Cover assembly and battery cell comprising same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cap assembly coupled to a case accommodating an electrode assembly and covering an open side of the case, the cap assembly including: a cap plate including a first hole; a terminal portion having a cylindrical shape, including an insertion hole so as to be connected to the electrode assembly, and inserted into the first hole; the first insulating part is in a sheet shape and is arranged to face the cover plate; and a heat insulating member provided between the first insulating member and the terminal portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cover assembly and a battery cell including the cover assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries offer the convenience of being both charged and discharged, making them a popular power source for various digital devices and electric vehicles. Because of their rechargeable and discharge capabilities, secondary batteries can be used in various fields such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0003] Such a secondary battery may include a battery cell, which houses an electrode assembly inside a casing, formed by stacking or rolling positive plates, negative plates, and a separator.

[0004] On the other hand, battery cells can be manufactured through methods such as welding. In this process, the welding heat may be transferred to heat-sensitive components, causing them to melt. Furthermore, during the use of the battery cell or in a state of thermal runaway, heat may propagate to these components, causing them to melt. Therefore, it is necessary to study technologies to prevent heat from propagating from the heat source to adjacent components.

[0005] Typically, a battery cell has a structure that houses an electrode assembly within a housing, and may include a cover assembly that covers the housing. The cover assembly may be coupled to the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly. On the cover assembly, electrode terminals that are electrically connected to an external configuration may be formed protruding outwards.

[0006] On the other hand, the cover assembly includes electrically insulating components, but these components are not heat-resistant and are therefore at risk of damage from heat. Therefore, a solution is needed to protect the insulating components from the effects of heat. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to improve the stability of electrode assemblies and / or battery cells.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to improve the heat resistance of electrode assemblies and / or battery cells.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to reduce the manufacturing cost of electrode assemblies and / or battery cells.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to minimize or prevent heat from spreading from a heat source to adjacent components.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the technical problem to be solved is to minimize or prevent the melting of the insulating plate disposed on the back of the cover plate.

[0013] On the other hand, the cover assembly and the battery cells included therein according to this disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, energy storage systems (ESS), and other green technologies such as solar power generation and wind power generation that utilize the battery cells. Furthermore, the cover assembly and the battery cells included therein according to this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly mobility devices, including electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0014] (II) Technical Solution

[0015] According to the cover assembly of this disclosure, the cover assembly is coupled to a housing that accommodates an electrode assembly and covers one side of the opening of the housing. The cover assembly may include: a cover plate including a first hole; a terminal portion, cylindrical in shape, including an insertion hole for connection with the electrode assembly and inserted into the first hole; a first insulating member, sheet-shaped and configured to face the cover plate; and a heat-insulating member disposed between the first insulating member and the terminal portion.

[0016] The cover assembly according to this disclosure may further include: a terminal plate disposed on the cover plate.

[0017] The cover assembly according to this disclosure may further include: a second insulating member disposed between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

[0018] The cover assembly according to this disclosure may further include: a gasket disposed between the terminal portion and the cover plate.

[0019] In one embodiment, the heat insulation component may be plate-shaped and include an annular second hole.

[0020] In one embodiment, the diameter of the second hole may be larger than the diameter of the insertion hole.

[0021] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation component may be formed from any one or a combination of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (C-PET).

[0022] The cover assembly according to this disclosure may further include: a support plate, which is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the battery cell may include: an electrode assembly; a housing that houses the electrode assembly in an internally formed receiving space; and a cover assembly that is coupled to the housing and covers one side of an opening in the housing, the cover assembly including: a cover plate including a first hole; a terminal portion including an insertion hole for connection with the electrode assembly and inserted into the first hole; a first insulating member in sheet form and configured to face the cover plate; and a heat-insulating member disposed between the first insulating member and the terminal portion.

[0024] The battery cell according to this disclosure may further include: a current collector facing the cover plate and electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the current collector may include a connecting pin, and the insertion hole may be welded to the connecting pin.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a support plate disposed between the heat insulation member and the current collector plate.

[0027] In one embodiment, the heat insulation component may be disposed between the first insulating component and the support plate, and the first insulating component may be disposed between the cover plate and the heat insulation component.

[0028] A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing having an opening on at least one side to receive an electrode assembly; and a cover assembly coupled to the housing, the cover assembly including: a plate portion disposed in the opening; a fixing member disposed between the plate portion and the electrode assembly; and a heat-blocking member disposed between the plate portion and the fixing member.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the plate portion may include: a cover plate for closing the opening; and an insulating plate attached to one side of the cover plate facing the electrode assembly.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the heat-blocking component may be disposed between the insulating plate and the fixing component to prevent heat from propagating from the fixing component to the insulating plate.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the heat-blocking component may include: a first blocking portion covering one side of the fixing component facing the plate portion; and a second blocking portion covering the side of the fixing component.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include: a terminal portion electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the terminal portion being capable of being coupled to the fixing member.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the terminal portion may include: a rivet terminal, at least a portion of which is inserted into the plate portion and the fixing member for electrical connection with the electrode assembly; and a terminal unit, which is coupled to the rivet terminal and at least a portion of which is exposed outside the cover plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the battery cell may further include: a first welded portion formed by welding the rivet terminal to the fixing component, and the heat blocking component may be disposed on the first heat transfer path to prevent heat generated during the formation of the first welded portion from being transferred to the insulating plate.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the terminal portion may further include a washer disposed between the rivet terminal and the plate portion.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the terminal portion may further include: a terminal cover for electrical insulation between the terminal unit and the cover plate.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the battery cell may further include: a connection component, at least a portion of which is disposed between the cover component and the electrode component, so that the terminal portion is electrically connected to the electrode component.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the connection assembly may include: a current collector electrically connected to an uncoated portion of the electrode assembly; and a connection pin protruding from the current collector toward the terminal portion.

