Battery cell, method for manufacturing a battery cell, battery pack comprising a battery cell, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery cell according to the present application includes: an electrode assembly in which a separator is interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, the electrode assembly being wound around a winding center hole; a can case accommodating the electrode assembly and having an opening at one side thereof; a cover plate covering the opening and having a gas discharge portion configured to be broken when internal pressure increases; a first current collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode; and a first electrode terminal provided through the cover plate, electrically connected to the first current collector plate, and having the same polarity as the first electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell. More specifically, it relates to a battery cell that facilitates bottom cooling, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0191675, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones has grown rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, and other related technologies has accelerated. Therefore, active research is underway on high-performance rechargeable batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging.

[0004] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, nickel-zinc (NiZn) batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among them, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages over nickel-based batteries, namely, the absence of memory effect, flexible charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries typically use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, a lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an outer casing. In the electrode assembly, a separator is disposed between the positive and negative electrode plates, which are respectively coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials. The outer casing stores the electrode assembly and electrolyte in a sealed manner.

[0006] Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be categorized into pouch-type and can-type batteries based on the shape of their casing. In pouch-type batteries, the electrode assembly is housed within a pouch of aluminum laminates; in can-type batteries, the electrode assembly is housed within a metal can. Furthermore, can-type batteries can be further classified into cylindrical and prismatic batteries based on the shape of the metal can. Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used as battery modules or battery packs, which are obtained by directly or in a mounted state on a bracket, overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells into a compact structure to provide high voltage and high current, and then electrically connecting them.

[0007] When using conventional cylindrical battery cells to assemble battery packs, bottom cooling is difficult to achieve. In conventional cylindrical battery cells, different electrodes can be located at opposite ends of the can, or they can be located together at one end of the can. In the former case, due to interference between the electrodes located at opposite ends of the can, it is difficult to place cooling components at either end of the can. In the latter case, although the electrodes are located together at one end of the can, the exhaust section for venting is located at the other end of the can, and a specific exhaust path or exhaust space must be provided at the exhaust section. Therefore, similar to the former case, it is difficult to place cooling components at either end of the can. Therefore, in battery packs that include conventional cylindrical battery cells, it is necessary to primarily use side cooling methods that cool the sides of the battery cells. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure aims to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell that facilitates bottom cooling, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

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

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell is provided, comprising: an electrode assembly configured by winding a first electrode and a second electrode around a central hole with a separator inserted therebetween; a can housing configured to receive the electrode assembly and having an opening on one side; a cover plate configured to cover the opening and having a vent, the vent being configured to rupture upon an increase in internal pressure; a first current collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode; and a first electrode terminal disposed through the cover plate and electrically connected to the first current collector plate, the first electrode terminal having the same polarity as the first electrode.

[0013] The battery cell according to this disclosure may further include a second electrode terminal, the second electrode terminal having the same polarity as the second electrode, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal may be respectively disposed at the opening.

[0014] The cover plate can be configured to be non-polar.

[0015] The outer shell of the can may also include a crimping portion that extends inward and bends at the end of the opening to seal the cover plate, and the crimping portion may serve as the second electrode terminal.

[0016] The battery cell according to this disclosure may further include: a first insulating gasket configured to insulate the first electrode terminal and the cover plate from each other; and a second insulating gasket configured to insulate the crimped portion and the cover plate from each other.

[0017] The exhaust section can be formed by an exhaust cutout formed by slotting, and the first electrode terminal can be disposed through the exhaust section.

[0018] The first current collector plate may have electrode tabs that can be welded to the first electrode terminal.

[0019] The first current collector plate may have hollow holes for injecting electrolyte.

[0020] The battery cell according to this disclosure may also include an insulator configured to insulate the first current collector plate and the can housing from each other.

[0021] The battery cell according to this disclosure may further include a second current collector plate electrically connected to the second electrode, and the second current collector plate may be arranged in a flat form.

[0022] The tank shell may also include a closure on the other side, and the second manifold plate may be welded face-to-face with the closure.

[0023] The closure may have a flat outer surface.

