Battery cell and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present application can include an internal cell in which an electrode assembly is accommodated in a pouch-type outer material, a case that accommodates the internal cell and has higher rigidity than the outer material, an end cover that covers an end of the case and has an insulating material, and a pad that is tightly adhered between an inner surface of the case and an outer surface of the internal cell and elastically deforms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097194, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 23, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to a battery cell including an electrode assembly and a pouch-shaped outer packaging, and a method for manufacturing the battery cell. Background Technology

[0005] Rechargeable batteries are rechargeable and do not need to be replaced, making them suitable for use as built-in battery cells. As rechargeable batteries have rapidly improved in terms of stability and capacity, they are now used in a wide range of device applications.

[0006] For example, secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for multifunctional small products, such as wireless mobile devices or wearable devices designed to be worn on the body, as well as for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles or energy storage systems (ESS) proposed as an alternative to gasoline and diesel vehicles that cause air pollution.

[0007] Specifically, in order to use secondary batteries as a high-capacity, high-output energy source, battery modules or battery packs comprising multiple battery cells are being used. Since secondary batteries are used as a high-capacity, high-output energy source, ensuring their safety is crucial.

[0008] Battery cells can be categorized by shape into prismatic, pouch, and cylindrical types. Among these, pouch cells are relatively lightweight, have high energy density, and are highly versatile in design. However, while pouch cells have advantages in thickness and weight, they are susceptible to external impacts and pose a high risk of fire. In contrast, prismatic cells are relatively heavier but offer high resistance to external impacts and efficient heat dissipation.

[0009] As mentioned above, each type of battery cell has its own advantages and disadvantages, so product line diversification is desirable. Summary of the Invention Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure aims to provide a battery cell with improved safety that can be manufactured using a pouch cell, and a method for manufacturing the battery cell. Technical solution

[0011] A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an inner cell in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-shaped outer package; a housing that houses the inner cell and has higher rigidity than the outer package; an end cap that covers an end portion of the housing and has an insulating material; and a pad that is disposed in close contact between an inner surface of the housing and an outer surface of the inner cell and is configured to elastically deform.

[0012] The electrode leads of the internal unit can extend toward the end portion of the housing and protrude outward from the end cover.

[0013] The pad can be attached to the outer surface of the internal unit.

[0014] The pads may include a pair of pads positioned on the two sides of the inner unit in the thickness direction.

[0015] The end cap may have grooves through which electrode leads of the internal unit pass.

[0016] The end cap may include: a first end cap that covers a portion of the end portion of the housing; and a second end cap that covers another portion of the end portion of the housing, wherein the second end cap contacts the first end cap. Electrode leads of the internal unit may pass between the first and second end caps and protrude outside the housing.

[0017] At least one of the first end cap or the second end cap may have a groove through which the electrode leads pass.

[0018] An internal unit can be accommodated within the casing.

[0019] The housing may include: a base portion located at one side of the inner unit in the thickness direction; a pair of side portions facing each other and connected to the base portion in the width direction relative to the inner unit; and a cover portion facing the base portion, wherein the inner unit is positioned between the cover portion and the base portion, and the cover portion connects the pair of side portions.

[0020] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include the steps of: preparing an inner cell in which electrode assemblies are housed in a pouch-shaped outer package; attaching a pad having an elastically deformable material to the outer surface of the inner cell; and placing the inner cell having the attached pad in a housing assembly. The housing assembly may include: a housing that houses the inner cell and has higher rigidity than the outer package, wherein the housing is divided into a housing body and a housing cover; and an end cap that covers the end portion of the housing and has an insulating material.

[0021] The step of placing the internal unit in the housing assembly may include the following steps: assembling a first end cap to the housing body; placing the internal unit in the housing body, wherein the electrode leads of the internal unit protrude outward from the first end cap; assembling a second end cap to the first end cap and / or the housing body, wherein the electrode leads pass through the first end cap and the second end cap and protrude outward; and connecting the housing cap to the housing body. Beneficial effects

[0022] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the safety of the battery cell can be increased and the risk of fire can be reduced by using a rigid housing and vibration-absorbing pads.

