Secondary battery

Abstract

A secondary battery is disclosed. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery may be provided, comprising: a cell assembly including a cell, a frame coupled to the cell, and a housing for accommodating the cell and the frame; and a casing for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, wherein multiple frames may be provided, and the multiple frames may be arranged facing each other and adjacent to each other, such that the cell is disposed between adjacent frames.

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, cell-to-pack (CTP) technology has been proposed, which directly assembles battery cells into battery packs without modularization. This technology eliminates or simplifies module housings, improves space utilization, thereby increasing energy density, reducing the number of components and processes, and enhancing 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 frame coupled to the cell, and a housing for accommodating the cell and the frame; and a casing for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, wherein a plurality of frames are provided, the plurality of frames facing each other and arranged adjacently, such that the cell is disposed between adjacent frames.

[0013] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing may be supported by the frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, a portion of the frame may be a lower frame supporting the lower part of the battery cell, and the remaining frames may be an upper frame supporting the upper part of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the interior of the housing may be filled with a filler material.

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

[0017] In some embodiments, the battery cell and the frame may be arranged alternately in a lateral orientation.

[0018] In some embodiments, the battery cells may be arranged in multiple columns.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cells may be arranged in an alternating pattern of adjacent columns.

[0020] In some embodiments, the frame may be provided with a mounting slot, and the side of the battery cell is mounted in the mounting slot.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the frame may have the mounting grooves provided on both sides.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the frame may have the placement groove provided on one side.

[0023] In some embodiments, one of the adjacent frames may be provided with a protruding insertion portion, and the other frame may be provided with an insertion slot, into which the insertion portion is inserted.

[0024] In some embodiments, the insertion portion may be pressed into the insertion slot.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one lower frame of the lower frame and at least one upper frame of the upper frame may be connected in the vertical direction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the mounting groove may be provided with a recess.

[0027] In some embodiments, the recess may open to the upper and lower ends of the frame.

[0028] In some embodiments, multiple recesses may be provided.

[0029] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure may provide a secondary battery.

[0031] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a secondary battery employing a cell-to-pack structure.

[0032] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that improve assembly convenience.

[0033] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries with improved cooling efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrode assembly wound around the central axis.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the AA line of the battery cell assembly.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating the combined structure of the cell and frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and frame according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The front view of the battery cell and frame is shown.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the cell and frame according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A three-dimensional view of a portion of the frame shown. Detailed Implementation

[0048] 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.

[0049] First, the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Reference Figure 1In 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Figure 2This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrode assembly wound around the central axis.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 2The 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.

[0073] Next, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 In 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 frame 310, and a housing 320. Multiple cells 100 may be provided and combined with the frame 310; the combined cell 100 and frame 310 can be housed within the housing 320. 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.

[0077] On the other hand, in some embodiments, multiple frames 310 may be provided, facing each other and arranged adjacently, so that battery cells 100 can be disposed between adjacent frames 310. Multiple frames 310 may be spaced apart and arranged laterally, with battery cells 100 disposed between adjacent frames 310. In some embodiments, as detailed below, battery cells 100 and frames 310 may be arranged alternately laterally. A row of battery cells 100 may be disposed between each adjacent frame 310, and the number of battery cells 100 disposed in each row may be the same. Through this repetitive arrangement structure of battery cells 100 and frames 310, various specifications of rechargeable batteries can be produced by appropriately setting the number of battery cells 100 disposed between each frame 310 and the number of times the frames 310 and battery cells 100 are repetitively arranged.

[0078] In some embodiments, the frame 310 and the housing 320 may be made of insulating material. Inside the cell assembly 300, the cells 100 can be joined via the frame 310, and because the cells 100 are spatially separated, the frame 310, being made of insulating material, prevents short circuits between the cells 100. Furthermore, because the housing 320 housing the cell assembly 300 is made of insulating material, short circuits between the cell assemblies 300 are prevented. In some embodiments, the frame 310 and the housing 320 may be made of plastic. In some embodiments, the frame 310 and the housing 320 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 320 housing the cell 100. Therefore, space utilization is improved, thereby increasing energy density, reducing the number of components and processes, and improving manufacturing efficiency.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 In some embodiments, the housing 320 for accommodating the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 may be a structure that allows adjacent housings 320 to engage with each other. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing 320 may have protruding and recessed structures 321 so that the protruding and recessed structures 321 of adjacent housings 320 can engage with each other. The figure shows an embodiment in which the housing 320 has protruding and recessed structures 321 on both sides in the x-direction, and adjacent housings 320 in the x-direction can engage with each other. Through this engaging structure between housings 320, the supporting force between the battery cell assembly 300 housed in the outer casing 210 can be enhanced, thereby improving structural stability.

