Battery cell and battery module comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a battery cell and a battery module including the same, the battery cell including: an electrode assembly including a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator; an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a support member covering at least a portion of the electrode assembly; an elastic member for providing an elastic force to the support member; and a cell case accommodating the electrode assembly, the support member and the elastic member therein, the support member including a first support member covering one surface of the electrode assembly and a second support member covering the other surface of the electrode assembly, the elastic component provides elastic force for the first supporting component and the second supporting component. According to the battery cell disclosed by the invention, the air expansion phenomenon of the battery cell can be inhibited, the electrode assembly in the battery cell can be protected from external physical impact, the rigidity and durability of the battery cell can be improved, and the expansion of the electrode assembly can be inhibited by providing uniform surface pressure to the electrode assembly in the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell (secondary battery) including a support component and a battery module including the battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, making them a popular power source in various fields such as digital cameras, mobile devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS). These secondary batteries come in various types, including lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and nickel-metal hydride batteries, and can be manufactured into flexible pouch-type cells or rigid can-type cells. Can-type cells are further categorized by shape into prismatic battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, and coin-shaped cells, each with various applications depending on the device and environment.

[0003] Multiple battery cells can be formed into a stacked battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly is configured inside a module housing to form a battery module, and multiple battery modules can be configured inside a battery pack frame to form a battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] A battery cell may include an electrode assembly and a cell housing that houses the electrode assembly.

[0006] The battery cell is at risk of short circuit due to contact between electrodes in the electrode assembly when subjected to physical impact.

[0007] Inside the battery cell, during charging and discharging, a phenomenon known as swelling may occur, where the electrode components expand and the internal pressure of the cell increases. Additionally, the performance of the battery cell may degrade due to the expansion and contraction of the electrode components.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosures, a battery cell capable of suppressing cell inflation and a battery module including the battery cell can be provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell capable of protecting electrode components from external physical impacts and a battery module including the battery cell can be provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell with improved rigidity and durability, and a battery module including the battery cell, can be provided.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell and a battery module including the battery cell can be provided, which are capable of suppressing the expansion of the electrode assembly by providing a uniform surface pressure to the electrode assembly.

[0012] The battery cells and battery modules including the cells disclosed herein can be widely used in green technology fields, such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered photovoltaic and wind power generation. Furthermore, the battery cells and battery modules including the cells disclosed herein can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which help prevent climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] The battery cell according to this disclosure includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator; electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a support member covering at least a portion of the electrode assembly; an elastic member providing elastic force to the support member; and a battery cell housing internally accommodating the electrode assembly, the support member, and the elastic member, wherein the support member includes a first support member covering one side of the electrode assembly and a second support member covering the other side of the electrode assembly, and the elastic member is capable of providing elastic force to the first support member and the second support member.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first support member covers the upper surface of the electrode assembly, and the second support member covers the lower surface of the electrode assembly, wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode assembly may be wider than the other surfaces of the electrode assembly, respectively.

[0016] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first support member and the second support member may include a plurality of through holes.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the plurality of through holes may have a grid shape or a honeycomb shape.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the elastic member may be incorporated into at least one of the first support member and the second support member.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the elastic member may include a first elastic member disposed at the corner of the support member.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the elastic member may further include a second elastic member disposed in the region of the edge of the support member other than the corner portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the battery cell may further include a cage component, coupled to the outside of the first support component and the second support component, to suppress deformation of the elastic component.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the inner height of the retainer component can be 110% to 140% of the thickness of the electrode assembly before expansion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the cage component may include: a first cage component, which is coupled to the outside of the first support component and the second support component, and is disposed at the corner of the support component.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the cage component may further include a second cage component, which is coupled to the outside of the first support component and the second support component, and is disposed on the side of the support component.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the support member may comprise a heat resistance of over 100°C (degree Celsius) and 10 6 Insulating materials with an insulation strength of Ωm (ohm meter) or higher.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the support component may comprise a ceramic filler contained within a polymer matrix.

[0027] The battery cell according to this disclosure includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator; electrode leads electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a support member covering the entire surface of the electrode assembly; and a battery cell housing internally accommodating the electrode assembly and the support member, the support member including a third support member covering the surface where the electrode leads are located and a fourth support member covering the surface where the electrode leads are not located, the third support member including an opening formed to allow the electrode leads to protrude to the outside.

[0028] According to one embodiment, at least one of the third support member and the fourth support member may include a plurality of through holes.

