Battery cell, battery pack comprising the same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application includes: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode are wound about a winding axis to define a core and an outer circumferential surface, wherein the first electrode includes a first uncoated portion on which an active material layer is not coated in a winding direction, the second electrode includes a second uncoated portion on which an active material layer is not coated in the winding direction, and the first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion are disposed on the same surface of the electrode assembly; a battery case including an opening on one side and configured to accommodate the electrode assembly through the opening; an upper cover configured to cover the opening of the battery case; and a cell terminal passing through the upper cover and exposed to an outside of the upper cover, the cell terminal being electrically connected to the second uncoated portion and configured to be solderable to the second uncoated portion from the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0098135 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 24, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0049719 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 16, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, with their high applicability in product variety and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and improving energy efficiency, not only because of their major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a single rechargeable battery cell (i.e., a single battery cell) is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to configure a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple cells can be connected in parallel to configure the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Furthermore, in traditional battery cells, the positive and negative electrode tabs of the wound electrode assembly are positioned on the upper and lower sides of the battery can, respectively. In conventional battery cells with this structure, the internal resistance increases because the current at the negative electrode must pass through the entire body of the battery can in the vertical direction.

[0006] Furthermore, battery cells with this structure require uncoated areas for electrode stability in the foil tab direction. However, in conventional battery cells, this connection structure includes relatively large uncoated areas occupying the upper and lower sides of the battery canister, which reduces the available internal volume and is therefore disadvantageous in achieving high energy density. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure is designed to solve problems in related technologies, and therefore relates to reducing the internal resistance of a battery by minimizing the length of the electron movement path.

[0009] Furthermore, this disclosure also relates to increasing energy density by reducing the volume occupied by the uncoated portions of the electrode assembly.

[0010] The technical problems sought to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that are not mentioned above.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell is provided, comprising: an electrode assembly constructed by winding a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode around a winding axis to define a core and an outer surface, wherein the first electrode includes a first uncoated portion along the winding direction, an active material layer not coated on the first uncoated portion, wherein the second electrode includes a second uncoated portion along the winding direction, an active material layer not coated on the second uncoated portion, and wherein the first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion are disposed on the same surface of the electrode assembly; a battery housing having an opening on one side and configured to receive the electrode assembly through the opening; a top cover configured to cover the opening of the battery housing; and cell terminals passing through the top cover to be exposed to the outside of the top cover, the cell terminals being electrically connected to the second uncoated portion and configured to be solderable to the second uncoated portion from the outside.

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion may be disposed on the upper part of the electrode assembly in the height direction of the electrode assembly.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the first uncoated portion may be electrically connected to the top cover.

[0015] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first uncoated portion and the top cover may be joined by welding to form a welded portion, and the welded portion may be formed in an area of ​​the top cover other than the area occupied by the cell terminals.

[0016] In another aspect of this disclosure, the cell terminals may be located on one side relative to the center of the top cover.

[0017] In another aspect of this disclosure, at least a portion of the first uncoated portion may include a plurality of first segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly, and at least a portion of the second uncoated portion may include a plurality of second segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly, and the first segments and the second segments may be arranged at positions that do not overlap with each other along the winding direction.

[0018] Preferably, the first segment and the second segment can be spatially separated.

[0019] In another aspect of this disclosure, the electrode assembly may include: a first segment region defined as a plurality of radially curved curved surface regions of the first segment; and a second segment region defined as a plurality of radially curved curved surface regions of the second segment.

[0020] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first segment region may be disposed on one side of the upper surface of the electrode assembly, and the second segment region may be disposed on the other side of the upper surface of the electrode assembly, spaced apart from the first side.

[0021] For example, the first segment region and the second segment region can each be set to a semi-circular ring shape.

[0022] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first segment region and the second segment region may be radially disposed on the electrode assembly.

[0023] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first segment region and the second segment region may be alternately disposed on the electrode assembly.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the first segment region and the second segment region may be arranged in a fan shape.