[0024] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a battery cell is provided, the battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly configured by winding a first electrode and a second electrode around a central hole with a separator inserted therebetween; a can housing configured to receive the electrode assembly and having an opening on one side; a cover plate configured to cover the opening and having a vent configured to rupture upon an increase in internal pressure; a first current collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode; and a first electrode terminal disposed through the cover plate and electrically connected to the first current collector plate, the first electrode terminal having the same polarity as the first electrode, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving the electrode assembly in the can housing; (b) injecting an electrolyte into the electrode assembly; and (c) welding the first current collector plate and the first electrode terminal to each other.

[0025] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to this disclosure is provided.

[0026] The battery pack according to this disclosure may further include a cooling component disposed at a location in the battery cell other than the opening.

[0027] In another aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes at least one battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] This disclosure aims to address the problems of the prior art, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell that facilitates bottom cooling, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0030] According to this disclosure, a battery cell that facilitates bottom cooling, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell can be provided.

[0031] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell with improved electrical stability, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell can be provided.

[0032] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell capable of effectively preventing heat transfer phenomena in the event of a thermal event, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell can be provided.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell that is easy to inject electrolyte, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell can be provided.

[0034] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell with improved energy density, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell can be provided.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell with enhanced rigidity, a method for manufacturing the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell can be provided.

[0036] The effects that can be obtained from 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 following description of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are intended to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to these drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a side view showing an electrode in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper part of the battery cell.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing a first current collector plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the upper part of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower part of the battery cell.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a plan view showing a second current collector plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 9 Shown from different directions Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery cell.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack, with cooling components placed below the battery cells.

[0050] Figure 13 It is a plan view showing the inside of the battery pack, where cooling components are placed on the side of the battery cells.

[0051] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define terms for the best interpretation.

[0053] Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0054] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the X-axis and Y-axis directions may correspond to the left-right and front-back directions, or the front-back and left-right directions, respectively, and the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the XY plane, may correspond to the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a side view showing the electrodes in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper part of the battery cell.

[0056] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 4 A detailed description of a battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly 10, a can housing 20, a cover plate 30, a first current collector 40, and a first electrode terminal T1.

[0057] The electrode assembly 10 may have electrodes 11 and a diaphragm 12. Electrodes 11 may include electrodes with different polarities. Specifically, electrodes 11 may include a first electrode 11a and a second electrode 11b. The first electrode 11a may have a first polarity, and the second electrode 11b may have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be positive, and the second polarity may be negative. The diaphragm 12 may be inserted between the electrodes 11 with different polarities. The diaphragm 12 may be inserted between the first electrode 11a and the second electrode 11b. The diaphragm 12 may be an insulator.

[0058] The electrode assembly 10 may have a wound core structure. That is, the electrode assembly 10 can be manufactured by winding a stack formed by stacking a sheet-shaped first electrode 11a and a sheet-shaped second electrode 11b at least once with a diaphragm 12 inserted therebetween around a central hole C. Any wound core structure known in the art can be applied to this disclosure without limitation.

[0059] Electrode 11 may have a coated portion 111 and an uncoated portion 112. The coated portion 111 may be a portion on at least one surface of electrode 11 on which an active material layer is laminated. For example, a positive electrode active material may be laminated on the coated portion 111 of the first electrode 11a, and a negative electrode active material may be laminated on the coated portion 111 of the second electrode 11b.

[0060] The uncoated portion 112 can be a portion of the electrode 11 where the active material is not laminated. The electrode 11 can have a predetermined length and width, and the uncoated portion 112 can be formed on one long side of the electrode 11. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the uncoated portion 112 can be formed on the long side in the Z-axis direction. The uncoated portion 112 of the first electrode 11a can be as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it is formed on the long side in the +Z direction. The uncoated portion 112 of the second electrode 11b can be different from... Figure 3 It is formed on the long side in the -Z direction.

[0061] At least a portion of the uncoated portion 112 may be exposed to the outside of the diaphragm 12. The uncoated portion 112 may be used as a tab of the electrode 11.

