Battery cell, 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 includes a battery can having a side wall member, a bottom member connected to one end of the side wall member in an axial direction, and an opening provided at the other end of the side wall member in the axial direction; an electrode assembly accommodated through the opening of the battery can and having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, which are wound around a winding axis; an insulator arranged between one end of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, the insulator having a center hole formed along a center axis direction and including a center hole extension portion formed in a region closer to the center hole than an outer peripheral surface along the center axis direction with respect to a radial direction; and a lid covering the opening of the battery can.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell, and more specifically, to a battery cell designed to maximize the amount of core emissions during exhaust, an insulator applied to 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. 10-2025-0011584, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 24, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, characterized by their high applicability and electrical properties 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 gaining attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because they offer the key advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and produce no byproducts from 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., single-cell batteries) 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, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery pack according to the required charge and discharge capacity. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, in battery cell design, the venting structure plays a crucial role in preventing the risk of explosion or fire by rapidly releasing internal gases when abnormal gas accumulation occurs. The main purpose of the venting structure is to effectively and quickly release internal pressure. In this process, a larger venting volume from the electrode assembly facilitates the release of internal pressure. As the venting volume of the electrode assembly increases, the gas venting path becomes smoother, and the rapid release of internal pressure within the cell becomes possible, thereby significantly improving safety.

[0006] However, the insulator used for electrical insulation can be inserted between one electrode of the electrode assembly and the battery canister, and the shape of this insulator directly affects the venting efficiency of the electrode assembly during venting. If the insulator is not properly designed, venting of the electrode assembly may be obstructed, thereby delaying the release of internal pressure and reducing the safety of the battery cell.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop an insulator with a new design that can maintain electrical insulation while supporting the smooth discharge of electrode assemblies during the exhaust process. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure was designed to address the problems in the related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell capable of maximizing the amount of core venting during battery cell venting, 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 can be broken more effectively during the venting of the battery cell while maintaining its insulating function, an insulator applied to the battery cell, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] Furthermore, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell that allows for the smooth discharge of internal residues, 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 those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein through 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 received through the opening of the battery can and 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 having a central hole formed along a central axis direction and including a central hole extension formed in a region closer to the central hole in a radial direction relative to an outer peripheral surface along the central axis direction.

[0015] For example, the central hole extension may be arranged radially at a position spaced radially outward from the central hole.

[0016] For example, the battery can may include a vent formed in the bottom member to rupture as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, and the central hole extension may be disposed radially inside the vent based on the central axis of the insulator.

[0017] For example, the central hole may define an inner circumferential surface of the insulator around the central axis of the insulator, and the central axis of the insulator and the winding axis of the electrode assembly may be on the same line.

[0018] For example, the insulator can be configured such that as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, the inner circumferential surface of the insulator cracks and simultaneously lifts along the central axis to enlarge the size of the central hole.

[0019] For example, the insulator can be configured such that as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, the region between the central hole and the central hole extension breaks to enlarge the size of the central hole.

[0020] For example, the size of the central hole can be expanded at least to the point on the outer periphery of the central hole extension relative to the central axis of the insulator along the radial direction.

[0021] For example, the central hole extension can be formed as an ellipse with a length in the radial direction longer than its length in the circumferential direction.

[0022] For example, the battery cell may further include an electrode terminal electrically connected to the second electrode through a through-hole formed in the bottom member, and the insulator may be formed as an insulating member configured to insulate one end of the electrode assembly electrically connected to the electrode terminal in the winding axis direction from the bottom member.

[0023] For example, as the internal pressure of the battery canister increases, the radially inner region of the vent can be removed, and simultaneously, within the removed region, the residue of the electrode assembly can be discharged from the central hole of the insulator, which has an enlarged size.

[0024] For example, the insulator may further include at least one buffer portion inserted through the opening of the battery can and configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the insulator along the central axis deforms when it contacts the inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member along the axial direction.

[0025] For example, the insulator can be configured such that the outer diameter of the insulator at the location where the buffer portion is formed along the circumferential direction is larger than the outer diameter at other locations.