[0025] In addition, this disclosure also provides a battery pack including at least one battery cell according to the above embodiments.

[0026] In addition, this disclosure also provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above embodiments.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to this disclosure, the internal resistance of a battery can be reduced by shortening the electron movement path. This enables the realization of low-resistance batteries.

[0029] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, energy density can be increased by reducing the volume occupied by the uncoated portion of the electrode assembly.

[0030] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the battery casing is not used as a current path, thereby increasing the freedom of material selection.

[0031] However, the effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of the invention that are not mentioned above. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a top plan view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the first and second electrodes of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the area surrounding the cell terminals of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a top view of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 It shows the basis Figure 6 A diagram of the first and second electrodes of the electrode assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 It is based on Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery cell in the embodiment described above.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a top view of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 10 It shows the basis Figure 9 A diagram of the first and second electrodes of the electrode assembly in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 It shows including Figure 1 A diagram of the battery pack containing the battery cells.

[0044] Figure 12 It shows including Figure 11 A diagram of a vehicle with a battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the configurations disclosed in the embodiments and drawings herein are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent the entire concept of the present disclosure; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made thereto upon submission of this disclosure.

[0046] Furthermore, for a better understanding of this disclosure, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and for clarity, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may denote the same elements in different embodiments.

[0047] Describing two elements as identical means that they are "substantially the same". Therefore, the term "substantially the same" can include variations considered small in the art, such as deviations of less than about 5%. Furthermore, a parameter described as uniform over a region can be understood to mean that it is uniform on average, rather than strictly uniform at every point.

[0048] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various elements, these elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise stated, a first element may also be a second element.

[0049] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may include a single element or multiple elements.

[0050] The configuration of a component being positioned on the “upper (or lower) portion” or “top (or bottom)” of a target component indicates that the component can be configured to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the target component, and that another component can be inserted between the target component and the component positioned on the top (or bottom) of the target component.

[0051] Furthermore, the statement "one element is 'connected,' 'joined,' or 'fastened' to another element" should be understood as meaning that the two elements can be directly connected or joined to each other, and that another element can be "inserted" between the two elements, or that the two elements can be "connected," "joined," or "fastened" via another element.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, the expression “A and / or B” may refer to A, B, or both A and B, and the expression “C to D” may refer to a range of values ​​that are equal to or greater than C and equal to or less than D.

[0053] For ease of explanation, in this specification, the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly 10 wound into a core shape is referred to as the "axial direction". Furthermore, the direction around the winding axis is referred to as the "circumferential direction". Additionally, the direction approaching or away from the winding axis is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction approaching the winding axis is referred to as the "centripetal direction", while the direction away from the winding axis is referred to as the "centrifugal direction".

[0054] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a top plan view of the electrode assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 of the electrode assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1 may be, for example, a cylindrical battery cell 1. The battery cell 1 includes an electrode assembly 10, a battery casing 20, a top cover 21, and cell terminals 30.

[0056] In addition to the components described above, the battery cell 1 may also include an insulating pad 40, a first current collector 50, a second current collector 60, and / or a lead connector 80. This disclosure is not limited to a specific battery shape, but can be applied to batteries of other shapes, such as prismatic batteries.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The electrode assembly 10 includes a first electrode 11 having a first polarity, a second electrode 12 having a second polarity, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The first electrode 11 corresponds to a negative or positive electrode, and the second electrode 12 corresponds to an electrode with a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode 11.

[0058] The electrode assembly 10 may have, for example, a core structure. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by forming a laminate by stacking sheet-like first electrode plates and second electrode plates at least once with a diaphragm between the first electrode plates and the second electrode plates, and by winding the laminate around a winding center C in one direction.

