Battery cell and insulator applied to battery cell, and battery pack and vehicle including battery cell

Abstract

A battery cell, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell are provided, the battery cell including: a battery can provided with a side wall member, a bottom member connected to one axial end portion of the side wall member, and an opening portion provided at the other axial end portion of the side wall member; an electrode assembly accommodated through the opening portion of the battery can, and in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode are wound around a winding axis; a lid covering the opening portion of the battery can; and an insulator interposed between one end portion of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, the insulator having a variable portion provided to be recessed inward in a central axis direction along a circumferential direction more radially inward than an outer peripheral surface in the central axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery cells, insulators applied to the battery cells, battery packs including the battery cells, and vehicles, and more specifically, to battery cells that can prevent deformation or damage to components and maximize manufacturing efficiency, insulators applied to the battery cells, and battery packs including the battery cells, and vehicles.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0011562 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 24, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, with their high applicability due to product grouping and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are typically used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by these batteries. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only offer the major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use but also do not produce byproducts associated with energy consumption.

[0004] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these individual rechargeable battery cells (i.e., individual battery cells) is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, battery packs can be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the required charging and discharging capacity of the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be set differently depending on the required output voltage or charging and discharging capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, as a component of the battery cell, an insulator for electrical insulation can be inserted between one electrode of the electrode assembly and the battery canister. In this case, during the battery cell manufacturing process, the insertion of the insulator into the battery canister is typically performed with the battery canister inverted so that its opening faces downwards. During this insertion process, the insulator should be precisely positioned inside the battery canister and should be stably fixed so that its position does not change in subsequent processes. If the insulator is not properly secured, this can lead to increased defect rates during manufacturing, deterioration of the secondary battery's performance, and safety issues with the battery cell.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a secondary battery that can stably hold the insulator in place after it has been inserted into the battery canister. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell that can be stably fixed between components during battery cell assembly, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0009] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell that can maintain its insulation function while preventing damage or deformation, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0010] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell that is easy to assemble during the manufacturing process, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell that can ensure the stability and durability of the battery cell, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0012] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a battery cell comprising: a battery can including a sidewall member, a bottom member connected to one axial end of the sidewall member, and an opening disposed at another axial end of the sidewall member; an electrode assembly housed through the opening of the battery can, the electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode wound around a winding axis, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode; a cover covering the opening of the battery can; and an insulator inserted between one end of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, the insulator including a variable portion recessed inward in the circumferential direction in the central axis direction at a position more radially inward relative to an outer peripheral surface around a central axis.

[0015] For example, the variable portion may have a length in the radial direction that decreases inward along the central axis of the insulator.

[0016] For example, the variable portion may include: an inner surface disposed radially inward along the circumferential direction; and an outer surface connected to the inner surface and disposed radially outward along the circumferential direction, wherein the inner surface is formed along the central axis direction of the insulator, and the outer surface is formed radially outward with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

[0017] For example, the outer surface may be formed to have the same inclination as the outer peripheral surface of the insulator with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

[0018] For example, the insulator may include a body portion at least partially formed as an insulating member, the body portion including a first end portion in contact with the bottom member and a second end portion having the variable portion formed thereon, the second end portion being in contact with an end portion of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction; and an edge region formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion.

[0019] For example, in the main body, the outer diameter of the first end can be smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.

[0020] For example, the second end can be manufactured to be larger than the inner diameter of the battery can, such that when the outer peripheral surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member, the second end deforms to have a length corresponding to the inner diameter of the battery can.

[0021] For example, the insulator can be configured such that the outer peripheral surface at least at the second end of the main body portion is in close contact with and fixed to the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member.

[0022] For example, the edge region may have a constant thickness radially inward along the central axis of the insulator.

[0023] For example, the insulator can be inserted into the opening of the battery can, and when the outer peripheral surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member, the edge region can elastically deform radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable part.

[0024] For example, the insulator may further include at least one slit portion formed inward in the direction of the central axis in an edge region formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion.

[0025] For example, the slit portion can be configured to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction, and the length deforms along the circumferential direction when the outer peripheral surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member.

[0026] For example, multiple slits can be provided, and the multiple slits can be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

[0027] For example, multiple slits can be provided, and the edge region can be formed in an arc shape along the circumferential direction.