[0039] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting pin is inserted into the rivet terminal, thereby enabling electrical connection with the terminal portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the battery cell may further include: a second welded portion formed by welding between the connecting pin and the rivet terminal, wherein the heat-blocking component may be configured to prevent heat generated during the formation of the second welded portion from being transferred to the insulating plate.

[0041] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a module housing; and at least one battery cell disposed in the module housing, the battery cell comprising: a casing having an opening on at least one side to accommodate an electrode assembly; and a cover assembly coupled to the casing, the cover assembly comprising: a plate portion disposed at the opening; a fixing member disposed between the plate portion and the electrode assembly; and a heat-blocking member disposed between the plate portion and the fixing member.

[0042] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery pack housing; and at least one battery cell disposed in the battery pack housing, the battery cell comprising: a casing having an opening on at least one side to accommodate an electrode assembly; and a cover assembly coupled to the casing, the cover assembly comprising: a plate portion disposed at the opening; a fixing member disposed between the plate portion and the electrode assembly; and a heat-blocking member disposed between the plate portion and the fixing member.

[0043] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0044] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the stability of electrode assemblies and / or battery cells can be improved.

[0045] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the heat resistance of the electrode assembly and / or the battery cell can be improved.

[0046] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the manufacturing cost of electrode assemblies and / or battery cells can be reduced.

[0047] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, heat can be minimized or prevented from spreading from a heat source to adjacent components.

[0048] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, melting of the insulating plate disposed on the back of the cover plate can be minimized or prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a bidirectional battery cell based on this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the cover component.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover component.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the electrode assembly attached to the cover assembly.

[0053] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a unidirectional battery cell based on this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 6This is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the path of heat propagation during welding of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 11 An electrode assembly and a connection assembly are schematically shown connected according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 12 The cover assembly is schematically shown in conjunction with the housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the path of heat propagation during welding of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell in a welded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 16 A battery module and battery pack including the cells of this disclosure are schematically shown. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The configurations or control methods of the apparatus described below are merely illustrative of embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and the same reference numerals used throughout the specification denote the same components.

[0066] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a bidirectional battery cell based on this disclosure.

[0067] Reference Figure 1According to this disclosure, the battery cell 100 may include: an electrode assembly 101 for generating or storing electrical energy; a housing 102 for accommodating the electrode assembly 101 in an internally formed receiving space; a cover assembly 110a, which is attached to the housing 102 and covers one side of the opening of the housing 102; and a cover assembly 110b, which is attached to the housing 102 and covers the other side of the opening of the housing 102.

[0068] The battery cell 100 disclosed herein may represent a bidirectional battery cell, wherein the positive terminal of the battery cell is formed on one side of the electrode assembly 101 and the negative terminal is formed on the other side of the electrode assembly 101.

[0069] The housing 102 can form the shape of the battery cell 100. The housing 102 can be a hexahedron with openings on both sides. Figure 1 An example of a prismatic shape for the housing 102 is shown, but the shape of the cell 100 is not limited to this in this disclosure. That is, the cell 100 according to this disclosure can be formed as a pouch-shaped, cylindrical, or other shaped cell. The housing 102 may contain conductive metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel.

[0070] The electrode assembly 101 may include a current collector 120 disposed on one side of the electrode assembly 101. The current collector 120 may be a plate-shaped component containing conductive metal. The current collector 120 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 101.

[0071] The current collector 120 may include a connecting pin 121 for electrically connecting the electrode assembly 101 and the cover assembly 110a. The connecting pin 121 may be implemented as a separate component assembled on the current collector 120 or integrally formed with the current collector 120.

[0072] Although not shown, the battery cell 100 of this disclosure may include a current collector plate, which includes a connecting pin disposed on the other side of the electrode assembly 101 for electrically connecting the electrode assembly 101 and the cover assembly 110b.

[0073] The electrode assembly 101 can be accommodated in the accommodating space formed inside the housing 102 along the Z-axis direction.

[0074] The cover assembly 110a can be assembled along the Z-axis to one side of the opening of the housing 102. The cover assembly 110b can be assembled along the Z-axis to the other side of the opening of the housing 102.

[0075] Cover assemblies 110a and 110b protect the electrode assembly 101 housed inside the housing 102. Cover assembly 110a can be welded to one side of the opening in the housing 102. Cover assembly 110b can be welded to the other side of the opening in the housing 102.

[0076] For ease of explanation, the following description will focus on cover assembly 110a, which is attached to housing 102 and covers the opening of housing 102. The description of cover assembly 110a can also be applied to cover assembly 110b, which covers the other side of the opening of housing 102.

[0077] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the cover component.

