Battery cell, and battery pack and vehicle comprising the same

Abstract

A battery cell, a battery pack therein, and a vehicle are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery cell includes: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a first separator, a negative electrode, and a second separator are stacked; a battery can in which the electrode assembly is housed; and a cover for sealing the battery can, wherein at least a portion of the first separator and at least a portion of the second separator are engaged with each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0013212, filed on February 3, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0177280, filed on November 20, 2025, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery cell and a battery pack and vehicle including the same, and more specifically, to a battery cell capable of preventing snake-like movement of the negative electrode, positive electrode and separator, and a battery pack and vehicle including the same. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used not only in portable devices, but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric power sources. Secondary batteries offer high applicability across product categories and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density.

[0004] Such secondary batteries are gaining attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, not only because of their major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a typical rechargeable battery cell is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V.

[0006] Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery module or battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery module or battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel according to the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Thus, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be set in various ways based on at least one of the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Furthermore, secondary battery cells can be categorized into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type battery cells. In the case of cylindrical battery cells, a separator serving as an insulator is inserted between the positive and negative electrodes, and the cells are wound together to form a wound-core electrode assembly. This electrode assembly, along with the electrolyte, is then inserted into a battery can to form the battery. Additionally, cylindrical battery cells may include current collectors for electrically connecting the positive and negative electrodes, respectively.

[0008] During the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly of a cylindrical battery cell, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator should be positioned in a predetermined location. However, during the manufacturing process, meandering may occur due to inaccurate alignment of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator.

[0009] Furthermore, when snake-like behavior occurs, the positive and negative electrodes may come into contact with each other, resulting in a short circuit. This could adversely affect the quality of the battery cell, and there is also the possibility that the battery cell may burn completely due to ignition.

[0010] Typically, optical equipment such as X-ray machines or CT scanners are used to inspect for snake-like behavior in the positive electrode, negative electrode, and diaphragm. However, with such methods, the boundary sections cannot be clearly distinguished as the positive electrode, negative electrode, and diaphragm are wound around the winding rollers, making it impossible to definitively determine whether snake-like behavior has occurred, and thus impossible to resolve the snake-like problem. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] This disclosure is designed to address problems in the related art, and therefore relates to providing a battery cell capable of fundamentally blocking the occurrence of snake-like behavior of the negative electrode, positive electrode, and separator, as well as a battery pack and vehicle including the same.

[0013] This disclosure also relates to a battery cell capable of preventing ignition of the battery cell by preventing contact between the negative and positive electrodes during the manufacture of the battery cell, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0014] This disclosure also relates to a battery cell capable of improving the quality of the battery cell by preventing short circuits between the negative and positive electrodes, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0015] This disclosure also relates to a battery cell capable of preventing ignition of the battery cell and thus preventing chain thermal runaway due to flame propagation, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the same.

[0016] However, the technical problems that this disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of this disclosure below that there are other problems not mentioned above.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] In one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell is provided, the battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a first separator, a negative electrode, and a second separator are stacked; a battery can in which the electrode assembly is housed; and a cover configured to seal the battery can, wherein the first separator and the second separator are at least partially engaged with each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first diaphragm may have a first protrusion extending beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a first direction, wherein the second diaphragm may have a second protrusion extending beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the first direction, and wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion may engage with each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first diaphragm may have a third protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a second direction, wherein the second diaphragm may have a fourth protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the second direction, and wherein the third and fourth protrusions may engage with each other.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first diaphragm may have a first protrusion extending beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a first direction, wherein the second diaphragm may have a second protrusion extending beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the first direction, wherein the first diaphragm may have a third protrusion extending beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a second direction, wherein the second diaphragm may have a fourth protrusion extending beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the second direction, and wherein the first and second protrusions may engage with each other, and the third and fourth protrusions may engage with each other.

[0022] In one embodiment, a heat-resistant coating may be formed on the positive or negative electrode at the junction of the first and second diaphragms.