[0028] For example, the slit portion can be formed to be recessed to a depth less than or equal to the recess depth of the variable portion, with reference to the central axis direction of the insulator.

[0029] Additionally, the present invention provides an insulator inserted between one end of an electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and a bottom member of a battery can housing the electrode assembly to electrically insulate them from each other. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a second electrode wound around the winding axis, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode. The insulator includes: a main body portion, at least a portion of which is formed as an insulating member; and a variable portion, which is recessed inward in the circumferential direction in the central axis direction relative to an outer peripheral surface surrounding the central axis of the insulator, and is configured to deform inward in the radial direction by pressure applied to the outer peripheral surface of the insulator.

[0030] For example, the variable portion may include: an inner surface disposed radially inward along the circumferential direction; and an outer surface formed along the central axis direction of the insulator, and the outer surface being formed radially outward while being inclined to the inner surface at the same angle as the outer circumferential surface of the insulator.

[0031] For example, the inner surface may be formed along the central axis of the insulator, and the outer surface may be formed radially outward while being inclined at the same angle as the outer peripheral surface of the insulator to the inner surface.

[0032] For example, the edge region formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion can be configured to elastically deform radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable portion.

[0033] For example, the insulator may further include at least one slit portion formed to be recessed inward along the central axis direction in the edge region to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction, and the at least one slit portion is configured such that the length of the at least one slit portion along the circumferential direction is deformed by pressure applied to the outer peripheral surface of the insulator.

[0034] In addition, this disclosure provides a battery pack including the battery cells of this disclosure.

[0035] In addition, this disclosure provides a vehicle equipped with the battery pack of this disclosure.

[0036] Beneficial effects

[0037] The battery cell, the insulator applied to the battery cell, and the battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell according to various embodiments of the present disclosure have the effect of maintaining insulation while preventing deformation or damage during the movement and / or storage of the components.

[0038] Furthermore, the battery cells, the insulators applied to the battery cells, and the battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells according to various embodiments of this disclosure have the effect of allowing stable fixation during the assembly of the battery cells.

[0039] Furthermore, the battery cell according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the insulator applied to the battery cell, and the battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell have the effect of ensuring the stability and durability of the battery cell to extend its service life.

[0040] Furthermore, the battery cell, the insulator applied to the battery cell, and the battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell according to various embodiments of the present disclosure have the effect of making them easy to assemble during the manufacturing process.

[0041] However, the effects obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagrams schematically illustrate the methods used in manufacturing. Figure 1 A view of the state of the electrode assembly of a battery cell before and after the first electrode, second electrode and separator are stacked.

[0044] Figure 4It schematically illustrates the process of winding in the form of a core. Figure 3 A view of an electrode assembly manufactured from a stack of layers.

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the battery cell.

[0046] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It schematically illustrates the application of Figure 1 Top and side views of the insulator of the battery cell.

[0047] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 6 A perspective view of an insulator.

[0048] Figure 9 It is a comparison Figure 6 insulators and Figure 1 A view showing the dimensions of the various components of the battery cell and battery canister.

[0049] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a view used to explain exemplary states, where when Figure 6 The insulator was inserted into Figure 1 The outer diameter of the battery cell is changed when it is placed in the battery can.

[0050] Figure 12 It schematically illustrates the application of Figure 1 A view of the insulator of another embodiment of the battery cell.

[0051] Figure 13 It is used to explain when Figure 12 The insulator was inserted into Figure 1 A view showing the changing outer diameter of a battery cell inside a battery canister.

[0052] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including the battery cells of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the battery pack disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below 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 or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made thereto when this application is filed.

[0056] Furthermore, this disclosure includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted, and the differences will be described primarily.

[0057] Additionally, to aid in understanding this disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not shown to scale, but the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, in different embodiments, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components.

[0058] Throughout the specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0059] Additionally, when describing a component as “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another component, the components may be directly connected to each other or in contact with each other, but it should be understood that other components may be “inserted” between the components, or each component may be “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another component.

[0060] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms “comprising” or “including” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as excluding some components or steps, or further including other components or steps.