[0059] The first electrode 11 includes a first electrode plate and a first electrode active material 11b coated on one or both surfaces of the first electrode plate. The first electrode 11 includes a first uncoated portion 11a along the winding direction, on which no active material layer is coated. That is, an uncoated portion without the first electrode active material 11b is provided at one end of the first electrode plate in the width direction (parallel to the Z-axis). The uncoated portion serving as the first electrode tab will be referred to hereinafter as the first uncoated portion 11a. The first uncoated portion 11a may be provided in the height direction (parallel to the Z-axis) at the upper part of the electrode assembly 10 stored within the battery housing 20. That is, the first electrode plate includes the first uncoated portion 11a, on which the active material layer is not coated, the first uncoated portion 11a is provided at the long side end and exposed to the outside of the separator, and a portion of the first uncoated portion 11a serves as the electrode tab itself. The first uncoated portion 11a may be, for example, a negative electrode tab.

[0060] At least a portion of the first uncoated portion 11a may include a plurality of first segments 11c separated along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of first segments 11c may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. The bent plurality of first segments 11c may overlap each other in multiple layers.

[0061] The second electrode 12 includes a second electrode plate and a second electrode active material 12b coated on one or both surfaces of the second electrode plate. An uncoated portion of the second electrode active material 12b is disposed at one end of the second electrode plate along its width direction (parallel to the Z-axis). This uncoated portion, serving as a second electrode tab, will hereinafter be referred to as the second uncoated portion 12a. The second uncoated portion 12a may be disposed along its height direction (parallel to the Z-axis) at the upper part of the electrode assembly 10 stored within the battery housing 20. That is, the second electrode plate includes the second uncoated portion 12a, on which no active material layer is coated. This second uncoated portion 12a is disposed at its long side end and exposed to the outside of the separator, and at least a portion of the second uncoated portion 12a serves as the electrode tab itself. The second uncoated portion 12a may be, for example, a positive electrode tab.

[0062] At least a portion of the second uncoated portion 12a may include a plurality of second segments 12c separated along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of second segments 12c may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. The bent plurality of second segments 12c may overlap each other in multiple layers.

[0063] In this disclosure, any active material known in the art can be used as the positive active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative active material coated on the negative electrode plate, without limitation.

[0064] In one aspect of the invention, the first uncoated portion 11a and the second uncoated portion 12a may be disposed on the same surface of the electrode assembly 10. Preferably, the first uncoated portion 11a and the second uncoated portion 12a may be disposed at the upper part of the electrode assembly 10 in the height direction. That is, the first uncoated portion 11a and the second uncoated portion 12a may be disposed on the upper surface of the electrode assembly 10.

[0065] Preferably, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c can extend in the same direction along the height direction of the battery cell 1 (parallel to the Z-axis). The first segment 11c and the second segment 12c can extend toward the upper cover 21.

[0066] This configuration enables the realization of a low-resistance battery. For example, in a conventional cylindrical battery cell 1, electrons are transported through the outer wall of the battery casing 20. That is, the battery casing 20 itself serves as both the negative terminal and the channel for electrons. In this case, the negative electrode tab extends from the opposite side of the positive electrode tab along the surface of the battery casing 20 where the positive terminal of the battery casing 20 is located. The disadvantage of this structure is that it increases the electron travel distance, thereby increasing the internal resistance of the battery. Furthermore, the battery casing 20 accounts for approximately 40% of the internal resistance of the battery, which is the largest proportion. However, unlike conventional battery cell structures, this disclosure has a negative terminal and a positive terminal located in the same direction to shorten the electron movement path, thereby realizing a low-resistance battery cell 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in this structure, the uncoated portion is located only at the top of the electrode assembly, not at the bottom. Therefore, compared to conventional designs, the volume occupied by the uncoated portion of the electrode assembly is reduced, thereby increasing energy density. Additionally, according to this disclosure, the battery housing 20 is not used as a current path, thus increasing the freedom in material selection.

[0068] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first uncoated portion 11a may be electrically connected to the upper cover 21. For example, the first uncoated portion 11a and the upper cover 21 may be joined by welding to form a weld. In this case, the weld may be formed in the area of ​​the upper cover 21 other than the area occupied by the cell terminal 30. Therefore, the upper cover 21 may function as a first electrode terminal.

