Battery cell and method of manufacturing a battery cell

Abstract

This disclosure provides a battery cell unit, which includes: a housing having a terminal portion; a battery cell assembly housed within the housing and including a plurality of pouch cell cells; and a busbar connected to electrode leads of the same polarity disposed in the plurality of pouch cell cells and electrically connected to the terminal portion of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell and a method for manufacturing a battery cell, and more specifically, to a battery cell and a method for manufacturing a battery cell capable of ensuring thermal propagation (TP) stability by modularizing high-energy-density and high-capacity pouch cell cells.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0182013, filed on December 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, a battery cell is a battery that can be recharged and discharged, and is widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops and cameras, or in electric vehicles.

[0004] In particular, the demand for high-energy-density and high-capacity pouch cell batteries is increasing.

[0005] However, when thermal runaway occurs in a pouch cell, it generates large shocks and pressures. As a result, expelled substances such as high-temperature gases, a large number of sparks, and conductive particles are ejected to the outside through the pouch cell wrapped in a thin aluminum plate, making it difficult to ensure thermal propagation stability.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a technology and a method for manufacturing battery cells that use pouch cell cells capable of ensuring thermal propagation (TP) stability. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The first technical problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide high-capacity battery cells with thermal propagation (TP) stability by modularizing high-energy-density and high-capacity pouch cell cells.

[0009] The second technical problem to be addressed by this disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing high-capacity battery cells with thermal propagation (TP) stability by modularly forming high-energy-density and high-capacity pouch cell cells.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] To address the first technical problem, this disclosure provides a battery cell unit, comprising: a housing having a terminal portion; a battery cell assembly housed within the housing and including a plurality of pouch cell cells; and a busbar coupled to electrode leads of the same polarity disposed in the plurality of pouch cell cells and electrically connected to the terminal portion of the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar may be connected to a terminal portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar can pass through the through hole and be electrically connected to the terminal portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, all or part of the electrode leads may be bent and overlapped to form an overlap.

[0015] In some embodiments, the busbar includes an external busbar located outside the overlap of the electrode leads and an internal busbar located inside the overlap of the electrode leads. The external busbar is electrically connected to the overlap and the internal busbar, and at least one of the external busbar and the internal busbar can be electrically connected to the terminal portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the external busbar can be spot-welded electrically to the overlap and the inner busbar.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing may include: a housing having a shielded lower surface and side surfaces that form a receiving space for accommodating a battery cell assembly; and a cover plate that is attached to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover plate may include a terminal portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, an insulating layer may be provided on the inner surface of the housing facing the plurality of battery cells.

[0020] In some embodiments, the housing may have a hexahedral shape with edges.

[0021] To address the second technical problem, this disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a battery cell unit. The method includes a battery cell assembly manufacturing step, a busbar connection step, a housing housing step, and a terminal connection step. The battery cell assembly manufacturing step involves arranging and fixing multiple pouch cell units in a stacking direction to manufacture a battery cell assembly, wherein the multiple pouch cell units have electrode leads formed on both sides in the length direction. In the busbar connection step, electrode leads of the same polarity disposed in the battery cell assembly are connected to a busbar. In the housing housing step, the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar is housed in a housing. In the terminal connection step, at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar is electrically connected to a terminal portion disposed in the housing.

[0022] In some embodiments, the busbar connection step may include an overlap forming step, in which the ends of the electrode leads are bent and overlapped to form an overlap.

[0023] In some embodiments, the busbar includes an external busbar located outside the overlap of the electrode leads and an internal busbar located inside the overlap of the electrode leads, and the busbar connection step may further include an internal and external busbar connection step of electrically connecting the external busbar to the overlap and the internal busbar after the overlap formation step.

[0024] In some embodiments, the terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal portion that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and in the terminal portion joining step, the at least one of the external busbar and the internal busbar can be electrically connected to the terminal portion after passing the through hole through the through hole.

[0025] In some embodiments, during the inner and outer busbar connection step, the outer busbar can be spot-welded to the overlap and the inner busbar.