[0078] Reference Figure 2 The cover assembly 110a according to this disclosure may include: a cover plate 215 including a hole; a terminal portion 213 inserted into the hole of the cover plate 215; a first insulating member 216 configured to face the cover plate 215; and a heat insulation member 217 disposed between the first insulating member 216 and the terminal portion 213.

[0079] The cover 215 can be formed in a plate (or sheet) shape, thereby covering the opening portion of the housing 102. The cover 215 can be formed of aluminum or a conductive metal comprising an aluminum alloy. However, this is only an example, and the material of the cover 215 disclosed herein is not limited to this.

[0080] Terminal portion 213 may represent a rivet. Terminal portion 213 may include insertion hole 213a. Figure 3 This allows for connection to the electrode assembly 101. The terminal portion 213 may be cylindrical. The terminal portion 213 may be formed of a conductive component.

[0081] The first insulating member 216 may be plate-shaped (or sheet-shaped). The first insulating member 216 may include holes of a size corresponding to the dimensions of holes included in the cover plate 215. The first insulating member 216 can electrically separate the cover plate 215 from the electrode assembly 101. For example, the first insulating member 216 may be formed of an insulating material. The area of ​​the first insulating member 216 may be the same as the area of ​​the cover plate 215.

[0082] The heat insulation component 217 prevents heat transfer to the first insulation component 216. The heat insulation component 217 can be formed from any one or a combination of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (C-PET). However, this is merely an example, and the heat insulation component 217 of this disclosure can be formed from a variety of materials.

[0083] The heat insulation component 217 may be plate-shaped (or sheet-shaped) and include an annular hole. The diameter of the annular hole may correspond to (be the same as) the diameter of the hole included in the cover plate 215. The diameter of the annular hole may be larger than that of the insertion hole 213a. Figure 3 The diameter of ).

[0084] The cover assembly 110a according to this disclosure may include a terminal plate 211 disposed on the cover plate 215. The terminal plate 211 may represent connection terminals for electrical connection between the battery cell 100 and an external configuration. The area of ​​the terminal plate 211 may be smaller than the area of ​​the cover plate 215. The terminal plate 211 may be formed of a conductive metal component. For example, the terminal plate 211 may be formed of aluminum or a metal component comprising an aluminum alloy. However, this is only an example, and the material of the terminal plate 211 according to this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0085] The cover assembly 110a according to this disclosure may include a second insulating member 212 disposed between the cover plate 215 and the terminal plate 211. The second insulating member 212 can electrically separate the cover plate 215 from the terminal plate 211. The second insulating member 212 may include a hole of a size corresponding to the size of a hole included in the cover plate 215. A terminal portion 213 can be inserted into the hole in the terminal plate 211 and the hole in the second insulating member 212. For example, the second insulating member 212 may be formed of an insulating material. The area of ​​the second insulating member 212 may be the same as the area of ​​the terminal plate 211.

[0086] The cover assembly 110a according to this disclosure may include a washer 214 disposed between the terminal portion 213 and the cover plate 215. The washer 214 can electrically separate the terminal portion 213 from the cover plate 215. The washer 214 may be annular and include a hole.

[0087] The cover assembly 110a according to this disclosure may include a support plate 218 disposed between the heat insulation member 217 and the current collector plate 120. The support plate 218 may include holes. The terminal portion 213 may be coupled to holes formed on the terminal plate 211, holes formed on the second insulating member 212, holes formed on the washer 214, holes formed on the cover plate 215, holes formed on the first insulating member 216, holes formed on the heat insulation member 217, and holes formed on the support plate 218.

[0088] The support plate 218 can be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion 213. The support plate 218 can be inserted into the hole of the support plate 218 by the terminal portion 213, thereby preventing the configurations included in the cover assembly 110a attached to the terminal portion 213 from being physically separated from each other.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cover component.

[0090] Reference Figure 3Through the terminal portion 213 of this disclosure, the terminal plate 211, the second insulating component 212, the cover plate 215, the washer 214, the first insulating component 216, the heat insulation component 217, and the support plate 218 can be combined with each other.

[0091] The terminal portion 213 may be cylindrical. The outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion 213 may be engaged with the holes included in the terminal plate 211, the holes included in the second insulating member 212, the holes included in the cover plate 215, the holes included in the gasket 214, the holes included in the first insulating member 216, the holes included in the heat insulation member 217, and the holes included in the support plate 218.

[0092] The diameters of the holes in the terminal plate 211, the second insulating member 212, the cover plate 215, the washer 214, the first insulating member 216, the heat insulation member 217, and the support plate 218 can correspond to each other (be the same). The diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion 213 can correspond to the diameter of the holes in the terminal plate 211 (be the same).

[0093] Terminal portion 213 may include an insertion hole 213a capable of connecting to electrode assembly 101. The diameter of insertion hole 213a may be smaller than the diameter of the hole included in terminal plate 211, the diameter of the hole included in second insulating member 212, the diameter of the hole included in cover plate 215, the diameter of the hole included in washer 214, the diameter of the hole included in first insulating member 216, the diameter of the hole included in heat insulation member 217, and the diameter of the hole included in support plate 218.

[0094] The second insulating component 212 can be disposed between the terminal plate 211 and the cover plate 215. The second insulating component 212 can electrically separate the cover plate 215 from the terminal plate 211.