[0023] In this embodiment, the heat-resistant coating may be formed using inorganic materials, polymer materials, or composite materials.

[0024] In one embodiment, the uncoated positive electrode tab may be formed only at one of the two side ends of the positive electrode, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm may be joined at the end where the uncoated positive electrode tab is not formed; or the uncoated negative electrode tab may be formed only at one of the two side ends of the negative electrode, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm may be joined at the end where the uncoated negative electrode tab is not formed.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first diaphragm may have a first protrusion extending beyond the positive electrode, and the second diaphragm may have a second protrusion extending beyond the positive electrode, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may engage with each other; or the first diaphragm may have a first protrusion extending beyond the negative electrode, and the second diaphragm may have a second protrusion extending beyond the negative electrode, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion may engage with each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, a heat-resistant coating may be formed on the positive or negative electrode at the junction of the first and second diaphragms.

[0027] In this embodiment, the heat-resistant coating may be formed using inorganic materials, polymer materials, or composite materials.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm may be at least partially joined together after melting.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm can be melted and joined together by heat provided from a high-temperature heating device.

[0030] In one embodiment, a removable heat-resistant film can be attached to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm to protect the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm while they are melted by the high-temperature heating device.

[0031] In another aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack including at least one of the aforementioned battery cells and a vehicle including at least one of the aforementioned battery cells are provided.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] The embodiments disclosed herein have the effect of fundamentally preventing the occurrence of snake-like behavior of the negative electrode, positive electrode, and diaphragm.

[0034] Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure have the effect of preventing the battery cell from igniting due to snake-like behavior by preventing the possibility of contact between the negative and positive electrodes during the manufacture of the battery cell.

[0035] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure have the effect of improving the quality of the battery cell by preventing short circuits between the negative and positive electrodes.

[0036] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure have the effect of preventing the ignition of the battery cell and thus preventing chain thermal runaway due to the transmission of flame.

[0037] However, the effects that can be obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the invention below that other effects not mentioned above will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0039] Figure 1This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a first separator, a negative electrode, and a second separator, a battery can, and a cover plate in a battery cell according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the state in which the positive electrode, the first diaphragm, the negative electrode, and the second diaphragm are stacked on top of each other in contact.

[0041] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The diagram, viewed from direction A, shows the state before the first and second diaphragms are joined.

[0042] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram showing the state in which the first and second septa are joined.

[0043] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first modified embodiment is shown in the figure, wherein Figure 5 The state before the first and second septa are joined is shown, and Figure 6 The state after the first and second diaphragms are joined is shown.

[0044] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second modified embodiment is shown in the figure, wherein Figure 7 The state before the first and second septa are joined is shown, and Figure 8 The state after the first and second diaphragms are joined is shown.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic plan view showing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a first separator, a negative electrode, and a second separator in a battery cell according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 The diagram shows the state in which the negative electrode is positioned between the first and second diaphragms due to the movement of the first diaphragm.

[0047] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The diagram observed from direction B.

[0048] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 10 A diagram showing the state in which the positive electrode moves to be positioned above the first diaphragm.

[0049] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The diagram observed from direction C.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells according to each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather interpreted based on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of the principle that allows the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for best interpretation. Therefore, the description presented herein is merely a preferred example for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; thus, it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation and clarification, the dimensions of individual elements or the dimensions of specific portions of each element have been exaggerated, omitted, or simplified. Therefore, the dimensions of individual elements do not perfectly reflect their actual dimensions. Descriptions of known functions or configurations that may obscure the subject matter of this disclosure will be omitted.

[0054] In this specification, when a component is stated to be "engaged to" or "attached to" another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly engaged or attached to the other component, or they may be indirectly engaged or attached via a connecting member disposed between them.