[0061] Throughout the instruction manual, when “A and / or B” is used, it may refer to A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified.

[0062] At the same time, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this disclosure, but these terms are only for ease of description and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, or rotation of the reference object, or the position of the observer.

[0063] This disclosure can be implemented independently by each of the following embodiments. Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented by combining two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments can be implemented independently and can also be freely combined with each other.

[0064] For ease of description, in this specification, the direction along the length of the winding axis of the electrode assembly wound in a core form is referred to as the winding axis direction. Furthermore, the direction around the winding axis of the electrode assembly is referred to as the circumferential direction, and the direction in which the electrode assembly is wound along the winding axis is referred to as the winding direction. Additionally, the direction of movement away from or towards the winding axis of the electrode assembly is referred to as the radial direction.

[0065] First, a schematic structure of the battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagrams schematically illustrate the methods used in manufacturing. Figure 1 A view showing the state of the electrode assembly 20 of battery cell 1 before and after stacking of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the separator 28. Figure 4 It is an illustrative representation of how to... Figure 3 A view of an electrode assembly 20 manufactured by winding a laminated body into a core shape, and Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of battery cell 1.

[0067] Battery cell 1 can be a cylindrical battery cell. For example, battery cell 1 can be a cylindrical battery cell with a form factor ratio (a value obtained by dividing the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell by its height, i.e., defined as the ratio of diameter to height) greater than about 0.4.

[0068] Here, the shape factor can refer to the values ​​indicating the diameter and height of the cylindrical battery cell. By applying a value representing the shape factor, the cylindrical battery cell can be a 46110 cell, a 48750 cell, a 48110 cell, a 48800 cell, or a 46800 cell. Here, the first two numbers represent the diameter of the cell, the last two numbers represent the height of the cell, and the last number "0" indicates that the cross-section of the cell is circular.

[0069] Furthermore, the battery cell 1 can be, for example, a cylindrical battery cell with a shape factor ratio (the ratio of radial diameter to height in the winding axis direction) greater than about 0.4. For example, the diameter of the battery cell 1 can be 40 mm to 50 mm, and the height can be 60 mm to 130 mm. The shape factor of the battery cell 1 can be, for example, 46110, 4875, 48110, 4880, or 4680.

[0070] However, the shape of the battery cell 1 according to this disclosure is not limited to the above and can be applied to other types of batteries. For example, it can be applied to prismatic batteries.

[0071] Reference Figures 1 to 5 According to this embodiment, the battery cell 1 typically includes a battery canister 10, an electrode assembly 20, a cover 40, and an insulator 50.

[0072] The battery can 10 may have a cylindrical structure for cylindrical battery cells. In this case, the sidewall member 11 forms the side surface of the cylinder of the battery can 10, and the bottom member 12 may be connected to the sidewall member 11 to form one end of the cylinder. That is, the bottom member 12 serves as a closure of the battery can 10, and the other end of the battery can 10 opposite to the bottom member 12 may be open to form an opening.

[0073] The bottom member 12 may have a disc shape with a through hole formed at its center, and the sidewall member 11 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the bottom member 12 and having a constant radius along the circumference. The battery can 10, including the bottom member 12 and the sidewall member 11, may be a component formed by shaping a sheet of metal in which the surface of the steel is plated with nickel using a deep-drawing process. However, the materials of the bottom member 12 and the sidewall member 11 are not limited to these.

[0074] As an example, a through hole can be formed in the bottom member 12 of the battery canister 10 of the battery cell 1 according to this embodiment, and an electrode terminal 13 can be assembled and connected to the bottom member 12. The electrode terminal 13 can be riveted and fixed to the bottom member 12, and a terminal washer 14 is inserted between the electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12. The terminal washer 14 can be inserted between the electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 to seal the interior of the battery canister 10, thereby preventing electrolyte leakage and electrically insulating the electrode terminal 13 from the bottom member 12.

[0075] However, the connection method between the electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 is not limited to this. For example, various other fixing methods can be applied, such as bolt-nut connection, glass sealing, or chrome coating & PP-MAH thermal bonding, as long as the structure can seal between the electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 and electrically insulate the electrode terminal 13 from the bottom member 12.

