Battery cell, battery box and method for manufacturing a battery cell

Abstract

A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: an electrode assembly; and a battery case including a first cover portion and a second cover portion covering two side surfaces of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction. A platform forming portion may be molded to be recessed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion, and the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be sealed to each other in the platform forming portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0051538, filed on April 17, 2024, in the Republic of Korea, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to a battery case without a cup-shaped portion for housing electrode assemblies, a battery cell including the battery case, and a method for manufacturing the battery cell. Background Technology

[0005] Unlike primary batteries, rechargeable batteries are rechargeable and have a wide range of applications, such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and hybrid electric vehicles. Rechargeable batteries can include, for example, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or lithium-ion batteries.

[0006] In the field of secondary batteries, a great deal of research has been conducted on lithium secondary batteries with high energy density and discharge voltage. More recently, lithium secondary batteries have been used to manufacture flexible pouch-type battery cells and connect them to form modules.

[0007] The pouch-type battery cell uses a pouch-type battery case as an outer packaging to cover the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive and negative electrode plates, each comprising electrode active materials, are stacked with a spacer inserted between them. A positive electrode tab is present on one side of the positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode tab is present on one side of the negative electrode plate. Each tab connects to an electrode lead to establish a connection to an external circuit. The electrode assembly is sealed by the outer packaging or the pouch-type battery case.

[0008] A typical pouch-type battery case can be manufactured by forming a cup-shaped housing portion that accommodates electrode assemblies using a pouch-shaped sheet forming process. The forming process applies force to a portion of the pouch-shaped sheet using a mold to form the housing portion, and the pouch-shaped sheet may be overstretched at the corners (vertices) of the housing portion, resulting in a reduction in remaining thickness and cracking. Due to these issues, the depth of the housing portion formed by the forming process is limited by factors such as the elongation of the pouch-shaped sheet, and there are limitations on the thickness and capacity of the electrode assemblies that can be accommodated within the housing portion.

[0009] Additionally, a sealing portion is formed by attaching a portion that has not yet been subjected to stress during the forming process of the housing portion, thus creating a sealing portion formed by attaching the portions of the pouch-shaped battery box to each other. Therefore, due to the step between the unformed sealing portion and the formed housing portion, a portion of the sealing portion extends beyond the width of the housing portion. This protrusion is commonly referred to as a "batwing." The batwing causes an increase in dead zones that do not contribute to the capacity of the secondary battery, resulting in a lower energy density. Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure aims to provide a battery cell that can accommodate electrode components with a large thickness and does not have bat ears, thereby resulting in high energy density.

[0011] This disclosure also aims to provide a battery box included in a battery cell.

[0012] This disclosure also aims to provide a method for manufacturing battery cells. Technical solution

[0013] A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an electrode assembly; and a battery case including a first cover portion and a second cover portion covering two sides of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction. Recessed platform-shaped portions may be formed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion, and the first cover portion and the second cover portion may be sealed together at the platform-shaped portions.

[0014] The first cover portion may include a first edge portion without a platform-shaped portion, and the second cover portion may include a second edge portion without a platform-shaped portion. The first edge portion and the second edge portion may be sealed together, and at least one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion may be folded to face the platform-shaped portion.

[0015] The platform forming portion may include: a recessed first platform forming portion located at two edges of the first cover portion; and a recessed second platform forming portion located at two edges of the second cover portion, the second platform forming portion being sealed to the first platform forming portion.

[0016] The battery cell may also include electrode leads that connect to the electrode assembly and protrude from the battery compartment. The platform-shaped portion may be recessed toward the electrode leads.

[0017] The battery cell may also include an insulator that is wound around a portion of the electrode leads and sealed to a portion of the platform forming portion.

[0018] The platform forming section can be open in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude.

[0019] The platform forming portion may include: a sealing surface for sealing; a first peripheral surface connecting a first cover portion or a second cover portion to the sealing surface; and a pair of second peripheral surfaces connected to the sealing surface and the first peripheral surface, the pair of second peripheral surfaces facing each other.

[0020] The first peripheral surface may face a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead protrudes, and a pair of second peripheral surfaces may face each other in the width direction of the electrode lead.

[0021] The battery box may also include a connecting portion that integrates the first cover portion and the second cover portion. The connecting portion may be flat, and each of the first boundary between the connecting portion and the first cover portion and the second boundary between the connecting portion and the second cover portion may be folded.

[0022] When the battery box can be unfolded, the gap between the first platform forming part and the second platform forming part is equal to the width of the connecting part.