[0029] The battery module disclosed herein includes: a plurality of battery cells; and a module housing including the plurality of battery cells; each of the plurality of battery cells includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator; an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a support member covering at least a portion of the electrode assembly; an elastic member providing elasticity to the support member; and a cell housing internally accommodating the electrode assembly, the support member, and the elastic member, the support member including a first support member covering one side of the electrode assembly and a second support member covering the other side of the electrode assembly, the elastic member being capable of providing elasticity to the first support member and the second support member.

[0030] Technical effect

[0031] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the phenomenon of cell gas expansion can be suppressed.

[0032] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the electrode assembly within the battery cell can be protected from external physical impacts.

[0033] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the rigidity and durability of the battery cell can be improved.

[0034] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the expansion of the electrode assembly can be suppressed by providing a uniform surface pressure to the electrode assembly within the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing a battery cell according to the first embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 It was omitted. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the state of the battery cell casing shown.

[0037] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the inside of the battery cell casing shown;

[0038] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the deformation state inside the battery cell casing;

[0039] Figure 5a It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line I-I'. Figure 5b It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line II-II';

[0040] Figures 6a to 6c This is a plan view showing various modified examples of the battery cell housing and the first support member of the battery cell according to the first embodiment being omitted;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the battery cell housing according to the second embodiment;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the battery cell housing according to the third embodiment;

[0043] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the deformation state inside the battery cell casing;

[0044] Figure 10a It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line Ⅲ-Ⅲ'. Figure 10b It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV';

[0045] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the battery cell housing according to the fourth embodiment;

[0046] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the battery cell housing according to the fifth embodiment;

[0047] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell according to the fifth embodiment with the battery cell casing omitted.

[0048] Figure 14 This is an exploded 3D view of the battery module.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0050] 100: Battery cell; 110: Electrode assembly

[0051] 120: Electrode lead; 120a: Positive lead

[0052] 120b: Negative lead; 130, 130a: Support components

[0053] 131: First support component; 132: Second support component

[0054] 133: Third support component; 134: Fourth support component

[0055] 135: Through hole; 136: Opening.

[0056] 140: Elastic component; 141: First elastic component

[0057] 142: Second elastic component; 150: Cage component

[0058] 150a: Upper part; 150b: Support column part

[0059] 150c: Lower part 151: First cage component

[0060] 151a: Upper part; 151b: Supporting part

[0061] 151c: Lower part 152: Second cage assembly

[0062] 152a: Upper part; 152b: Support part

[0063] 152c: Lower part 160: Cell casing

[0064] 161: Sealing part; 200: Battery module

[0065] 210: Cell assembly; 220: Module casing

[0066] 221: Outer shell body 222: Outer shell cover

[0067] 223: End plate; 230: Busbar assembly

[0068] 231: Busbar 232: Support Plate

[0069] h: Thickness of the electrode assembly before expansion

[0070] h': Thickness of the electrode assembly after expansion

[0071] G: Clearance between cage components and support components

[0072] L: Inner height of the cage component Detailed Implementation

[0073] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

[0074] In this specification, the same reference numerals or symbols used in the various figures indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For ease of description and understanding, the same reference numerals or symbols may also be used in different embodiments. That is, even if components with the same reference numerals are shown in multiple figures, not all figures represent the same embodiment.

[0075] In the following description, unless the context clearly states otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. It should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and not to exclude the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0076] Additionally, it should be noted that in the following descriptions, terms such as above, upper part, lower part, side, front, and back are based on the direction shown in the diagram. If the orientation of the object changes, different descriptions may be used.

[0077] Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second," which include ordinal numbers, may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish components from each other. These ordinal numbers are used to differentiate identical or similar components and should not be interpreted restrictively based on their use. For example, the order of use, configuration, etc., of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be interpreted as numerically limited. The ordinal numbers can also be used interchangeably as needed.

[0078] First, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery cell 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the battery cell 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view omitting the state of the cell housing 160 of the cell 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 100 may include a battery cell housing 160, an electrode assembly 110, an electrode lead 120, a support member 130, and an elastic member 140.

[0081] The battery cell 100 disclosed herein can be composed of a rechargeable and dischargeable secondary battery. The battery cell 100 can have a shape that houses the electrode assembly 110 and electrolyte inside the battery cell housing 160. As an example, the battery cell 100 can be composed of a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery or a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery, but is not limited to these types.

[0082] According to the first embodiment, the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, an electrode lead 120 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110, a support member 130 covering at least a portion of the electrode assembly 110, an elastic member 140 providing elasticity, and a battery cell housing 160 that internally accommodates the electrode assembly 110, the support member 130, and the elastic member 140, wherein the electrode assembly 110 includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator.

