Secondary battery

Abstract

A secondary battery is disclosed. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a secondary battery can be provided, including: a cell assembly including a cell, a first frame and a second frame combined with the cell, and a case for accommodating the cell and the first frame and the second frame; and an outer case for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, the first frame can include: a first plate portion; and a first support portion protruding from an upper surface of the first plate portion to support a side surface of the cell, and the second frame can include: a second plate portion; and a second support portion protruding from a lower surface of the second plate portion to support a side surface of the cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] A secondary battery is an energy storage device that can be charged and discharged through an electrochemical reaction. Secondary batteries are widely used in various fields that utilize electrical energy. For example, they are widely used in mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, and their applications are being explored in transportation vehicles such as vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the demand for secondary batteries in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that utilize surplus electricity is also increasing.

[0003] These secondary batteries are widely used for power generation or energy storage in small devices such as portable electronic devices, as well as medium and large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Furthermore, to increase power and / or capacity, multiple cells are electrically connected to form a battery module, and multiple such battery modules are connected together to form a battery pack.

[0004] In recent years, a cell-to-pack (CTP) structure has been proposed, which omits or simplifies the module casing and directly assembles the cells into the battery pack. This CTP structure improves space utilization, thereby increasing energy density, reducing the number of components and processes, and improving manufacturing efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide a secondary battery.

[0007] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure are intended to provide a secondary battery employing a cell-to-pack structure.

[0008] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure are intended to provide a secondary battery that improves assembly convenience.

[0009] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure are intended to provide a secondary battery with improved cooling efficiency.

[0010] Some embodiments of this disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] (II) Technical Solution

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery may be provided, comprising: a cell assembly including a cell, a first frame and a second frame coupled to the cell, and a housing for accommodating the cell and the first frame and the second frame; and a casing for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, wherein the first frame may include: a first plate portion; and a first support portion protruding from the upper surface of the first plate portion to support the side of the cell, and the second frame may include: a second plate portion; and a second support portion protruding from the lower surface of the second plate portion to support the side of the cell.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner side of the housing may be supported by the first frame and the second frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the battery cells may be supported by at least one first support and at least one second support.

[0015] In one embodiment, the interior of the outer shell may be filled with a filler material.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing may contain insulating oil, and the battery cell may be immersed in the insulating oil.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery cells may be arranged in multiple columns.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery cells may be arranged in an alternating pattern of adjacent columns.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first support portion and the second support portion may each be provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion supporting the side of the battery cell.

[0020] In one embodiment, a plurality of first protrusions may be spaced apart in a vertical direction, and a plurality of second protrusions may be spaced apart in a vertical direction.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first protrusion may protrude downwards at an angle, and the second protrusion may protrude upwards at an angle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first plate portion and the second plate portion may each be provided with an insertion portion, and the end of the battery cell is inserted into the insertion portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the insertion portion may be provided through the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0024] In one embodiment, the insertion portion may be recessed in the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support portion and at least a portion of the second support portion may be provided with a first through portion extending laterally.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support portion and at least a portion of the second support portion may be provided with a second through portion extending in the vertical direction.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery may be provided, comprising: a cell assembly including a cell and a first frame and a second frame coupled to the cell; a housing for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, wherein the first frame may include: a first plate portion; a first support portion projecting from the upper surface of the first plate portion to support the side of the cell; and a first sidewall portion projecting from the edge of the first plate portion; wherein the second frame may include: a second plate portion; a second support portion projecting from the lower surface of the second plate portion to support the side of the cell; and a second sidewall portion projecting from the edge of the second plate portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the ends of the first sidewall portion and the ends of the second sidewall portion can support each other.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion may be combined with each other.

[0030] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0031] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a secondary battery.

[0032] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a secondary battery employing a cell-to-pack structure.

[0033] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that improve assembly convenience.

[0034] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries with improved cooling efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrode assembly wound around the central axis.

[0038] Figure 4 It is shown as follows Figure 3 A diagram showing the shape of the electrode tabs at the upper and lower ends of the wound electrode assembly after a planarization process.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the AA line of the battery cell assembly.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the electrical connection structure of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and first and second frames according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of the first frame shown.

[0045] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the bonding process between the battery cell and the first and second frames.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and first and second frames according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a first frame according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the battery cell and the first and second frames according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely exemplary embodiments, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific implementations illustrated herein.

[0052] First, the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] For ease of explanation, the following will be based on Figure 1 The direction of rotation around the central axis C1 is called the circumferential direction P1. The direction towards the inner and outer sides of the central axis C1 on the plane perpendicular to the central axis C1 is called the radial direction P2. The vertical direction along the central axis C1 is called the vertical direction.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 may include a can 110. The can 110 may be provided with an internal space to accommodate the electrode assembly 120. In some embodiments, the can 110 is provided with an upper surface 111 and side surfaces 112, and may be cylindrical with a lower opening. Although not shown, the lower opening of the can 110 may be configured to be appropriately closed by a cover or the like.