[0076] The battery cell 1 can accommodate the electrode assembly 20 inside the battery can 10 through the opening of the battery can 10.

[0077] The electrode assembly 20 can be configured such that the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22 and the diaphragm 28 inserted therebetween are wound around a winding shaft.

[0078] After winding is completed, the electrode assembly 20 may have a core shape. The external shape of the electrode assembly 20 along the circumferential direction may be circular. However, the structure of the electrode assembly 20 is not limited to any particular embodiment and may have a winding structure known in the art.

[0079] Each of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the diaphragm 28 can be formed to have a predetermined width along the winding axis and extend to a predetermined length along the winding direction. The first electrode 21 can be a positive electrode plate, and the second electrode 22 can be a negative electrode plate. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0080] The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be manufactured in the form of a sheet. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be configured such that an active material layer 25 is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the metal foil 23. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can have a coated portion 24 region coated with the active material layer 25 and an uncoated portion 26 region uncoated with the active material layer 25.

[0081] The uncoated portion 26 is exposed to the outside of the separator 28, while forming multiple winding turns based on the winding axis of the electrode assembly 20, and can itself serve as an electrode tab. That is, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may each include an uncoated portion 26, in which the end of the long side of the active material in the winding axis direction is not coated. Furthermore, the uncoated portions 26 of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be configured to face opposite directions in the winding axis direction. The uncoated portion 26 of the first electrode 21 can be housed within the battery canister 10 so as to be located at one end in the winding axis direction, and the uncoated portion 26 of the second electrode 22 can be housed within the battery canister 10 so as to be located at the other end in the winding axis direction. Here, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation, as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0082] Furthermore, the diaphragm 28 can be a porous polymer membrane, for example, a porous polymer membrane made alone or in a laminated structure of polyolefin-based polymers such as ethylene homopolymer, propylene homopolymer, ethylene / butene copolymer, ethylene / hexene copolymer, and ethylene / methacrylate copolymer. As another example, the diaphragm can be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0083] At least one surface of the diaphragm 28 may include a coating of inorganic particles. Alternatively, the diaphragm 28 itself may be formed from a coating of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating may have a structure bonded to a binder, such that there are gap volumes between adjacent particles.

[0084] Such an uncoated portion 26 can itself be used as an electrode.

[0085] By forming slits at predetermined intervals along the winding direction, the uncoated portion 26 can form multiple flag-shaped slit tabs 27. The multiple slit tabs 27 can be in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid arranged along the winding direction. However, they are not limited to this and can be formed in various shapes, such as semicircles, semi-ovals, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, the multiple slit tabs 27 can be radially bent and flattened within the electrode assembly 20. Additionally, the slit tabs 27 can be bent radially inward or outward within the electrode assembly 20.

[0087] Furthermore, during the formation of the core-shaped electrode assembly 20, the multiple cut tabs 27 can be bent one after another. Alternatively, the cut tabs 27 can be bent immediately after the electrode assembly 20 is formed into a core-shaped form.

[0088] In this way, the cut tabs 27 of the radially bent and overlapping first electrode 21 and the cut tabs 27 of the second electrode 22 can provide planes that are substantially perpendicular to the winding axis direction at both ends of the electrode assembly 20 in the winding axis direction.

[0089] A current collector 31 made of conductive material can be connected to at least one end of the electrode assembly 20 in the winding axis direction. The current collector 31 is electrically connected to the first electrode 21 and / or the second electrode 22 of the electrode assembly 20, such that the electrode terminal 13 is connected to the second electrode 22 to have a positive polarity, and the bottom member 12 is connected to the first electrode 21 to act as a negative terminal 15 with a negative polarity, and vice versa.

[0090] The cover 40 can be configured to cover the opening of the battery can 10. Therefore, the battery cell 1 is ensured to have a sealed performance, protecting the internal electrolyte and electrode assembly 20 from the influence of the external environment and maintaining the long-term performance of the battery cell 1. The connection point between the opening of the battery can 10 and the cover 40 can be joined by welding. For example, the cover 40 can be butt-welded to the battery can 10. However, the battery can 10 and the cover 40 can be joined by other connection methods besides welding, and the connection methods are not limited to these.