[0083] The battery cell 100 may have a shape that houses the electrode assembly 110, electrolyte, support member 130 and elastic member 140 within the battery cell housing 160 forming the outer casing material.

[0084] In this disclosure, a pouch cell is illustrated as cell 100, but it can also be applied to other forms of cell 100 such as prismatic cells.

[0085] The electrode assembly 110 may include a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The separator prevents the positive electrode plate from contacting the negative electrode plate. The electrode assembly 110 may have various forms, such as winding, stacking, zigzag-folding, and stack-folding.

[0086] Electrode leads 120 can be electrically connected to electrode assembly 110. Electrode leads 120 can be arranged in opposite directions on both sides of the length direction Y of the cell 100. For example, the electrode leads may include a positive electrode lead 120a of a first polarity (e.g., positive electrode) facing one side of the length direction of the cell 100 and a negative electrode lead 120b of a second polarity (e.g., negative electrode) facing the other side of the length direction. The orientation of the electrode leads 120 can be varied according to the specifications of the cell 100.

[0087] The support member 130 can cover at least a portion of the electrode assembly 110. The support member 130 can protect the electrode assembly 110 from external impacts.

[0088] The support component 130 can suppress the deformation of the electrode assembly 110 that occurs during charging and discharging.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the support member 130 may include a first support member 131 covering one side (first surface) of the electrode assembly 110 and a second support member 132 covering the other side (second surface) of the electrode assembly 110.

[0090] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 can cover one side of the electrode assembly 110 without electrode leads 120 and the other side of the electrode assembly 110 without electrode leads 120.

[0091] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 can be disposed across the electrode assembly 110 to suppress the expansion of the electrode assembly 110 caused by gas expansion. For example, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 can be disposed on opposite sides of each other in the thickness direction (Z-axis) of the electrode assembly 110 across the electrode assembly 110.

[0092] Due to the expansion of the electrode assembly 110, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 can move away from each other in a direction (Z-axis direction).

[0093] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may have the same shape as one side of the corresponding electrode assembly 110 to effectively suppress the expansion of the electrode assembly 110. The area (area of ​​the XY plane) of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may be larger than the area of ​​one side of the corresponding electrode assembly 110.

[0094] The first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may have the same size and shape, but are not limited thereto.

[0095] During charging or discharging, the electrode assembly 110 may generate heat. The support member 130 may include a heat-resistant material to withstand the heat generated by the electrode assembly 110 and minimize deformation.

[0096] The support member 130 may contain an insulating material to maintain electrical insulation between the electrode assembly 110 and the cell housing 160.

[0097] As an example, the support member 130 may contain components with heat resistance of over 100°C and 10... 6 Insulating materials with an insulation strength of Ωm (ohm meter) or higher.

[0098] The support member 130 may include a strong material to protect the electrode assembly 110 from external impacts. The support member 130 may include a rigid material to minimize deformation in the event of inflation. That is, the support member 130 may include a rigid material to resist deformation when the electrode assembly 110 is subjected to pressure due to expansion.

[0099] As an example, the support component 130 may contain ceramic fillers contained in a polymer matrix.

[0100] Ceramic fillers can be boron nitride (BN), aluminum nitride (AlN), or alumina (Al2O3), but are not limited to these. When the support component 130 contains ceramic fillers within a polymer matrix, the heat resistance, insulation, and strength of the support component 130 can be improved.

[0101] The support member 130 may comprise a material having strength, rigidity, heat resistance, and insulation. For example, the support member 130 may comprise, but is not limited to, materials such as alumina (Al2O3), silicon carbide (SiC), and silicon oxide (SiO2).

[0102] The elastic member 140 can provide elastic force to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132.

[0103] The elastic member 140 is disposed between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and can provide elastic force to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132.

[0104] When the electrode assembly 110 expands due to air expansion, increasing the distance between the support members 130, the elastic member 140 can extend. The elastic member 140 can apply a spring force to the support members 130. The support members 130 can provide surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110.

[0105] The elastic member 140 can apply a spring force to the support member 130 in the thickness direction (Z-axis) of the electrode assembly 110 when the electrode assembly 110 expands. The support member 130 can provide surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110 in the thickness direction (Z-axis). The elastic member 140 can be configured to provide a spring force in the thickness direction (Z-axis) of the electrode assembly 110.

[0106] The elastic member 140 may be coupled to at least one of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. For example, the elastic member 140 may be coupled to either the first support member 131 or the second support member 132.

[0107] The connection between the elastic member 140 and the first support member 131, or between the elastic member 140 and the second support member 132, can be achieved by welding or adhesive. Furthermore, various techniques such as magnetic bonding or assembly bonding can be applied, and this disclosure is not limited to these bonding methods.