[0056] In some embodiments, rivet 113 may be disposed on the upper surface 111 of can 110. Rivet 113 may serve as an electrode terminal. For example, rivet 113 may serve as a positive terminal. In addition to rivet 113, the remaining area of ​​can 110 may serve as another electrode terminal corresponding to rivet 113. For example, the remaining area of ​​the upper surface 111 of can 110 may serve as a negative terminal. In some embodiments, a gasket for electrical insulation and mechanical sealing may be provided between rivet 113 and can 110.

[0057] In some embodiments, the can 110 may be arranged in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter D1 and height H1. In other words, the cell 100 may be arranged in a cylindrical shape with a predetermined diameter D1 and height H1. For example, the cell 100 may have a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 80 mm. Depending on the circumstances, a cell 100 with this form factor may be referred to as a "4680 battery". In another example, the cell 100 may have a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 80 mm, or a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 95 mm, or a diameter of 46 mm and a height of 110 mm. Depending on the circumstances, a cell 100 with this form factor may be referred to as a "46xx battery". The "xx" in "46xx" may indicate the height of the corresponding form factor. In yet another example, the cell 100 may have a diameter of 48 mm and a height of 75 mm, or a diameter of 48 mm and a height of 80 mm, or a diameter of 48 mm and a height of 110 mm. Depending on the circumstances, a battery cell 100 with this size specification can be referred to as a "48xx battery". The "xx" in "48xx" can indicate the height of the corresponding size specification. However, in this disclosure, the diameter D1 and height H1 of the battery cell 100 can be varied and are not necessarily limited to the examples described above.

[0058] On the other hand, although this description shows a cylindrical battery cell 100, the size specifications of the battery cell 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily limited to the cylindrical shape shown. The battery cell 100 according to embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented or applied in various forms, such as button-shaped, prismatic, pouch-shaped, and other non-general shapes, within the scope of the technical ideas described below.

[0059] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 may include an electrode assembly 120. The electrode assembly 120 may be housed inside the can 110 as described above. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 120 may be configured as a cylindrical roll wound around a central axis C1. Such a roll-shaped electrode assembly 120 may be referred to in the art as a jelly roll, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 120 may have mating surfaces 121e and 122e provided at one or both ends along the central axis C1. That is, the electrode assembly 120 may have mating surfaces 121e and 122e provided at its upper and / or lower ends, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, mating surfaces 121e and 122e are respectively provided at the upper and lower ends of the electrode assembly 120. For ease of explanation, the mating surface 121e provided at the upper end of the electrode assembly 120 will be referred to as the first mating surface 121e, and the mating surface 122e provided at the lower end of the electrode assembly 120 will be referred to as the second mating surface 122e.

[0062] In the above configuration, each mating surface 121e, 122e can be bent toward the central axis C1 by multiple electrode tabs 121c, 122c. That is, the first mating surface 121e can be bent toward the central axis C1 from the upper end of the electrode assembly 120 by multiple first electrode tabs 121c, and the second mating surface 122e can be bent toward the central axis C1 from the lower end of the electrode assembly 120 by multiple second electrode tabs 122c (see reference). Figure 3 In other words, the first mating surface 121e can be configured as a schematic surface formed by a plurality of bent first electrode tabs 121c, and the second mating surface 122e can be configured as a schematic surface formed by a plurality of bent second electrode tabs 122c.

[0063] In the battery cell 100 described above, multiple electrode tabs 121c and 122c form predetermined mating surfaces 121e and 122e, and can be electrically connected to electrode terminals through these mating surfaces 121e and 122e. That is, the battery cell 100 can omit the lead tabs, and each mating surface 121e and 122e can replace the function of the lead tabs. Depending on the situation, this battery cell 100 can be referred to as a tabless battery, etc.

[0064] In some embodiments, each of the mating surfaces 121e, 122e described above can be mated to a current collector or a cover plate. For example, the first mating surface 121e can be welded to the current collector at the upper end of the electrode assembly 120, and the second mating surface 122e can be welded to another current collector at the lower end of the electrode assembly 120. In another example, the first mating surface 121e can be welded to the current collector at the upper end of the electrode assembly 120, and the second mating surface 122e can be welded to a cover plate at the lower end of the electrode assembly 120. Therefore, each mating surface 121e, 122e can be electrically connected to a current collector or a cover plate.

[0065] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrode assembly wound around the central axis.