[0026] In some embodiments, the housing includes a housing and a cover plate, the housing providing a shielded lower surface and side surfaces forming a receiving space for receiving a battery cell assembly connected to the busbar, the cover plate being coupled to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly, and the housing receiving step arranging the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar in the housing and coupling the cover plate to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cover plate includes a terminal portion, which includes a through hole and a terminal portion electrically connectable to an external terminal, and in the terminal portion joining step, the at least one of the external and internal busbars can be electrically connected to the terminal portion after passing the through hole through the through hole.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] The battery cell unit according to the embodiments of this disclosure has the following effect: it is possible to manufacture a high-capacity battery cell unit with thermal propagation (TP) stability by forming high-energy-density and high-capacity pouch battery cells in a modular manner.

[0030] The effects that can be obtained in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of this disclosure below. In other words, those skilled in the art can also derive unintended effects from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, by way of example, the process of overlapping the electrode leads of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to form an overlap.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the process of combining the overlapping portion of the electrode leads and the busbar of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and then inserting them into the through hole of the terminal portion.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cell unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing some components of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the embodiments described below. Preferably, embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explain the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Throughout this document, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. Furthermore, the elements and regions of the drawings are shown schematically. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the relative dimensions or spacing shown in the drawings.

[0040] Terms such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and vice versa, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

[0041] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions include plural ones. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” as used herein mean the presence of the features, quantities, steps, actions, components, or elements or combinations thereof described in the specification, and it should be understood that the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, actions, components, elements, or combinations thereof is not excluded in advance.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless expressly defined herein, terms (such as commonly used, dictionary-defined terms) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the art to which they pertain, and shall not be interpreted as having an overly formal meaning.

[0043] When some embodiments can be implemented in other ways, a particular sequence of processes may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously, or they may be performed in the reverse order of those described.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, variations in the depicted forms may be expected, for example, depending on manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to specific forms within the areas shown herein, and should include variations in form, for example, resulting from manufacturing processes. All terms “and / or” as used herein include each of one or more of the mentioned components and each combination of one or more. Furthermore, the term “substrate” as used herein may refer to the substrate itself, or to a laminated structure comprising the substrate and a predetermined layer or film formed on the surface of the substrate. Additionally, the term “surface of substrate” as used herein may refer to the exposed surface of the substrate itself, or to the outer surface of a predetermined layer or film formed on the substrate.

[0045] (First embodiment)

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, by way of example, the process of overlapping the electrode leads 1021 of a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to form an overlap portion 1022.

[0047] Figure 3 This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the process by which the overlapping portion 1022 of the electrode lead 1021 and the busbar 103 of the battery cell unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are combined and then inserted into the through hole 104a of the terminal portion 104. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cell unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell unit 10 may include a housing 101, a battery cell assembly 102, and a busbar 103.

[0049] Terminal portion 104 may be provided in housing 101.

[0050] Terminal 104 can be connected to external terminals, allowing current to flow in or out from the outside.

[0051] The battery cell assembly 102 can be housed in the housing 101 and can include multiple pouch battery cells.

[0052] The battery cell assembly 102 can be housed in the housing 101 and formed in a modular fashion as a battery cell unit 10, thereby enhancing thermal propagation (TP) stability.

[0053] In some embodiments, the battery cell assembly 102 may arrange and fix multiple pouch cell cells having electrode leads 1021 in a stacking direction (e.g., Y direction).

[0054] In some embodiments, multiple pouch cell units can be fixed by using tape or the like to adhere one or more of the upper and lower parts of the pouch cell unit.

[0055] In some embodiments, the electrode leads 1021 disposed in each of the plurality of pouch cell units may be disposed on both sides in the length direction.

[0056] Busbar 103 can be connected to electrode leads 1021 of the same polarity disposed in multiple pouch cell cells.

[0057] Busbar 103 can be electrically connected to terminal portion 104 of housing 101.

[0058] Busbar 103 can be connected to terminal portion 104, allowing current to flow in or out from the outside, and current can flow in or out of multiple pouch cell units through electrodes of the same polarity provided in multiple pouch cell units connected to busbar 103.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 may be connected to the terminal portion 104.