[0108] The elastic member 140 may include a spring. When the elastic member 140 is a spring, the appropriate spring constant may depend on the degree to which the electrode assembly 110 expands due to gas expansion. The spring constant may be in the range of 100 kgf / mm or more and 800 kgf / mm or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The cell housing 160 can form at least a portion of the outer shape of the cell 100. The cell housing 160 can internally house the electrode assembly 110, the support member 130, and the elastic member 140.

[0110] The cell housing 160 may include an electrode receiving portion for accommodating the electrode assembly 110 and a sealing portion 161 for sealing at least a portion of the periphery of the electrode receiving portion. The electrode receiving portion may provide space for accommodating the electrode assembly 110 and the electrolyte.

[0111] The sealing portion 161 may be formed by engaging at least a portion of the periphery of the cell housing 160. The sealing portion 161 is formed as a flange shape that expands outward from the electrode receiving portion which is formed in the shape of a container, and may be disposed along at least a portion of the periphery of the electrode receiving portion.

[0112] When the cell 100 is a pouch-type cell, the cell housing 160 may include a pouch membrane. When the cell 100 is a prismatic cell, the cell housing 160 may have a can shape.

[0113] The electrode assembly 110 can be installed with the support member 130 and the elastic member 140 engaged. To insert the electrode assembly 110, the elastic member 140 can be elongated by applying a force in a direction away from the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. The electrode assembly 110 can be positioned between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. The electrode assembly 110 can be stably fixed by removing the applied force after insertion to restore the elastic member 140 to its original length.

[0114] In the first embodiment, the first support member 131 covers the top surface of the electrode assembly 110, the second support member 132 covers the bottom surface of the electrode assembly 110, and the top and bottom surfaces of the electrode assembly 110 may be wider than the other surfaces of the electrode assembly 110, respectively.

[0115] When the support member 130 covers the top and bottom of the electrode assembly 110, which is wider than other surfaces of the electrode assembly 110, the electrode assembly 110 can be protected more effectively. When the support member 130 covers the top and bottom of the electrode assembly 110, which is wider than other surfaces of the electrode assembly 110, the support member 130 can provide uniform surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110 more effectively.

[0116] See Figures 3 to 5b The battery cell 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0117] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the interior of the cell casing 160 of the battery cell 100. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the deformed state inside the battery cell housing 160. Figure 5a For along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of line I-I'. Figure 5b It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line II-II'.

[0118] See Figure 5a and Figure 5bInside the battery cell 100, during the charging and discharging process, the internal pressure of the battery may increase, causing the electrode assembly 110 to expand, resulting in swelling.

[0119] When gas expansion occurs, the electrode assembly 110 can expand in the thickness direction (Z-axis). For example, the thickness of the electrode assembly 110 before expansion can be h. The thickness of the electrode assembly 110 after expansion due to gas expansion can be h'. h' can be a value greater than h.

[0120] Due to the expansion of the electrode assembly 110, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 can move away from each other in a direction (Z-axis direction).

[0121] When the electrode assembly 110 expands, increasing the distance between the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, the elastic member 140 can extend. The elastic member 140 can suppress the inflation phenomenon by applying an elastic force to the support member 130. The support member 130 can suppress the expansion of the electrode assembly 110 by providing surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110.

[0122] Figures 6a to 6c This is a plan view showing various variations of the battery cell 100 according to the first embodiment with the battery cell housing 160 and the first support member 131 omitted.

[0123] See Figures 6a to 6c The elastic member 140 can be symmetrically arranged with reference to the central axis of the electrode assembly 110 in the z-axis direction, so that the support member 130 can provide uniform surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110. The length of the elastic member 140 in its non-elongated state can be equal to or less than the thickness h of the electrode assembly 110 in its unexpanded state.

[0124] like Figures 6a to 6c As shown, the elastic member 140 may include a first elastic member 141 disposed at the corner of the support member 130.

[0125] The first elastic member 141 may be configured to be closer to the inside than the edges of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132, and located at the corner of the electrode assembly 110.

[0126] The first elastic member 141 is located at the corner and can apply force evenly to the first support member 131 and the second support member 132. This arrangement can effectively suppress the expansion of the electrode assembly 110.

[0127] The elastic member 140 may further include a second elastic member 142 disposed in the region of the edge of the support member 130 other than the corner.

[0128] The appropriate number of elastic members 140 required to provide uniform surface pressure and the arrangement of the elastic members 140 can vary depending on the properties of the electrode assembly 110. The appropriate number of elastic members 140 required to provide uniform surface pressure and the arrangement of the elastic members 140 can vary depending on the material of the elastic members 140.