[0023] In addition, the end caps that insulate the electrode leads make it easier to assemble the battery cells.

[0024] Furthermore, since it includes an internal unit that functions as a pouch-type battery cell, existing pouch-type battery cell production lines can be used.

[0025] Furthermore, the effects of this disclosure may include those that can be readily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configurations of exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used, together with the following detailed description, to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of a pouch-type battery cell.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The exploded perspective view of the battery cell shown is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 It shows separation from the internal unit. Figure 3 The diagram shows the pad.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The detailed flowchart of step S30 shown is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in full detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0034] In order to clearly describe this disclosure, irrelevant descriptions or detailed descriptions of related known techniques that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of this disclosure have been omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar elements when reference numerals are attached to elements in each figure.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted based on their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the basis of the principle that the inventors are allowed to properly define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, each component of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically depicted, and for ease of understanding, the dimensions of the components or the thickness of the wires may be exaggerated to some extent.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of a pouch-type battery cell.

[0038] The pouch-type battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, a pouch-shaped outer packaging 120, and electrode leads 130.

[0039] The electrode assembly 110 can be formed by arranging a positive electrode and a negative electrode with a separator inserted between them. That is, the electrode assembly 110 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes to insulate them from each other. The type of electrode assembly 110 may include a stacked type, a wound type, or a stacked and folded type, but is not limited thereto.

[0040] Electrode assembly 110 may include electrode tabs connected to electrode leads 130. Electrode tabs may be formed by cutting uncoated portions of each of the positive and negative electrodes or by connecting conductors to the uncoated portions.

[0041] Electrode leads 130 can be connected to electrode assembly 110, specifically to electrode tabs. Electrode leads 130 can protrude beyond the pouch-shaped outer packaging 120. Electrode leads 130 may include a pair of electrode leads electrically connected to positive and negative terminals. For example, as... Figure 1As shown, a pair of electrode leads 130 may protrude to both sides relative to the length direction of the pouch cell 100. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and the pair of electrode leads 130 may protrude side by side in the same direction.

[0042] The pouch-shaped outer packaging 120 can accommodate the electrode assembly 110. The pouch-shaped outer packaging 120 can be manufactured by forming a laminated sheet, and the laminated sheet can include a first resin layer (e.g., polypropylene) located at one outermost position, a second resin layer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) located at the other outermost position, and a metal layer (e.g., aluminum) located between the first resin layer and the second resin layer.

[0043] With its pouch-shaped outer packaging 120 configuration, the pouch-shaped battery cell 100 is relatively lightweight and has a high energy density, but it is susceptible to external impact and has a high risk of fire. This disclosure aims to provide a battery cell 10 designed to overcome these disadvantages, and a detailed description of the battery cell 10 will be provided below.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The exploded perspective view of the battery cell shown is as follows: Figure 4 It shows separation from the internal unit. Figure 3 The diagram shows the pad.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 10 may include an internal unit 100, a housing 200, an end cap 300, and a pad 400.

[0046] The internal unit 100 may include an electrode assembly 110 housed in a pouch-shaped outer packaging 120. That is, the internal unit 100 may be the pouch-shaped battery unit 100 described above, and refer to the above description.

[0047] The housing 200 can accommodate the internal unit 100 and has higher rigidity compared to the internal unit 100. Preferably, one internal unit 100 can be accommodated in the housing 200. Therefore, the battery unit 10 can replace the existing pouch-type battery unit. However, if necessary, multiple internal units 100 can be accommodated in the housing 200.

[0048] For example, the housing 200 can be made of a metallic material. That is, the housing 200 can be manufactured by processing and connecting metal plates. The thickness of the metal plate forming the housing 200 can be greater than the thickness of the laminated sheet that forms the bag-shaped outer packaging 120 of the inner unit 100.