[0066] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 120 may be provided with a first electrode 121 and a second electrode 122 disposed across a diaphragm 123. The first electrode 121 and / or the second electrode 122 may be electrodes manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus 200. The diaphragm 123 and the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 may be wound around a central axis C1. The first electrode 121 may function as a positive or negative electrode, and the second electrode 122 may function as a corresponding negative or positive electrode. In this description, it is assumed that the first electrode 121 is a positive electrode and the second electrode 122 is a negative electrode.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 may each include: metal foils 121a and 122a wound around a central axis C1; active materials 121b and 122b disposed on at least one side of the metal foils 121a and 122a; and a plurality of electrode tabs 121c and 122c disposed on one end region of the metal foils 121a and 122a along the central axis C1 and bent toward the central axis C1. For ease of explanation, the metal foil 121a, active material 121b, and electrode tabs 121c corresponding to the first electrode 121 will be referred to as the first metal foil 121a, the first active material 121b, and the first electrode tabs 121c, respectively, and the metal foil 122a, active material 122b, and electrode tabs 122c corresponding to the second electrode 122 will be referred to as the second metal foil 122a, the second active material 122b, and the second electrode tabs 122c, respectively.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first electrode 121 may include a first metal foil 121a. For example, the first metal foil 121a may contain aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, and alloys thereof. Additionally, the first electrode 121 may include a first active material 121b disposed on at least one side of the first metal foil 121a. In some embodiments, the first active material 121b may contain a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. For example, the first active material 121b may contain a lithium-nickel metal oxide, which, depending on the circumstances, may further contain cobalt, manganese, aluminum, etc.

[0069] Similar to the above, in some embodiments, the second electrode 122 may include a second metal foil 122a. For example, the second metal foil 122a may contain copper, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, and alloys thereof. Additionally, the second electrode 122 may include a second active material 122b disposed on at least one side of the second metal foil 122a. In some embodiments, the second active material 122b may contain a compound capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium ions. For example, the second active material 122b may contain carbon-based materials such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, carbon composites, and carbon fibers. Alternatively, the second active material 122b may contain lithium metal, lithium alloys, silicon-containing materials, tin-containing materials, etc.

[0070] A diaphragm 123 may be disposed between the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122. The diaphragm 123 may be configured to restrict an electrical short circuit between the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 and to generate ion flow. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 123 may include a porous polymer membrane, a porous nonwoven fabric, etc. For example, the porous polymer membrane may contain polyolefin-based polymers such as ethylene polymers, propylene polymers, ethylene / butene copolymers, ethylene / hexene copolymers, ethylene / methacrylate copolymers, etc. Additionally, the porous nonwoven fabric may contain high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc.

[0071] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the first electrode 121 may be provided with a first electrode tab 121c. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode tab 121c is provided at the upper end of the first electrode 121. As described above, multiple first electrode tabs 121c may be provided, and the multiple first electrode tabs 121c may be arranged along the winding direction of the first electrode 121. In addition, the first electrode tab 121c may be provided in the upper region of the first metal foil 121a that is not coated with the first active material 121b. In other words, the first electrode 121 may be provided with a first uncoated portion 121d that is not coated with the first active material 121b, and the first electrode tab 121c may be provided in this first uncoated portion 121d.

[0072] Similar to the above, in some embodiments, the second electrode 122 may be provided with a second electrode tab 122c. In the illustrated embodiment, the second electrode tab 122c is provided at the lower end of the second electrode 122. The second electrode tab 122c may be provided in the second uncoated portion 122d (excluding the portion coated with the second active material 122b), and multiple tabs may be provided.

[0073] On the other hand, the diaphragm 123 can be disposed between the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 as described above. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the diaphragm 123 can be disposed between the upper ends of the first electrode tab 121c and the second electrode 122. This upper portion of the diaphragm 123 can serve to electrically insulate the first electrode tab 121c and the second electrode 122. Similarly, the lower portion of the diaphragm 123 can be disposed between the lower end of the first electrode 121 and the second electrode tab 122c. This lower portion of the diaphragm 123 can serve to electrically insulate the first electrode 121 and the second electrode tab 122c.

[0074] Figure 4 It is shown as follows Figure 3 A diagram showing the shape of the electrode tabs at the upper and lower ends of the wound electrode assembly after a planarization process.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 In the above Figure 3 In the wound electrode assembly 120, the first electrode tab 121c and the second electrode tab 122c are bent toward the central axis C1, and can undergo a flattening process by pressing the bent first electrode tab 121c and the second electrode tab 122c together vertically. In the flattening process, the first electrode tab 121c and the second electrode tab 122c can be pressurized by F1 by predetermined pressurizing devices M1 and M2 respectively, thereby forming the first electrode tab 121c and the second electrode tab 122c as described above. Figure 2 The first mating surface 121e and the second mating surface 122e are described. Then, a manifold, a cover plate, etc., can be appropriately joined to the first mating surface 121e and the second mating surface 122e, respectively. For example, a manifold can be provided on the first mating surface 121e, and the manifold can be welded to the first mating surface 121e by laser welding.