[0091] The cover 40 can be provided as a conductive material, and the thickness of the cover 40 can provide sufficient strength to prevent deformation under high temperature or high pressure conditions, and can be designed to ensure durability to prevent leakage of internal electrolyte.

[0092] An insulator 50 may be inserted between one end of the electrode assembly 20 in the winding axis direction and the bottom member 12 to prevent contact between the end of the electrode assembly 20, which is electrically connected to the electrode terminal 13 (e.g., the second electrode 22), and the battery canister 10. The insulator 50 may comprise an insulating material. A more detailed description of the structure of the insulator 50 will follow.

[0093] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It schematically illustrates the application of Figure 1 Top and side views of the insulator 50 of the battery cell 1.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The insulator 50 in this embodiment may include a variable part 52.

[0095] The variable portion 52 can be formed as a shape that is recessed inward along the circumferential direction in the direction of the central axis A near the edge of the insulator 50. For example, the variable portion 52 can be configured as a cut or groove, such as a closed curve. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and any structure that can ensure a predetermined space that can be radially deformed inward by a predetermined pressure is sufficient.

[0096] The variable portion 52 can impart a predetermined elastic variability to the insulator 50, such that when pressure is applied radially inward, the variable portion 52 deforms, thereby allowing a change in the outer diameter of the insulator 50. Therefore, when the insulator 50 of this embodiment is inserted into the battery canister 10, an interference fit can be achieved between the inner circumferential surface of the battery canister 10 and the insulator 50 due to the change in the outer diameter of the insulator 50.

[0097] This interference fit structure allows the insulator 50 to be stably fixed inside the battery canister 10 without the need for a separate design or welding, and can prevent positional displacement, deformation or damage caused by vibration or impact in subsequent processes.

[0098] The elastic variability formed by the variable part 52 can reduce the insertion force during the insertion of the insulator 50, while providing sufficient retaining force after insertion.

[0099] The variable portion 52 may be located radially inside the outer peripheral surface 511 surrounding the central axis A, and may be formed along the circumferential direction. In this case, the variable portion 52 may be designed to have a predetermined width along the circumferential direction.

[0100] Such structural features not only prevent molding defects during the injection molding process of the variable part 52 during the manufacturing of the insulator 50, but also reduce the risk of deformation or damage during the movement and storage of the manufactured insulator 50.

[0101] Therefore, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can improve the efficiency and reliability during the manufacturing process by including an insulator 50 with a variable portion 52, and can improve the assembly integrity of the secondary battery to ensure the performance and stability of the product.

[0102] The variable portion 52 can be shaped such that its radial length gradually decreases inward toward the central axis A of the insulator 50. This structure is designed to make the variable portion 52 elastically deformable and can be implemented, for example, in the form of a V-shaped or U-shaped notch. Therefore, deformation of the variable portion 52 is facilitated by pressure or external force, while providing a suitable interference fit during insertion into the battery canister 10, thereby ensuring a stable fixing force on the insulator 50.

[0103] The variable part 52 may include an inner surface 521 and an outer surface 522 formed along the circumferential direction.

[0104] The inner surface 521 can be disposed radially inside the insulator 50 along the circumferential direction, and the outer surface 522 can be connected to the inner surface 521 and can be disposed radially outside the insulator along the circumferential direction.

[0105] The inner surface 521 can be formed to extend at substantially the same angle as the central axis A of the insulator 50, thereby providing structural consistency with the central axis A as a reference.

[0106] The outer surface 522 can be formed to face radially outward with reference to the central axis A of the insulator 50, and has the same inclination as the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50. Therefore, the inner surface 521 and the outer surface 522 can meet and connect on the inner side in the direction of the central axis.

[0107] This structural design allows the variable part 52 to provide appropriate deformation and restoring force in the radial direction, and enables stable fixation by providing appropriate elastic force when the insulator 50 is inserted into the battery canister 10.

[0108] In addition, by designing the inclination of the inner surface 521 and the outer surface 522 to be different, the elastic deformation of the variable part 52 can be easily carried out without excessive stress concentration, thereby ensuring durability against repeated external forces or impacts generated during the manufacturing process.

[0109] Therefore, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can simultaneously satisfy the requirements of ease of molding and deformation durability during the manufacturing process, thereby improving product quality and production efficiency.