[0095] The gasket 214 can electrically separate the terminal portion 213 from the cover plate 215. The gasket 214 can be configured to cover the outer surface of the terminal portion 213. The gasket 214 can block the gap between the terminal portion 213 and the cover plate 215, thereby preventing foreign matter from the outside of the battery cell 100 from flowing into the gap between the terminal portion 213 and the cover plate 215, or preventing electrolyte from the inside of the battery cell 100 from flowing out through the gap.

[0096] A heat insulation component 217 may be disposed between the first insulating component 216 and the support plate 218. The heat insulation component 217 may be disposed below the gasket 214. The heat insulation component 217 prevents heat generated from the support plate 218 from being transferred to the first insulating component 216.

[0097] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the electrode assembly attached to the cover assembly.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 The electrode assembly 101 of this disclosure can be combined with the cover assembly 110a.

[0099] The electrode assembly 101 disclosed herein may include a current collector 120. The current collector 120 may be a plate-shaped component comprising a conductive metal. The current collector 120 may face the cover plate 215 and be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 101. The current collector 120 may include a connecting pin 121 for electrically connecting the electrode assembly 101 to the cover assembly 110a. The connecting pin 121 may be implemented as a separate component assembled on the current collector 120, or may be integrally formed with the current collector 120.

[0100] The connecting pin 121 can be engaged with the insertion hole 213a included in the terminal portion 213. The connecting pin 121 and the terminal portion 213 can be riveted together through the insertion hole 213a. The diameter of the insertion hole 213a can be greater than or equal to the diameter of the connecting pin 121.

[0101] After the connecting pin 121 is riveted to the insertion hole 213a, a portion 411 of the connecting pin 121 and the insertion hole 213a can be welded together using a welding device. For example, the welding device may include a laser welding device or an ultrasonic welding device.

[0102] The support plate 218 can be connected to the current collector plate 120. The support plate 218 can be disposed between the heat insulation component 217 and the current collector plate 120.

[0103] The welding heat generated during the welding of the insertion hole 213a and the connecting pin 121 may be transferred to at least a portion of the terminal portion 213 and the support plate 218.

[0104] The electrode assembly 101 of this disclosure may further include a current collector 120 without the connecting pin 121 formed therein. The electrode assembly 101 may also be coupled to the cover assembly 110a via a busbar (not shown). For example, after the housing 102 housing the electrode assembly 101 is coupled to the terminal plate 211 via the busbar, a portion of the coupling may be welded together. The welding heat generated during the welding of the portion coupled via the busbar may be transferred to at least a portion of the terminal portion 213 and the support plate 218.

[0105] A heat insulation component 217 may be disposed between the first insulating component 216 and the support plate 218. The heat insulation component 217 can prevent at least a portion of the welding heat transmitted to the terminal portion 213 and the support plate 218 from being transferred to the first insulating component 216. As a result, the first insulating component 216 will not shrink due to welding heat.

[0106] The thermal insulation component 217 can be formed of a material with a melting point higher than the welding heat temperature. The thermal insulation component 217 can be formed of any one or a combination of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (C-PET). However, this is merely an example, and the thermal insulation component 217 of this disclosure can be formed of various materials.

[0107] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a unidirectional battery cell based on this disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figure 5 According to this disclosure, the battery cell 500 may include: an electrode assembly (not shown) for producing or storing electrical energy; a housing 502 for accommodating the electrode assembly in an internally formed receiving space; and a cover assembly 510 for attaching to the housing 502 and covering one side of the opening of the housing 502.

[0109] Cell 500 can refer to a unidirectional cell in which the positive and negative terminals are formed on one side. The description of cell 100 according to this disclosure is also applicable to cell 500 according to this disclosure.

[0110] The descriptions of cover assemblies 110a and 110b also apply to cover assembly 510.

[0111] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] The battery cell 1 disclosed herein can be a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell 1 can be a lithium-ion battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell 1 can be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-metal hydride battery capable of being charged and discharged.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1 may include: a housing 20 having an opening on at least one side to accommodate an electrode assembly 10; and a cover assembly 30 coupled to the housing 20, the cover assembly 30 including: a plate portion 31 disposed at the opening; a fixing member 331 disposed between the plate portion 31 and the electrode assembly 10; and a heat-blocking member 332 disposed between the plate portion 31 and the fixing member 331 (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0114] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7The battery cell 1 disclosed herein may include an electrode assembly 10 and a battery cell housing HS. The battery cell housing HS includes: a housing 20 having a receiving space S for accommodating the electrode assembly 10; and a cover assembly 30 including a terminal portion 35 that is coupled to the housing and electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10.

[0115] On the other hand, depending on the type of housing 20, the cell 1 of this disclosure can be any of the pouch type, prismatic type, or cylindrical type. However, this disclosure is not limited to this type; any cell that includes the electrode assembly 10 can be the cell 1 of this disclosure.

[0116] The electrode assembly 10 can be configured such that the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are stacked together with their wide surfaces facing each other, separated by a separator. The separator can be configured to prevent electrical short circuits between the positive and negative electrode plates and to allow ion flow. In one example, the separator can comprise a porous polymer membrane or a porous nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, the electrode assembly can be a jelly roll type formed by winding along a predetermined direction, and can be housed within the housing 20 in various ways, such as stacking, Z-folding, or stack-folding.