[0023] The width of the connection portion can correspond to the thickness of the electrode assembly.

[0024] The connection portion may include: a central portion facing the electrode assembly; and an end portion extending from the central portion and connecting to the platform forming portion.

[0025] The platform forming portion may include: a sealing surface for sealing; a first peripheral surface connecting a first cover portion or a second cover portion to the sealing surface; and a pair of second peripheral surfaces connected to the sealing surface and the first peripheral surface, the pair of second peripheral surfaces facing each other. One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces may be connected to an end portion.

[0026] One of the two second peripheral surfaces may face the end portion and be in contact with or adjacent to the end portion.

[0027] The electrode assembly can be positioned between two platform forming sections, and the distance between the two platform forming sections can correspond to either the length or the width of the electrode assembly.

[0028] The length of the platform forming section can correspond to either the length or the width of the electrode assembly.

[0029] A battery case according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to house an electrode assembly. The battery case may include: a first cover portion covering one side of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction; and a second cover portion covering the other side of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction. Recessed platform-shaped portions may be formed at two edges of at least one of the first and second cover portions.

[0030] The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure can manufacture a battery cell including a battery case and an electrode assembly housed in the battery case, the battery case including a first cover portion and a second cover portion. The method for manufacturing a battery cell may include the steps of: forming a recessed platform forming portion at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion; covering the electrode assembly on both sides in the thickness direction using the first cover portion and the second cover portion; and sealing the first cover portion and the second cover portion together at the platform forming portion.

[0031] The first cover portion and the second cover portion can be connected as one unit by a connecting portion. The step of bringing the first cover portion and the second cover portion into contact with each other may include folding each of the first boundary between the connecting portion and the first cover portion and the second boundary between the connecting portion and the second cover portion.

[0032] The method for manufacturing a battery cell may further include the step of sealing together the edge portions of the first cover portion and the second cover portion where no platform forming portion is formed. The step of sealing together the edge portions where no platform forming portion is formed may include a process of folding at least one of the edge portions of the first cover portion and the edge portions of the second cover portion. Beneficial effects

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the first cover portion and the second cover portion of the battery case can be sealed together at the platform forming portion. That is, based on the completed battery cell, the recessed side of the platform forming portion can face the outside of the battery case. Therefore, compared with the cup-shaped recessed receiving portion of the battery case according to the related art, the platform forming portion can be formed with a greater depth, so as to accommodate thick high-capacity electrode components, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell.

[0034] Furthermore, it is not necessary to form a cup-shaped recessed receiving portion in the battery box to accommodate the electrode assembly. Therefore, the unsealed portion of the battery box protrudes beyond the width of the receiving portion (so-called "bat ears"). This has a beneficial effect on increasing the energy density of the battery cell.

[0035] Furthermore, the effects of embodiments of this disclosure may include those effects that can be readily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configurations of exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used, together with the following detailed description, to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery compartment in a folded state.

[0039] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the battery box when viewed from different directions.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a side view of a battery cell according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The variation of the sealing portion shown is illustrated.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the third embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A 3D view of the battery compartment in a folded state.

[0045] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in full detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0048] In order to clearly describe this disclosure, irrelevant or detailed descriptions of related known techniques that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of this disclosure have been omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar elements when reference numerals are attached to elements in each figure.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately limit the terms for the best interpretation.

[0050] In the accompanying drawings, each component of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically depicted, and for ease of understanding, the dimensions of the components or the thickness of the lines may be slightly exaggerated.

[0051] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery compartment in a folded state. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the battery box when viewed from different directions, and Figure 4 This is a side view of a battery cell according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1 includes an electrode assembly 10 and a battery case 100. The battery cell 1 may also include electrode leads 11 connected to the electrode assembly 10 and protruding from the battery case 100.

[0053] Electrode assembly 10 can be formed by arranging multiple electrodes and spacers in an alternating manner. That is, each electrode assembly 10 may include multiple electrodes and spacers inserted between the multiple electrodes to insulate the multiple electrodes from each other.

[0054] The electrode assembly 10 is not limited to a specific type and may include stacked, wound, or stacked and folded types.

[0055] Electrode lead 11 can be connected to electrode assembly 10. Electrode lead 11 can protrude from battery case 100. Electrode lead 11 can be used as a channel for current movement between electrode assembly 10 and external load.