[0129] The second elastic member 142 may be located between the edges of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 and the outer side of the electrode assembly 110.

[0130] like Figure 6b As shown, at least one second elastic member 142 may be configured adjacent to the first direction (Y-axis) edge of the support member 130.

[0131] like Figure 6c As shown, at least one second elastic member 142 may be configured adjacent to the first direction (Y-axis) edge and the second direction (X-axis) edge of the support member 130, respectively.

[0132] When the second elastic member 142 and the electrode lead 120 are on the same surface, the second elastic member 142 can be configured in a position that does not contact the electrode lead 120.

[0133] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the cell housing 160 of the cell 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0134] See Figure 7 According to the second embodiment of this disclosure, the battery cell 100 and Figure 1 Compared to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6, there is a difference in the formation of the through hole 135 on the support member 130.

[0135] The battery cell 100 according to the second embodiment may include an electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, a support member 130, an elastic member 140, and a battery cell housing 160. The description of the first embodiment regarding the electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, support member 130, elastic member 140, and battery cell housing 160 can be applied to the second embodiment.

[0136] At least one of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may include a plurality of through holes 135.

[0137] The first support member 131 or the second support member 132 may include a plurality of through holes 135 extending along the thickness direction (Z-axis) of the support member 130.

[0138] When multiple through-holes 135 are formed, the electrode assembly 110 can easily contact the electrolyte. The multiple through-holes 135 can dissipate the heat generated by the electrode assembly 110 to the outside.

[0139] Multiple through holes 135 can be formed into a regular shape. When multiple through holes 135 are formed into a regular shape, heat dissipation is uniform, thereby more effectively preventing overheating of the electrode assembly 110. When multiple through holes 135 are formed into a regular shape, the structural stability of the support member 130 can be improved. When multiple through holes 135 are formed into a regular shape, uniform surface pressure can be provided to the electrode assembly 110.

[0140] As an example, the multiple through-holes 135 can have a grid shape or a honeycomb shape. However, they are not limited to this.

[0141] The plurality of through holes 135 formed on the first support member 131 and the plurality of through holes 135 formed on the second support member 132 may have the same shape, but are not limited thereto.

[0142] exist Figure 7 In the illustration, for clarity, the through hole 135 is shown as a hole of slightly exaggerated size. The shape and size of the through hole 135 can be varied.

[0143] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the cell housing 160 of the cell 100 according to the third embodiment. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the deformed state inside the battery cell housing 160. Figure 10a It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line Ⅲ-Ⅲ'. Figure 10b It is along Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV'.

[0144] See Figures 8 to 10b According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the battery cell 100 and Figure 1 Compared to the first embodiment shown in Figure 6, there is a difference in that it further includes a cage component 150.

[0145] The battery cell 100 according to the third embodiment may include an electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, a support member 130, an elastic member 140, and a battery cell housing 160. The description of the first embodiment regarding the electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, support member 130, elastic member 140, and battery cell housing 160 can be applied to the third embodiment.

[0146] See Figures 8 to 10b According to the third embodiment of this disclosure, the cell 100 may further include a retainer member 150, which is attached to the outside of the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 and is capable of suppressing the deformation of the elastic member 140.

[0147] The retainer component 150 can limit the expansion of the electrode assembly 110. When the electrode assembly 110 expands, the retainer component 150 can limit the movement of the support component 130. When the support component 130 contacts the retainer component 150, the retainer component 150 can provide surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110 by applying a force to the support component 130 in the thickness direction (Z-axis) of the electrode assembly 110. To provide uniform surface pressure, the retainer component 150 can be symmetrically configured with respect to the central axis of the electrode assembly 110 in the Z-axis direction.

[0148] The inner height L of the cage component can be less than the maximum deformation length of the elastic component 140. The maximum deformation length of the elastic component 140 refers to the length to which the elastic component 140 is permanently deformed and cannot return to its original state when stretched to that length. The maximum deformation length of the elastic component 140 can be appropriately selected according to the degree of expansion of the electrode assembly 110.

[0149] For example, the inner height L of the cage component can be 110% to 140% of the electrode assembly thickness h before expansion. The thickness h of the electrode assembly can be defined as the thickness of the electrode assembly before expansion. The inner height L of the cage component can be more than 110%, more than 120%, or more than 130% of the electrode assembly thickness h. The inner height L of the cage component can be less than 140%, less than 130%, or less than 120% of the electrode assembly thickness h. The inner height L of the cage component can have values ​​of 120% to 140% or 120% to 130% of the electrode assembly thickness h.