[0062] The uncoated portion 112 may have multiple foil tabs 113. The foil tabs 113 may be exposed to the outside of the diaphragm 12. The multiple foil tabs 113 may be arranged from the winding center hole C side toward the outer periphery (e.g., Figure 3 The foil tabs 113 are arranged in a row (on the +X direction side). Multiple foil tabs 113 can be formed by at least one cutout 114 formed by a slot. However, in Figure 3 In the illustration, multiple foil tabs 113 are depicted as increasing in length from the central hole C toward the outer periphery, but this is merely an example, and the length, shape, number, and arrangement of the foil tabs 113 are not limited thereto and can be implemented in various modifications in accordance with the technical concept.

[0063] Electrode 11 may have an insulating coating portion 115. The insulating coating portion 115 may be provided at the boundary between the uncoated portion 112 and the coated portion 111. When electrode 11 is the first electrode 11a, the insulating coating portion 115 may be provided, and the coated portions 111 of the first electrode 11a and the second electrode 11b may be prevented from contacting each other.

[0064] Unless otherwise stated, the description of electrode 11 in the following and above texts may be applied to both the first electrode 11a and the second electrode 11b.

[0065] The electrode assembly 10 can be housed within the can housing 20. The can housing 20 can have a receiving space for accommodating the electrode assembly 10. The can housing 20 can be configured, for example, as a hollow cylinder to accommodate the electrode assembly 10. An opening 21 can be formed on one side of the can housing 20 (e.g., the +Z direction side).

[0066] The cover plate 30 can be configured to cover the opening 21. The cover plate 30 can be disposed in the opening 21. The cover plate 30 can be disposed in the opening 21 in a sealed state. The cover plate 30 can be configured as a generally circular plate.

[0067] The cover plate 30 may have a vent 31. The vent 31 may be configured to rupture when the internal pressure increases. Specifically, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 1, the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 may increase, and the vent 31 may rupture due to the increased internal pressure, and exhaust gas containing high-temperature gas, etc., can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 1 through the ruptured vent 31.

[0068] The first current collector plate 40 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 11a of the electrode assembly 10. Specifically, the first current collector plate 40 can be electrically connected to a plurality of foil tabs 113 disposed on the first electrode 11a. The first current collector plate 40 can be a positive current collector plate. The first current collector plate 40 can be disposed, for example, on one side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., the +Z direction side).

[0069] The first electrode terminal T1 may have the same polarity as the first electrode 11a. That is, the first electrode terminal T1 may have a first polarity.

[0070] The first electrode terminal T1 can be disposed at the cover plate 30. The first electrode terminal T1 can be disposed through the cover plate 30. For example, the first electrode terminal T1 can be disposed approximately through the center of the cover plate 30.

[0071] The first electrode terminal T1 can be provided in the form of a rivet. The first electrode terminal T1 can be configured such that at least a portion of it penetrates through the cover plate 30 and faces the interior of the can housing 20. Another portion of the first electrode terminal T1 can be exposed and protrude to the exterior of the battery cell 1.

[0072] The first electrode terminal T1 can be electrically connected to the first current collector plate 40. As described above, the first current collector plate 40 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 11a, therefore the first electrode terminal T1 can have the same polarity as the first electrode 11a. The first electrode terminal T1 can have a first polarity. The first electrode terminal T1 can be configured as a positive electrode terminal.

[0073] Since the battery cell 1 according to the embodiments of this disclosure is configured as described above, bottom cooling is advantageous.

[0074] Specifically, the exhaust path or exhaust space for discharging exhaust gas can be provided on the side of the battery cell 1 where the exhaust section 31 is provided (e.g., the +Z direction side). Since the first electrode terminal T1 can be provided at the cover plate 30 having the exhaust section 31, the device for cooling the battery cell 1 (e.g., referred to later) Figure 12 and Figure 13 The cooling component (CL) described herein can be easily arranged on the other side of the battery cell 1 (e.g., the -Z direction side). Furthermore, since the other side of the battery cell 1 can form the bottom of the battery cell 1, the battery cell 1 according to the embodiment of this disclosure can easily achieve so-called bottom cooling (which cools the bottom of the battery cell 1).