[0069] Reference Figure 4 The cell terminal 30 can be positioned on one side relative to the center of the upper cover 21. More specifically, the cell terminal 30 can be positioned offset to one side relative to the center of the upper cover 21.

[0070] In this case, the weld between the first uncoated portion 11a and the upper cover 21 can be formed in an area of ​​the upper cover 21 other than the area occupied by the cell terminal 30. That is, the weld between the first uncoated portion 11a and the upper cover 21 can be located on the opposite side from the center of the upper cover 21. Since the weld between the first uncoated portion 11a and the upper cover 21 is formed in an area of ​​the upper cover 21 other than the area occupied by the cell terminal 30, the weld can be formed on a relatively wide area of ​​the upper cover 21.

[0071] This structure ensures a wide welding area between the first uncoated portion 11a and the top cover 21, effectively reducing the battery's internal resistance. This enables the realization of a low-resistance battery.

[0072] Let's refer to it again. Figure 2 and Figure 3 At least a portion of the first uncoated portion 11a may include a plurality of first segments 11c separated along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. Preferably, the electrode assembly 10 may include multiple sets of first segments 11c along the winding direction. A set of first segments 11c includes a plurality of first segments 11c. In this case, the multiple sets of first segments 11c may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the winding direction. Preferably, when the first electrode 11 is wound in the winding direction, the first segments 11c may be configured to be offset to one side of the electrode assembly 10. In other words, the first segments 11c may be grouped together on one side of the electrode assembly 10. For example, the first segments 11c may be offset to one side of an imaginary line passing through the center of the electrode assembly 10. For example, refer to Figure 2 When viewed from above, the wound electrode assembly 10 can be arranged on the left semicircle based on an imaginary line passing through the center of the electrode assembly 10.

[0073] At least a portion of the second uncoated portion 12a may include a plurality of second segments 12c separated along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. Preferably, the electrode assembly 10 may include multiple sets of second segments 12c along the winding direction. A set of second segments 12c includes a plurality of second segments 12c. In this case, the multiple sets of second segments 12c may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the winding direction. Preferably, when the second electrode 12 is wound along the winding direction, the second segments 12c may be configured to be offset to the other side of the electrode assembly 10. In other words, the second segments 12c may be grouped together on the other side of the electrode assembly 10. Here, the other side refers to the side opposite to the side where the first segment 11c is provided. For example, the second segments 12c may be configured to be offset to the other side based on an imaginary line passing through the center of the electrode assembly 10. For example, refer to Figure 2When viewed from above, the wound electrode assembly 10 can be arranged on the right semicircle based on an imaginary line passing through the center of the electrode assembly 10.

[0074] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first segment 11c and the second segment 12c can be positioned where they do not overlap each other along the winding direction. For example, a set of first segments 11c and a set of second segments 12c can be positioned where they do not overlap each other along the winding direction. That is, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c can be configured to be spatially separated.

[0075] In one aspect of this disclosure, a plurality of first segments 11c and a plurality of second segments 12c may be bent in a radial direction. Specifically, the plurality of first segments 11c and the plurality of second segments 12c may be bent toward a core. The plurality of first segments 11c and second segments 12c bent toward the core form a curved surface region.

[0076] See again Figure 2 The electrode assembly 10 may include a first segment 11c region and a second segment 12c region. The first segment 11c region is defined as a plurality of radially bent curved surface regions of the first segment 11c, and the second segment 12c region is defined as a plurality of radially bent curved surface regions of the second segment 12c.

[0077] In this configuration, the first segment 11c can be disposed on one side of the upper surface of the electrode assembly 10, and the second segment 12c can be disposed on the other side of the upper surface of the electrode assembly 10, spaced apart from said side. That is, the first segment 11c can be arranged to be offset to one side of the electrode assembly 10, and the second segment 12c can be arranged to be offset to the other side of the electrode assembly 10. For example, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c can each be configured as a semi-circular ring shape. That is, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c can be arranged symmetrically and spaced apart from each other.