[0056] The electrode lead 11 may include a positive lead connected to the positive terminal of the electrode assembly 10 and a negative lead connected to the negative terminal of the electrode assembly 10. For example... Figure 1As shown, the positive and negative leads can protrude from the electrode assembly 10 in opposite directions. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positive and negative leads can also protrude side by side in the same direction.

[0057] Battery cell 1 may also include an insulator 12 that is wound around a portion of electrode lead 11 and sealed to a portion of platform-shaped portion 110 as described below. The insulator 12 insulates the electrode lead 11 from the battery case 100. More specifically, the insulator 12 insulates the electrode lead 11 from the platform-shaped portion 110. The insulator 12 may be an insulating tape attached to the electrode lead 11, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] Meanwhile, the battery case 100 can be a pouch-shaped battery case. That is, the battery case 100 can be manufactured by forming a pouch-shaped sheet. The pouch-shaped sheet can be a laminated sheet, which includes two outermost first polymer layers and a second polymer layer, and a metal layer between the first polymer layers and the second polymer layer. However, the type of battery case 100 is not limited to this.

[0059] The following description is based primarily on the battery compartment 100 in a folded state. Figure 2 However, the battery compartment 100 in its deployed state may be involved if necessary. Figure 1 and Figure 3 Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to properly understand this disclosure based on the context or description.

[0060] The battery box 100 may include a first cover portion 101 and a second cover portion 102 covering two sides of the electrode assembly 10 in the thickness direction.

[0061] The first cover portion 101 may cover the electrode assembly 10 on one side in the thickness direction, and the second cover portion 102 may cover the electrode assembly 10 on the other side in the thickness direction.

[0062] Recessed platform forming portions 110 may be formed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102. The platform forming portions 110 may be formed by a forming process. More specifically, the platform forming portions 110 may be formed by applying force to the edge regions of at least one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102, which have a sheet shape, using a mold.

[0063] The concave side of the platform forming part 110 can face the outside of the battery box 100.

[0064] Two platform-shaped portions 110 at two edges of one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 may face each other in one of the longitudinal or width directions of the electrode assembly 10. Additionally, each platform-shaped portion 110 may extend in the other of the longitudinal or width directions of the electrode assembly 10. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the two platform forming portions 110 may face each other in the length direction of the electrode assembly 10, and each platform forming portion 110 may extend in the width direction of the electrode assembly 10.

[0065] The electrode assembly 10 can be disposed between two platform forming portions 110. The distance between the two platform forming portions 110 can correspond to either the length or the width of the electrode assembly 10. Here, correspondence can mean the same or similar. Therefore, the electrode assembly 10 can be fitted between the two platform forming portions 110, and the empty space in the battery case 100 can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell 1.

[0066] Furthermore, the length of each platform forming portion 110 may correspond to either the length or width of the electrode assembly 10. Here, correspondence can mean identical or similar. Therefore, the electrode assembly 10 can be fitted between the connecting portion 103 and the sealing portion 140 as described below, and the empty space in the battery case 100 can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell 1.

[0067] For example, refer to Figure 1 The distance between the two platform forming portions 110 can correspond to the length of the electrode assembly 10, and the length of each platform forming portion 110 can correspond to the width of the electrode assembly 10.

[0068] The platform forming portion 110 may be formed at a position corresponding to the electrode lead 11. More specifically, the platform forming portion 110 may be recessed toward the electrode lead 11. The electrode lead 11 may be adjacent to the platform forming portion 110.

[0069] The platform forming portion 110 may be open in the protruding direction of the electrode lead 11. More specifically, the platform forming portion 110 may include a sealing surface 111, a first peripheral surface 112, and a second peripheral surface 113.

[0070] The sealing surface 111 can be the surface on which a seal is performed. The sealing surface 111 can be the bottom surface formed during the formation of the platform forming portion 110.

[0071] The first peripheral surface 112 can connect the first cover portion 101 or the second cover portion 102 to the sealing surface 111. The first peripheral surface 112 can be the inner surface of the platform-shaped portion 110. The first peripheral surface 112 can be substantially perpendicular to the sealing surface 111. The first peripheral surface 112 can face a direction parallel to the protruding direction of the electrode lead 11. That is, the platform-shaped portion 110 can be open in the direction facing the first peripheral surface 112.

[0072] The second peripheral surface 113 may include a pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 facing each other. The pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 may face each other in the width direction of the electrode lead 12. The second peripheral surface 113 may be connected to the sealing surface 111 and the first peripheral surface 112. In the same manner as the first peripheral surface 112, the second peripheral surface 113 may connect the first cover portion 101 or the second cover portion 102 to the sealing surface 111. The second peripheral surface 113 may be substantially perpendicular to the sealing surface 111 and the first peripheral surface 112.