[0075] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1 may further include a second electrode terminal T2. The second electrode terminal T2 may have the same polarity as the second electrode 11b. The second electrode terminal T2 may have a second polarity. The second electrode terminal T2 may be configured as a negative electrode terminal.

[0076] The outer shell 20 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 11b to have a second polarity and can be used as the second electrode terminal T2.

[0077] The first electrode terminal T1 and the second electrode terminal T2 can be respectively arranged at the opening 21. That is, the first electrode terminal T1 and the second electrode terminal T2 can be arranged together on one side of the battery cell 1.

[0078] If the battery cell 1 is configured as described above, the first electrode terminal T1 and the second electrode terminal T2 of different polarities can be arranged together on one side of the battery cell 1. The advantage is that electrical connections between different battery cells 1 or between one or more battery cells 1 and external electrical devices can be made easily and efficiently. On the other side of the battery cell 1, components such as devices for cooling the battery cell 1 can be arranged with minimal interference, thereby ensuring easier bottom cooling.

[0079] The cover plate 30 can be configured to be non-polar. That is, the cover plate 30 can be configured to be non-polar, without a first polarity or a second polarity. The cover plate 30 may not be electrically connected to the first electrode 11a and the second electrode 11b.

[0080] If the cover plate 30 is configured as described above, the first electrode terminal T1 and the outer shell 20, or the first electrode terminal T1 and the second electrode terminal T2, can be effectively insulated from each other by the cover plate 30, thereby improving the electrical stability of the battery cell 1.

[0081] The can housing 20 may also have a crimping portion 23. The crimping portion 23 may be located at the end of the can housing 20 near the opening 21. The crimping portion 23 may be located at one end of the can housing 20 (+Z direction side). The crimping portion 23 may be configured as a sealing cover 30. The crimping portion 23 may cover at least a portion of the opening 21 of the can housing 20. The crimping portion 23 may be configured to cover a portion of the edge of the cover 30. The crimping portion 23 may have an inwardly extending and bent shape. The process of extending and bending the end of the opening 21 of the can housing 20 inward to form the crimping portion 23 can be referred to as a crimping process.

[0082] The crimping portion 23 can be used as a second electrode terminal T2. As described above, the can housing 20 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 11b, and the crimping portion 23, which is part of the can housing 20, can be electrically connected to the second electrode 11b and used as a second electrode terminal T2.

[0083] If the battery cell 1 is configured as described above, the first electrode terminal T1 and the second electrode terminal T2 can be effectively disposed on one side of the battery cell 1. Furthermore, when viewed along the axial direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) of the winding center hole C, the crimping portion 23 can form the edge of one side of the battery cell 1, the first electrode terminal T1 can be arranged approximately at the center of the battery cell 1, and the cover plate 30 can be disposed between the crimping portion 23 and the first electrode terminal T1 such that the crimping portion 23 and the first electrode terminal T1 are separated by a predetermined distance, thereby effectively insulating the second electrode terminal T2 and the first electrode terminal T1.

[0084] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1 may include a first insulating washer G1 and a second insulating washer G2.

[0085] The first insulating washer G1 insulates the first electrode terminal T1 and the cover plate 30 from each other. The first insulating washer G1 may contain insulating material. The first insulating washer G1 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the first electrode terminal T1. The space between the first electrode terminal T1 and the cover plate 30 may be sealed by the first insulating washer G1.

[0086] The second insulating washer G2 insulates the crimped portion 23 and the cover plate 30 from each other. The second insulating washer G2 may contain insulating material. The second insulating washer G2 may be positioned around the edge of the cover plate 30. The second insulating washer G2 can be pressed and fixed to the crimped portion 23 during the aforementioned crimping process. The space between the cover plate 30 and the crimped portion 23 can be sealed by the second insulating washer G2.

[0087] If the battery cell 1 further includes a first insulating washer G1 and a second insulating washer G2 as described above, it can effectively insulate the first electrode terminal T1 and the cover plate 30, as well as the crimping part 23 and the cover plate 30, and can effectively seal the space between the first electrode terminal T1 and the cover plate 30 and between the crimping part 23 and the cover plate 30.