[0060] In some embodiments, the terminal portion 104 may include a through hole 104a and a terminal portion 104b that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 may pass through the through hole 104a and be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104b.

[0061] In some embodiments, the terminal portion 104b may be formed around the through hole 104a.

[0062] At least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 can pass through the through hole 104a and then be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104b formed around the through hole 104a by welding.

[0063] At least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 can pass through the through hole 104a and be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104b, thereby preventing the busbar 103 from shifting due to external impact.

[0064] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, all or part of the electrode leads 1021 may be bent and overlapped to form an overlap portion 1022.

[0065] By forming the overlap 1022, current can flow into or out of the electrode leads 1021 of the same polarity through the busbar 103.

[0066] In some embodiments, the busbar 103 may include an external busbar 103a located outside the overlap portion 1022 of the electrode lead 1021 and an inner busbar 103b located inside the overlap portion 1022 of the electrode lead 1021. The external busbar 103a may be electrically connected to the overlap portion 1022 and the inner busbar 103b, and at least one of the external busbar 103a and the inner busbar 103b may be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104.

[0067] In some embodiments, at least one of the external flow bar 103a and the internal flow bar 103b may pass through the through hole 104a included in the terminal portion 104 and be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104b.

[0068] In some embodiments, the external busbar 103a can be spot-welded electrically to the overlap portion 1022 and the internal busbar 103b.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 After arranging the foreign exchange flow strip 103a, the overlapping portion 1022 and the inner flow strip 103b in the order of the arrows, spot welding can be performed on the foreign exchange flow strip 103a.

[0070] The external flow bar 103a can be electrically connected to the overlapping portion 1022 and the inner flow bar 103b by spot welding, thereby enabling the external flow bar 103a, the overlapping portion 1022 and the inner flow bar 103b to be electrically connected simply and quickly.

[0071] In some embodiments, housing 101 may include housing 101a and cover 101b.

[0072] The housing 101a may provide a shielded lower surface and side surfaces that form a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly 102.

[0073] The cover plate 101b can be attached to the upper surface of the housing 101a to cover the battery cell assembly 102.

[0074] In some embodiments, the cover plate 101b may include a terminal portion 104.

[0075] In some embodiments, the terminal portion 104 may include a through hole 104a and a terminal portion 104b that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 may pass through the through hole 104a and be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104b.

[0076] In some embodiments, the terminal portion 104b may be formed around the through hole 104a.

[0077] At least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 can pass through the through hole 104a and be electrically connected to the terminal portion 104b by welding.

[0078] In some embodiments, terminal portions 104 may be formed on both sides of the cover plate 101b.

[0079] In some embodiments, an insulating layer may be provided on the inner surface of the housing 101 facing the battery cell assembly 102.

[0080] By providing an insulating layer on the inner surface of the housing 101 facing the battery cell assembly 102, the rate of heat propagation can be slowed down when heat propagation occurs in the battery cell assembly 102.

[0081] In some embodiments, the housing 101 may have a hexahedral shape with edges.

[0082] By having a hexahedral shape with edges, the housing 101 can reduce empty space and improve space efficiency when manufacturing a battery pack by stacking battery cell units 10.

[0083] (Second Embodiment)

[0084] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating, by way of example, the process of overlapping the electrode leads 1021 of a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to form an overlap portion 1022.

[0085] Figure 3 This is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the process by which the overlapping portion 1022 of the electrode lead 1021 and the busbar 103 of the battery cell unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are combined and then inserted into the through hole 104a of the terminal portion 104. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cell unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The method for manufacturing a battery cell unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery cell assembly manufacturing step S1, a busbar connection step S2, a housing receiving step S3, and a terminal connection step S4.

[0088] The battery cell assembly manufacturing step S1 can be carried out by arranging and fixing a plurality of pouch cell units in a stacking direction (e.g., Y direction) to manufacture a battery cell assembly 102, wherein the plurality of pouch cell units have electrode leads 1021 formed on both sides in a length direction (e.g., X direction).