[0049] Because the housing 200 has relatively high rigidity, it can protect the internal unit 100 from external impacts. In addition, the housing 200 can slow down or prevent the spread of flames and gases in the event of a fire caused by abnormal operation of the internal unit 100.

[0050] In addition, the housing 200 can be surface treated with a metal that is resistant to electrolyte corrosion (e.g., aluminum).

[0051] The housing 200 may have a shape conforming to the internal unit 100. More specifically, the housing 200 may have a shape parallel to the thickness direction of the internal unit 100. Figure 3 A predetermined thickness parallel to the Z-axis (in the model), and parallel to the width direction of the internal unit 100 (parallel to the Z-axis). Figure 3 A predetermined width parallel to the X-axis and parallel to the length direction of the inner unit 100. Figure 3 The predetermined length parallel to the Y-axis in the diagram. The thickness, width, and length of the housing 200 can increase in this order.

[0052] The housing 200 may have a shape surrounding the inner unit 100. The housing 200 may have openings at both ends covered by end caps 300, as described below.

[0053] More specifically, the housing 200 may include a base portion 210, a pair of side portions 220, and a cover portion 230.

[0054] The base portion 210 may be located in the thickness direction (parallel to) of the inner unit 100. Figure 3 It is located on one side of the Z-axis.

[0055] A pair of side portions 220 may be positioned relative to the width direction of the inner unit 100 (parallel to) Figure 3 The X-axis of the two parts are connected to the base portion 210 facing each other.

[0056] The cover portion 230 may face the base portion 210, wherein the inner unit 100 is positioned between the cover portion 230 and the base portion 210, and the cover portion 230 may connect to a pair of side portions 220.

[0057] The base portion 210 and the cover portion 230 may each be shaped like a plate facing the inner unit 100 in the thickness direction. The side portions 220 may each be shaped like a plate facing the inner unit 100 in the width direction. Based on... Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the directions shown, the base portion 210 may define the bottom surface of the housing 200, the side portion 220 may define the side of the housing 200, and the cover portion 230 may define the top surface of the housing 200.

[0058] The base portion 210, the pair of side portions 220 and the cover portion 230 may be separate corresponding components, but are not limited thereto, and at least some of the base portion 210, the pair of side portions 220 and the cover portion 230 may be connected as one unit.

[0059] The housing 200 can be divided into a housing body 201 and a housing cover 202. That is, the housing body 201 and the housing cover 202 can be detachably connected to each other. The housing body 201 may include some of the base portion 210, a pair of side portions 220 and a cover portion 230, and the housing cover 202 may include other portions.

[0060] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 201 may include a base portion 210 and a pair of side portions 220, and the housing cover 202 may include a cover portion 230.

[0061] Since the housing body 201 and the housing cover 202 are detachably connected to each other, the internal unit 100 can be easily inserted into the housing 200 and the end cover 300 can be assembled, as described below.

[0062] Meanwhile, the end cap 300 can cover the end portion of the housing 200. More specifically, the housing 200 may have an opening at its end in the longitudinal direction, and the end cap 300 can cover that opening.

[0063] End caps 300 may include a pair of end caps for covering two end portions of housing 200. Each end cap 300 may have an insulating material. For example, end caps 300 may include a polymer resin material such as polypropylene. Thus, end caps 300 may insulate the electrode leads 130 of internal unit 100 from housing 200.

[0064] More specifically, each end cover 300 may include a first end cover 310 covering a portion of the end portion of the housing 200 and a second end cover 320 covering another portion of the end portion of the housing 200. The first end cover 310 and the second end cover 320 may contact each other. The first end cover 310 and the second end cover 320 may be arranged along the thickness direction of the inner unit 100. The first end cover 310 and the second end cover 320 may extend along the width direction of the inner unit 100.

[0065] In other words, the first end cover 310 and the second end cover 320 can together cover the opening at the end of the housing 200.