[0073] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the recessed platform forming portion 110 may be formed at the two edges of each of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102. More specifically, the platform forming portion 110 may include a recessed first platform forming portion 110A located at the two edges of the first cover portion 101 and a recessed second platform forming portion 110B located at the two edges of the second cover portion 102.

[0074] The first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can face each other with the electrode lead 11 inserted between them. More specifically, when the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 cover the electrode assembly 10 on both sides, the sealing surface 111 of each of the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can face each other with the electrode lead 11 and the insulator 12 inserted between them.

[0075] The first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 can be sealed together at the platform forming portion 110. In this embodiment, the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together.

[0076] More specifically, the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together such that portions of them contact each other and other portions contact the insulator 12. Even more specifically, the sealing surface 111 of the first platform forming portion 110A and the sealing surface 111 of the second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together such that portions of them contact each other and other portions contact the insulator 12.

[0077] Therefore, the electrode lead 11 can pass between the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B and protrude from the battery case 100.

[0078] The depth of the first platform forming portion 110A may be equal to the depth of the second platform forming portion 110B. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the depth of the first platform forming portion 110A may be different from the depth of the second platform forming portion 110B.

[0079] The sum of the depths of the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can correspond to the thickness t of the electrode assembly 10. As used herein, the term "corresponds" can mean identical or similar, and the standard for similarity can indicate a deviation similar to the thickness of the connection portion of the electrode lead 11 and the insulator 12.

[0080] As described above, the battery case 100 according to this disclosure may have a recessed platform-shaped portion 110. Since the concave side of the platform-shaped portion 110 faces the outside of the battery case 100, the limitation on the radius of curvature of the corner where the sealing surface 111, the first peripheral surface 112, and the second peripheral surface 112 intersect can be reduced. Therefore, compared to the cup-shaped recessed receiving portion of a battery case according to the related art, the platform-shaped portion 110 can be formed with a greater depth. Therefore, the battery case 100 according to this disclosure can accommodate thick, high-capacity electrode assemblies 10, which has a beneficial effect on increasing the energy density of the battery cell 1.

[0081] Additionally, the battery case 100 may also include a connecting portion 103 that connects the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 together. That is, the battery case 100, including the first cover portion 101, the second cover portion 102 and the connecting portion 103, can be manufactured by forming a single bag-shaped sheet.

[0082] Each of the first boundary B1 between the connecting portion 103 and the first cover portion 101 and the second boundary B2 between the connecting portion 103 and the second cover portion 102 can be folded.

[0083] The connecting portion 103 may extend parallel to the direction in which the two platform forming portions 110 face each other. For example, the connecting portion 103 may extend parallel to the length direction of the electrode assembly 10.

[0084] The connection portion 103 may face the electrode assembly 10. The connection portion 103 may be in contact with or adjacent to the electrode assembly 10.

[0085] The width W of the connecting portion 103 can correspond to the thickness t of the electrode assembly 10. The width W of the connecting portion 103 can be constant along the length direction of the connecting portion 103.

[0086] When the battery case 100 is unfolded, the gap between the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can be equal to the width W of the connecting portion 103. The first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can be connected to the connecting portion 103. More specifically, a second peripheral surface 113 of the first platform forming portion 110A and a second peripheral surface 113 of the second platform forming portion 110B can be connected to the connecting portion 103.

[0087] The connecting portion 103 can be flat. More specifically, the central portion 104 and the end portion 105, as described below, can form the same plane. That is, compared with the battery cell according to the related art, unnecessary protrusions (e.g., bat ears) can be removed from the battery case 100, and the energy density of the battery cell 1 can be improved.

[0088] The connecting portion 103 may include a central portion 104 and an end portion 105.

[0089] The central portion 104 may face the electrode assembly 10. The central portion 104 may be in contact with or adjacent to the electrode assembly 10. The length of the central portion 104 may be equal to the length or width of the electrode assembly 10.

[0090] The central portion 104 can be connected to the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102. The boundary between the central portion 104 and the first cover portion 101 and the boundary between the central portion 104 and the second cover portion 102 can be folded at approximately 90°.

[0091] End portions 105 may extend from central portions 104. End portions 105 may include a pair of end portions 105. A pair of end portions 105 may define two end portions of connecting portion 103.