[0026] For example, when the outer peripheral surface of the insulator along the central axis contacts the inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member along the axial direction, the outer diameter of the insulator at the location where the buffer portion is formed can be reduced.

[0027] For example, the insulator may also include a plurality of peripheral holes formed radially outward from the central hole extension relative to the central axis.

[0028] For example, the plurality of peripheral holes may be formed along the radial direction at locations where the buffer portion is not formed along the circumferential direction.

[0029] Additionally, this disclosure provides an insulator inserted between one end of an electrode assembly in the direction of its winding axis and a bottom member of a battery can housing the electrode assembly, to electrically insulate the electrode assembly from the bottom member. 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 central hole formed along a central axis; and a central hole extension radially arranged at a position radially inwardly spaced from the central hole, wherein a region between the central hole extension and the central hole is configured to rupture by a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined level applied along the central axis, thereby enlarging the size of the central hole.

[0030] For example, the central hole may define an inner circumferential surface of the insulator around the central axis of the insulator, and may be configured such that the inner circumferential surface of the insulator is ruptured by a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined level applied along the central axis, and simultaneously raised at least along the central axis to a point on the outer periphery forming the central hole extension, thereby enlarging the size.

[0031] For example, the central hole extension can be formed as an ellipse with a length in the radial direction longer than its length in the circumferential direction.

[0032] Additionally, this disclosure provides a battery pack including battery cells according to this disclosure.

[0033] Additionally, this disclosure provides a vehicle equipped with a battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] Battery cells, insulators applied to the battery cells, and battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells according to various embodiments of the present disclosure have the effect of allowing more effective rupture during the venting of the battery cells while maintaining insulation function.

[0036] 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 maximizing the amount of core venting during the venting of the battery cell.

[0037] 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 the smooth discharge of internal residues.

[0038] However, the effects to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned herein through the following description of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are schematic illustrations of the materials used in manufacturing. Figure 1 A view of the first electrode, second electrode, and separator of the battery cell electrode assembly before and after stacking.

[0041] Figure 4 It schematically illustrates the process of winding in the form of a core. Figure 3 A view of an electrode assembly manufactured from a stack.

[0042] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the battery cell.

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic illustration of the application. Figure 1 A view of the insulator of a battery cell.

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top view of the battery cell.

[0046] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 6 A view of the process by which an insulator ruptures under predetermined pressure.

[0047] Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A view showing the state of the battery cell with its bottom component broken and the electrode assembly exposed.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a schematic illustration of the application. Figure 1 A view of the insulator of another embodiment of the battery cell.

[0049] Figure 13 It is used for explanation Figure 12 The insulator is inserted into Figure 1 A view showing the changing outer diameter of a battery cell inside a battery canister.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including the battery cells of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the battery pack disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The preferred embodiments of this 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 based on the principle that allows the inventors to appropriately define terms for best interpretation, and based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure.

[0053] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made to these embodiments when this application is filed.

[0054] 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 primarily described.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Throughout the instruction manual, unless explicitly stated otherwise, each component may be a single part or multiple parts.

[0057] Additionally, when describing a component as “connected,” “joined,” or “in contact” with another component, these 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 the components may be “connected,” “joined,” or “in contact” through another component.

[0058] 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 rather as excluding some components or steps, or including additional components or steps.

[0059] Throughout the instruction manual, when “A and / or B” is used, it may mean A, B or A and B unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0060] Meanwhile, terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this disclosure, but these terms are only for ease of description. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, rotation of the reference object, or the position of the observer.

[0061] 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.

[0062] For ease of description, in this specification, the length direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly wound in the form of a core 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.

[0063] First, a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery cell 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0064] 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 These are schematic illustrations of the materials used in manufacturing. Figure 1 Views of the first electrode 21, second electrode 22, and separator 28 of the electrode assembly 20 of the battery cell 1 before and after stacking. Figure 4 It schematically illustrates the process of winding in the form of a core. Figure 3 A view of the electrode assembly 20 manufactured from a stack, and Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of battery cell 1.