[0066] The electrode leads 130 of the internal unit 100 can pass between the first end cap 310 and the second end cap 320 and protrude outside the housing 200. Therefore, the electrode leads 130 can be connected to an external load located outside the housing 200. In addition, the internal unit 100 and the end caps 300 can be easily assembled.

[0067] The end cap 300 may have recesses 310a and 320a through which electrode leads 120 of the internal unit 100 pass. More specifically, at least one of the first end cap 310 or the second end cap 320 may have recesses 310a and 320a through which electrode leads 130 pass. For example, the first end cap 310 may have a first recess 310a, and the second end cap 320 may have a second recess 320a. The first recess 310a and the second recess 320a may face each other to together form a hole through which the electrode leads 130 pass. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and only one of the first recess 310a or the second recess 320a may be formed.

[0068] Meanwhile, the pad 400 can be positioned tightly between the inner surface of the housing 200 and the outer surface of the internal unit 100, and configured to be elastically deformable. The pad 400 can be a foam pad made of an elastically deformable material such as polyurethane.

[0069] More specifically, when the inner unit 100 expands, the pad 400 can be compressed between the inner surface of the housing 200 and the outer surface of the inner unit 100. Therefore, the pad 400 can suppress the expansion of the inner unit 100. In addition, the pad 400 can protect the inner unit 100 from external impacts.

[0070] The size of the pad 400 may be the same as or similar to the size of the electrode assembly 110 of the inner unit 100. The pad 400 may be attached to the outer surface of the inner unit 100, specifically to the outer surface of the outer packaging 120. That is, an adhesive layer may be present between the pad 400 and the outer packaging 120.

[0071] The pad 400 may include a pair of pads 400 positioned at two sides of the inner unit 100 in the thickness direction. More specifically, the pads 400 may be attached to two surfaces of the inner unit 100.

[0072] With the above-described configuration of the battery cell 10, the battery cell 10 can have the advantages of safety against external impacts and a lower risk of fire.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to another embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The detailed flowchart of step S30 shown is shown.

[0074] In the following, as another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing the battery cell 100 described above will be described.

[0075] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "manufacturing method") may include the following steps: (S10) preparing an inner cell 100 in which an electrode assembly 110 is housed in a pouch-shaped outer packaging 120; (S20) attaching a pad 400 having an elastically deformable material to the outer surface of the inner cell 100; and (S30) placing the inner cell 100 having the attached pad 400 in a housing assembly. The housing assembly may include a housing 200 and an end cap 300. That is, the housing 200 and the end cap 300 assembled together may form a housing assembly.

[0076] The step (S10) of preparing the internal unit 100 can be the same as the manufacturing of existing pouch cell units. That is, there is an advantage in utilizing the production facilities used to manufacture existing pouch cell units.

[0077] In step (S20) of attaching the pad 400 to the inner unit 100, the pad 400 can be attached to two surfaces of the inner unit 100 in the thickness direction. Therefore, the inner unit 100 and the pad 400 can be easily placed in the housing assembly.

[0078] The step (S30) of placing the internal unit 100 with the attached pad 400 in the housing assembly may include the following steps: (S31) assembling the first end cap 310 to the housing body 201; (S32) placing the internal unit 100 in the housing body 201; (S33) assembling the second end cap 320 to the first end cap 310 and / or the housing body 201; and (S34) attaching the housing cover 202 to the housing body 201.

[0079] In step (S31) of assembling the first end cap 310 to the housing body 201, the first end cap 310 may be assembled to the end portion of the housing body 201.

[0080] In step (S32) of placing the internal unit 100 in the housing body 201, the electrode leads 130 of the internal unit 100 may protrude outward from the first end cover 310. More specifically, a portion of the electrode leads 130 may be located on the first groove 310a of the first end cover 310, and another portion may protrude outward from the first end cover 310. Additionally, a pad 400 attached to one surface of the internal unit 100 may contact the inner surface of the base portion 210 of the housing body 201.