[0092] The end portion 105 can be connected to the platform forming portion 110. The length of the end portion 105 can be equal to the width of the platform forming portion 110.

[0093] One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of each platform forming portion 110 can be connected to the end portion 105. More specifically, one of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the first platform forming portion 110A can be connected to one end of the end portion 105 in the width direction, and one of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the second platform forming portion 110B can be connected to the other end of the end portion 105 in the width direction.

[0094] Reference Figure 2 One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of each platform forming portion 110 may face the end portion 105. One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of each platform forming portion 110 may contact or be adjacent to the end portion 105.

[0095] At the same time, refer to Figure 4 The battery box 100 may have a sealing portion 140, where a first edge portion 101a of a first cover portion 101 and a second edge portion 102a of a second cover portion 102 are sealed together.

[0096] The platform forming portion 110 may not be formed at the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a.

[0097] More specifically, the first cover portion 101 may include a first edge portion 101a where the first platform forming portion 110A is not formed. The second cover portion 102 may include a second edge portion 102a where the second platform forming portion 110B is not formed.

[0098] The first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be sealed together. That is, the sealing portion of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be defined as the sealing portion 140.

[0099] The first edge portion 101a may be disposed on one side of the first cover portion 101. The second edge portion 102a may be disposed on one side of the second cover portion 102. More specifically, the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a may be disposed on the side opposite to the connecting portion 103. Therefore, the sealing portion 140, which seals the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a together, may be disposed on the side opposite to the connecting portion 103.

[0100] Each platform forming portion 110 can be connected to either a first edge portion 101a or a second edge portion 102a. More specifically, the first platform forming portion 110A can be connected to the first edge portion 101a, and the second platform forming portion 110B can be connected to the second edge portion 102a. Even more specifically, one of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the first platform forming portion 110A can be connected to the first edge portion 101a, and one of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the second platform forming portion 110B can be connected to the second edge portion 102a.

[0101] At least one of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be folded. More specifically, at least one of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be folded to face the platform forming portion 110. At least one of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be folded to contact or be close to the platform forming portion 110.

[0102] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, each of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be folded to face the platform forming portion 110.

[0103] A portion of the folded first edge portion 101a may contact or be adjacent to the second peripheral surface 113 of the first platform forming portion 110A. A portion of the folded second edge portion 102a may contact or be adjacent to the second peripheral surface 113 of the second platform forming portion 110B. Another portion of the folded first edge portion 101a and another portion of the folded second edge portion 102a are sealed together to form a sealing portion 140.

[0104] One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the first platform forming portion 110A may contact or be adjacent to the connecting portion 103, and the other second peripheral surface may contact or be adjacent to the folded first edge portion 101a. Similarly, one of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the second platform forming portion 110B may contact or be adjacent to the connecting portion 103, and the other second peripheral surface may contact or be adjacent to the folded second edge portion 102a.

[0105] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The variation of the sealing portion shown is illustrated.

[0106] One of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be folded to face the platform forming portion 110. Figure 5The second edge portion 102a, folded as shown, is described below as an example.

[0107] A portion of the folded second edge portion 102a may contact or be adjacent to the second peripheral surface 113 of the first platform forming portion 110A, and another portion may contact or be adjacent to the second peripheral surface 113 of the second platform forming portion 110B. The other portion of the folded second edge portion 102a may be sealed with the first edge portion 101a to form a sealing portion 140.

[0108] One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of each of the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B may contact or be adjacent to the connecting portion 103, and the other second peripheral surface may contact or be adjacent to the folded second edge portion 102a.

[0109] Despite Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is not shown in the figure, but the sealing part 140 can be folded on one side (SSF) or on both sides (DSF).

[0110] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0111] Except that the battery box 100 does not include the connecting part 103, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the description shared between the first and second embodiments is omitted and the differences will be described below.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 of the battery case 100 can be manufactured separately. That is, the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 can be manufactured separately by forming multiple pouch-shaped sheets.

[0113] As described above, the recessed platform forming portion 110 may be formed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, the recessed platform forming portion 110 can be formed at the two edges of each of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102.

[0114] The first edge portion 101a may be disposed on both sides of the first cover portion 101. The second edge portion 102a may be disposed on both sides of the second cover portion 102. Therefore, the sealing portion 140, which seals the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a together (see...) Figure 4 or Figure 5The electrode assembly 10 can be formed on both sides of the battery box 100. The electrode assembly 10 can be disposed between the two sealing portions 140.