[0055] Furthermore, the common content of the parts described in any embodiment of this disclosure can also be applied to other embodiments. For example, in the second embodiment, the above description of the first embodiment is used instead of the common content of the parts described in the first embodiment, but the common content can also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the parts described in the second embodiment, the content applicable to the first embodiment can be applied to the first embodiment. This also applies to other embodiments.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a first separator, a negative electrode, and a second separator, a battery can, and a cover plate in a battery cell according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the positive electrode, the first diaphragm, the negative electrode, and the second diaphragm stacked on top of each other in contact. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The diagram, viewed from direction A, shows the state before the first and second diaphragms are joined, and Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A diagram showing the state in which the first and second septa are joined.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 10 includes an electrode assembly 100, a battery canister 200, and a cover plate 300.

[0058] Electrode assembly 100 is configured such that positive electrode 110, first diaphragm 120, negative electrode 130 and second diaphragm 140 are stacked (see [reference]). Figure 2 ).

[0059] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the electrode assembly 100, the positive electrode 110, the first diaphragm 120, the negative electrode 130, and the second diaphragm 140 are arranged in a manner that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Stack them sequentially from top to bottom, using the top as the reference.

[0060] However, this disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 100 may also be configured such that the negative electrode 130, the first diaphragm 120, the positive electrode 110 and the second diaphragm 140 are stacked sequentially from the top.

[0061] However, in the following text, for ease of description, the main focus will be on describing... Figure 2 The electrode assembly 100 shown consists of a positive electrode 110, a first diaphragm 120, a negative electrode 130, and a second diaphragm 140 stacked sequentially from the top.

[0062] The electrode assembly 100 can be configured as a wound type. In this case, an additional diaphragm (not shown) can be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode assembly 100 for insulation from the battery canister 200. Here, the electrode assembly 100 can have, but is not limited to, a wound structure known in the prior art.

[0063] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode assembly 100 can be configured to be wound around the winding roller 150 with the positive electrode 110, the first separator 120, the negative electrode 130, and the second separator 140 stacked sequentially from top to bottom. Furthermore, with the electrode assembly 100 completely wound around the winding roller 150, the electrode assembly 100 is inserted into the battery canister 200.

[0064] Positive electrode active material is coated on one or both surfaces of the positive electrode 110 of the electrode assembly 100. In addition, positive electrode uncoated tabs 112, on which no positive electrode active material is coated, may be formed at the end 111 of the positive electrode 110.

[0065] The uncoated positive electrode tab 112 can be exposed to the outside of the diaphragm, while forming multiple winding turns relative to the center of the electrode assembly 100, and can itself be used as an electrode tab.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the case where the uncoated tab 112 is not formed on the positive electrode 110 will be described, and in the second embodiment, the case where the uncoated tab 112 is formed at the end 111 of the positive electrode 110 will be described.

[0067] As the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode 110 of the electrode assembly 100, any active material known in the art can be used without limitation.

[0068] The negative electrode active material is coated on one or both surfaces of the negative electrode 130 of the electrode assembly 100. In addition, the negative electrode uncoated tab 132, on which the negative electrode active material is not coated, can be formed at the end 131 of the negative electrode 130.

[0069] The uncoated negative electrode tab 132 can be exposed to the outside of the diaphragm, while forming multiple windings relative to the center of the electrode assembly 100, and can itself be used as an electrode tab.

[0070] Similar to the positive electrode 110, in the first embodiment, the case where the negative electrode uncoated tab 132 is not formed on the negative electrode 130 will be described, and in the second embodiment, the case where the negative electrode uncoated tab 132 is formed at the end 131 of the negative electrode 130 will be described.

[0071] The negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode 130 of the electrode assembly 100 can be any active material known in the art without limitation.

[0072] The membrane can be formed from a porous polymer membrane, which is made of, for example, a polyolefin-based polymer (such as ethylene homopolymer, propylene homopolymer, ethylene-butene copolymer, ethylene-hexene copolymer or ethylene-methacrylate copolymer) in a single layer or multiple layers.

[0073] As another example, the diaphragm can be formed from conventional porous nonwoven fabrics, such as nonwoven fabrics made of high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc.