[0076] Next, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0077] On the other hand, the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction mentioned below are for illustrative purposes to make this disclosure clearer. Of course, each direction can be defined differently depending on different references.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Reference Figure 5In some embodiments, the secondary battery 200 may include: a cell assembly 300; and a housing 210 for accommodating one or more cell assemblies 300. The cell assembly 300 may include a cell 100, a first frame 310, a second frame 320, and a housing 330. Multiple cells 100 may be provided and combined with the first and second frames 310 and 320, and the combined cells 100 and the first and second frames 310 and 320 can be accommodated in the housing 330. The housing 210 can accommodate one or more cell assemblies 300; for example, as shown, it can accommodate 24 cell assemblies 300. Furthermore, a cell assembly 300 may include multiple cells 100; for example, as shown, one cell assembly 300 may include 16 cells 100. That is, Figure 5 The secondary battery 200 shown may include a total of 384 cells 100. The total number of cells 100 included in the secondary battery 200 of this disclosure may be appropriately adjusted according to the required power, cell capacity, size, etc., and accordingly, the number of cells 100 included in each cell assembly 300 and the number of cell assemblies 300 housed in the housing 210 may be appropriately designed.

[0080] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the first frame 310 may include a first plate portion 311 and a first support portion 312, and the second frame 320 may include a second plate portion 321 and a second support portion 322 (see reference). Figure 9Furthermore, the first support portion 312 can protrude from the upper surface of the first plate portion 311 to support the side of the battery cell 100, and the second support portion 322 can protrude from the lower surface of the second plate portion 321 to support the side of the battery cell 100. In some embodiments, as detailed below, the first plate portion 311 and the second plate portion 321 may be provided with insertion portions 314 and 324, into which the ends of the battery cell 100 are inserted. The lower end of each battery cell 100 can be inserted into the insertion portion 314 of the first plate portion 311, and the upper end can be inserted into the second plate portion 321. Additionally, the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can be inserted into the space between the battery cells 100 and support the side of the battery cell 100. The first and second frames 310 and 320 can be combined with the battery cell 100 by inserting them into the space between the battery cells 100 from the lower and upper sides, respectively, through the first and second support portions 312 and 322. The battery cell 100 can be fixed by combining it with the first and second frames 310 and 320. With this structure, the battery cell 100 can be supported and fixed simply by combining the first and second frames 310 and 320 with it from the top and bottom, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the battery cell assembly 300. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the number of battery cells 100 positioned between the first and second frames 310 and 320 and the corresponding arrangement of the insertion portions 314 and 324 and the first and second support portions 312 and 322, various specifications of rechargeable batteries can be produced.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first and second frames 310, 320 and the housing 330 may be made of insulating material. Inside the cell assembly 300, the cells 100 can be joined via the first and second frames 310, 320. Since the cells 100 are spatially separated, and the first and second frames 310, 320 are made of insulating material, short circuits between the cells 100 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the housing 330 housing the cell assembly 300 is made of insulating material, short circuits between the cell assemblies 300 can be prevented. In some embodiments, the first and second frames 310, 320 and the housing 330 may be made of plastic. In some embodiments, the first and second frames 310, 320 and the housing 330 may be injection molded. On the other hand, the electrical connection structure between the cells 100 inside the cell assembly 300 and the electrical connection structure between the cell assemblies 300 will be described in detail later.

[0082] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may include a body 211 and a cover 212. The body 211 may be provided with a receiving space for accommodating more than one battery cell assembly 300. The receiving space of the body 211 may open to one side (e.g., the upper side) to accommodate more than one battery cell assembly 300, and the cover 212 may cover one side of the opening of the receiving space.

[0083] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may include a cooling system (not shown) for cooling the battery cell 100. The structure of the cooling system is not particularly limited; for example, the cooling system may be a structure in which cooling channels for coolant flow are provided within the receiving space of the body 211 to cool the battery cell assembly 300. Alternatively, as described in detail below, the housing 210 may contain insulating oil, and the entire battery cell 100 may be immersed in the insulating oil; the cooling system may be a system for cooling and circulating this insulating oil.

[0084] In some embodiments, the secondary battery 200 may be a cell-to-pack battery pack. The cell-to-pack structure omits or simplifies the structure used for modular cells. According to this disclosure, the secondary battery 200 may be a cell-to-pack battery pack where the cell assembly 300 is directly housed in the housing 210, the cell assembly 300 including the cell 100 and the housing 330 housing the cell 100. Therefore, space utilization is improved, thereby increasing energy density, reducing the number of components and processes, and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the AA line of the battery cell assembly.