[0117] The positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly 10 may include a positive current collector and a positive active material coated on the positive current collector. In some embodiments, the positive current collector may contain aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc., and the positive active material may contain lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium iron phosphate, etc. The positive active material may be coated on the surface of the positive current collector. A portion of the positive current collector not coated with positive active material can serve as a positive lead for electrically connecting adjacent components to the positive active material; this can be referred to as the uncoated portion 12 (see reference 12). Figure 11 The negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly 10 may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material. In some embodiments, the negative electrode current collector may contain copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy, etc., and the negative electrode active material may contain carbon, silicon, etc. The negative electrode active material may be coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. A portion of the negative electrode current collector that is not coated with negative electrode active material may serve as a negative electrode lead for electrically connecting adjacent components to the negative electrode active material; this may be referred to as the uncoated portion 12. That is, the electrode assembly 10 of this disclosure may include a coated portion 11 coated with active material and an uncoated portion 12 without active material.

[0118] The housing 20 may include a receiving space S for accommodating the electrode assembly 10. Additionally, an electrolyte (not shown) may be contained in the receiving space S. The housing 20 may contain a material with sufficient rigidity to protect the internal electrode assembly 10 and maintain the shape of the battery cell 1. For example, at least a portion of the housing 20 may be formed of a metallic material such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. However, the material of the housing 20 is not limited to these; it can be formed of any material as long as it has the rigidity to maintain the shape of the battery cell 1 and protect the internal electrode assembly. Furthermore, the housing 20 may have an opening (not shown) communicating with the receiving space S. The accompanying drawings show openings on both sides of the housing 20, but this is only an example; it is acceptable to have an opening on only one side.

[0119] The cover assembly 30 can be coupled to the housing 20 to seal the opening of the housing 20. In the accompanying drawings, the cover assembly 30 is provided on both sides of the housing 20, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when an opening is formed only on one side of the housing 20, the cover assembly 30 can also be provided only on one side of the housing 20. Furthermore, as shown in the figures, when the cover assembly 30 is provided on both sides of the housing 20, the cover assembly 30 on one side of the housing 20 and the cover assembly 30 on the other side of the housing 20 can include the same configuration.

[0120] The cover assembly 30 of this disclosure will now be described in more detail.

[0121] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The cover assembly 30 disclosed herein may include: a plate portion 31 disposed at the opening of the housing 20; a support portion 33 disposed between the plate portion 31 and the electrode assembly 10; and a terminal portion 35 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10.

[0123] The plate portion 31 can be coupled to the housing 20, thereby sealing the opening of the housing 20. In this disclosure, "sealed opening" can mean "basically sealed opening". Specifically, "sealed opening" can mean that at least a portion of the plate portion 31 is disposed at the opening of the housing 20. That is, it is sufficient to indicate that the opening is closed to prevent the electrode assembly 10 housed in the receiving space S from detaching outward. As mentioned above, "sealed" is not limited to sealing the opening to prevent fluid from passing through; "sealed opening" can have the meaning of both "closed opening" and "covered opening".

[0124] The plate portion 31 may include: a cover plate 311 for closing the opening; and an insulating plate 312 disposed on one side of the cover plate 311.

[0125] The cover plate 311 comprises a material having predetermined rigidity and can close the opening of the housing 20. The cover plate 311 may comprise the same material as the housing 20, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is permissible even if it is formed of a different material. According to one embodiment, the cover plate 311 may be joined to the housing 20 by welding, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0126] The insulating plate 312 may contain an electrically insulating material and is disposed between the cover plate 311 and the electrode assembly 10 to prevent short circuits between the cover plate 311 and the components of the receiving space S. Specifically, the insulating plate 312 may be attached to the back side of the cover plate 311, i.e., the side of the cover plate 311 facing the electrode assembly 10.

[0127] Terminal portion 35 can be electrically connected to electrode assembly and attached to fixing member 331. At least a portion of terminal portion 35 can be inserted into plate portion 31 for electrical connection to other electrical components disposed in receiving space S (e.g., connection assembly 40 or electrode assembly 10 described later).

[0128] The terminal portion 35 may include: a rivet terminal 351, at least a portion of which is inserted into the plate portion 31 and the fixing member 331 for electrical connection with the electrode assembly 10; and a terminal unit 355, which is coupled to the rivet terminal 351 and at least a portion of which is exposed outside the cover plate 311.

[0129] Terminal unit 355 may contain conductive metal. At least a portion of terminal unit 355 is disposed on cover plate 311, thereby enabling it to function as a connection terminal for electrically connecting cell 1 to an external power source.

[0130] The rivet terminal 351 may contain conductive metal. The rivet terminal 351 may be coupled to the terminal unit 355. The rivet terminal 351 may pass through the terminal unit 355 and the plate portion 31 to be electrically connected to the connecting assembly 40 described later. As described later, the rivet terminal 351 may be coupled to the support portion 33 described later by welding or the like to form a first weld portion W1, and may be coupled to the connecting assembly 40 described later by welding or the like to form a second weld portion W2 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0131] Additionally, the terminal portion 35 of this disclosure may include a terminal cover 356 disposed between the terminal unit 355 and the cover plate 311 to prevent electrical short circuits. Furthermore, the terminal portion 35 may further include a washer 352 disposed between the rivet terminal 351 and the plate portion 31 to prevent electrical short circuits. The washer 352 and the terminal cover 356 may contain electrically insulating material to prevent short circuits.