[0074] At least one surface of the membrane may include a coating of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the membrane itself may be formed from a coating of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating may have a structure in which they are bonded to a binder to form interstitial volumes between adjacent particles.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diaphragm includes a first diaphragm 120 and a second diaphragm 140. Here, it is used as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on this, the positive electrode 110 is located above the first separator 120. Furthermore, with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Based on this, the negative electrode 130 is located below the first diaphragm 120 and above the second diaphragm 140. That is, the negative electrode 130 is located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140.

[0076] Here, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, as described above, the electrode assembly 100 can also be configured such that the negative electrode 130, the first diaphragm 120, the positive electrode 110, and the second diaphragm 140 are stacked sequentially from top. In this case, the negative electrode 130 is located above the first diaphragm 120, and the positive electrode 110 is located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140. However, in the following description, the case where the negative electrode 130 is located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 will be primarily described.

[0077] In the battery cell 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the first separator 120 and the second separator 140 are configured to be at least partially joined to each other.

[0078] As described above, during the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly 100 of the battery cell 10, a serpentine pattern may occur where one of the positive electrode 110, negative electrode 130, and separator is not accurately aligned.

[0079] In this situation, although the quality of the battery cell 10 may be adversely affected, and there is also the possibility that the battery cell 10 may be completely burned due to ignition, there is a problem that, traditionally, whether snake-like behavior occurs cannot be completely determined, and the snake-like problem cannot be solved.

[0080] However, in the battery cell 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, since the first separator 120 and the second separator 140 are at least partially joined to each other, the serpentine movement of the positive electrode 110, the first separator 120, the negative electrode 130 and the second separator 140 can be substantially prevented.

[0081] In other words, since the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are engaged with each other, the alignment of the negative electrode 130 located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 will not shift, thus providing an effect that prevents serpentine behavior.

[0082] Reference Figure 3The first diaphragm 120 may have a first protrusion 121 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in a first direction. Furthermore, the second diaphragm 140 may also have a second protrusion 141 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in the first direction. Additionally, refer to... Figure 4 The first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 are joined together. Figure 4 The first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 that join together correspond to Figure 2 Part a.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, since the first protrusion 121 of the first diaphragm 120 and the second protrusion 141 of the second diaphragm 140 are engaged with each other, and the negative electrode 130 is located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, the negative electrode 130 does not deviate outward from the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, thereby preventing serpentine behavior.

[0084] The first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 of the electrode assembly 100 can be joined in various ways. For example, the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 can be joined by adhesive, by attachment using tape, or by joining after the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 have been at least partially melted.

[0085] In the following text, for ease of description, the case in which the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are at least partially melted and then joined will be described in detail.

[0086] Various types of high-temperature heating devices can be used to melt the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 of the electrode assembly 100, and the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 can be configured to melt and join by heat supplied from the high-temperature heating device.

[0087] Here, the high-temperature heating device may include a laser device capable of directly providing a heat source to melt the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 in a short time.

[0088] In addition, the high-temperature heating device can melt the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 by physical hot stamping method, which includes manual hot stamping machine, semi-automatic hot stamping machine, automatic hot stamping machine, rotary hot stamping machine or flat hot stamping machine.

[0089] Furthermore, when the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are melted using a high-temperature heating device, for example, when the first protrusion 121 of the first diaphragm 120 and the second protrusion 141 of the second diaphragm 140 are melted, the negative electrode 130 located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 may be damaged by heat.

[0090] To prevent this, a heat-resistant coating can be formed on the negative electrode 130 at the junction of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140.

[0091] Furthermore, as described above, the positive electrode 110 may be located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, and when the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 melt in this state, the positive electrode 110 located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 may be damaged by heat.

[0092] To prevent this, a heat-resistant coating can be formed on the positive electrode 110 at the junction of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140.

[0093] For example, a heat-resistant coating may be formed at a position of about 3 mm to 5 mm from the end of the negative electrode 130 or the positive electrode 110, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0094] The heat-resistant coating can be formed on the positive electrode 110 or the negative electrode 130 in various ways. For example, the heat-resistant coating can be formed using inorganic materials, polymer materials or composite materials.