[0086] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the housing 330 for accommodating the battery cell 100 and the first and second frames 310, 320 may be configured such that adjacent housings 330 can engage with each other. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing 330 may be provided with protruding and recessed structures 331 so that the protruding and recessed structures 331 of adjacent housings 330 can engage with each other. The figure shows an embodiment in which the housing 330 has protruding and recessed structures 331 on both sides in the x-direction, and adjacent housings 330 in the x-direction can engage with each other. This engaging structure between housings 330 can enhance the supporting force between the battery cell assembly 300 housed in the outer casing 210, thereby improving structural stability.

[0087] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing 330 can be supported by the first and second frames 310 and 320. The housing 330 and the first and second frames 310 and 320 support each other, minimizing the empty space inside the housing 330 and thus ensuring energy density. Furthermore, the first and second support portions 312 and 322 are inserted into the space between the battery cells 100, and the connection between the battery cells 100 and the first and second frames 310 and 320 can be fixed.

[0088] In some embodiments, each cell 100 may be supported by at least one first support portion 312 and at least one second support portion 322. Furthermore, each cell 100 may be supported by at least three first and second support portions 312 and 322. First and second plate portions 311 and 321 may be coupled to the lower and upper ends of the cell 100, respectively, and the first and second support portions 312 and 322 may support the middle portion of the cell 100. Only a portion of the side surface of the cell 100 may be supported by the first and second support portions 312 and 322. The end of each cell 100 may be inserted into the insertion portions 314 and 324 of the first and second plate portions 311 and 321, and the side surface may be supported by the first and second support portions 312 and 322, thereby being constrained in the lateral direction (x and y directions). Furthermore, as detailed below, the first and second protrusions 313 and 323 provided in the first and second support portions 312 and 322 may be inclined in the vertical direction and constrained in the vertical direction (z direction) (see reference). Figure 11 This structure ensures the structural stability of the cell 100 and the first and second frames 310 and 320 while minimizing the volume and weight of the first and second frames 310 and 320. Furthermore, it minimizes the contact area between the cell 100 and the first and second frames 310 and 320, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the cell 100.

[0089] In some embodiments, the interior of the housing 210 may be filled with a filler material. That is, after one or more battery cell assemblies 300 are housed in the receiving space of the housing 210, a filler material may be filled. The filler material may cure after being filled into the interior of the housing 210, thereby fixing the battery cell assembly 300 in the housing 210. The filler material may be, for example, a foamed polyurethane-based material. The filler material may fill the space between the battery cell assemblies 300 inside the housing 210, and may also fill the space between the housing 330, the battery cell 100, and the first and second frames 310 and 320 inside the battery cell assembly 300.

[0090] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may contain insulating oil, and the battery cell 100 may be immersed in this insulating oil. The battery cell 100 is entirely immersed in the insulating oil inside the housing 210, and the housing 210 may be provided with a cooling system for circulating and cooling the insulating oil, thereby circulating the insulating oil and cooling the battery cell 100. The insulating oil is a fluid with insulating properties, for example, it may be one of hydrofluoroether, fluoroketone, or ethylene glycol. The body 211 may be provided with inlet ports and outlet ports connected to the containment space, through which the insulating oil circulates and cools the battery cell 100. The cooling system may include a pump for circulating the insulating oil, a cooler for cooling the refrigerant, and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the insulating oil. Furthermore, the insulating oil contained inside the housing 210 can protect the battery cell 100 from external contaminants.

[0091] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the housing 330 or the second plate portion 321 may be provided with a filling hole (not shown) for filling the interior of the housing 330 with filler material. After the combined battery cell 100 and the first and second frames 310, 320 are inserted into the housing 330, the filler material can be filled into the interior of the housing 330 through the filling hole. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the filler material can be filled into the interior of the housing 330 first, and then the battery cell 100 and the first and second frames 310, 320 are inserted into the housing 330.