[0115] Figure 7 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the third embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A 3D view of the battery compartment in a folded state.

[0116] Except that the platform forming portion 110 is not formed in one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the description shared between the first embodiment and the third embodiment is omitted, and the differences will be described below.

[0117] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the recessed platform forming portion 110 may be formed at the two edges of the first cover portion 101, and the platform forming portion 110 may not be formed in the second cover portion 102.

[0118] The first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 can be sealed together at the platform forming portion 110. In this embodiment, the two platform forming portions 110 of the first cover portion 101 can be sealed with the two edge portions of the second cover portion 102.

[0119] More specifically, the platform-shaped portion 110 of the first cover portion 101 and the two edges of the second cover portion 102 can be sealed such that portions of them contact each other and other portions contact the insulator 12. Even more specifically, the sealing surface 111 of the platform-shaped portion 110 of the first cover portion 101 and the two edges of the second cover portion 102 can be sealed together such that portions of them contact each other and other portions contact the insulator 12.

[0120] Therefore, the electrode lead 11 can pass between the platform forming portion 110 of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 and protrude from the battery case 100.

[0121] The depth of the platform forming portion 110 may correspond to the thickness (t) of the electrode assembly 10. As used herein, the term "corresponding" may mean identical or similar, and the standard for similarity may indicate a deviation similar to the thickness of the connection portion of the electrode leads and insulator.

[0122] The platform forming portion 110 can be connected to the connecting portion 103, and more specifically to the end portion 105. More specifically, one of the two second peripheral surfaces 113 of the platform forming portion 110 can be connected to one end of the end portion 105 in the width direction.

[0123] One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the platform forming portion 110 may face the end portion 105. One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces 113 of the platform forming portion 110 may contact or be adjacent to the end portion 105.

[0124] However, in the same manner as the second embodiment described above, the battery box 100 may not include the connection portion 103.

[0125] Despite Figure 8 Not shown in the diagram, but the battery case 100 may have a sealing portion 140 in which a first edge portion 101a of the first cover portion 101 and a second edge portion 102a of the second cover portion 102 are sealed together (see [reference]). Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0126] Figure 9 This is an assembly diagram of a battery cell according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0127] Except that the two electrode leads 11 protrude side by side in the same direction, the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment described above. Therefore, the description shared between the first and fourth embodiments is omitted and the differences will be described below.

[0128] The electrode lead 11 may include a positive lead connected to the positive terminal of the electrode assembly 10 and a negative lead connected to the negative terminal of the electrode assembly 10. In this embodiment, the positive lead and the negative lead may extend side by side in the same direction.

[0129] An insulator 12 may be present in each of the two electrode leads 11. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and a single insulator 12 may be used to wind the two electrode leads 11 together.

[0130] In the following text, for ease of description, the first platform forming portion 110A at one edge of the first cover portion 101 is referred to as "a first platform forming portion 110A", and the first platform forming portion 110A at the other edge of the first cover portion 101 is referred to as "another first platform forming portion 110A". Similarly, the second platform forming portion 110B at one edge of the second cover portion 102 is referred to as "a second platform forming portion 110B", and the second platform forming portion 110B at the other edge of the second cover portion 102 is referred to as "another second platform forming portion 110B".

[0131] A first platform forming portion 110A and a second platform forming portion 110B can face each other with two electrode leads 11 inserted between them.

[0132] More specifically, when the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 cover the electrode assembly 10 on both sides, the sealing surface 111 of each of the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can face each other with the electrode lead 11 and the insulator 12 inserted between them.

[0133] A first platform forming portion 110A and a second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together such that portions of them are in contact with each other and other portions are in contact with the insulator 12. More specifically, the sealing surface 111 of the first platform forming portion 110A and the sealing surface 111 of the second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together such that portions of them are in contact with each other and other portions are in contact with the insulator 12.

[0134] Therefore, the two electrode leads 11 can pass between a first platform forming portion 110A and a second platform forming portion 110B and protrude from the battery case 100.

[0135] Another first platform forming part 110A and another second platform forming part 110B may face each other. Another first platform forming part 110A and another second platform forming part 110B may contact each other and be sealed together.

[0136] The depth of another first platform forming portion 110A and another second platform forming portion 110B may be greater than the depth of one first platform forming portion 110A and one second platform forming portion 110B. The difference between the sum of the depths of the other first platform forming portion 110A and the other second platform forming portion 110B and the sum of the depths of one first platform forming portion 110A and one second platform forming portion 110B may correspond to the thickness of the connection portion of the electrode lead 11 and the insulator 12.