[0110] Figure 8 It is shown schematically. Figure 6 Perspective view of insulator 50. Figure 9 It is a comparison Figure 6 Insulator 50 and Figure 1 A view showing the dimensions of each component of the battery cell 1 and the battery canister 10, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is used to explain when Figure 6 The insulator 50 is inserted into Figure 1 A view of an exemplary state in which the outer diameter of the battery cell 1 changes when it is in the battery canister 10.

[0111] First, refer to Figures 8 to 11 The insulator 50 may include a main body 51 and an edge region 53.

[0112] The main body 51 may include and Figure 10 The first end 512 of the battery can contacts the bottom component 12 and is in contact with Figure 10 The second end 513 contacts one end of the electrode assembly 20 in the winding axis direction. Therefore, at least a portion of it can be formed as an insulating member to allow... Figure 10 The bottom component 12 of the battery can and Figure 10 The electrode assembly 20 is insulated from one end in the winding axis direction. Here, the variable part 52 is configured to be recessed inward from the second end 513 along the central axis A direction.

[0113] In the main body 51, the outer diameter (d1) at the first end 512 can be smaller than the outer diameter (d2) at the second end 513. Therefore, the main body 51 as a whole can be configured as a tapered shape with a predetermined inclination relative to the central axis A. When the insulator 50 is inserted into the battery canister 10, such a structure can facilitate the insertion process and help improve manufacturing efficiency by reducing friction during the insertion process.

[0114] Furthermore, the first end 512 can be manufactured with an outer diameter (d1) smaller than the inner diameter (d3) of the battery can 10, and the second end 513 can be manufactured with an outer diameter (d2) larger than the inner diameter (d3) of the battery can 10. Therefore, when the insulator 50 is inserted into the battery can 10, the second end 513 contacts the axial inner circumferential surface 111 of the sidewall member 11. During this process, the second end 513 deforms radially due to the insertion pressure, causing the outer circumferential surface 511 of the insulator 50 to deform to be substantially the same as the inner diameter (d3) of the battery can 10, and thus stably assembled therein.

[0115] In other words, since at least the outer peripheral surface 511 of the second end 513 is in close axial contact with the inner peripheral surface 111 of the sidewall member 11, the insulator 50 can be stably fixed without a separate fixing or welding process.

[0116] This structure provides strong holding force, allowing the inserted insulator 50 to remain in position even under external impact or vibration, and ensuring the electrical insulation performance of the insulator within the battery canister 10. Furthermore, the shape of the main body 51 allows for natural insertion during the insertion process to improve efficiency, and the deformability of the second end 513 prevents unnecessary stress concentration or damage to the sidewall members 11 of the battery canister 10 during insertion.

[0117] Edge region 53 may be formed between the outer peripheral surface 511 of insulator 50 and the outer surface 522 of variable part 52.

[0118] The edge region 53 may have a constant thickness T1 radially inward along the central axis A of the insulator 50. Therefore, the edge region 53 can provide deformability while maintaining durability. For example, the edge region 53 may be configured to elastically deform radially inward toward the inner surface 521 of the variable portion 52.

[0119] This construction allows the edge region 53 to effectively respond to the pressure generated during insertion into the battery canister 10, supporting the deformation of the variable part 52 during insertion and absorbing external stress to prevent structural damage. Furthermore, due to the elastic deformation characteristics of the edge region 53, after insertion, the edge region 53 can partially return to its original state, ensuring close contact between the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50 and the inner peripheral surface of the battery canister 10, thereby providing a stable interference fit.

[0120] Therefore, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can facilitate the insertion process of the insulator 50 by including an elastically deformable edge region 53, enhance the fixing force, and ensure the stability and reliability of the secondary battery.

[0121] Additionally, in one embodiment, the insulator 50 may include a central hole 54 formed along the central axis A, and may also include a plurality of peripheral holes 55 arranged radially around the central hole 54. Therefore, the insulator 50 may include a path through which internal gases, etc., can be discharged to the outside.

[0122] As mentioned above, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, during the manufacturing process of the battery cell, the insulator 50 is inserted upward through the opening of the battery can 10, which is in an inverted state. During this insertion process, the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50 can contact the axial inner peripheral surface 111 formed on the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10.