[0088] Additionally, the outer casing 20 may also include a rolled edge portion 24. The rolled edge portion 24 can be formed by recessing inward from a side near the end of the outer casing 20 close to the opening 21. The rolled edge portion 24 can secure the electrode assembly 10. The recessed process for forming the rolled edge portion 24 can be referred to as the rolling edge process. When manufacturing the battery cell 1, the rolling edge process can be performed before the crimping process.

[0089] The second insulating washer G2 can be pressed and fixed by the crimping part 23 and the rolled edge part 24, because the upper part is pressed by the crimping part 23 and the lower part is pressed by the rolled edge part 24.

[0090] The exhaust portion 31 can be formed by an exhaust cutout portion 32. The exhaust portion 31 can be a portion of the cover plate 30 located inside the exhaust cutout portion 32. The exhaust cutout portion 32 can be formed by slotting in the cover plate 30. The exhaust cutout portion 32 can be formed inside the cover plate 30. The exhaust cutout portion 32 can be formed to be generally circular, therefore the exhaust portion 31 can also be formed to be generally circular. The exhaust cutout portion 32 can be formed at a predetermined distance from the first electrode terminal T1.

[0091] The vent cutout 32 can be designed to be easily ruptured. Therefore, if the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 increases, the vent cutout 32 may rupture.

[0092] The first electrode terminal T1 can be arranged through the exhaust section 31. The first electrode terminal T1 can be arranged through the center of the exhaust section 31.

[0093] If the vent 31 is formed by the vent cutout 32 as described above, the vent 31 may rupture when the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 increases. Furthermore, if the first electrode terminal T1 is arranged in the vent 31, the first electrode terminal T1 can be easily separated from the battery cell 1 when the vent 31 ruptures due to increased internal pressure. Therefore, effective venting can be achieved when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 1, and heat transfer can be effectively prevented.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing a first current collector plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] The following will refer to Figure 5 The first current collector plate of the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0096] The first current collector plate 40 may include electrode tabs 41. The electrode tabs 41 may be configured to extend radially. The electrode tabs 41 may extend from the outer periphery of the first current collector plate 40.

[0097] Electrode tab 41 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal T1. Electrode tab 41 can be soldered to the first electrode terminal T1. Electrode tab 41 and the first electrode terminal T1 can be soldered to the outside of the battery cell 1.

[0098] The first current collector plate 40 may have a first electrode connection portion 42. The first electrode connection portion 42 may be a portion electrically connected to the first electrode 11a. The first electrode connection portion 42 may be soldered to the foil tab 113 of the first electrode 11a.

[0099] One end of the electrode tab 41 can be connected to the outer periphery of the first electrode connection portion 42. The other end of the electrode tab 41 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal T1. One end of the electrode tab 41 can be bent near the outer periphery of the first electrode connection portion 42, so that when viewed from the winding central axis or the Z-axis direction, the other end of the electrode tab 41 can be arranged in the center, thereby allowing the other end of the electrode tab 41 to be easily connected to the first electrode terminal T1.

[0100] If the first current collector plate 40 has electrode tabs 41 as described above, the first current collector plate 40 has the advantage of being able to effectively connect to the first electrode 11a and the first electrode terminal T1, respectively.

[0101] The first current collector plate 40 may have a hollow hole 43. The hollow hole 43 may be located approximately at the center of the first current collector plate 40. The center of the hollow hole 43 may coincide with the center of the winding center hole C. The hollow hole 43 may be configured for injecting electrolyte. The hollow hole 43 may be a hole capable of injecting electrolyte into the electrode assembly 10.

[0102] If the first current collector plate 40 has a hollow hole 43, the electrolyte can be easily injected into the electrode assembly 10 through the hollow hole 43.

[0103] The first current collector plate 40 can simultaneously have electrode tabs 41 and hollow holes 43.

[0104] Figure 6 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the upper part of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] The following will refer to Figure 6 A battery cell 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. The battery cell 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may also include an insulator 50.