[0089] In some embodiments, multiple pouch cell units can be secured by attaching one or more of the upper and lower portions of the pouch cell unit with tape or the like.

[0090] The busbar connection step S2 can connect the electrode leads 1021 of the same polarity provided in the battery cell assembly 102 to the busbar 103.

[0091] The housing housing step S3 can house the battery cell assembly 102 connected to the busbar 103 in the housing 101.

[0092] The terminal connection step S4 can electrically connect at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar 103 to the terminal portion 104 provided in the housing 101.

[0093] By connecting the busbar 103 to the terminal 104 through the busbar connection step S2 and the terminal connection step S4, current can flow into or out of the external terminal 104, and current can flow into or out of the multiple pouch cell via electrodes of the same polarity provided in the multiple pouch cell connected to the busbar 103.

[0094] In some embodiments, the busbar connection step S2 may include an overlap formation step S21, in which the ends of the electrode leads 1021 are bent and overlapped to form an overlap 1022.

[0095] In some embodiments, the busbar 103 may include an external busbar 103a located outside the overlap portion 1022 of the electrode lead 1021 and an inner busbar 103b located inside the overlap portion 1022 of the electrode lead 1021. The busbar connection step S2 may also include, after the overlap portion formation step S21, an internal and external busbar connection step S22, which electrically connects the external busbar 103a to the overlap portion 1022 and the inner busbar 103b.

[0096] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, all or part of the electrode leads 1021 may be bent and overlapped to form an overlap portion 1022.

[0097] In some embodiments, terminal portion 104 may include through hole 104a and terminal portion 104b that can be electrically connected to external terminals, and terminal portion joining step S4 may electrically connect at least one of external busbar 103a and internal busbar 103b to terminal portion 104b after passing at least one busbar through through hole 104a.

[0098] In some embodiments, in the inner and outer busbar connection step S22, the outer busbar 103a can be spot welded to the overlapping portion 1022 and the inner busbar 103b.

[0099] Reference Figure 3 After arranging the foreign exchange flow strip 103a, the overlapping portion 1022 and the inner flow strip 103b in the order of the arrows, spot welding can be performed on the foreign exchange flow strip 103a.

[0100] In some embodiments, the housing 101 may include a housing 101a and a cover plate 101b. The housing 101a provides a shielded lower surface and side surfaces that form a receiving space for receiving a battery cell assembly 102 connected to the busbar 103. The cover plate 101b is coupled to the upper surface of the housing 101a to cover the battery cell assembly 102. The housing receiving step S3 may arrange the battery cell assembly 102 connected to the busbar 103 in the housing 101a and join the cover plate 101b to the upper surface of the housing 101a to cover the battery cell assembly 102 connected to the busbar 103.

[0101] In some embodiments, the cover plate 101b may include a terminal portion 104, which may include a through hole 104a and a terminal portion 104b electrically connectable to an external terminal. The terminal portion joining step S4 may electrically connect at least one of the external busbar 103a and the internal busbar 103b to the terminal portion 104b after passing at least one busbar through the through hole 104a.

[0102] (Third embodiment)

[0103] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing some components of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The battery pack 1 may include a lower casing 11, battery cell units 100, a middle beam 13, a crossbeam 16, multiple venting devices 14, a battery pack gasket 165, and an upper casing 17. The battery pack 1 may be a final form of battery system installed on a mobility facility, etc. Furthermore, the battery cell unit 100 may be a reference... Figure 1, Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery cell 100 of one or more types is described.

[0105] The battery pack housing 20 that defines the appearance of the battery pack 1 may include a lower housing 11 and an upper housing 17.

[0106] The lower housing 11 provides an internal space 19 for mounting a plurality of battery cell units 100. In some embodiments, the lower housing 11 may include a plate portion 11P and sidewalls 11S. Two directions substantially parallel to the plate portion 11P are defined as a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction), and a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate portion 11P of the lower housing 11 is defined as a third direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0107] Multiple battery cell units 100 can be disposed on a plate portion 11P of the lower housing 11. The plate portion 11P can support the multiple battery cell units 100. The plate portion 11P may include a substantially parallel upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the plate portion 11P may face the multiple battery cell units 100. The lower surface of the plate portion 11P is opposite to the upper surface of the plate portion 11P.