[0078] Specifically, based on an imaginary line passing through the center of the electrode assembly 10, a plurality of first segments 11c can be grouped together on the left side of the electrode assembly 10, and a plurality of second segments 12c can be grouped together on the right side of the electrode assembly 10. That is, the plurality of first segments 11c can be configured to be positioned in a semi-circular region on one side of the electrode assembly 10. On the other hand, the plurality of second segments 12c can be configured to be positioned in a semi-circular region on the other side of the electrode assembly 10. That is, the first segments 11c and the second segments 12c can be configured to be spatially separated. In this case, a predetermined gap can be formed between the plurality of first segments 11c and the plurality of second segments 12c to prevent them from overlapping.

[0079] See back Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery housing 20 is a generally cylindrical container with an opening formed on one side and is made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). The battery housing 20 can be made of, for example, steel, stainless steel, or nickel-plated iron. For example, the opening can be located at the top of the battery housing 20. The lower surface opposite the opening will be referred to as the closure portion. The sidewalls and closure portion of the battery housing 20 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the sidewalls and closure portion of the battery housing 20 can be separately provided and then joined together by welding or the like. The upper surface of the battery housing 20 (parallel to the XY plane), i.e., the outer surface of the closure portion, can be configured to be substantially flat. The battery housing 20 accommodates the electrode assembly 10 through the opening formed on one side.

[0080] In another aspect of this disclosure, the opening of the battery housing 20 can be closed by a top cover 21. That is, the top cover 21 can be configured to cover the opening of the battery housing 20. The battery housing 20 can be configured in the form of a generally cylindrical can, and the opening at the top can be configured in a generally circular shape. Therefore, the top cover 21 can be constructed in the form of a generally circular plate.

[0081] In another aspect of this disclosure, the cell terminal 30 can be mounted on the upper cover 21. That is, a hole for inserting the cell terminal 30 can be provided on the upper cover 21. Referring below... Figure 4 and Figure 5 Detailed description of cell terminal 30.

[0082] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the area surrounding the cell terminal 30 of the battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The cell terminal 30 is made of a conductive metallic material. The cell terminal 30 can be made of aluminum (Al). When the cell terminal 30 is made of aluminum, 10-series aluminum with relatively low resistance can be used. The cell terminal 30 can be electrically connected to the second uncoated portion 12a of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the cell terminal 30 has a second polarity. Therefore, the cell terminal 30 can be used as a second electrode terminal in the battery cell 1 of this disclosure.

[0084] In another embodiment of this disclosure, copper (Cu) can be used as the material for the cell terminal 30. In this case, the cell terminal 30 can be electrically connected to the first uncoated portion 11a of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the cell terminal 30 has a first polarity.

[0085] Let's refer to it again. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cell terminal 30 may include an exposed terminal portion 31, an inserted terminal portion 32, a terminal connection portion 33, and a terminal connection portion 34.

[0086] The exposed terminal portion 31 is exposed to the outside of the battery housing 20. The exposed terminal portion 31 may be located on one side biased towards the top cover 21. The exposed terminal portion 31 may extend substantially parallel to the top cover 21.

[0087] The inserted terminal portion 32 can be configured to be bent toward the inner surface of the upper cover 21. Therefore, after performing the riveting process for fixing the cell terminal 30, the maximum width of the inserted terminal portion 32 can be formed to be greater than the maximum width of the hole formed in the upper cover 21 through which the inserted terminal portion 32 passes.

[0088] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The terminal connection portion 33 can connect the exposed terminal portion 31 and the inserted terminal portion 32. The terminal connection portion 33 can pass through the top cover 21. The terminal connection portion 33 can extend in a direction substantially parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly 10.