[0123] During this process, the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50 can receive a predetermined pressure in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 111 of the sidewall member 11, and the variable portion 52 formed in the insulator 50 can be configured to deform as described above according to this pressure. For example, when a predetermined pressure is applied to the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50 in the radial direction, the outer surface 522 of the variable portion 52 can be configured to be pressed toward the inner surface 521.

[0124] Therefore, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can improve the efficiency of the assembly process of the insulator 50 while preventing excessive deformation or damage, thereby ensuring the structural stability and durability of the secondary battery.

[0125] Figure 12 This is an illustrative representation of the application to Figure 1 A view of the insulator 50a of another embodiment of the battery cell 1, and Figure 13 It is used to explain when Figure 12 The insulator 50a is inserted into Figure 1 A view showing the state of change of the outer diameter of the battery cell 1 in the battery canister 10.

[0126] Reference above Figures 6 to 11 The description of the insulator 50 of the battery cell 1 described herein can be equally applied to matters that are generally applicable to the insulator 50a of this embodiment, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0127] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The insulator 50a in this embodiment may also include at least one slit portion 56.

[0128] The slit portion 56 can be formed in the edge region 53 along the central axis A, and the edge region 53 is formed between the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50a and the outer surface 522 of the variable portion 52 (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0129] Multiple slits 56 can be provided, and each slit 56 can be configured to be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis A of the insulator 50a. Therefore, when the insulator 50a is inserted into the battery canister 10, the slits 56 can support uniform deformation and improve stability during the insertion process.

[0130] Additionally, multiple slits 56 can be formed such that the edge region 53 forms an arc shape along the circumferential direction. Therefore, the slits 56 can provide deformability in the circumferential direction, thereby reducing stress concentration that may occur during insertion and facilitating changes in the outer diameter of the insulator 50a during insertion.

[0131] Specifically, the slit portion 56 can be formed with the central axis A of the insulator 50a as a reference, recessed to a depth less than or equal to the recess depth of the variable portion 52. Therefore, the slit portion 56 can assist in the deformation of the variable portion 52 when necessary, while maintaining the structural strength of the insulator 50a, thereby more effectively controlling the deformation of the outer diameter of the insulator 50a.

[0132] The slit portion 56 can be configured to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction. Therefore, when pressure is applied radially to the outer peripheral surface 511 of the insulator 50a, the length of the slit portion 56 in the circumferential direction can be deformed, thereby allowing for easier changes in the total outer diameter of the insulator 50a.

[0133] This allows the slit portion 56 to provide variable limit for the variable portion 52 during insertion, thereby maximizing the ease of assembly of the insulator 50a, and providing a stable interference fit with the inner circumferential surface of the battery canister 10 by restoring force after insertion is completed.

[0134] As a result, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can provide variability in the outer diameter of the insulator 50a and restoring force by including the slit portion 56, thereby improving the fixing force and stability within the battery canister 10, increasing the efficiency of the insertion process, and helping to minimize stress concentration or damage that may occur during the manufacturing process.

[0135] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack P including the battery cell 1 of this disclosure, and Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle V equipped with the battery pack P disclosed herein.

[0136] The battery pack P according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a battery pack housing C, and may also include various other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing of this disclosure. For example, the battery pack P according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0137] Furthermore, the vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs P according to the present disclosure. In addition to the battery packs P, the vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include various other components included in the vehicle V. For example, besides the battery packs P according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a body, an electric motor, control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0138] Furthermore, the battery pack P according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied as various types of energy storage systems or power sources, and can be installed in other devices, equipment and facilities besides the vehicle V, such as energy storage systems using secondary batteries.