[0065] 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 greater than about 0.4 (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).

[0066] Here, the form factor can refer to the values ​​representing the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. By applying the form factor value, a 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 next two numbers represent the height of the cell, and the last number "0" indicates that the cross-section of the cell is circular.

[0067] Furthermore, the battery cell 1 can be, for example, a cylindrical battery cell having a form factor ratio (the ratio of its diameter in the radial direction to its height in the winding axis direction) greater than approximately 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 form factor of the battery cell 1 can be, for example, 46110, 4875, 48110, 4880, or 4680.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The bottom member 12 may have a disc-shaped form with a through hole formed in its central portion, and the sidewall member 11 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the bottom member 12 and have a constant radius in the circumferential direction. The battery can 10 including the bottom member 12 and the sidewall member 11 may be a component formed by deep drawing a metal sheet (in which the surface of the steel is plated with nickel). However, the materials of the bottom member 12 and the sidewall member 11 are not limited to this.

[0072] The battery cell 1 can accommodate the electrode assembly 20 inside the battery can 10 through the opening of the battery can 10.

[0073] The electrode assembly 20 can be configured such that the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the diaphragm 28 inserted between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are wound around a winding axis.

[0074] The electrode assembly 20, after winding, can have a core shape. The outer shape of the electrode assembly 20 along its circumferential direction can be circular. However, the structure of the electrode assembly 20 is not limited to this embodiment and can have a winding structure known in the art.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be made into sheet form. 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 and an uncoated portion 26 region, wherein the active material layer 25 is applied in the coated portion 24 region and no active material layer 25 is applied in the uncoated portion 26 region.

[0077] The uncoated portion 26 is exposed to the outside of the separator 28 and forms multiple windings based on the winding axis of the electrode assembly 20, and can itself serve as an electrode tab. That is, the positive and negative electrode plates can each include an uncoated portion 26 at the long side end in the winding axis direction where no active material is 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 inside the battery canister 10 so that it is located at one end in the winding axis direction, and the uncoated portion 26 of the second electrode 22 can be housed inside the battery canister 10 so that it is located at the other end in the winding axis direction. Here, the positive active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation, as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0078] Furthermore, the diaphragm 28 can be a porous polymer membrane, for example, a porous polymer membrane made alone or in a stacked 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.

[0079] 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 an adhesive, such that there are gap volumes between adjacent particles.

[0080] This uncoated portion 26 can itself be used as an electrode tab.

[0081] The uncoated portion 26 can form multiple flag-shaped notched tabs 27 by forming notches at predetermined intervals along the winding direction. The multiple notched tabs 27 can be in the shape of an equilateral 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.

[0082] Furthermore, the multiple slit tabs 27 can be bent radially and flattened within the electrode assembly 20. Additionally, the slit tabs 27 can be bent radially inward or outward within the electrode assembly 20.

[0083] A current collector 31 made of conductive material can be connected to at least one end of the electrode assembly 20 in the direction of the winding axis. 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 serve as a negative terminal 15 with a negative polarity, and vice versa.

[0084] The exhaust section 16 for exhausting air can be disposed radially outside the electrode terminal 13.

[0085] Furthermore, the multiple slit tabs 27 can be bent one after another during the process of forming the electrode assembly 20 in the form of a core. Alternatively, the slit tabs 27 can be bent all at once after the electrode assembly 20 has been formed in the form of a core.

[0086] 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 each provide a plane substantially perpendicular to the winding axis direction at both ends of the electrode assembly 20 in the winding axis direction.

[0087] The cover 40 can be configured to cover the opening of the battery can 10. This ensures the battery cell 1 has a sealed performance, protecting the internal electrolyte and electrode assembly 20 from external environmental influences 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 welded. 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 connected by other connection methods besides welding, and the connection methods are not limited to these.

[0088] The cover 40 can be made of 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.

[0089] 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 second electrode 22 and the battery canister 10. The insulator 50 may include an insulating material. A more detailed description of the structure of the insulator 50 will follow.