[0089] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The cell terminal 30 includes a terminal connection portion 34. The terminal connection portion 34 may be disposed on the lower surface of the cell terminal 30. The terminal connection portion 34 may be disposed further inward in the radial direction than the inserted terminal portion 32. The terminal connection portion 34 can then be connected to the second current collector 60 or the second segment 12c by soldering. The terminal connection portion 34 has a generally horizontally extending flat surface. Furthermore, the flat surface of the terminal connection portion 34 extends substantially parallel to the second current collector 60. Therefore, the terminal connection portion 34 can be configured to contact the surface of the second current collector 60, which has a flat surface. The second current collector 60 may be positioned on the second uncoated portion 12a. More specifically, the second current collector 60 may be configured to be located on a curved surface region where the second segment 12c of the second uncoated portion 12a is curved. Therefore, the cell terminal 30 has the same polarity as the second electrode 12 via the second current collector 60.

[0090] The cell terminal 30 can be configured to be externally soldered to the second uncoated portion 12a. Specifically, the cell terminal 30 can be configured to be externally soldered to the second current collector 60 or the second uncoated portion 12a of the battery cell 1.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a top view of an electrode assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 It shows the basis Figure 6 A diagram of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 of the electrode assembly 10 in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 It is based on Figure 6 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery cell 1 in the embodiment described above.

[0092] Reference Figure 6 The first segment 11c region and the second segment 12c region can be radially disposed on the electrode assembly 10. For example, multiple first segment 11c regions and second segment 12c regions can be disposed, and they can be arranged in an X-shape relative to the center of the electrode assembly. For example, the second segment 12c region can be arranged in an X-shape, and the first segment 11c region can be disposed in the remaining region of the curved surface region other than the region corresponding to the X-shape.

[0093] To arrange the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c in an X-shape relative to the center of the electrode assembly, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c must be arranged so that they do not overlap. Figure 7 As shown. For example, the second segment 12c region forming the X shape can be configured into multiple groups, each group comprising the same number of segments. On the other hand, the first segment 11c region forming the remaining region besides the region corresponding to the X shape can be configured as an additional group of segments.

[0094] refer to Figure 8 The second current collector 60 can be connected to the region of the second segment 12c forming an X shape. In this case, the second current collector 60 can be configured in an X shape or a straight line. Alternatively, it can be configured in another shape. The second current collector 60 can be electrically connected to the group of the second segment 12c. The second current collector 60 can also be electrically connected to the cell terminal 30. In this case, the cell terminal 30 can be located in the central region of the upper cover 21.

[0095] The first section 11c region can be electrically connected to the upper cover 21. In this case, the first section 11c region can be physically connected to the upper cover 21 via a lead connector 80. The lead connector 80 can extend from the first section 11c region and contact the inner surface of the upper cover 21.

[0096] According to the above structure, the segments can be evenly distributed. Therefore, the internal resistance of the battery can be reduced. Specifically, in order to arrange the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c in an X-shape relative to the center of the electrode assembly, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c must be arranged so that they do not overlap, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown. In this configuration, the group of first segment 11c and the group of second segment 12c are arranged alternately without overlapping. That is, the first segment 11c is not biased towards the first electrode 11, and the second segment 12c is similarly not biased towards the second electrode 12. Therefore, according to the above configuration of this disclosure, the electron travel distance is shortened when electrons move from the electrode to the segment. Thus, the internal resistance of the battery is reduced, thereby realizing a low-resistance battery.

[0097] Figure 9 This is a top view of an electrode assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 It shows the basis Figure 9 A diagram of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 of the electrode assembly 10 in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Reference Figure 9 The first segment 11c region and the second segment 12c region can be alternately disposed on the electrode assembly 10. For example, the first segment 11c region and the second segment 12c region can be arranged in a fan shape.

[0099] In order to arrange the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c alternately in a fan shape, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c must be arranged so that they do not overlap, such as... Figure 10 As shown. For example, the first segment 11c region and the second segment 12c region can be configured as a set of segments, each segment having an increasing number of segments.