[0084] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the housing 320 may be supported by the frame 310. The housing 320 and the frame 310 support each other, minimizing the empty space inside the housing 320 and thus ensuring energy density. Furthermore, as described in detail below, the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 may be arranged alternately laterally (in the y-direction as shown in the figures), and adjacent frames 310 and the battery cell 100 therebetween can be joined together by the bonding force between adjacent frames 310. By alternating and joining the battery cell 100 and the frame 310, the assembly convenience of the battery cell assembly 300 can be improved, and the support and fixation of the battery cell 100 can be easily achieved. Additionally, when the joined battery cell 100 and frame 310 are inserted into the housing 320, the frame 310 is supported by the inner surface of the housing 320, preventing the connection of adjacent frames 310 from being released. Therefore, the connection between the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be maintained, and stability can be ensured.

[0085] In some embodiments, a portion of the frame 310 may be a lower frame 311 supporting the lower part of the battery cell 100, and the remaining frames 310 may be an upper frame 312 supporting the upper part of the battery cell 100. That is, the frame 310 may include a lower frame 311 and an upper frame 312. The lower frame 311 and the upper frame 312 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction, i.e., the z-direction. Since the lower frame 311 and the upper frame 312 are spaced apart in the vertical direction and are combined with the battery cell 100, the structural stability of the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be ensured while minimizing the volume and weight of the frame 310. In addition, the contact area between the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be minimized, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0086] 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 320, the battery cell 100, and the frame 310 inside the battery cell assembly 300.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Reference Figure 8In 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.

[0090] 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 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 cell 100. An insulating portion 430 may be provided between the first busbar 410 and the second busbar 420. That is, the cells 100 in each cell assembly 300 can be connected in parallel with each other through the first busbar 410 and the second busbar 420. In addition, the first busbar 410 of one cell assembly 300 and the second busbar 420 of another cell assembly 300 may be connected through 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 battery cell assembly 300, and the other end can be connected to the second busbar 420 of the other side of the battery 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 and the second busbar 420 can be welded to the can 110. However, the above-described electrical connection structure composed of the first and second busbars 410 and 420 is only exemplary, and other structures can also be used for the electrical connection structure of the battery cell 100 and the battery cell assembly 300.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments, multiple frames 310 may be provided, facing each other and arranged adjacently, and the battery cell 100 may be disposed between adjacent frames 310. The frames 310 are arranged facing each other along the y-direction, and the battery cell 100 may be disposed between adjacent frames 310. Adjacent frames 310 may be joined together, for example, by means of the insertion portion 314 and insertion slot 315, which will be described in detail later. Due to the bonding force between adjacent frames 310, the battery cell 100 and frame 310 disposed therebetween can be joined together. Furthermore, as described above, the joined battery cell 100 and frame 310 are inserted into the housing 320, and the inner surface of the housing 320 is supported by the frame 310, thereby maintaining the connection between the battery cell 100 and frame 310 and ensuring stability.

[0093] In some embodiments, the upper frames 312 can be coupled to each other, and the lower frames 311 can also be coupled to each other. The z-direction position of the upper frames 312 relative to the cell 100 can be maintained by the coupling force between the upper frames 312. Similarly, the z-direction position of the lower frames 311 relative to the cell 100 can be maintained by the coupling force between the lower frames 311. On the other hand, in some embodiments, as described in detail below, a portion of the lower frames 311 and a portion of the upper frames 312 can be interconnected, and the z-direction spacing between the lower frames 311 and the upper frames 312 can be maintained.

[0094] In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be arranged alternately in a lateral direction. That is, the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be arranged alternately along the y-direction. The frame 310 is arranged on the outermost side in the y-direction, and the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be arranged alternately therebetween. By alternating and combining the battery cell 100 and the frame 310, not only can the assembly convenience of the battery cell assembly 300 be improved, but the support and fixation of the battery cell can also be easily achieved.

[0095] In some embodiments, the battery cells 100 can be arranged in multiple columns. A plurality of 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. Frames 310 can support both sides of each column of battery cells 100 formed in the y-direction. Multiple frames 310 can be provided and arranged adjacent to each other, with a column of battery cells 100 arranged between adjacent frames 310.

[0096] In some embodiments, the battery cells 100 may be arranged in an alternating pattern of adjacent columns. A column of battery cells 100 and its adjacent columns may be alternating in the x-direction. Therefore, the y-direction spacing between adjacent columns can be reduced, thereby increasing energy density.