[0106] The insulator 50 may be configured to insulate the first manifold plate 40 and the tank housing 20 from each other. The insulator 50 may contain insulating material.

[0107] An insulator 50 may be disposed between the first current collector plate 40 and the can housing 20. The insulator 50 may cover the area adjacent to the outer periphery of the first current collector plate 40. For example, the insulator 50 may cover a portion of the upper surface of the first current collector plate 40 in the area adjacent to its outer periphery. In this case, the insulator 50 may be disposed between the upper surface of the first current collector plate 40 and the lower surface of the rolled edge 24. Furthermore, for example, the insulator 50 may be disposed between the upper surface of the electrode assembly 10 and the inner surface of the can housing 20.

[0108] Meanwhile, the insulator 50 can be configured to be open at the center. The electrode tab 41 can be connected to the first electrode terminal T1 through the open center of the insulator 50.

[0109] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1 also includes an insulator 50, which can effectively insulate the first current collector 40 and the can housing 20 from each other.

[0110] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower part of the battery cell. Figure 8 This is a plan view showing a second current collector plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 Shown from different directions Figure 1 A perspective view of the battery cell.

[0111] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The battery cell 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0112] The battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second current collector 60. The second current collector 60 may be electrically connected to the second electrode 11b of the electrode assembly 10. Specifically, the second current collector 60 may be electrically connected to a plurality of foil tabs 113 disposed on the second electrode 11b. The second current collector 60 may be a negative current collector. The second current collector 60 may, for example, be arranged on the other side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., the -Z direction side).

[0113] The second current collector plate 60 can be electrically connected to the can housing 20. Since the can housing 20 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 11b, the can housing 20 can have a second polarity and be used as the second electrode terminal T2.

[0114] The second manifold plate 60 can be configured to have a flat shape. For example, the second manifold plate 60 can be configured to have a shape parallel to the XY plane.

[0115] The second current collector plate 60 may have a second electrode connection portion 61 and a cover portion 62. The second electrode connection portion 61 may be a portion connected to the second electrode 11b. The cover portion 62 is a region located approximately at the center of the second current collector plate 60 or the second electrode connection portion 61, and may cover the wound center hole C. The second electrode connection portion 61 and the cover portion 62 may be configured as a flat shape forming a continuous plane.

[0116] If the second current collector 60 is configured as described above, it can be configured as a non-bridging structure. Specifically, in conventional battery cells, the negative current collector corresponding to the second current collector is configured with a bridging member bent at a predetermined angle to connect with the rolled edge of the can housing. However, the battery cell 1 according to this disclosure does not require a rolled edge 24 at the second current collector 60, so the second current collector 60 can be configured as a flat form without a bridging member. If the second current collector 60 is configured as a flat, non-bridging structure as described above, the contact area between the second current collector 60 and the electrode assembly 10 is maximized, and the empty space within the can housing 20 is reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the battery cell 1.

[0117] The outer shell 20 may also have a closure 22. An opening 21 may be formed on the other side of the outer shell 20 (e.g., the -Z direction side).

[0118] The second manifold plate 60 can be welded face-to-face to the closure portion 22. Specifically, the bottom surface of the second manifold plate 60 can be welded face-to-face to the inner upper surface of the closure portion 22. Welding can be performed on the outside of the closure portion 22.

[0119] If the second current collector plate 60 is welded face-to-face with the sealing portion 22 as described above, the second current collector plate 60 and the sealing portion 22 can be connected through the widest area, thereby improving the electrical stability of the battery cell 1 and enhancing the rigidity of the battery cell 1.

[0120] The closure portion 22 may have a flat outer surface. Specifically, the outer surface located on the lower side of the closure portion 22 may have a flat surface parallel to the XY plane.

[0121] In this case, the device for cooling the battery cell 1, etc., can effectively contact the closed part 22 of the can housing 20 over a large area.

[0122] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] The following will refer to Figure 10 A method for manufacturing battery cell 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0124] The method for manufacturing battery cell 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include steps (a), (b) and (c).