[0100] According to this structure, the segments can be evenly distributed. Therefore, the internal resistance of the battery can be reduced. Specifically, in order to alternately arrange the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c, the first segment 11c and the second segment 12c must be arranged so that they do not overlap, such as... Figure 10 As shown. In this configuration, the group of first segment 11c and the group of second segment 12c are arranged alternately so that they do not overlap. That is, the first segment 11c is not biased towards the side of the first electrode 11, and the second segment 12c is similarly not biased towards the side of the second electrode 12. Therefore, according to the above configuration of this disclosure, the electron travel distance is shortened when electrons move from the electrode to the segment. Thus, the internal resistance of the battery is reduced, thereby realizing a low-resistance battery.

[0101] See back Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The insulating pad 40 can be disposed in the upper cover 21. Specifically, the insulating pad 40 can be inserted between the upper cover 21 and the cell terminal 30.

[0102] The insulating pad 40 may include an exposed pad portion 41 and an inserted pad portion 42. The exposed pad portion 41 is located between the exposed terminal portion 31 of the cell terminal 30 and the top cover 21. When viewed from above, the exposed pad portion 41 may extend longer than the exposed terminal portion 31 to expose the exterior of the exposed terminal portion 31. That is, the diameter of the exposed pad portion 41 may be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the exposed terminal portion 31.

[0103] An insertable pad portion 42 is inserted between the insertable terminal portion 32 of the cell terminal 30 and the upper cover 21. During riveting, the insertable pad portion 42 can deform together with the insertable terminal portion 32 to achieve tight contact with the inner surface of the upper cover 21. The insulating pad 40 may comprise, for example, a resin material having insulating and elastic properties. The diameter of the insertable pad portion 42 may be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the insertable terminal portion 32. Preferably, the insertable pad portion 42 may be configured to at least partially surround the end of the insertable terminal portion 32. According to this configuration, electrical insulation performance between the upper cover 21 and the cell terminal 30 can be effectively ensured.

[0104] See again Figure 4 The first current collector 50 and / or the second current collector 60 can be connected to the curved surface area of ​​the electrode assembly 10.

[0105] Specifically, the battery cell 1 may further include a first current collector 50 configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode 11. The first current collector 50 may be coupled to a first uncoated portion 11a of the electrode assembly 10. Specifically, the first current collector 50 may be coupled to a first segment 11c of the electrode assembly 10. (See reference...) Figure 4 The first current collector 50 can be connected to the top of the electrode assembly 10. The first current collector 50 is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the first uncoated portion 11a.

[0106] The first current collector 50 can be inserted between the first uncoated portion 11a and the top cover 21 of the electrode assembly 10, thereby electrically connecting the first uncoated portion 11a and the top cover 21 of the electrode assembly 10.

[0107] The battery cell 1 may further include a second current collector 60 configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode 12. The second current collector 60 may be coupled to a second uncoated portion 12a of the electrode assembly 10. Specifically, the second current collector 60 may be coupled to a second segment 12c of the electrode assembly 10. (See reference...) Figure 4 The second current collector 60 can be coupled to the top of the electrode assembly 10. The second current collector 60 is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the second uncoated portion 12a.

[0108] The second current collector 60 can be connected to the cell terminal 30. Specifically, at least a portion of the second current collector 60 can be connected to the terminal connection portion 34 of the cell terminal 30. In this case, the second current collector 60 and the terminal connection portion 34 can be connected by soldering. The second current collector 60 can be inserted between the second uncoated portion 12a of the electrode assembly 10 and the cell terminal 30, thereby electrically connecting the second uncoated portion 12a of the electrode assembly 10 and the cell terminal 30.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a battery pack including battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 11 The battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery assembly in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are electrically connected according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above; and a battery pack housing 2 that stores the plurality of battery cells 1. In the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, components such as busbars, cooling units, and power terminals for electrical connection are omitted for ease of explanation. Furthermore, the battery pack 3 may also include various components, such as those known at the time of submission of this disclosure, such as a BMS, battery pack housing, relays, current sensors, etc.