[0150] When the inner height L of the cage component is less than 110% of the thickness h of the electrode assembly, excessive pressure is applied to the support component 130 and the electrode assembly 110, which may cause damage to the internal structure of the electrode assembly 110.

[0151] Conversely, when the inner height L of the cage component exceeds 140% of the electrode assembly thickness h, the deformation of the elastic member 140 is unrestricted, and therefore the elastic member 140 may be permanently damaged. It may also fail to effectively suppress the expansion of the electrode assembly 110.

[0152] The cage component 150 can extend the life of the cell 100 by suppressing permanent deformation of the elastic component 140.

[0153] The cage component 150 can be coupled with either the first support component 131 or the second support component 132. Therefore, either the first support component 131 or the second support component 132 can move between the cage components 150.

[0154] For example, see Figure 10a and Figure 10bThe lower portion 150c of the retainer component may be coupled to the second support component 132, while the retainer component 150 may not be coupled to the first support component 131. When the electrode assembly 110 is not expanded, a gap G may be formed between the upper portion 150a of the retainer component and the first support component 131. During the expansion and contraction of the electrode assembly 110, the first support component 131 may move within the gap G. When the electrode assembly 110 is not expanded, the retainer component 150 may not apply force to the support component 130. When the electrode assembly 110 is expanded, the first support component 131 may contact the upper portion 150a of the retainer component. When the electrode assembly 110 is expanded, the upper portion 150a of the retainer component may apply force to the first support component 131. The support component 130 may provide surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110.

[0155] Conversely, the upper portion 150a of the retainer component can be engaged with the first support component 131, while the lower portion 150c of the retainer component is not engaged with the second support component 132. In this case, when the electrode assembly 110 is not expanded, a gap G can be formed between the lower portion 150c of the retainer component and the second support component 132. During the expansion and contraction of the electrode assembly 110, the second support component 132 can move within the gap G. When the electrode assembly 110 is not expanded, the retainer component 150 may not apply force to the support component 130. When the electrode assembly 110 is expanded, the second support component 132 may contact the lower portion 150c of the retainer component. When the electrode assembly 110 is expanded, the lower portion 150c of the retainer component may apply force to the second support component 132. The support component 130 may provide surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110.

[0156] The retainer component 150 is attached to the outside of the first support component 131 and the second support component 132, and may include a first retainer component 151 disposed at the corner of the support component 130.

[0157] See Figure 8 The first retainer member 151 may be shaped to cover the corner portion of the electrode assembly 110. The first retainer member 151 may include four surfaces. The first retainer member 151 may be shaped to simultaneously cover the corner of the support member 130.

[0158] The first retainer component 151 is positioned to cover the first elastic component 141, thereby effectively suppressing permanent deformation of the first elastic component 141.

[0159] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the cell housing 160 of the cell 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0160] See Figure 11 The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it further includes a second cage component 15235.

[0161] The battery cell 100 according to the fourth embodiment may include an electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, a support member 130, an elastic member 140, a battery cell housing 160, and a retainer member 150. The description of the first embodiment regarding the electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, support member 130, elastic member 140, and battery cell housing 160 is also applicable to the fourth embodiment. The description of the third embodiment regarding the first retainer member 151 is also applicable to the fourth embodiment.

[0162] The cage component 150 may include a first cage component 151 and a second cage component 152. The description of the third embodiment regarding the cage component 150 and the first cage component 151 can be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0163] The second retainer component 152 is attached to the outside of the first support component 131 and the second support component 132, and can be configured on the side of the support component 130.

[0164] See Figure 11 The second retainer component 152 may have a double bend to cover part of the sides of the first support component 131 and the second support component 132 (C-shaped shape).

[0165] For example, the lower portion 152c of the second retainer component can be coupled to the second support component 132. The second retainer component 152 can be bent to form the support portion 152b of the second retainer component, and bent to form the upper portion 152a of the second retainer component.

[0166] The inner height of the second cage component 152 can be the same as the inner height L of the first cage component 151.

[0167] The second retainer component 152 can be configured to cover the second elastic component 142. The second retainer component 152 can effectively suppress permanent deformation of the second elastic component 142. The second retainer component 152 can be configured to not contact the electrode lead 120.

[0168] The first retainer component 151 or the second retainer component 152 may contain the same material as the material contained in the support component 130, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the interior of the cell housing 160 of the cell 100 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 13This is an exploded perspective view omitting the state of the cell housing 160 of the cell 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0170] The battery cell 100 according to the fifth embodiment may include an electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, a support member 130, and a battery cell housing 160. The description of the first embodiment regarding the electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, and battery cell housing 160 can be applied to the fifth embodiment.