[0125] Step (a) may be the step of accommodating the electrode assembly 10 within the can housing 20. The electrode assembly 10 may be accommodated within the interior space of the can housing 20 through the opening 21.

[0126] Step (b) may be the step of injecting electrolyte into the electrode assembly 10. Step (b) may be performed with the first current collector 40 connected to the electrode assembly 10, and in this case, the electrolyte may be injected through the hollow hole 43 of the first current collector 40. Step (b) may be performed after the crimping process.

[0127] Step (c) may be a step of welding the first current collector plate 40 and the first electrode terminal T1 to each other. In step (c), the electrode tabs 41 of the first current collector plate 40 can be welded to the first electrode terminal T1.

[0128] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a side view showing the interior of the battery pack, where cooling components are located below the battery cells, and Figure 13 It is a plan view showing the inside of the battery pack, where cooling components are placed on the side of the battery cells.

[0129] Reference Figure 11 The battery pack 3 according to this disclosure may include at least one battery cell 1 according to this disclosure. The battery pack 3 may include a battery pack housing 2 that houses at least one battery cell 1.

[0130] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of illustration, components such as the busbar electrical connection of battery cell 1, cooling unit, and external terminals are omitted. The structure of the plurality of battery cells 1 used to manufacture the battery pack 3 has been described above by way of example.

[0131] Meanwhile, the battery pack housing 2 of the battery pack 3 according to this disclosure can be as follows: Figure 11 The battery pack housing 2 has a predetermined length, width, and height in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, but the shape of the battery pack housing 2 is not limited to these.

[0132] Additionally, the battery pack 3 according to this disclosure may also include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells 1, such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., although not shown.

[0133] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13According to this disclosure, the battery pack 3 may include a cooling component CL. The cooling component CL can cool the battery cells 1. A cooling medium can flow inside the cooling component CL.

[0134] The cooling component CL can be located in a position other than the opening 21 of the battery cell 1.

[0135] For example, the cooling component CL can be as follows Figure 12 The shown configuration is located at the enclosure 22 of the battery cell 1. The battery cell 1 can be configured such that the opening 21 faces upward. In this case, if the cooling member CL is located at the enclosure 22 of the battery cell 1, the cooling member CL can be located below the battery cell 1. At least a portion of the cooling member CL can contact the enclosure 22 of the battery cell 1.

[0136] As described above, the cooling component CL can be arranged on the bottom side inside the battery pack 3, thereby achieving so-called bottom cooling of the battery pack 3. The battery pack 3 according to this disclosure includes the battery cell 1 according to this disclosure, thus bottom cooling can be easily achieved.

[0137] For example, the cooling component CL can be as follows Figure 13 The cooling components CL are arranged on the side of the battery cell 1 as shown. That is, if the battery cells 1 are arranged in columns and / or rows in the XY plane, the cooling components CL can be arranged on the side of the battery cell 1 in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. The battery cell 1 can be arranged as follows... Figure 12 The arrangement shown allows the opening 21 to face upwards. At least a portion of the cooling member CL can contact the side of the battery cell 1.

[0138] As described above, since the cooling component CL is arranged inside the battery pack 3 on the side of the battery cell 1, so-called side cooling of the battery pack 3 can be achieved. The battery pack 3 according to this disclosure includes the battery cell 1 according to this disclosure, and therefore side cooling can be easily achieved.

[0139] also, Figure 12 and Figure 13 Combinations are also possible. That is, in the battery pack 3, the cooling components CL can be arranged at the enclosure 22 of the battery cell 1 and on the side of the battery cell 1, respectively. In this case, bottom-side cooling of the battery pack 3 can be achieved.

[0140] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Reference Figure 14The battery pack 3 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a vehicle 4 such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle 4 according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack 3 according to the present disclosure. The battery pack 3 may be installed in the vehicle body frame under the vehicle seats or in the trunk space. In addition to the battery pack 3, the vehicle 4 according to the present disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle 4. For example, the vehicle 4 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include, in addition to the battery pack 3 according to the present disclosure, a body, a motor, control devices such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0142] Furthermore, it should be understood that, in addition to vehicle 4, battery pack 3 according to this disclosure can also be installed in other equipment, devices and apparatus (such as energy storage systems utilizing secondary batteries).