[0095] Here, when using an inorganic heat-resistant coating, alumina with excellent thermal and chemical stability can be used, zirconium oxide which provides high thermal stability and strength can be used, or ceramic materials with excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance can be used to protect the surface of the positive electrode 110 or the negative electrode 130.

[0096] In addition, when using heat-resistant coatings made of polymer materials, PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), which has good heat resistance and electrolyte affinity, can be used, or polyimide (PI), which can maintain stability even at high temperatures, can be used.

[0097] Furthermore, when using heat-resistant coatings made of composite materials, ceramic-polymer composite materials that can prevent coating cracking and maximize stability by combining the heat resistance of ceramics with the flexibility of polymers can be used.

[0098] Furthermore, when the ends of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are melted by the high-temperature heating device, in order to protect the non-melting portions of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The removable heat-resistant membrane 400 can be attached to the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140.

[0099] The heat-resistant film 400 can be attached at a position of about 3 mm to 5 mm from the end of the negative electrode 130 or the positive electrode 110, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the joining is completed by melting the ends of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, the heat-resistant film 400 can be removed from the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140.

[0101] However, the heat-resistant film 400 does not necessarily need to be removed, and the heat-resistant film 400 can remain attached to the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 as needed.

[0102] The electrode assembly 100 is housed within the battery canister 200. Here, the battery canister 200 may be formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, such that the electrode assembly 100 can be housed inside the battery canister 200 and electrically connected to the negative electrode 130 of the electrode assembly 100. Therefore, the battery canister 200 may have the same polarity as the negative electrode 130.

[0103] A rolled edge and a crimped portion can be formed in the battery can 200, and a cover plate 300 can be placed and supported on the rolled edge formed in the battery can 200. Additionally, the cover plate 300 is secured by the crimped portion. A sealing gasket can be inserted between the cover plate 300 and the crimped portion of the battery can 200 to ensure the airtightness of the battery can 200.

[0104] The rolled edge of the battery can 200 is formed such that the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the battery can 200 is pressed inward. The rolled edge supports the electrode assembly 100, ensuring that the electrode assembly 100, which has dimensions substantially corresponding to the width of the battery can 200, does not protrude from the battery can 200, and also serves as a support for the cover plate 300 mounted thereon. Furthermore, the rolled edge can support the outer peripheral surface of the sealing gasket.

[0105] The crimping portion of the battery can 200 is configured to extend and bend inward from the battery can 200 to surround and secure the edge of the cover 300 to the sealing gasket. Alternatively, the crimping portion may be formed above or below the rolled edge portion.

[0106] Furthermore, this disclosure includes cases where the battery can 200 does not include at least one of the rolled edge and the crimped portion. In this case, the cover 300 can be directly attached to the battery can 200.

[0107] The cover 300 is configured to seal the battery canister 200. The cover 300 can be made of, for example, a metallic material to ensure rigidity. Furthermore, the cover 300 can be disposed separately from the electrode assembly 100 to be non-polarized. That is, even when the cover 300 is made of a conductive metallic material, the cover 300 can still be non-polarized.

[0108] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first modified embodiment is shown in the figure, wherein Figure 5 The state before the first and second septa are joined is shown, and Figure 6 The state after the first and second diaphragms are joined is shown.

[0109] Reference Figure 6 ,and Figure 4 Compared to the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, the first modified embodiment is the same as Figure 4 The difference is that the opposite sides of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are joined.

[0110] Reference Figure 5 The first diaphragm 120 may have a third protrusion 122 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in the second direction. Furthermore, the second diaphragm 140 may have a fourth protrusion 142 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in the second direction. Additionally, refer to... Figure 6 The third protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 142 engage with each other. Figure 6 The third protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 142 that join together correspond to Figure 2 Part b.