[0171] See Figure 12 and Figure 13 According to the fifth embodiment, the battery cell 100 may include a support member 130a covering the entire surface of the electrode assembly 110.

[0172] The support member 130a may have the same shape as the electrode assembly 110. For example, if the electrode assembly 110 is hexahedral, the support member 130a may also be hexahedral. The support member 130a may be shaped to cover the six faces of the electrode assembly 110.

[0173] The description of the material and physical properties (strength, rigidity, heat resistance and insulation, etc.) of the support member 130 in the first embodiment can be applied to the support member 130a of the fifth embodiment.

[0174] The support member 130a may include a third support member 133 covering the surface where the electrode lead 120 is located and a fourth support member 134 covering the surface where the electrode lead 120 is not located. The third support member 133 may include an opening 136 formed to allow the electrode lead 120 to protrude to the outside.

[0175] The support member 130a covers the entire surface of the electrode assembly 110, thereby effectively protecting the electrode assembly 110 from external impacts.

[0176] The support member 130a covers the entire surface of the electrode assembly 110, thereby providing uniform surface pressure for the expansion of the electrode assembly 110.

[0177] The fourth support member 134 may have a prismatic tube shape that is open at the front and rear.

[0178] Electrode assembly 110 can be inserted into fourth support member 134 through the open portion of fourth support member 134. Third support member 133 can cover the surface where electrode leads 120 of electrode assembly 110 are located. Then, third support member 133 can be combined with fourth support member 134 to fix electrode assembly 110.

[0179] The third support component 133 and the fourth support component 134 can be joined by welding or adhesive. In addition, various other techniques such as magnetic joining or assembly joining can be used, and this disclosure is not limited to these joining methods.

[0180] The third support member 133 may include an opening 136 with a shape corresponding to the electrode lead 120.

[0181] The opening 136 serves to allow the electrode lead 120 to protrude to the outside.

[0182] At least one of the third support member 133 and the fourth support member 134 may include a plurality of through holes 135.

[0183] The third support member 133 or the fourth support member 134 may include a plurality of through holes 135 extending along the thickness direction of the support member 130a.

[0184] By forming multiple through-holes 135, the electrode assembly 110 can easily contact the electrolyte. The multiple through-holes 135 can dissipate the heat generated by the electrode assembly 110 to the outside.

[0185] Multiple through holes 135 can be formed into a regular shape. When multiple through holes 135 are formed into a regular shape, heat dissipation is uniform, thereby more effectively preventing overheating of the electrode assembly 110. When multiple through holes 135 are formed into a regular shape, the structural stability of the support member 130a can be improved. When multiple through holes 135 are formed into a regular shape, uniform surface pressure can be provided to the electrode assembly 110.

[0186] As an example, the multiple through-holes 135 can have a grid shape or a honeycomb shape. However, they are not limited to this.

[0187] The shapes of the plurality of through holes 135 formed on the third support member 133 and the plurality of through holes 135 formed on the fourth support member 134 may be the same, but are not limited thereto.

[0188] By covering the entire surface of the electrode assembly 110, the support member 130a can more effectively protect the electrode assembly 110 from external impacts. The support member 130a can suppress the expansion of the electrode assembly 110 caused by gas expansion. When the electrode assembly 110 expands due to gas expansion, the support member 130a can provide surface pressure to the electrode assembly 110.

[0189] Figure 14 This is an exploded 3D view of battery module 200.

[0190] See Figure 14The battery module 200 according to this disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells 100 and a module housing 220 including the plurality of battery cells 100. The battery module 200 of this disclosure can be applied to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 13 The battery cell is 100 as described.

[0191] Each of the plurality of battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, electrode leads 120, a support member 130, an elastic member 140, and a cell housing 160. The support member 130 may include a first support member 131 and a second support member 132, such as... Figures 1 to 7 The embodiment shown. Either the first support member 131 or the second support member 132 may include a through hole 135.

[0192] The description of the first or second embodiment of the electrode assembly 110, electrode lead 120, elastic member 140, cell housing 160, support member 130, and through hole 135 can be applied to each of the plurality of cells 100 included in the battery module 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0193] Each of the plurality of cells 100 may further include a cage component 150, such as Figures 8 to 11 The illustrated embodiment. The cage component 150 may include a first cage component 151 and a second cage component 152.

[0194] The description of the third or fourth embodiment of the cage component 150 can be applied to each of the plurality of cells 100 included in the battery module 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0195] Support member 130a may include a third support member 133 and a fourth support member 134, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 The embodiment shown. Either the third support member 133 or the fourth support member 134 may include a through hole 135.