[0108] Sidewall 11S can horizontally surround multiple battery cell units 100. Sidewall 11S can protect multiple battery cell units 100 from the lateral direction. Sidewall 11S can include a first sidewall 11-1, a second sidewall 11-2, a third sidewall 11-3, and a fourth sidewall 11-4. The first sidewall 11-1, the second sidewall 11-2, the third sidewall 11-3, and the fourth sidewall 11-4 can be fixed to each other by methods such as friction stir welding and spot welding, and are not particularly limited.

[0109] The first sidewall 11-1 and the second sidewall 11-2 may be substantially perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The third sidewall 11-3 and the fourth sidewall 11-4 may be substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In some embodiments, the first sidewall 11-1 and the second sidewall 11-2 may cover the side surface of the plate portion 11P. In some embodiments, the third sidewall 11-3 and the fourth sidewall 11-4 may be disposed on the plate portion 11P.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first sidewall 11-1, the second sidewall 11-2, the third sidewall 11-3, and the fourth sidewall 11-4 can be provided by an extrusion process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sidewall 11-1, the second sidewall 11-2, the third sidewall 11-3, and the fourth sidewall 11-4 may include empty spaces internally, thereby reducing the weight of the sidewall 11S. According to an exemplary embodiment, the empty spaces of the first sidewall 11-1, the second sidewall 11-2, the third sidewall 11-3, and the fourth sidewall 11-4 can be either exhaust paths for gas or channels for coolant.

[0111] In the following description, the technical concept of this disclosure will be described with reference to embodiments of each of the plurality of battery cell units 100 excluding the module frame. However, this is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of this disclosure in any sense. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily obtain battery packs employing battery modules that include a module frame (which exposes one edge of the battery cell) based on the content described herein.

[0112] The intermediate beam 13 can isolate the components mounted on the lower housing 11 from each other. Therefore, the intermediate beam 13 can protect multiple battery cells 100 while preventing unwanted short circuits between multiple battery cells.

[0113] The intermediate beam 13 may extend between the third sidewall 11-3 and the fourth sidewall 11-4. The intermediate beam 13 may extend in a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The intermediate beam 13 may contact the third sidewall 11-3 and the fourth sidewall 11-4. The intermediate beam 13 may isolate multiple battery cell units 100 from each other. The intermediate beam 13 may be inserted between multiple battery cell units 100. In some embodiments, the intermediate beam 13 may divide the internal space 19 into two regions in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0114] In some embodiments, the crossbeam 16 may be configured to divide the interior space 19 into two or more regions in a first direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). The crossbeam 16 may further separate elements that are separated by the intermediate beam 13.

[0115] Part of the crossbeam 16 may extend in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) between the intermediate beam 13 and the first sidewall 11-1. Other crossbeams 16 may extend in a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) between the intermediate beam 13 and the second sidewall 11-2. In some embodiments, the crossbeam 16 may be configured to define a space that accommodates a single battery cell or a stack of battery cells.

[0116] Figure 6 and Figure 7The arrangement of the intermediate beam 13, crossbeam 16, and multiple battery cell units 100 disclosed herein is a non-limiting example and does not limit the technical concept of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily obtain battery packs including various arrangements and numbers of intermediate beams and battery cells based on the content described herein.

[0117] In some embodiments, a plurality of venting devices 14 may be integrated into a fourth sidewall 11-4. The fourth sidewall 11-4 may include a plurality of vent holes connected to the plurality of venting devices 14. The plurality of vent holes may be configured to provide pathways for discharging gases and heat from inside the battery pack 1.

[0118] Multiple venting devices 14 can be configured to delay heat propagation by venting high-temperature gas inside the battery pack 1 to the outside when at least one of the multiple battery cell units 100 is in a thermal runaway state.

[0119] Here, thermal runaway of multiple battery cells 100 is a state in which the temperature changes of multiple battery cells 100 further accelerate the temperature changes, which is an uncontrollable positive feedback. Multiple battery cells 100 in a state of thermal runaway may exhibit a rapid temperature rise and emit large amounts of high-pressure gas and burning debris.