[0090] Figure 6 This is a schematic illustration of the application. Figure 1 A view of the insulator 50 of the battery cell 1.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 The insulator 50 includes a central hole 51 and a central hole extension 52.

[0092] The central hole 51 can be located at approximately the central portion of the insulator 50. The central hole 51 can be formed as a perforated portion with a predetermined diameter at the central portion and can be open. Therefore, a path for the discharge of internal gas and electrode assembly 20 can be provided during venting.

[0093] The center hole extension 52 can be provided in the region of the outer periphery of the center hole 51, and can be configured to enlarge the size of the center hole 51 as the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 increases during venting.

[0094] The central hole extension 52 can be formed in a region closer to the central hole 51 on the outer peripheral surface of the insulator 50 along the central axis direction, based on the radial direction relative to the insulator 50. For example, in a region based on... Figure 6 In the two regions R1 and R2 divided by the dotted line shown, the central hole extension 52 can be formed at a position R1 closer to the central hole 51 than the region R2 adjacent to the outer peripheral surface, along the radial direction. As an example, the dotted line can be formed... Figure 5 The stress concentration at the central hole extension 52 is directly related to the enlargement of the central hole 51, thereby optimizing both internal pressure release and emission efficiency.

[0095] The central hole extension 52 can be arranged radially at a position spaced radially outward from the central hole 51.

[0096] The central hole extension 52 can be arranged radially at a predetermined distance radially outward from the central hole 51. Therefore, by inducing stress concentration in the region surrounding the central hole 51 during venting, the central hole 51 can be smoothly enlarged as the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 increases. This radially arranged central hole extension 52 ensures uniform stress distribution and enlargement efficiency, and maximizes the release of internal pressure from the battery cell 1. Figure 5 The emissions of electrode assembly 20.

[0097] The center hole extension 52 can be designed to cause stress concentration when the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 increases, so that it is prone to rupture at the intended location. For example, the center hole extension 52 can be formed in the form of a through hole of predetermined size, a thin film (a thin portion with a thickness less than that of the surrounding portion), a V-shaped cut, a U-shaped cut, or a slit. However, this disclosure is not limited to such examples, and any structure that can be easily torn or ruptured when the pressure reaches an equal to or greater than the predetermined level is sufficient.

[0098] As an example, the central hole extension 52 can be formed as an ellipse with a radial length longer than its circumferential length. This elliptical structure can be designed to effectively concentrate stress against the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 generated during venting, thereby promoting tearing or rupture at a specific location. For example, in the elliptical central hole extension 52, stress concentration at the narrowest point (i.e., at the end along the major axis of the ellipse) is maximized, making it easy to induce rupture by external force or internal pressure. When this rupture begins, the tear gradually extends along the major axis of the ellipse, thereby rapidly enlarging the size of the central hole 51.

[0099] Therefore, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can further expand the exhaust path of internal gas and electrode assembly 20 through the design structure of the central hole expansion portion 52, so that internal pressure can be safely released during the exhaust process of battery cell 1, and the exhaust can be smoothly achieved. Figure 5 The discharge of electrode assembly 20 helps to minimize residual internal pressure. Furthermore, this ensures rapid responsiveness in the initial stages of venting and improves safety in hazardous situations such as thermal runaway.

[0100] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image, and Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A top view of the battery cell.

[0101] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The specific arrangement structure of the insulator 50 within the battery cell 1 of this disclosure is described.

[0102] According to this embodiment, 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 the electrode terminal 13 can be fitted and connected to the through hole. The electrode terminal 13 can be riveted and fixed to the bottom member 12, wherein 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 and the bottom member 12.

[0103] 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, such as bolt and nut connection, glass sealing, or chrome plating and PP-MAH thermal bonding, can be applied as long as a structure can seal between the electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 and electrically insulate the electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12.