[0143] At the same time, although terms indicating direction such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “front,” and “back” are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms are merely for the convenience of explanation with reference to the accompanying drawings and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer’s position.

[0144] This disclosure has been described in detail. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of this disclosure, they are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0145] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0146] 1: Battery cells

[0147] 2: Battery pack casing

[0148] 3: Battery pack

[0149] 4: Vehicles

[0150] 10: Electrode assembly

[0151] 11: Electrode

[0152] 11a: First electrode

[0153] 11b: Second electrode

[0154] 111: Coating Section

[0155] 112: Uncoated area

[0156] 113: Foil tabs

[0157] 114: Incision site

[0158] 115: Insulation Coating Section

[0159] 12: Diaphragm

[0160] 20: Can outer shell

[0161] 21: Opening

[0162] 22: Enclosed section

[0163] 23: Crimping section

[0164] 24: Rolled edge

[0165] 30: Cover plate

[0166] 31: Exhaust section

[0167] 32: Exhaust cut

[0168] 40: First current collector plate

[0169] 41: Electrode tabs

[0170] 42: First electrode connection part

[0171] 43: Hollow hole

[0172] 50: Insulator

[0173] 60: Second manifold plate

[0174] 61: Second electrode connection part

[0175] 62: Covering section

[0176] C: Center hole of winding

[0177] T1: First electrode terminal

[0178] T2: Second electrode terminal

[0179] G1: First insulating washer

[0180] G2: Second insulating washer

[0181] CL: Cooling components

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: An electrode assembly configured by winding a first electrode and a second electrode around a central hole with a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode; A can housing configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and having an opening on one side; A cover plate configured to cover the opening and having a vent, the vent being configured to rupture when the internal pressure increases; The first current collector plate is electrically connected to the first electrode; as well as A first electrode terminal is disposed through the cover plate and electrically connected to the first current collector plate, and the first electrode terminal has the same polarity as the first electrode.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell further comprises: The second electrode terminal has the same polarity as the second electrode. The first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are respectively disposed at the opening.

3. The battery cell according to claim 2, in, The cover plate is configured to be non-polar.

4. The battery cell according to claim 2, in, The outer shell of the tank also includes a crimping portion that extends inward and bends at the end of the opening to seal the cover plate, and The crimping portion serves as the second electrode terminal.

5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein the battery cell further comprises: A first insulating washer is configured to insulate the first electrode terminal from the cover plate; as well as A second insulating washer is configured to insulate the crimped portion from the cover plate.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The exhaust section is formed by an exhaust cutout, which is formed by slotting. The first electrode terminal is disposed through the exhaust section.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first current collector plate has electrode tabs that can be soldered to the first electrode terminal.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first current collector plate has a hollow hole for electrolyte injection.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising: An insulator configured to insulate the first manifold plate from the outer shell of the tank.

10. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell further comprises: The second current collector plate is electrically connected to the second electrode. The second manifold plate is arranged in a flat form.

11. The battery cell according to claim 10, in, The outer shell of the can also include a closure on the other side, and The second current collector plate is welded face-to-face with the closure portion.

12. The battery cell according to claim 10, in, The closure has a flat outer surface.

13. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, the battery cell comprising: An electrode assembly configured by winding a first electrode and a second electrode around a central hole with a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode; a can housing configured to house the electrode assembly and having an opening on one side; and a cover plate configured to cover the opening. The first current collector plate is electrically connected to the first electrode; The method includes the following steps: and a first electrode terminal, the first electrode terminal being disposed through the cover plate and electrically connected to the first current collector plate, the first electrode terminal having the same polarity as the first electrode. (a) The electrode assembly is housed within the outer shell of the can; (b) Injecting electrolyte into the electrode assembly; and (c) Weld the first current collector plate and the first electrode terminal to each other.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. The battery pack according to claim 14, further comprising: A cooling component is disposed at a location in the battery cell other than the opening.

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

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