[0092] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the electrical connection structure of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Reference Figure 8 In some embodiments, the cells 100 of the cell assembly 300 can be electrically connected via a first busbar 410 and a second busbar 420. Furthermore, adjacent cell assemblies 300 can be electrically connected via a connection portion 440.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first busbar 410 may be a positive busbar, and each may be provided with a plurality of first branches 411, which are electrically connected to the rivets 113 of the battery cell 100. The second busbar 420 may be a negative busbar, and may be provided with a plurality of second branches 412, which are electrically connected to the canister 110 of the battery cell 100. The upper end of the battery cell 100 may be exposed upward through the insertion portion 324 of the second plate portion 321, and the first busbar 410 and the second busbar 420 may be electrically connected to the exposed rivets 113 and the upper surface 111 of the canister 110. An insulating portion 430 may be provided between the first busbar 410 and the second busbar 420. That is, the battery cells 100 in each battery cell assembly 300 may be connected in parallel to each other through the first busbar 410 and the second busbar 420. Furthermore, the first busbar 410 of one adjacent cell assembly 300 and the second busbar 420 of another adjacent cell assembly 300 can be connected via a connecting portion 440, thereby connecting the adjacent cell assemblies 300 in series. One end of the connecting portion 440 can be connected to the first busbar 410 of one side of the cell assembly 300, and the other end can be connected to the second busbar 420 of the other side of the cell assembly 300. The connecting portion 440 and the first and second busbars 410 and 420 connected thereto on both sides can be integrally formed. The first branch 411 can be welded to the rivet 113, and the second branch 412 can be welded to the can 110. However, the above-described electrical connection structure consisting of the first and second busbars 410 and 420 and the connecting portion 440 is only exemplary, and other structures can also be used for the electrical connection structure of the cell 100 and the cell assembly 300.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and first and second frames according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of the first frame shown. Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the bonding process between the battery cell and the first and second frames.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first frame 310 may include: a first plate portion 311; and a first support portion 312, which protrudes from the upper surface of the first plate portion 311 to support the side of the battery cell 100. The second frame 320 may include: a second plate portion 321; and a second support portion 322, which protrudes from the lower surface of the second plate portion 321 to support the side of the battery cell 100.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may have the same shape. However, the first frame 310 and the second frame 320 may have shapes that are symmetrical about the x, y, and z directions. Therefore, the shape of the second frame 320 can be varied. Figure 10 The shape of the first frame 310 shown is easy to understand.

[0098] In some embodiments, the battery cells 100 can be arranged in multiple columns. The multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery cell assembly 300 can be arranged in multiple columns. The battery cells 100 can be arranged in a column along the x-direction, and multiple such columns can be arranged along the y-direction. The first and second frames 310 and 320 can support the two sides in the y-direction of each column of battery cells 100. Multiple first and second frames 310 and 320 can be provided and arranged adjacent to each other, with a column of battery cells 100 arranged between adjacent first and second frames 310 and 320.

[0099] In some embodiments, the battery cells 100 can be arranged in an alternating pattern of adjacent columns. A column of battery cells 100 and its adjacent columns can be alternating in the x-direction. Therefore, the y-direction spacing between adjacent columns can be reduced, thereby increasing energy density.

[0100] In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 can be supported and fixed by the first and second frames 310 and 320.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can each be inserted into the space between the battery cells 100 and support the sides of the battery cells 100. The first and second support portions 312 and 322 can protrude from the upper and lower surfaces of the first and second plate portions 311 and 321, respectively, and support the sides of the battery cells 100. The shape of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can vary depending on the arrangement of the battery cells 100 and the number of battery cells 100 supported by the corresponding support portions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second support portions 312 and 322 are generally in the shape of triangular prisms, wherein a portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can support three battery cells 100, another portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can support two battery cells 100, and the remaining first and second support portions 312 and 322 can support one battery cell 100.

[0102] In some embodiments, the first and second support portions 312 and 322 may each be provided with first and second protrusions 313 and 323 supporting the side of the battery cell 100. The first and second protrusions 313 and 323 may be provided on the surfaces of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 facing the battery cell 100. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 supporting three battery cells 100 may be provided with first and second protrusions 313 and 323 on all three surfaces, another portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 supporting two battery cells 100 may be provided with first and second protrusions 313 and 323 on two surfaces, and the remaining first and second support portions 312 and 322 supporting one battery cell 100 may be provided with first and second protrusions 313 and 323 on one surface.

[0103] In some embodiments, a plurality of first and second protrusions 313, 323 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction. Only the ends of the first and second protrusions 313, 323 can support the battery cell 100, while the middle portions of the first and second protrusions 313, 323 spaced apart in the vertical direction may not support the battery cell 100. Therefore, the contact area between the battery cell 100 and the first and second frames 310, 320 can be further reduced, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0104] Reference Figure 11 In some embodiments, the first protrusion 313 may protrude downwards at an angle, and the second protrusion 323 may protrude upwards at an angle. Because the first protrusion 313 protrudes downwards at an angle, the first support 312 can be easily inserted into the space between the battery cells 100 from bottom to top. However, it is possible to prevent the first support 312 from disengaging from the space between the battery cells 100 when moving upwards. That is, due to the angled shape of the first protrusion 313, the supporting force between the first support 312 and the battery cells 100 can be increased, and the first frame 310 can be prevented from easily disengaging downwards. Similarly, because the second protrusion 323 protrudes upwards at an angle, the second support 322 can be easily inserted into the space between the battery cells 100 from top to bottom, but it is possible to prevent the second support 322 from disengaging from the space between the battery cells 100 when moving downwards. That is, due to the angled shape of the second protrusion 323, the supporting force between the second support 322 and the battery cells 100 can be increased, and the second frame 320 can be prevented from easily disengaging upwards. Conversely, the battery cell 100 is difficult to move upward relative to the first support portion 312 and difficult to move downward relative to the second support portion 322. Therefore, through the first and second protrusions 313 and 323, the battery cell 100 can be fixed relative to the first and second frames 310 and 320 in the vertical direction, i.e., the z-direction, and structural stability can be ensured.