[0111] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second modified embodiment is shown in the figure, wherein Figure 7 The state before the first and second septa are joined is shown, and Figure 8 The state after the first and second diaphragms are joined is shown.

[0112] Reference Figure 8 ,and Figure 4 Compared to the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, the second modified embodiment is the same as... Figure 4 The difference lies in that the two ends of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are joined together. Figure 8 In order to engage the two ends of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, it is possible that there are no uncoated tabs 112 and 132, or when there are uncoated tabs 112 and 132, they may partially penetrate the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 The first diaphragm 120 has a first protrusion 121 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in a first direction, and the second diaphragm 140 has a second protrusion 141 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in the first direction. Additionally, referring to... Figure 8 The first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 are joined together.

[0114] In addition, refer to again Figure 7 The first diaphragm 120 has a third protrusion 122 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in a second direction, and the second diaphragm 140 has a fourth protrusion 142 that protrudes beyond the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 in a second direction. Additionally, referring again... Figure 8 The third protrusion 122 and the fourth protrusion 142 engage with each other. Figure 8 In this case, Figure 2 Parts a and part b are joined together.

[0115] According to the above embodiments, the occurrence of snake-like behavior of the negative electrode, positive electrode, and separator can be fundamentally prevented. Furthermore, ignition of the battery cell due to snake-like behavior can be prevented by eliminating the possibility of contact between the negative and positive electrodes during battery cell manufacturing. Additionally, the quality of the battery cell can be improved by preventing short circuits between the negative and positive electrodes. Moreover, ignition of the battery cell can be prevented, thereby preventing chain thermal runaway due to flame propagation.

[0116] Figure 9 This is a schematic plan view showing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a first separator, a negative electrode, and a second separator in a battery cell according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 The diagram shows the state in which the negative electrode is positioned between the first and second diaphragms due to the movement of the first diaphragm. Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The diagram observed from direction B. Figure 12 It is shown Figure 10 A diagram showing the state in which the positive electrode moves to be positioned above the first diaphragm, and Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The diagram observed from direction C.

[0117] Reference Figures 9 to 13 The battery cell 10 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is different from the first embodiment in which the positive electrode uncoated tab 112 and the negative electrode uncoated tab 132 are not formed, in that the positive electrode uncoated tab 112 is formed on the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode uncoated tab 132 is formed on the negative electrode 130.

[0118] In the second embodiment, when the positive electrode 110 and the negative electrode 130 each include an uncoated portion, the uncoated tabs 112 of the positive electrode and the uncoated tabs 132 of the negative electrode can be configured to face opposite directions.

[0119] Reference Figure 11 ,by Figure 11The reference negative electrode 130 is located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140. Here, in the case of the negative electrode 130, the negative electrode is not coated with tabs 132. Figure 9 and Figure 10 A negative electrode uncoated tab 132 is formed at one end 131, and a negative electrode uncoated tab 132 is not formed at the other end 135 on the opposite side.

[0120] Reference Figure 13 ,by Figure 13 The reference positive electrode 110 is located above the first separator 120. Here, in the case of the positive electrode 110, with... Figure 12 An uncoated tab 112 is formed at one end 111 as a reference positive electrode, and refers to Figure 10 The positive electrode uncoated tab 112 is not formed at the other end 115 on the opposite side.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 are joined at the end 135 where the negative electrode tab 132 is not formed.

[0122] Here, when a first protrusion 121 extending beyond the negative electrode 130 is formed on the first diaphragm 120 and a second protrusion 141 extending beyond the negative electrode 130 is formed on the second diaphragm 140, the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 can engage with each other. Therefore, the negative electrode 130 is surrounded by the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 and will not deviate outward, thereby ultimately preventing serpentine behavior.

[0123] Furthermore, a heat-resistant coating can be formed on the negative electrode 130 at the junction of the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, and the heat-resistant coating can be formed using inorganic materials, polymer materials, or composite materials. This has been described in detail above.