[0104] At this point, the insulator 50 can be formed as an insulating member configured to insulate one end of the electrode assembly 20 in the winding axis direction from the bottom member 12, the other end being electrically connected to the electrode terminal 13, such as the second electrode 22. Therefore, the insulator 50 can prevent short circuits inside the battery cell 1.

[0105] The battery can 10 according to this embodiment may include a vent 16, which is formed in the bottom member 12 and configured to rupture as the internal pressure of the battery can 10 increases.

[0106] The vent 16 is configured to open under a predetermined pressure according to the designed rupture structure. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the battery canister 10 becomes equal to or greater than the rupture pressure, the vent 16 ruptures to discharge the internal gas in an upward direction along the winding axis, thereby preventing the battery cell 1 from exploding.

[0107] The vent 16 can be formed to be radially spaced outward from the electrode terminal 13. For example, the vent 16 can be configured as a closed curve with a predetermined diameter d1 centered on the winding axis of the electrode assembly 20. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 increases to or above a predetermined level, the vent 16 is intentionally broken, and the closed curve region with the predetermined diameter d1 is removed, thereby allowing the internal gas and the electrode assembly 20 to be smoothly discharged.

[0108] The central hole extension 52 can be disposed radially inside the exhaust section 16 based on the central axis A of the insulator 50. That is, the central hole extension 52 can be designed to be located in the area that is removed after the exhaust section 16 breaks. Such an arrangement allows the exhaust section 16 to break, so that an area with a predetermined diameter d1 is removed, and at the same time, the central hole extension 52 is additionally enlarged according to the internal pressure, thereby maximizing the emission efficiency of the electrode assembly 20.

[0109] Therefore, the battery cell 1 of this embodiment can improve the internal pressure release and discharge performance of the electrode assembly 20 during the venting process by the interrelated fracture structure of the venting portion 16 and the central hole expansion portion 52.

[0110] The central hole 51 surrounds the central axis A of the insulator 50 and can define the inner circumferential surface 501 of the insulator 50. That is, the central hole 51 forms an opening region within the insulator 50 along the central axis A and can be designed to align with the winding axis of the electrode assembly 20.

[0111] In this embodiment, by aligning the central axis A of the insulator 50 with the winding axis of the electrode assembly 20 on the same line, the alignment of the electrode assembly 20 can be maintained, and the venting path can be stably ensured during venting. Therefore, not only can electrical insulation function be achieved, but also the structural stability and venting efficiency of the battery cell 1 can be achieved simultaneously.

[0112] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 6 A view of the insulator 50 rupturing under predetermined pressure, and Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A view of the state in which the bottom component 12 of the battery cell 1 is broken and the electrode assembly 20 is discharged.

[0113] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the insulator 50 of this embodiment, the central hole extension 52 is provided near the central hole 51, so that as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, the inner peripheral surface 501 of the insulator 50 is intentionally broken, and at the same time, the insulator 50 can be configured to enlarge the size of the central hole 51 while being raised in the direction along the central axis. Therefore, the enlarged size of the central hole 51 not only allows internal residues to be smoothly discharged during the venting process, but also dynamically ensures the venting path to help maximize venting performance.

[0114] As an example, the insulator 50 can be designed such that as the internal pressure of the battery can 10 increases, the area between the central hole 51 and the central hole extension 52 is intentionally broken, thereby enlarging the size of the central hole 51. In this process, due to the breaking of the area between the central hole extension 52 and the central hole, and simultaneously, the areas of the central hole extensions 52 arranged circumferentially relative to the central axis are all lifted, thereby effectively enlarging the size of the central hole 51.

[0115] Therefore, in the insulator 50, the size of the central hole 51 can be expanded radially relative to the central axis at least to the furthest region where the central hole extension 52 is formed. For example, the central hole 51 can be expanded to... Figure 9 The area shown is a dashed region with a predetermined diameter d2 relative to the central axis. This design ensures a more extensive and efficient exhaust path for releasing internal pressure during exhaust, and allows for the smooth discharge of internal gases and electrode assembly 20.