[0105] Refer again Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments, the first and second plates 311 and 321 may each be provided with insertion portions 314 and 324, respectively, into which the end of the battery cell 100 is inserted. The lower end of the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the insertion portion 314 of the first plate 311, and the upper end of the battery cell 100 can be inserted into the insertion portion 324 of the second plate 321. The battery cell 100 is fixed relative to the first and second frames 310 and 320 in the lateral direction, i.e., the x and y directions, which can ensure structural stability.

[0106] In some embodiments, the insertion portions 314 and 324 may be provided through the first and second plate portions 311 and 321. The first and second plate portions 311 and 321 may be penetrated along the z-direction through the insertion portions 314 and 324. That is, the lower end of the battery cell 100 may be inserted into the insertion portion 314 of the first plate portion 311 and exposed downwards, and the upper end of the battery cell 100 may be inserted into the insertion portion 324 of the second plate portion 321 and exposed upwards. As described above, the first and second busbars 410 and 420 may be electrically connected to the exposed upper end of the battery cell 100.

[0107] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and first and second frames according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figure 12 In some embodiments, the insertion portions 314 and 324 may be recessed in the first and second plate portions 311 and 321. The insertion portion 314 may be recessed in the upper surface of the first plate portion 311, and the insertion portion 324 may be recessed in the lower surface of the second plate portion 321. The lower and upper ends of the battery cell 100 may be respectively disposed in the insertion portions 314 and 324 of the first and second plate portions 311 and 321, but will not be exposed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the first and second busbars 410 and 420 may be disposed inside the second plate portion 321. In some embodiments, the first and second busbars 410 and 420 may be located inside the second plate portion 321 during injection molding. The first and second busbars 410 and 420 may be electrically connected to the rivets 113 and the canister 110 of the battery cell 100 inside the second plate portion 321. The first and second busbars 410 and 420 disposed inside the second plate portion 321 can be spatially separated, and the second plate portion 311, made of insulating material, prevents short circuits. That is, when the first and second busbars 410 and 420 are disposed inside the second plate portion 311, the insulating portion 430 is not required.

[0109] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a first frame according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Reference Figure 13In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 may be provided with a first through portion 315 extending laterally through the first and second support portions 312 and 322. The figure shows an embodiment in the first frame 310 where all first support portions 312 are provided with the first through portion 315. The first through portion 315 may be provided between first protrusions 313 and second protrusions 323 spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0111] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 may be provided with a second through portion 316 extending through the first and second support portions 312 and 322 in a vertical direction. The figure shows an embodiment in which a portion of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 supporting three battery cells 100 in the first frame 310 are provided with the second through portion 316, while the remaining first and second support portions 312 and 322 are not provided with the second through portion 316.

[0112] The first and second through-holes 315 and 316 can further reduce the volume and weight of the first and second frames 310 and 320. In addition, when the housing 210 contains insulating oil, the fluidity of the insulating oil can be improved, making the cooling of the battery cell 100 in the battery cell assembly 300 more uniform and minimizing temperature deviation.

[0113] On the other hand, in some embodiments, when the battery cell 100 is combined with the first and second plates 311 and 321, the end of the first support portion 312 can be supported by the second plate 321, and the end of the second support portion 322 can be supported by the first plate 311. That is, the height of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can be the same as the vertical spacing of the first and second plates 311 and 321.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the first and second frames 310 and 320 are combined with the battery cell 100, the height of the first and second frames 310 and 320 can be the same as the height of the can 110. That is, the sum of the thickness of the first plate portion 311, the thickness of the second plate portion 321, and the height of the first support portion 312 (or the second support portion 322) can be the same as the height of the can 110.

[0115] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the battery cell and the first and second frames according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Reference Figure 14In some embodiments, when the battery cell 100 is engaged with the first and second plates 311 and 321, the end of the first support portion 312 may not be supported by the second plate 321, and the end of the second support portion 322 may not be supported by the first plate 311. That is, the height of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 may be less than the vertical spacing between the first and second plates 311 and 321. Figure 7 Compared to the embodiments shown, Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the heights of the first and second support portions 312 and 322 can be lower. The end of the first support portion 312 is separated from the second plate portion 321, and the end of the second support portion 322 is separated from the first plate portion 311, thereby further reducing the contact area between the first and second frames 310 and 320 and the battery cell 100, and improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0117] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The exploded perspective view of the battery cell assembly shown.