[0137] Meanwhile, in the same manner as the second embodiment described above, the battery box 100 may not include the connecting portion 103. Furthermore, in the same manner as the third embodiment described above, the platform forming portion 110 may not be formed in one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102.

[0138] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps: (S10) forming a recessed platform forming portion 110 at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 (hereinafter referred to as the "forming step"); (S20) covering the electrode assembly 10 on both sides in the thickness direction using the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 (hereinafter referred to as the "covering step"); and (S30) sealing the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 together at the platform forming portion 110 (hereinafter referred to as the "sealing step").

[0140] In forming step S10, the platform forming portion 110 can be formed by a forming process. More specifically, the platform forming portion 110 can be formed by applying force to two edges of at least one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102, which have sheet shapes, using a mold.

[0141] In the covering step S20, the concave side of the platform forming portion 110 can face the outside of the battery box 100.

[0142] Specifically, when the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 are connected together by the connecting portion 103, each of the first boundary B1 between the connecting portion 103 and the first cover portion 101 and the second boundary B2 between the connecting portion 103 and the second cover portion 102 can be folded. Therefore, the central portion 104 of the connecting portion 103 can face the electrode assembly 10, and the end portion 105 of the connecting portion 103 can face the platform forming portion 110.

[0143] In the following text, the covering step S20 and the sealing step S30 will be described in the same manner as the first, second and fourth embodiments described above, based on the formation of a platform forming portion 110 in each of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102.

[0144] In the covering step S20, the platform-shaped portion 110 of the first cover portion 101 (i.e., the first platform-shaped portion 110A) and the platform-shaped portion 110 of the second cover portion 102 (i.e., the second platform-shaped portion 110B) can contact each other. More specifically, the first platform-shaped portion 110A and the second platform-shaped portion 110B can contact each other with the electrode lead 11 and the insulator 12 inserted between them.

[0145] In sealing step S30, the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together. More specifically, portions of the first platform forming portion 110A and the second platform forming portion 110B can be sealed together, and other portions can be sealed with the insulator 12.

[0146] In the following description, the covering step S20 and the sealing step S30 will be described in the same manner as the third embodiment described above, based on the formation of a platform forming portion 110 in one of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102.

[0147] In the covering step S20, the platform forming portion 110 may contact the two edges of the other of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102.

[0148] In sealing step S30, the platform forming portion 110 may be sealed to the two edges of the other of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102. More specifically, a portion of the platform forming portion 110 may be sealed to the two edges of the other of the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102, and another portion of the platform forming portion 110 may be sealed to the insulator 12.

[0149] Meanwhile, the method for manufacturing a battery cell may also include step S40 (hereinafter referred to as "additional sealing step"), which involves sealing the edge portion 101a of the first cover portion 101 where the platform forming portion 110 is not formed and the edge portion 102a of the second cover portion 102 where the platform forming portion 110 is not formed.

[0150] In the additional sealing step S40, the edge portion 101a (i.e., the first edge portion) of the first cover portion 101 and the edge portion 102a (i.e., the second edge portion) of the second cover portion 102 can be sealed together to form a sealing portion 140.

[0151] When the first cover portion 101 and the second cover portion 102 are connected together by the connecting portion 103, the sealing portion 140 can be disposed on the side opposite to the connecting portion 103, wherein the electrode assembly 10 is inserted between the sealing portion 140 and the connecting portion 103. Conversely, when the battery case 100 does not include the connecting portion 103, the sealing portion 140 can be disposed on both sides of the electrode assembly 10.

[0152] The additional sealing step S40 may include a process of folding at least one of the edge portion 101a (i.e., the first edge portion) of the first cover portion 101 and the edge portion 102a (i.e., the second edge portion) of the second cover portion 102.

[0153] More specifically, in the additional sealing step S40, at least one of the first edge portion 101a and the second edge portion 102a can be folded to face the platform forming portion 110. For details, refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 Description of the sealing part 140 in the middle.

[0154] The foregoing description has illustrated the technical aspects of this disclosure by way of example, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure.

