganic materials, disposed on one or both sides of the porous substrate. The organic material may include a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer or a (meth)acrylic acid polymer. The inorganic material may include inorganic particles selected from Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, SnO₂, CeO₂, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO₂, Y₂O₃, SrTiO₃, BaTiO₃, Mg(OH)₂, boehmite, and combinations thereof. However, this disclosure is not limited to these examples. The organic and inorganic materials may be in the form of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials in a single coating, or in the form of a stack of a first coating comprising organic materials and a second coating comprising inorganic materials.

[0097] Although this disclosure has been described above in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can modify and alter this disclosure within the technical spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery cell holder for accommodating a plurality of battery cells therein, the battery cell holder comprising: The lower retainer includes a cell placement groove in which the plurality of battery cells can be placed; The electrode terminals are shaped to connect the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells; as well as An upper retainer is configured to cover the plurality of battery cells disposed in the lower retainer. The upper retainer includes terminal holes exposing the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells and tab placement grooves corresponding to the shape of the electrode tabs. The electrode terminal is positioned in the terminal placement groove of the upper retainer.

2. The battery cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The upper retainer includes welding holes for exposing some of the plurality of battery cells, thereby enabling the electrode tabs to be welded to the plurality of battery cells.

3. The battery cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The upper retainer includes a protrusion that projects upward from the periphery of the terminal hole, the protrusion being configured to prevent contact between the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells exposed through the terminal hole and adjacent portions of the electrode tabs.

4. The battery cell holder of claim 3, wherein, The terminal hole is circular, and the protrusion at the periphery of the terminal hole is formed into an arc shape corresponding to the circular shape of the terminal hole.

5. The battery cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The upper retainer includes a protrusion formed in the tab placement groove and protruding upward to align the electrode tabs.

6. The battery cell holder of claim 5, wherein, The protrusion has a straight shape.

7. The battery cell holder of claim 5, wherein, The electrode tab includes a portion bent into a shape corresponding to the protrusion and attached to the protrusion.

8. The battery cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The terminal holes include positive terminal holes for exposing the positive terminals of the plurality of battery cells and negative terminal holes for exposing the negative terminals of the plurality of battery cells.

9. The battery cell holder of claim 1, wherein, The electrode terminals are integrated into a protection circuit module for controlling the plurality of battery cells.

10. A battery pack, the battery pack comprising: Multiple cell holders, Each of the plurality of battery cell holders accommodates a plurality of battery cells, and Each of the plurality of battery cell holders includes: The lower retainer includes a cell placement groove in which the plurality of battery cells contained by the lower retainer are placed; Electrode terminals are connected to the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells housed in the lower retainer; and An upper retainer covers the plurality of battery cells disposed in the lower retainer. The upper retainer includes terminal holes exposing the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells housed in the lower retainer, and terminal plate placement grooves corresponding to the shape of the electrode terminals. The electrode terminal is positioned in the terminal placement groove of the upper retainer.

11. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein, Each of the upper retainers includes a welding hole formed to expose some of the plurality of battery cells, thereby enabling the electrode tabs to be welded to the plurality of battery cells.

12. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein, Each of the upper retainers includes a protrusion that projects upward from the periphery of the terminal hole, the protrusion preventing contact between the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells exposed through the terminal hole and adjacent portions of the electrode tabs.

13. The battery pack of claim 12, wherein, The terminal hole is circular, and the protrusion at the periphery of the terminal hole is formed into an arc shape corresponding to the circular shape of the terminal hole.

14. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein, Each of the upper retainers includes a protrusion formed in the tab placement groove and projecting upward to align the electrode tabs.

15. The battery pack of claim 14, wherein, The protrusion has a straight shape.

16. The battery pack of claim 14, wherein, The electrode tab includes a portion bent into a shape corresponding to the protrusion and attached to the protrusion.

17. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein, The terminal hole includes: The positive terminal hole of the positive terminal of the plurality of battery cells is exposed, and the negative terminal hole of the negative terminal of the plurality of battery cells is exposed.

18. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of battery cell holders further comprises a protection circuit module coupled to the electrode terminals to control the plurality of battery cells.

19. The battery pack according to claim 18, wherein, The protection circuit module has a shape corresponding to a portion of the electrode terminals.

20. The battery pack of claim 19, wherein, In each of the plurality of cell holders, potting compound is formed along the groove of the electrode tab when the electrode tab is placed in the upper holder.

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