[0120] The battery pack 1 may also include electrical components. In some embodiments, the electrical components may be mounted on the lower housing 11. In some embodiments, the electrical components may be disposed between the fourth sidewall 11-4, on which the venting device 14 is mounted, and the plurality of battery cell units 100. In some embodiments, the electrical components may include any electronic components required to drive the battery pack.

[0121] In some embodiments, electrical components may include, for example, a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack. In some embodiments, monitoring of the battery pack 1 may include measuring the voltage and current of a specific battery cell among a plurality of battery cell units 100, and measuring the temperature at a predetermined location within the battery pack 1. In some embodiments, the battery pack 1 may include measuring instruments for measuring the aforementioned voltage, current, and temperature.

[0122] Balancing the battery pack 1 can be an operation to reduce the deviation between the multiple battery cell units 100. Controlling the battery pack 1 can include preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack 1 can operate under optimal conditions, thus preventing or reducing the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell units 100.

[0123] Electrical components may also include cooling devices, power relay assemblies (PRAs), safety plugs, etc. Cooling devices may include cooling fans. The cooling fans prevent each of the multiple battery cell units 100 from overheating by circulating air within the battery pack 1. The PRA can be configured to supply or disconnect power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). In the event of an abnormal voltage such as a voltage surge, the PRA can protect the multiple battery cell units 100 and the external load (e.g., the vehicle motor) by disconnecting the power supply to the external load (e.g., the vehicle motor).

[0124] The battery pack 1 may also include multiple battery cell busbars configured to electrically connect multiple battery cell units 100. The multiple battery cell units 100 can be connected in series and / or in parallel via the multiple battery cell busbars. Therefore, the battery pack 1 can be configured to output a high voltage to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor).

[0125] Gasket 165 may comprise a material that is elastic in response to applied pressure. For example, gasket 165 may comprise a rubber synthesized from a material such as ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM). When the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 17 are joined, gasket 165 may be positioned between the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 17. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing 17 may press against gasket 165, causing partial deformation within gasket 165. Thus, the battery pack 1 can be sealed, and external fluids can be prevented from entering the internal space of the battery pack 1.

[0126] The upper housing 17 can be attached to the lower housing 11. In some embodiments, the upper housing 17 may include a main surface and an outer edge. The main surface may cover components mounted on the battery pack 1, such as a plurality of battery cells 100 and electrical components. The outer edge is the surface that contacts the lower housing 11. In some embodiments, the upper housing 17 may have a flat plate shape, in which case the outer edge may horizontally surround the main surface. In some embodiments, the main surface may be raised relative to the outer edge, and the outer edge and the main surface may be connected by a bend.

[0127] (Fourth embodiment)

[0128] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] Reference Figure 8The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include the battery pack 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure described above. Here, for example, the vehicle V may include a predetermined vehicle that uses electricity as a drive source, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In addition, besides the battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure, the vehicle V may also include various other components included in the vehicle, such as the body and the motor.

[0130] Battery pack 1 can be installed in a predetermined location within vehicle V. Battery pack 1 can be used as an electrical energy source to drive vehicle V by providing driving force to the motor of the electric vehicle. In this case, battery pack 1 can have a high nominal voltage of 100V or higher.

[0131] Battery pack 1 can be charged or discharged by the inverter depending on the drive of the electric motor and / or internal combustion engine. Battery pack 1 can be charged by a regenerative charging device combined with the brake. Battery pack 1 can be electrically connected to the motor of vehicle V via the inverter.

[0132] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the disclosure with various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, future modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure will not depart from the technology of the present disclosure.