[0118] and Figures 5 to 14 Compared to the battery cell assembly 300 shown, Figure 15 and Figure 16 The battery cell assembly 500 shown does not include the housing 330, but is further provided with first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327. For the same structure, detailed descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be mainly explained.

[0119] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 In some embodiments, the secondary battery 200 may include: a cell assembly 500; and a housing 210 for accommodating one or more cell assemblies 500. The cell assembly 500 may include a cell 100 and first and second frames 310, 320.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first frame 310 may include: a first plate portion 311; a first support portion 312 protruding from the upper surface of the first plate portion 311 to support the side surface of the battery cell 100; and a first sidewall portion 317 protruding from the edge of the first plate portion 311. Additionally, the second frame 320 may include: a second plate portion 321; a second support portion 322 protruding from the lower surface of the second plate portion 321 to support the side surface of the battery cell 100; and a second sidewall portion 327 protruding from the edge of the second plate portion 321.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first support portion 312 may be disposed inside the first sidewall portion 317, and the second support portion 322 may be disposed inside the second sidewall portion 327. When the first and second frames 310 and 320 are combined with the battery cell 100, the battery cell 100 may be disposed inside the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327.

[0122] In some embodiments, the ends of the first sidewall portion 317 and the second sidewall portion 327 can support each other. The ends of the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 support each other, and the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 can constitute at least a portion of the sidewall of the cell assembly 500. That is, the first and second plate portions 311 and 321 can constitute the upper and lower surfaces of the cell assembly 500, and the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 can constitute the side surface of the cell assembly 500.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion 317 and the second sidewall portion 327 may be joined together. The mutually supporting ends of the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 may be joined together. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the mutually supporting end regions of the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 may be joined by welding (refer to reference numeral W in the drawings).

[0124] In some embodiments, the cell assembly 500, including the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327, can be directly housed within the housing 210. This structure can be a cell-to-pack structure that omits or simplifies the module housing. Therefore, space utilization is improved, thereby increasing energy density, reducing the number of components and processes, and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0125] In some embodiments, similar to the protruding and recessed structures 331 of the housing 330, the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 may also include protruding and recessed structures, allowing adjacent cell assemblies 500 to engage with each other. The first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 may have protruding and recessed structures on their x-direction sides, thereby allowing the first and second sidewall portions 317 and 327 of adjacent cell assemblies 500 to engage with each other.

[0126] This structure of the secondary battery improves space utilization, thereby increasing energy density, reducing the number of parts and processes, and improving manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, it enhances assembly convenience, facilitating the support and fixation of the battery cells. Additionally, it improves the cooling efficiency of the battery cells. Moreover, it allows for the convenient production of secondary batteries of various specifications.

[0127] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, characterized in that, include: A battery cell assembly includes a battery cell, a first frame and a second frame coupled to the battery cell, and a housing for accommodating the battery cell, the first frame and the second frame; Housing for accommodating one or more of the said cell assemblies, The first framework includes: First section; and A first support portion protrudes from the upper surface of the first plate portion to support the side of the battery cell. The second framework includes: Second section; and The second support portion protrudes from the lower surface of the second plate portion to support the side of the battery cell.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the housing is supported by the first frame and the second frame.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the battery cells is supported by at least one first support and at least one second support.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the outer shell is filled with a filling material.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing contains insulating oil, and the battery cell is immersed in the insulating oil.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cells are arranged in multiple rows.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The battery cells are arranged in an alternating pattern of adjacent columns.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support portion and the second support portion are respectively provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion supporting the side of the battery cell.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, A plurality of first protrusions are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second protrusions are spaced apart in the vertical direction.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first protrusion protrudes downward at an angle, and the second protrusion protrudes upward at an angle.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plate and the second plate are respectively provided with an insertion part, and the end of the battery cell is inserted into the insertion part.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insertion portion is provided through the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The insertion portion is recessed in the first plate portion and the second plate portion.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the first support portion and at least a portion of the second support portion are provided with a first through portion that extends laterally.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the first support portion and at least a portion of the second support portion are provided with a second through portion extending in the vertical direction.

16. A secondary battery, characterized in that, include: A battery cell assembly includes a battery cell and a first frame and a second frame coupled to the battery cell; Housing for accommodating one or more of the aforementioned cell assemblies, The first framework includes: First board section; A first support portion protrudes from the upper surface of the first plate portion to support the side of the battery cell; and The first sidewall portion protrudes from the edge of the first plate portion. The second framework includes: Second section; A second support portion protrudes from the lower surface of the second plate portion to support the side of the battery cell; and The second sidewall portion protrudes from the edge of the second plate portion.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 16, characterized in that, The ends of the first sidewall portion and the ends of the second sidewall portion support each other.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion are joined together.

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