[0111] Figure 12 It shows including Figure 11The image shows the vehicle with battery pack 3.

[0112] See Figure 12 The vehicle 5 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Vehicle 5 includes four-wheeled and two-wheeled vehicles. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, vehicle 5 operates by electricity supplied from the battery pack 3. Furthermore, in addition to the battery cell 1 or the battery pack 3, vehicle 5 according to the present disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, in addition to the battery cell 1 according to the present disclosure, vehicle 5 according to the present disclosure may also include a body, a motor, and control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0113] Furthermore, although terms such as "up" and "down" indicating direction are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are merely for the convenience of interpretation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0114] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below.

[0115] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0116] 5: Vehicles

[0117] 3: Battery pack

[0118] 2: Battery pack casing

[0119] 1: Battery cells

[0120] 10: Electrode assembly

[0121] 11: First electrode

[0122] 11a: First uncoated portion

[0123] 11b: First electrode active material

[0124] 11c: First segment

[0125] 12: Second electrode

[0126] 12a: Second uncoated portion

[0127] 12b: Second electrode active material

[0128] 12c: Second section

[0129] C: Winding center

[0130] 20: Battery casing

[0131] 21: Top Cover

[0132] 30: Cell terminals

[0133] 31: Exposed terminal portion

[0134] 32: Inserted terminal portion

[0135] 33: Terminal connection part

[0136] 34: Terminal connection part

[0137] 40: Insulating pad

[0138] 41: Exposed padding portion

[0139] 42: Inserted padding portion

[0140] 50: First current collector

[0141] 60: Second current collector

[0142] 80: Lead wire connector

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: An electrode assembly is constructed by winding a first electrode and a second electrode, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode, around a winding axis to define a core and an outer surface. The first electrode includes a first uncoated portion along the winding direction, on which an active material layer is not coated. The second electrode includes a second uncoated portion along the winding direction, on which an active material layer is not coated. The first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion are disposed on the same surface of the electrode assembly. A battery housing having an opening on one side and configured to receive the electrode assembly through the opening; Top cover, the top cover being configured to cover the opening of the battery housing: and A cell terminal, which passes through the top cover to be exposed to the outside of the top cover, is electrically connected to the second uncoated portion and is configured to be soldered to the second uncoated portion from the outside.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion are disposed on the upper part of the electrode assembly in the height direction of the electrode assembly.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first uncoated portion is electrically connected to the top cover.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first uncoated portion and the top cover are joined by welding to form a welded section, and The welded portion is formed in the area of ​​the upper cover other than the area occupied by the battery cell terminals.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The battery cell terminal is located on one side relative to the center of the top cover.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, At least a portion of the first uncoated portion includes a plurality of first segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly. Wherein, at least a portion of the second uncoated portion includes a plurality of second segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly, and The first section and the second section are arranged at positions that do not overlap with each other along the winding direction.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, in, The first segment and the second segment are spatially separated.

8. The battery cell according to claim 6, in, The electrode assembly includes: The first segment region is defined as a plurality of radially curved curved surface regions of the first segment: and The second segment region is defined as a plurality of radially curved curved surface regions of the second segment.

9. The battery cell according to claim 8, in, The first segment region is disposed on one side of the upper surface of the electrode assembly, and The second segment region is disposed on the other side of the upper surface of the electrode assembly, spaced apart from one side.

10. The battery cell according to claim 8, in, The first segment and the second segment are each set to a semi-circular ring shape.

11. The battery cell according to claim 8, in, The first segment region and the second segment region are radially disposed on the electrode assembly.

12. The battery cell according to claim 8, in, The first segment region and the second segment region are alternately disposed on the electrode assembly.

13. The battery cell according to claim 8, in, The first and second segment regions are arranged in a fan shape.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 14.

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