[0124] Furthermore, although not shown in the accompanying drawings, if the electrode assembly 100 is configured such that the negative electrode 130, the first diaphragm 120, the positive electrode 110, and the second diaphragm 140 are stacked sequentially from the top and the positive electrode 110 is located between the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140, then the uncoated positive electrode tab 112 can be formed only at one of the two ends 111 and 115 of the positive electrode 110, and the first diaphragm 120 and the second diaphragm 140 can be configured to engage at the other end 115 where the uncoated positive electrode tab 112 is not formed.

[0125] Here, when a first protrusion 121 extending beyond the positive electrode 110 is formed on the first diaphragm 120 and a second protrusion 141 extending beyond the positive electrode 110 is formed on the second diaphragm 140, the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 can engage with each other. Therefore, the positive electrode 110 is surrounded by the first protrusion 121 and the second protrusion 141 and does not deviate outward, thereby ultimately preventing serpentine behavior.

[0126] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells according to each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] Reference Figure 14 The battery pack 20 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 10 as described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the battery pack 20 may also include a battery pack housing 21 for housing the battery cells 10 and various means for controlling the charging and discharging of the cylindrical battery cells 10 (such as a BMS, current sensor, and fuse).

[0128] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] Reference Figure 15 The vehicle 30 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more battery cells 10 or one or more battery packs 20 as described in each embodiment. Here, vehicle 30 includes various vehicles designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0130] Although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains that these terms are for ease of explanation only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the observer's position.

[0131] As described above, although this disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and accompanying drawings, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible for those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims described below. Therefore, the foregoing embodiments should be considered descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. That is, the true scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and all equivalent variations or modifications thereto should be interpreted as included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0132] Industrial applicability

[0133] This disclosure relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: An electrode assembly, comprising a positive electrode, a first diaphragm, a negative electrode, and a second diaphragm stacked within the electrode assembly; A battery can, in which the electrode assembly is housed; as well as A cover plate, configured to seal the battery canister. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are at least partially joined to each other.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein The first diaphragm has a first protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a first direction. The second diaphragm has a second protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the first direction, and The first protrusion and the second protrusion are engaged with each other.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein The first diaphragm has a third protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a second direction. The second diaphragm has a fourth protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the second direction, and The third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are engaged with each other.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein The first diaphragm has a first protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a first direction. The second diaphragm has a second protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the first direction. The first diaphragm has a third protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in a second direction. The second diaphragm has a fourth protrusion that extends beyond the positive and negative electrodes in the second direction, and The first protrusion and the second protrusion engage with each other, and the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion engage with each other.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, A heat-resistant coating is formed on the positive or negative electrode at the junction of the first and second diaphragms.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5, wherein The heat-resistant coating is formed using inorganic materials, polymer materials, or composite materials.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The uncoated tab on the positive electrode is formed only at one of the two ends of the positive electrode, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are joined at the end where the uncoated tab on the positive electrode is not formed, or The uncoated tabs of the negative electrode are formed only at one of the two ends of the negative electrode, and the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are joined at the end where the uncoated tabs of the negative electrode are not formed.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, in, The first diaphragm has a first protrusion extending beyond the positive electrode, and the second diaphragm has a second protrusion extending beyond the positive electrode, and the first and second protrusions engage with each other, or The first diaphragm has a first protrusion that extends beyond the negative electrode, the second diaphragm has a second protrusion that extends beyond the negative electrode, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion are engaged with each other.

9. The battery cell according to claim 7, in, A heat-resistant coating is formed on the positive or negative electrode at the junction of the first and second diaphragms.

10. The battery cell according to claim 9, in, The heat-resistant coating is formed using inorganic materials, polymer materials, or composite materials.

11. The battery cell according to claim 1, in, The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are at least partially joined together after melting.

12. The battery cell according to claim 11, in, The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are melted and joined together by heat provided by a high-temperature heating device.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, in, A removable heat-resistant film is attached to the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm to protect them while they melt under the high-temperature heating device.

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

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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