[0133] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0134] 10: Battery cell unit

[0135] 101: Outer shell

[0136] 101a: Shell

[0137] 101b: Cover plate

[0138] 102: Battery cell module

[0139] 1021: Electrode leads

[0140] 1022: Overlapping part

[0141] 103: Busbar

[0142] 103a: Foreign Exchange Flow Chart

[0143] 103b: Internal busbar

[0144] 104: Terminal section

[0145] 104a: Through hole

[0146] 104b: Terminal section

[0147] S1: Battery Cell Module Manufacturing Steps

[0148] S2: Busbar Connection Steps

[0149] S21: Steps for forming overlapping portions

[0150] S22: Steps for Connecting Domestic and Foreign Exchange Flows

[0151] S3: Outer casing housing step

[0152] S4: Terminal assembly steps

Claims

1. A battery cell unit, comprising: The housing is provided with a terminal portion; A battery cell assembly, the battery cell assembly being housed within the housing, and comprising a plurality of pouch cell batteries; as well as A busbar, which is coupled to electrode leads of the same polarity disposed in the plurality of pouch cell cells and electrically connected to the terminal portion of the housing.

2. The battery cell unit according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar is connected to the terminal portion.

3. The battery cell unit according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal part that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and At least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar passes through the through hole and is electrically connected to the terminal portion.

4. The battery cell unit according to claim 1, wherein, All or part of the electrode leads are bent and overlap each other to form an overlapping section.

5. The battery cell unit according to claim 4, wherein, The busbar includes an external busbar and an internal busbar. The external busbar is located outside the overlapping portion of the electrode leads, and the internal busbar is located inside the overlapping portion of the electrode leads. Wherein, the foreign exchange flow strip is electrically connected to the overlapping portion and the inner flow strip, and At least one of the foreign exchange flow bar and the internal flow bar is electrically connected to the terminal portion.

6. The battery cell unit according to claim 5, wherein, The foreign flow bar is electrically connected to the overlapping portion and the inner flow bar by spot welding.

7. The battery cell unit according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing includes: A housing, the housing providing a shielded lower surface and side surfaces forming a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly; and A cover plate, which is attached to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly.

8. The battery cell unit according to claim 7, wherein, The cover plate includes the terminal portion.

9. The battery cell unit according to claim 1, wherein, An insulating layer is provided on the inner surface of the housing facing the battery cell assembly.

10. The battery cell unit according to claim 1, wherein, The outer shell has a hexahedral shape with edges.

11. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method comprising: Battery cell assembly manufacturing steps: Arranging and fixing multiple pouch battery cells in a stacking direction to manufacture a battery cell assembly, wherein the multiple pouch battery cells have electrode leads formed on both sides in the length direction; Busbar connection steps: Connect electrode leads of the same polarity disposed in the battery cell assembly to the busbar; Housing housing step: housing the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar in the housing; and Terminal connection step: Electrically connect at least one of the upper and lower ends of the busbar to the terminal portion provided in the housing.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The busbar connection steps include: Step for forming the overlapping portion: The ends of the electrode leads are bent and overlapped to form the overlapping portion.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The busbar includes an external busbar and an internal busbar. The external busbar is located outside the overlapping portion of the electrode leads, and the internal busbar is located inside the overlapping portion of the electrode leads. The busbar connection step further includes: Inner and outer foreign flow strip connection step: After the overlapping part formation step, the outer foreign flow strip is electrically connected to the overlapping part and the inner flow strip.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal part that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and In the terminal connection step, after at least one of the external busbar and the internal busbar passes through the through hole, the at least one of the external busbar and the internal busbar is electrically connected to the terminal portion.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, In the inner and outer shunt strip connection step, the outer shunt strip is electrically connected to the overlapping portion and the inner shunt strip by spot welding.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The housing includes a shell and a cover plate. The shell provides shielded lower and side surfaces forming a receiving space for accommodating the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar. The cover plate is coupled to the upper surface of the shell to cover the battery cell assembly. The outer casing accommodating step includes: The battery cell assembly connected to the busbar is arranged in the housing, and The cover plate is attached to the upper surface of the housing to cover the battery cell assembly connected to the busbar.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The cover plate includes the terminal portion. The terminal portion includes a through hole and a terminal part that can be electrically connected to an external terminal, and In the terminal connection step, after at least one of the external busbar and the internal busbar passes through the through hole, the at least one of the external busbar and the internal busbar is electrically connected to the terminal portion.

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