[0155] Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are provided to describe the technical aspects of this disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting, and the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0156] The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be interpreted by the appended claims, and shall be construed as including all technical aspects within the equivalent scope within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0157] [List of reference numerals]

[0158] 1: Battery cell 10: Electrode assembly

[0159] 11: Electrode lead 12: Insulator

[0160] 100: Battery box; 101: First cover section

[0161] 101a: First edge portion; 102: Second cover portion

[0162] 102a: Second edge portion; 103: Connecting portion

[0163] 104: Central section 105: End section

[0164] 110: Platform forming section; 110A: First platform forming section

[0165] 110B: Second platform forming part; 111: Sealing surface

[0166] 112: First peripheral surface; 113: Second peripheral surface

[0167] 140: Sealing part

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: Electrode assembly; as well as The battery case includes a first cover portion and a second cover portion, which cover two sides of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction. Wherein, recessed platform-shaped portions are formed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion, and The first cover portion and the second cover portion are sealed together at the platform forming portion.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first cover portion includes a first edge portion where the platform forming portion is not formed. The second cover portion includes a second edge portion that does not have the platform forming portion. Wherein, the first edge portion and the second edge portion are sealed together, and Wherein, at least one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion is folded to face the platform forming portion.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The platform forming section includes: The recessed first platform forming portions located at the two edges of the first cover portion; and A recessed second platform forming portion located at the two edges of the second cover portion, the second platform forming portion sealing with the first platform forming portion.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising: Electrode leads, which are connected to the electrode assembly and protrude from the battery compartment. The platform forming portion is recessed toward the electrode lead.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, further comprising: An insulator that is wound around a portion of the electrode lead and sealed to a portion of the platform forming portion.

6. The battery cell according to claim 4, in, The platform forming portion is open in the direction in which the electrode leads protrude.

7. The battery cell according to claim 4, in, The platform forming section includes: A sealing surface is used to seal the surface. A first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface connecting the first cover portion or the second cover portion to the sealing surface; and A pair of second peripheral surfaces, the pair of second peripheral surfaces being connected to the sealing surface and the first peripheral surface, and the pair of second peripheral surfaces facing each other.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, in, The first peripheral surface faces a direction parallel to the direction in which the electrode lead protrudes, and The pair of second peripheral surfaces face each other in the width direction of the electrode leads.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The battery box also includes a connecting portion that connects the first cover portion and the second cover portion into one unit. The connecting portion is flat, and Each of the first boundary between the connecting portion and the first cover portion and the second boundary between the connecting portion and the second cover portion is folded.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, in, When the battery box is unfolded, the gap between the first platform forming part and the second platform forming part is equal to the width of the connecting part.

11. The battery cell according to claim 9, in, The width of the connection portion corresponds to the thickness of the electrode assembly.

12. The battery cell according to claim 9, in, The connection portion includes: The central portion, which faces the electrode assembly; and An end portion that extends from the central portion and connects to the platform forming portion.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, in, The platform forming section includes: A sealing surface is used to seal the surface. A first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface connecting the first cover portion or the second cover portion to the sealing surface; and A pair of second peripheral surfaces, the pair of second peripheral surfaces being connected to the sealing surface and the first peripheral surface, and the pair of second peripheral surfaces facing each other. Wherein, one of the pair of second peripheral surfaces is connected to the end portion.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, in, One of the pair of second peripheral surfaces faces the end portion and is in contact with or adjacent to the end portion.

15. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The electrode assembly is disposed between the two platform forming sections, and The distance between the two platform forming portions corresponds to one of the length and width of the electrode assembly.

16. The battery cell according to claim 15, in, The length of the platform forming portion corresponds to the other of the length and width of the electrode assembly.

17. A battery case configured to house an electrode assembly, the battery case comprising: A first cover portion covers one side of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction; as well as The second cover portion covers the other side of the electrode assembly in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, recessed platform-shaped portions are formed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion.

18. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, the battery cell comprising a battery case and an electrode assembly housed in the battery case, the battery case comprising a first cover portion and a second cover portion, the method comprising the steps of: A recessed platform-shaped portion is formed at two edges of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion; The electrode assembly is covered on both sides in the thickness direction by the first cover portion and the second cover portion; as well as The first cover portion and the second cover portion are sealed together at the platform forming portion.

19. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 18, in, The first cover portion and the second cover portion are connected as one unit by a connecting portion, and The step of bringing the first cover portion and the second cover portion into contact with each other includes folding each of the first boundary between the connecting portion and the first cover portion and the second boundary between the connecting portion and the second cover portion.

20. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 18, further comprising the following steps: The edge portions of the first cover portion and the second cover portion that do not have the platform forming portion are sealed together. in, The step of sealing the edge portions that do not have the platform forming portion together includes a process of folding at least one of the edge portions of the first cover portion and the edge portions of the second cover portion.

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