[0116] Reference Figure 11 In the battery cell 1 of this embodiment, through the aforementioned exemplary central hole expansion portion 52, as the internal pressure of the battery can 10 increases, the bottom member 12... Figure 8 The radially inner region of the exhaust section 16 is removed, and simultaneously, the size of the central hole 51 of the insulator 50 located in the removed region is enlarged. During this process, the residue of the electrode assembly 20 can be effectively and fully discharged to the outside through the enlarged central hole 51.

[0117] Therefore, the battery cell 1 according to this embodiment rapidly releases internal pressure during the venting process, and the residues and gases of the electrode assembly 20 can be smoothly discharged due to the combined operation of the enlargement of the central hole 51 and the venting section 16. In particular, the removed area of ​​the venting section 16 forms a discharge path, and the discharge of the electrode assembly 20 can be further maximized due to the enlargement of the central hole 51 of the insulator 50, thereby maximizing the safety of the battery cell 1.

[0118] Figure 12 This is a schematic illustration of the application. Figure 1 A view of the insulator 50a of another embodiment of the battery cell 1, and Figure 13 It is used for explanation 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.

[0119] Here, the above reference Figures 6 to 11 The description of the insulator 50 in the described embodiment can be applied equally to the common content of the insulator 50a in this embodiment, and redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0120] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The insulator 50a in this embodiment may also include a plurality of peripheral holes 53 and / or at least one buffer portion 54.

[0121] Multiple peripheral holes 53 are formed radially outward from the central hole 51 and can be formed radially outward from the central hole extension 52 relative to the central axis. This creates an additional path for discharging gas generated inside the battery cell 1, thereby supporting pressure release during venting.

[0122] The buffer portion 54 can be inserted through the opening of the battery canister 10 and can be configured to deform when the outer peripheral surface 502 of the insulator 50a in the direction of the central axis contacts the inner peripheral surface 111 of the sidewall member 11 in the axial direction. For this purpose, in the insulator 50 according to this embodiment, the outer diameter of the insulator 50 at the location where the buffer portion 54 is formed can be formed to be a predetermined length d3 larger than at other locations in the circumferential direction.

[0123] When the outer peripheral surface 502 of the insulator 50a along the central axis direction contacts the inner peripheral surface 111 of the sidewall member 11 along the axial direction, the insulator 50a can be fixed in close contact with the sidewall member 11, and the outer diameter of the insulator 50a at the location where the buffer portion 54 is formed is reduced.

[0124] Multiple peripheral holes 53 can be formed radially at locations where no buffer section 54 is formed circumferentially. Therefore, the gas emission path and deformation structure of the buffer section 54 can be designed to function independently without mutual interference.

[0125] Thus, the multiple peripheral holes 53 provide an effective path for the rapid discharge of gases generated inside the battery cell 1 to the outside, and facilitate gas flow during the venting process. Meanwhile, the buffer portion 54 enhances the tight contact and fixation between the insulator 50a and the sidewall member 11 within the battery canister 10, thereby maintaining structural stability.

[0126] Therefore, the battery cell 1 according to this embodiment can help ensure both venting performance and structural safety through the arrangement and design of multiple peripheral holes 53 and buffer portions 54, and at the same time maximize the function of the corresponding components.

[0127] 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.

[0128] The battery pack P according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a battery pack housing C capable of accommodating battery cells 1, 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.

[0129] 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, a motor, and control devices, such as an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0130] Furthermore, the battery pack P according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be used as various types of energy storage systems or power sources, and can be installed in other equipment, devices and facilities besides the vehicle V, such as energy storage systems using secondary batteries.