[0132] The support portion 33 may include: a fixing member 331, which is coupled to the terminal portion 35; and a heat-blocking member 332, which prevents heat from being transmitted to the insulating plate 312. According to one embodiment, the heat-blocking member 332 may be disposed between the fixing member 331 and the insulating plate 312 to prevent heat from being transmitted from the fixing member 331 to the insulating plate 312.

[0133] The fixing member 331 may be disposed on the back side of the insulating plate 312 (the side facing the electrode assembly 10) to engage with the end of the rivet terminal 351. According to one embodiment, the fixing member 331 may be welded to the rivet terminal 351. In this case, during welding, heat may propagate through the rivet terminal 351 and the fixing member 331 to the insulating plate 312. When heat propagates to the insulating plate 312, at least a portion of the insulating plate 312 may melt, potentially exposing the back side of the cover plate 311 or reducing electrical insulation performance, which could lead to a defective cell 1.

[0134] To prevent heat transfer to the insulating plate 312, a heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure is disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331, thereby minimizing or preventing heat transfer to the insulating plate 312. The heat-blocking component 332 may comprise a material with low thermal conductivity. For example, the heat-blocking component 332 may comprise at least one of mica (MICA), aerogel, glass fiber, silicate, graphite, aluminum, and ceramic wool. However, the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure is not limited to the materials described above. The thermal conductivity (W / mK) of the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure is only required to be less than the thermal conductivity of at least one of the components placed on the heat transfer paths WP1 and WP2 described later, namely the fixing component 331 and the rivet terminal 351.

[0135] The structure of the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0136] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the path of heat propagation during welding of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] Reference Figure 10The rivet terminal 351 and the fixing member 331 can be welded together and joined to each other. Thus, a first weld portion W1 can be formed between the rivet terminal 351 and the fixing member 331. The first weld portion W1 can represent the weld seam where the components are fused, and can be referred to as a "fixed weld portion". That is, the battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure can further include the first weld portion W1, which is formed by welding between the rivet terminal 351 and the fixing member 331. Here, a heat-blocking member 332 can be provided on the first heat transfer path to prevent heat generated during the formation of the first weld portion W1 from being transferred to the insulating plate.

[0138] Here, "first heat transfer path WP1" can refer to the path of heat movement that propagates directly or indirectly to the insulating plate 312 during the formation of the first welded part W1. Specifically, based on the accompanying drawings, it can represent the path between the fixing member 331 and the insulating plate 312. In addition, in embodiments not shown, it can further represent the path between the rivet terminal 351 and the insulating plate 312.

[0139] Heat generated during the formation of the first welded portion W1 may propagate to the insulating plate 312 through the first heat transfer path WP1. Here, the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure can be provided on the heat transfer path WP1 to prevent heat from propagating to the insulating plate 312.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the heat-blocking component 332 may be disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331. In the drawings, the first heat transfer path WP1 is shown as the path propagating through the fixing component 331, but this disclosure is not limited thereto; the first heat transfer path WP1 includes all heat transfer paths generated during the formation of the first welded portion W1. That is, in another embodiment, the path propagating through the rivet terminal 351 to the insulating plate 312 should also be included in the first heat transfer path WP1.

[0141] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "the heat-blocking component 332 is disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331" not only refers to the physical arrangement structure, but also to any situation where the heat-blocking component 332 can prevent heat from being transmitted to the insulating plate 312 in terms of heat transfer. In other words, although in the drawings, the heat-blocking component 332 is only disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331, in embodiments not shown, the heat-blocking component 332 can be disposed between the rivet terminal 351 and the insulating plate 312. That is, the heat-blocking component 332 is not particularly limited, as long as it is disposed on the heat transfer paths WP1 and WP2 to prevent heat generated during the formation of the welded portions W1 and W2 from being transmitted to the insulating plate 312.

[0142] As described above, the heat-blocking component 332 can prevent the heat generated during the welding process from causing the insulating plate 312 to melt.

[0143] Figure 11 The diagram schematically illustrates the connection between an electrode assembly and a connection assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 The cover assembly is schematically shown in conjunction with the housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] Reference Figure 11 As shown in the upper left figure, as described above, the electrode assembly 10 may include a coated portion 11 coated with an active material and an uncoated portion 12 uncoated with an active material.

[0145] Reference Figure 11 In the upper right figure, during the stacking of multiple electrode plates of the electrode assembly 10, as shown, the uncoated portions 12 can be bundled together in a predetermined aligned state to form an assembly. These assemblies of uncoated portions 12 can also be referred to as electrode tabs (or electrode connections), but for convenience, they are referred to as uncoated portions 12 in this disclosure. Furthermore, the figures show a configuration with multiple electrode assemblies 10 provided, and each electrode assembly 10 having a protruding uncoated portion 12 (or electrode tab), but this disclosure is not limited to this, and it is acceptable even if there is only one electrode assembly 10.