[0139] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to it within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0140] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0141] 1: Battery cells

[0142] 10: Battery can

[0143] 11: Sidewall components

[0144] 111: Inner peripheral surface

[0145] 12: Bottom components

[0146] 13: Electrode terminals

[0147] 14: Terminal gaskets

[0148] 15: Negative extreme

[0149] 20: Electrode assembly

[0150] 21: First electrode

[0151] 22: Second electrode

[0152] 23: Metal foil

[0153] 24: Active material layer

[0154] 25: Coating section

[0155] 26: Uncoated area

[0156] 27: Electrode tabs

[0157] 28: Diaphragm

[0158] 31: Collector plate

[0159] 40: Cover

[0160] 50, 50a: Insulator

[0161] 51: Main body

[0162] 511: Peripheral surface

[0163] 512: First end

[0164] 513: Second end

[0165] 52: Variable Part

[0166] 521: Inner surface

[0167] 522: Outer surface

[0168] 53: Edge area

[0169] 54: Center Hole

[0170] 55: Peripheral holes

[0171] 56: Slit section

[0172] A: Central axis

[0173] C: Battery pack casing

[0174] P: Battery pack

[0175] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: A battery can, the battery can including a sidewall member, a bottom member connected to one axial end of the sidewall member, and an opening provided at the other axial end of the sidewall member; An electrode assembly is received through the opening of the battery can, and the electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode, all wound around a winding shaft. A lid that covers the opening of the battery can; as well as An insulator, inserted between one end of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, the insulator including a variable portion that is recessed inward in the circumferential direction in the central axis direction at a position more radially inward relative to the outer peripheral surface around the central axis.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The variable portion has a length in the radial direction, which decreases inward in the direction of the central axis of the insulator.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The variable part includes: Inner surface, the inner surface being disposed radially inward along the circumferential direction; and An outer surface, which is connected to the inner surface and extends radially outward along the circumferential direction. The inner surface is formed along the central axis of the insulator, and the outer surface is formed radially outward with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, in, The outer surface is formed to have the same inclination as the outer peripheral surface of the insulator with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

5. The battery cell according to claim 3, in, The insulator includes: The main body portion, at least partially formed as an insulating member, includes a first end portion contacting the bottom member and a second end portion having the variable portion formed thereon, the second end portion contacting one end portion of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction; and An edge region is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, In the main body, the outer diameter of the first end is smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.

7. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, The second end is manufactured to be larger than the inner diameter of the battery can such that when the outer peripheral surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member, the second end deforms to have a length corresponding to the inner diameter of the battery can.

8. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, The insulator is configured such that the outer peripheral surface of at least the second end of the main body is in close contact with and fixed to the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member.

9. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, The edge region has a constant thickness that is radially inward along the central axis of the insulator.

10. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, The insulator is inserted through the opening of the battery can, and when the outer peripheral surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member, the edge region elastically deforms radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable portion.

11. The battery cell according to claim 3, in, The insulator further includes at least one slit portion, which is formed inwardly in the central axis direction in an edge region formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, The slit is configured to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction, and the length deforms along the circumferential direction when the outer circumferential surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner circumferential surface of the sidewall member.

13. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, The insulator is provided with a plurality of slits, which are symmetrical about each other with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

14. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, Multiple slits are provided, and the edge region forms an arc along the circumferential direction.

15. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, The slit portion is formed to be recessed to a depth less than or equal to the recess depth of the variable portion, with reference to the central axis direction of the insulator.

16. An insulator inserted between one end of an electrode assembly in the direction of a winding axis and a bottom member of a battery can housing the electrode assembly to electrically insulate them from each other, the electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode wound around a winding axis, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode, the insulator comprising: The main body portion, at least a portion of which is formed as an insulating member; as well as A variable portion, which is recessed inward along the central axis direction in a circumferential direction at a position more radially inward relative to the outer peripheral surface surrounding the central axis of the insulator, and is configured to deform inward in the radial direction by pressure applied to the outer peripheral surface of the insulator.

17. The insulator according to claim 16, in, The variable part includes: Inner surface, the inner surface being disposed radially inward along the circumferential direction; and An outer surface, which is connected to the inner surface and extends radially outward along the circumferential direction. The inner surface is formed along the central axis of the insulator, and the outer surface is formed radially outward while being inclined to the inner surface at the same angle as the outer peripheral surface of the insulator. An edge region is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion, and is configured to elastically deform radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable portion.

18. The insulator of claim 17, further comprising at least one slit portion formed to be recessed inward along the central axis direction in the edge region to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction, and the at least one slit portion being configured such that the length of the at least one slit portion along the circumferential direction is deformed by pressure applied to the outer peripheral surface of the insulator.

19. A battery pack comprising battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

20. A vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack according to claim 19.

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