[0131] 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 changes can be made to these embodiments within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0132] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0133] 1: Battery cells

[0134] 10: Battery canister

[0135] 11: Sidewall components

[0136] 111: Inner circumferential surface

[0137] 12: Bottom components

[0138] 13: Electrode terminals

[0139] 14: Terminal gaskets

[0140] 16: Exhaust section

[0141] 20: Electrode assembly

[0142] 21: First electrode

[0143] 22: Second electrode

[0144] 23: Metal foil

[0145] 24: Active material layer

[0146] 25: Coating section

[0147] 26: Uncoated area

[0148] 27: Electrode

[0149] 28: Diaphragm

[0150] 40: Cover

[0151] 50, 50a: Insulator

[0152] 501: Inner circumferential surface

[0153] 502: Outer Peripheral Surface

[0154] 51: Center Hole

[0155] 52: Center hole expansion section

[0156] 53: Peripheral hole

[0157] 54: Buffer section

[0158] A: Central axis

[0159] C: Battery pack casing

[0160] P: Battery pack

[0161] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: A battery canister, the battery canister 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, which is received through the opening of the battery can and includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode, wound around a winding axis; A lid that covers the opening of the battery can; as well as An insulator is inserted between one end of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, the insulator having a central hole formed along the central axis direction and including a central hole extension formed in a region closer to the central hole in the radial direction relative to the outer peripheral surface along the central axis direction.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The central hole extension is arranged radially at a position spaced radially outward from the central hole.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The central hole extension is formed as an ellipse whose length in the radial direction is longer than its length in the circumferential direction.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising an electrode terminal electrically connected to the second electrode through a through-hole formed in the bottom member. in, The insulator is formed as an insulating member, which is configured to insulate one end of the electrode assembly that is electrically connected to the electrode terminal in the direction of the winding axis from the bottom member.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The battery can includes a vent formed in the bottom member to rupture as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, and The central hole extension is located radially inside the exhaust section based on the central axis of the insulator.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The central hole defines the inner circumferential surface of the insulator around the central axis of the insulator, and the central axis of the insulator and the winding axis of the electrode assembly are on the same line.

7. The battery cell according to claim 6, in, The insulator is configured such that as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, the inner circumferential surface of the insulator cracks, and simultaneously lifts along the central axis to enlarge the size of the central hole.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The insulator is configured such that as the internal pressure of the battery can increases, the region between the central hole and the central hole extension breaks to enlarge the size of the central hole.

9. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The size of the central hole expands at least to the point on the outer periphery of the central hole extension relative to the central axis of the insulator along the radial direction.

10. The battery cell according to claim 5, in, As the internal pressure of the battery canister increases, the radially inner region of the vent is removed, and simultaneously, within the removed region, the residue of the electrode assembly is discharged from the central hole of the insulator, which has an enlarged dimension.

11. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The insulator further includes at least one buffer portion inserted through the opening of the battery can and configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the insulator along the central axis deforms when it contacts the inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member along the axial direction.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, The insulator is configured such that the outer diameter of the insulator at the location where the buffer portion is formed along the circumferential direction is larger than the outer diameter at other locations.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, in, When the outer peripheral surface of the insulator along the central axis contacts the inner peripheral surface of the sidewall member along the axial direction, the outer diameter of the insulator at the location where the buffer portion is formed decreases.

14. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, The insulator also includes a plurality of peripheral holes formed radially outward from the central hole extension relative to the central axis.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, in, The plurality of peripheral holes are formed along the radial direction at locations where the buffer portion is not formed in the circumferential direction.

16. An insulator inserted between one end of an electrode assembly in a winding axis direction and a bottom member of a battery can housing the electrode assembly to electrically insulate the electrode assembly from the bottom member, the electrode assembly including a first electrode wound around a winding axis, a second electrode, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode, the insulator comprising: A central hole formed along the central axis; A central hole extension portion, the central hole extension portion being arranged radially at positions spaced radially inward from the central hole, The region between the central hole extension and the central hole is configured to rupture by applying a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined level along the central axis, thereby enlarging the size of the central hole.

17. The insulator according to claim 16, in, The central hole defines an inner circumferential surface of the insulator around its central axis and is configured such that the inner circumferential surface of the insulator is ruptured by a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined level applied along the central axis, and simultaneously raised at least along the central axis to a point on the outer periphery forming the central hole extension, thereby enlarging the size.

18. The insulator according to claim 16, in, The central hole extension is formed as an ellipse whose radial length is longer than its circumferential length.

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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