[0146] Reference Figure 11 The figures showing the lower left and lower right ends, according to this disclosure, may further include a connecting assembly 40 disposed between the cover assembly 30 and the electrode assembly 10, enabling them to be electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the connecting assembly 40 may include: a current collector 41 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10; and a connecting pin 45 protruding from the current collector 41 for electrical connection to the terminal portion 35. Additionally, the connecting assembly 40 may include an insulating member 42 disposed between the current collector 41 and the electrode assembly 10.

[0147] The current collector 41 may contain a conductive metal and may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the uncoated portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10 is bent so that it can contact and be electrically connected to the surface facing the current collector 41 (cover plate 311).

[0148] The connecting pin 45 can protrude from the side of the current collector 41 toward the cover assembly 30. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting pin 45 can be inserted into the rivet hole 30a of the rivet terminal 351 for electrical connection with the rivet terminal 351. The connecting pin 45 can provide a current flow path between the rivet terminal 351 and the current collector 41.

[0149] The connecting component 40 can be a current flow channel between the terminal portion 35 and the electrode assembly 10. The insulating component 42 can comprise an electrically insulating material and can be disposed between the current collector 41 and the coated portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10. According to one embodiment, the insulating component 42 can be disposed on the back side (facing the electrode assembly 10) of the current collector 41. The insulating component 42 can cover at least a portion of the side surface of the current collector 41 that includes the back side. That is, the side surface of the current collector 41 not covered by the insulating component 42 and the uncoated portion 12 can be electrically connected. Referring to the figures, the uncoated portion 12 may include at least a portion of a cut-out clearance 14 to prevent interference with the connecting pin 45. The connecting pin 45 can protrude through the space formed by the clearance 14.

[0150] Reference Figure 12 The cover assembly 30 can be coupled to the connecting assembly 40 and the housing 20 housing the electrode assembly 10. Here, the cover assembly 30 can also be provided as a component and in the state of forming the first welded portion W1. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. During the coupling of the cover assembly 30 to the housing 20, the connecting pin 45 can be inserted into the rivet terminal 351 (see reference). Figure 13 ).

[0151] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrates the assembled state of the cover assembly 30.

[0152] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0153] Reference Figure 13 The cover assembly 30 can be attached to the housing 20. At this time, the connecting pin 45 can be electrically connected to the rivet terminal 351 in an inserted state. With the structure described above, the terminal unit 355 of the terminal portion 35 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10.

[0154] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, with the connecting pin 45 inserted into the rivet terminal 351, the end of the connecting pin 45 can be welded and joined to the rivet terminal 351. The heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure can prevent heat generated during the welding process of the rivet terminal 351 and the connecting pin 45 from propagating to the insulating plate 312. Hereinafter, a detailed description will be provided with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0155] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the path of heat propagation during welding of a connection assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the ends of the rivet terminal 351 and the connecting pin 45 can be welded together to form a second welded portion W2. Here, the second welded portion W2 can also be referred to as a "pin welded portion". That is, the battery cell 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure may further include a second welded portion W2, which is formed by welding between the rivet terminal 351 and the connecting pin 45. Here, a heat-blocking member 332 can be provided on the second heat transfer path WP2 to prevent heat generated during the formation of the second welded portion W2 from being transferred to the insulating plate.

[0157] Here, "second heat transfer path WP2" can refer to the path of heat movement that propagates directly or indirectly to the insulating plate 312 during the formation of the second welded part W2. Specifically, based on the accompanying drawings, it can be shown between the fixing member 331 and the insulating plate 312. In addition, in embodiments not shown, it can also be shown between the rivet terminal 351 and the insulating plate 312.

[0158] That is, at least a portion of the paths of the first heat transfer path WP1 and the second heat transfer path WP2 may overlap (e.g., between the fixing member 331 and the insulating plate 312), and the heat blocking member 332 may be disposed there (e.g., between the fixing member 331 and the insulating plate 312). Thus, the heat blocking member 332 can prevent heat generated during the formation of at least one of the first welded portion W1 or the second welded portion W2 from propagating to the insulating plate 312.

[0159] On the other hand, the heat generated during the formation of the second welded portion W2 as described above may propagate to the insulating plate 312 through the second heat transfer path WP2. Here, the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure can be provided on the heat transfer path WP2 to prevent heat from propagating to the insulating plate 312.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the heat-blocking component 332 may be disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331 to prevent heat transmitted from the rivet terminal 351 to the fixing component 331 from being transmitted to the insulating plate 312.

[0161] On the other hand, the accompanying drawings only show the path of heat propagation through the fixing member 331 in the second heat transfer path WP2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the second heat transfer path WP2 includes all heat transfer paths generated during the formation of the second welded part W2. That is, in another embodiment, the path propagating through the rivet terminal 351 to the insulating plate 312 should also be included in the second heat transfer path WP2. In other words, during the formation of the second welded part W2, any path propagating directly or indirectly from the rivet terminal 351 to the insulating plate 312 can be referred to as the second heat transfer path WP2.