[0196] The description of the fifth embodiment of the support member 130a and the through hole 135 can be used for each of the plurality of cells 100 included in the battery module 200 according to the present disclosure.

[0197] The module housing 220 may have a shape that covers at least a portion of the cell assembly 210. The module housing 220 may form at least a portion of the outer shape of the battery module 200.

[0198] The module housing 220 can have various shapes or segmented structures. As an example, the module housing 220 may include: a housing body 221 having a cross-sectional shape open on one side; and a housing cover 222, which is combined with the housing body 221 to form an internal space. The housing cover 222 may cover the top surface of the cell assembly 210.

[0199] The battery cell assembly 210 can be disposed inside the module housing 220. At least one side of the module housing 220 can serve as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the battery cell 100 to the outside. At least a portion of the module housing 220 can be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. For example, the module housing 220 may include aluminum. However, the material of the module housing 220 is not limited to this; even if it is not metal, various materials can be used as long as they have similar strength and thermal conductivity to metal.

[0200] The busbar assembly 230 may include: a conductive busbar 231 electrically connected to the electrode leads 120 of the battery cell 100; and an electrically insulating support plate 232. The support plate 232 may be disposed between the plurality of battery cells 100 and the conductive busbar 231 to support the busbar 231. The support plate 232 provides electrical insulation between the busbar 231 and the battery cell housing 160 of the battery cell 100. As an example, the busbar 231 may be fixed to the support plate 232 in a hook-and-weld or fused manner. However, the manner in which the busbar 231 is attached to the support plate 232 can be varied.

[0201] Busbar assembly 230 can be configured at a position opposite to the electrode leads 120 of battery cell 100 to be electrically connected to multiple electrode leads 120. For example, when the electrode leads 120 are configured at both ends of the first direction Y of battery cell 100, busbar assembly 230 can be configured at both ends of the first direction Y of battery cell 100 to connect with the electrode leads 120.

[0202] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of this invention. Furthermore, it can be implemented by deleting some components from the above embodiments, or by combining the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: Electrode assembly, including positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate and separator; Electrode leads are electrically connected to the electrode assembly; A support component that covers at least a portion of the electrode assembly; An elastic component provides elastic force to the support component; as well as The battery cell housing internally houses the electrode assembly, the support component, and the elastic component. The support component includes a first support component covering one side of the electrode assembly and a second support component covering the other side of the electrode assembly. The elastic component provides elastic force to the first support component and the second support component.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: The first support component covers the top of the electrode assembly. The second support member covers the underside of the electrode assembly. The top and bottom surfaces of the electrode assembly are wider than the other surfaces of the electrode assembly, respectively.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first support component and the second support component includes a plurality of through holes.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of through holes have a grid shape or a honeycomb shape.

5. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The elastic component is incorporated into at least one of the first support component and the second support component.

6. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The elastic component includes at least one of a first elastic component disposed at the corner of the support component and a second elastic component disposed in the edge of the support component in a region other than the corner.

7. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Also includes: The cage component, attached to the outside of the first support component and the second support component, is capable of suppressing deformation of the elastic component.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein: The inner height of the retainer component is 110% to 140% of the thickness of the electrode assembly before expansion.

9. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, The cage component includes: A first retainer component is attached to the outside of the first support component and the second support component, and is disposed at the corner of the support component.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, The cage component also includes: The second retainer component is attached to the outside of the first support component and the second support component, and is disposed on the side of the support component.

11. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The support component comprises components with heat resistance of over 100°C and 10 6 Insulating materials with an insulation strength of Ωm or higher.

12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The support component comprises a ceramic filler material contained within a polymer matrix.

13. A battery cell, comprising: Electrode assembly, including positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate and separator; Electrode leads are electrically connected to the electrode assembly; A support component that covers the entire surface of the electrode assembly; as well as The cell housing internally houses the electrode assembly and the support component. The support component includes a third support component covering the surface where the electrode lead is located and a fourth support component covering the surface where the electrode lead is not located. The third support component includes an opening formed to allow the electrode leads to protrude to the outside.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the third support component and the fourth support component includes multiple through holes.

15. A battery module, comprising: Multiple battery cells; as well as The module housing includes the plurality of battery cells; Each of the plurality of battery cells includes: Electrode assembly, including positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate and separator; Electrode leads are electrically connected to the electrode assembly; A support component that covers at least a portion of the electrode assembly; The elastic member provides elastic force to the support member; and The battery cell housing internally houses the electrode assembly, the support component, and the elastic component. The support component includes a first support component covering one side of the electrode assembly and a second support component covering the other side of the electrode assembly. The elastic component provides elastic force to the first support component and the second support component.

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