[0081] In step (S33) of assembling the second end cap 320 to the first end cap 310 and / or the housing body 201, the electrode lead 130 may pass through the first end cap 310 and the second end cap 320 and protrude outwards. More specifically, the electrode lead 130 may pass through the first groove 310a and / or the second groove 320a and protrude outwards. Additionally, the first end cap 310 and the second end cap 320 may be positioned to contact each other.

[0082] In step (S34) of attaching the housing cover 202 to the housing body 201, the pad 400 attached to the other surface of the inner unit 100 may contact the inner surface of the covering portion 230 of the housing cover 202.

[0083] Through a series of processes, the internal unit 100 can be easily housed within the housing assembly. In other words, there is an advantage that the battery unit 100 can be easily manufactured using existing pouch-type battery units.

[0084] Although the foregoing has been provided to describe the technical aspects of this disclosure by way of illustration, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the essential features of this disclosure.

[0085] Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are provided to describe the technical aspects of this disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting, and the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0086] The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be interpreted by the appended claims, and it should be understood that the scope of protection of this disclosure covers all technical aspects within the equivalent scope.

[0087] [List of reference numerals]

[0088] 10: Battery Unit

[0089] 100: Internal Unit

[0090] 110: Electrode assembly

[0091] 120: Bag-shaped outer packaging

[0092] 130: Electrode lead

[0093] 200: Housing

[0094] 201: Shell Body

[0095] 202: Housing cover

[0096] 210: Base section

[0097] 220: Side section

[0098] 230: Coverage area

[0099] 300: End cap

[0100] 310: First end cap

[0101] 320: Second end cap

[0102] 400: Pad

Claims

1. A battery cell, comprising: An internal unit, in which the electrode assembly is housed within a pouch-shaped outer package; A housing that accommodates the internal unit and has higher rigidity compared to the outer packaging; An end cap that covers the end portion of the housing and has an insulating material; as well as A pad, which is configured to fit tightly between the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the inner unit and is designed to be elastically deformable.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The electrode leads of the internal unit extend toward the end portion of the housing and protrude outward from the end cover.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The pad is attached to the outer surface of the internal unit.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The pads include a pair of pads positioned on the two sides of the inner unit in the thickness direction.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The end cap has a groove through which the electrode leads of the internal unit pass.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The end cap includes: A first end cap, the first end cap covering a portion of the end portion of the housing; and A second end cap covers another portion of the end portion of the housing, wherein the second end cap contacts the first end cap, and The electrode leads of the internal unit pass between the first end cover and the second end cover and protrude outside the housing.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, in, At least one of the first end cap or the second end cap has a groove through which the electrode lead passes.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, An internal unit is housed within the housing.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The housing includes: The base portion is located on one side of the inner unit in the thickness direction; A pair of side portions, the pair of side portions facing each other in the width direction relative to the inner unit and connected to the base portion; and A covering portion facing the base portion, wherein the inner unit is positioned between the covering portion and the base portion, and the covering portion connects the pair of side portions.

10. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method comprising the following steps: An internal unit in which the electrode assembly is housed within a bag-shaped outer packaging is fabricated; A pad made of elastically deformable material is attached to the outer surface of the internal unit; as well as The internal unit with the attached pad is placed in the housing assembly. in, The housing assembly includes: A housing that houses the internal unit and has higher rigidity compared to the outer packaging, wherein the housing is divided into a housing body and a housing cover; as well as An end cap that covers the end portion of the housing and has an insulating material.

11. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 10, in, The steps of placing the internal unit in the housing assembly include the following steps: Assemble the first end cap to the housing body; The internal unit is housed in the housing body, wherein the electrode leads of the internal unit protrude outward from the first end cover; Assemble the second end cap to the first end cap and / or the housing body, wherein the electrode leads pass between the first end cap and the second end cap and protrude outwards; and The housing cover is attached to the housing body.

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