[0162] Furthermore, in this disclosure, "the heat-blocking component 332 is disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331" not only refers to the physical arrangement structure, but also to any situation where the heat-blocking component 332 can prevent heat from propagating to the insulating plate 312 in terms of heat transfer. In other words, although in the drawings, the heat-blocking component 332 is only disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331, in embodiments not shown, the heat-blocking component 332 may be disposed in at least a portion of the portion where the washer 352 is located. Additionally, according to another embodiment, the heat-blocking component 332 may be disposed between the rivet terminal 351 and the insulating plate 312.

[0163] As described above, the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure is not limited to being disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331, and is not particularly limited thereto. It can be disposed on the heat transfer paths WP1 and WP2 to prevent the heat generated during the formation of the welding parts W1 and W2 from being transferred to the insulating plate 312.

[0164] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell in a welded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Figure 15 Various configurations of the heat-blocking component 332 are shown. (Refer to...) Figure 15 The heat-blocking component 332 may include: a first blocking portion 334 covering one side of the fixing component 331 facing the plate portion 31; and a second blocking portion 336 covering the side of the fixing component 331. Specifically, the heat-blocking component 332 may include: a first blocking portion 334 disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331 with reference to a first direction (Z-axis); and a second blocking portion 336 disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the fixing component 331 with reference to a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis). Additionally, in an embodiment not shown, the heat-blocking component 332 may further include a third blocking portion (not shown) disposed between the insulating plate 312 and the rivet terminal 351 with reference to a second direction (X-axis). The heat-blocking component 332 may include at least one of the first blocking portion 334, the second blocking portion 336, and the third blocking portion described above. As described above, the heat-blocking component 332 of this disclosure can be disposed on at least one of the first heat transfer path WP1 and the second heat transfer path WP2 to prevent welding heat from spreading to the insulating plate 312.

[0166] On the other hand, for ease of understanding, the heat transfer paths WP1 and WP2 of this disclosure are shown as heat transfer paths generated by welding, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat transfer paths of this disclosure may include the meaning of a path that transmits heat from the temperature inside the containment space S or the temperature outside the housing 20 to the insulating plate 312.

[0167] Figure 16 A battery module and battery pack including the cells of this disclosure are schematically shown. Figure 16 It shows including Figures 1 to 15 The descriptions of the battery cell 1, battery module 3, and battery pack 5, which are repeated, will be omitted.

[0168] Reference Figure 16 This disclosure may include a battery module 3 or battery pack 5 having at least one of the said cells 1, 100.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the battery pack 5 of this disclosure may include a battery pack housing 50, which houses a battery module 3 including cells 1 and 100. The battery pack housing 50 may include a lower housing 510, a partition 550 dividing the housing 50 into multiple loading spaces, and an upper housing 530 covering the lower housing 510. Alternatively, unlike the figures, the battery pack 5 of this disclosure may also be configured to directly house the cells 1 and 100 (a so-called "cell-to-pack").

[0170] On the other hand, the battery pack 5 in this disclosure is for ease of understanding and is not particularly limited, as long as it includes a power source containing cells 1 and 100. In other words, the battery pack 5 referred to in this disclosure is not limited to a battery pack containing cells 1 and 100, but can include the meaning of an energy storage system (ESS), an electric vehicle (EV), etc.

[0171] This disclosure can be implemented in various variations, and its scope is not limited to the embodiments described above. Therefore, if a modified embodiment includes components within the scope of the claims of this disclosure, it should be considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cover assembly, the cover assembly being coupled to a housing that receives an electrode assembly and covering one side of an opening in the housing, the cover assembly comprising: Cover plate, including the first hole; The terminal portion is cylindrical and includes an insertion hole for connection to the electrode assembly, and is inserted into the first hole; The first insulating component is sheet-shaped and positioned to face the cover plate; as well as A heat insulation component is disposed between the first insulating component and the terminal portion.

2. The cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: Terminal block, disposed on the cover plate.

3. The cover assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: A second insulating component is disposed between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

4. The cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A gasket is disposed between the terminal portion and the cover plate.

5. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation component is plate-shaped and includes an annular second hole.

6. The cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The diameter of the second hole is larger than the diameter of the insertion hole.

7. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The thermal insulation component is formed from any one or a combination of polyimide, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide, and crystalline polyethylene terephthalate.

8. The cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A support plate is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the terminal portion.

9. A battery cell, comprising: Electrode assembly; The housing contains the electrode assembly within an internally formed accommodating space; as well as A cover assembly, which is attached to the housing and covers one side of the opening of the housing. The cover assembly includes: Cover plate, including the first hole; The terminal portion is cylindrical and includes an insertion hole for connection to the electrode assembly, and is inserted into the first hole; A first insulating component, in sheet form, is positioned facing the cover plate; and A heat insulation component is disposed between the first insulating component and the terminal portion.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, further comprising: The current collector faces the cover plate and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein, The current collector includes connecting pins. The insertion hole is welded to the connecting pin.

12. The battery cell according to claim 10, wherein, The cover assembly further includes: A support plate is disposed between the heat insulation component and the current collector plate.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein, The heat insulation component is disposed between the first insulating component and the support plate. The first insulating component is disposed between the cover plate and the heat insulation component.

14. The battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, The cover assembly further includes: Terminal block, disposed on the cover plate.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, wherein, The cover assembly further includes: A second insulating component is disposed between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

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