[0097] Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating the combined structure of the cell and frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 10In some embodiments, the frame 310 may be provided with a mounting groove 313, on which the side of the battery cell 100 is mounted. The mounting groove 313 may be in a generally semi-circular shape corresponding to the side shape of the battery cell 100. However, to avoid adjacent frames 310 from contacting each other and being spaced apart, the central angle of the mounting groove 313 may be less than 180 degrees. The mounting groove 313 may be provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the frames 310, that is, the mounting grooves 313 of adjacent frames 310 may be provided facing each other. Between adjacent frames 310, the battery cell 100 may be inserted into the mounting grooves of the two side frames 310 respectively. The mounting groove 313 may be provided in the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311.

[0099] In some embodiments, the mounting grooves 313 provided on the same surface of each frame 310 can be spaced apart from each other, that is, the mounting grooves 313 can be spaced apart from each other in the x-direction. Therefore, the battery cells 100 inserted into the mounting grooves 313 can also be spaced apart from each other. Thus, not only can short circuits between the battery cells 100 be prevented, but also spaces can be provided between the battery cells 100 for filling materials or circulating insulating oil.

[0100] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the frames 310 may have mounting grooves 313 on both sides. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the frames 310 may have mounting grooves 313 on only one side. Therefore, in order to alternate with the battery cells 100 along the y-direction, the outermost frame 310 may have mounting grooves 313 only on its inner side in the y-direction, while the remaining frames 310 may have mounting grooves 313 on both sides in the y-direction.

[0101] In some embodiments, for a frame 310 with mounting slots 313 on both sides, the mounting slots 313 on one side and the mounting slots 313 on the other side can be staggered. That is, the mounting slots 313 of adjacent frames 310 can be positioned at the same location in the x-direction, but for a frame 310 with mounting slots 313 on both sides, the mounting slots 313 on one side and the other side can be staggered in the x-direction. Therefore, the cells 100 can be arranged in an alternating pattern of adjacent columns, thereby improving energy density.

[0102] In some embodiments, one of the adjacent frames 310 may be provided with a protruding insertion portion 314, and the other frame 310 may be provided with an insertion groove 315, into which the insertion portion 314 is inserted. The adjacent frames 310 can be joined together by the bonding force generated by the insertion portion 314 inserting into the insertion groove 315. Furthermore, between adjacent frames 310, the battery cell 100 can be placed in the placement grooves 313 on both sides and joined with the frame 310. In some embodiments, the insertion portion 314 can be pressed into the insertion groove 315. That is, by repeating the structure of the frames 310 joining together on both sides with the battery cell 100 in between, the battery cell 100 and the frame 310 can be easily joined. Therefore, the assembly convenience of the battery cell assembly 300 can be improved, and the support and fixation of the battery cell can be easily achieved.

[0103] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a battery cell and frame according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The front view of the battery cell and frame is shown.

[0104] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 In some embodiments, at least one lower frame 311 of the lower frame 311 and at least one upper frame 312 of the upper frame 312 can be connected in the vertical direction. In the lower frames 311 and upper frames 312 alternately arranged with the cell 100 along the y-direction, the outermost lower frames 311 and upper frames 312 can be connected to each other in the vertical direction. Frame 310 may include a connecting portion 316 connecting the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311. The upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311 can be joined by their respective insertion portions 314 and insertion slots 315, and a portion of the upper frame 312 and a portion of the lower frame 311 can be connected by the connecting portion 316. Through the connecting portion 316, the z-direction spacing between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311 can remain constant. For example, when the housing 210 contains insulating oil, a constant channel can be maintained between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311 for the flow of insulating oil. Therefore, the cooling of the cell 100 within the cell assembly 300 can be carried out uniformly, and the temperature deviation can be minimized.

[0105] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the battery cell and frame according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A three-dimensional view of a portion of the frame shown.

[0106] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14In some embodiments, the mounting groove 313 may be provided with a recess 317. The recess 317 may be recessed by the mounting groove 313 (see reference). Figure 1 The recessed portion 317 is provided (recessed along the P2 direction). By providing the recessed portion 317, the contact area between the frame 310 and the battery cell 100 can be further reduced.

[0107] In some embodiments, the recess 317 may open to the upper and lower ends of the frame 310, that is, the recess 317 may open to both sides along the z-direction. Therefore, filler material can be filled into the recess 317, or insulating oil can circulate through the recess 317. When the recess 317 is filled with filler material, the stability of the bonding structure between the frame 310 and the cell 100 can be further improved. Alternatively, when insulating oil circulates through the recess 317, the contact area between the cell 100 and the insulating oil can be increased, thereby further improving cooling efficiency.

[0108] In some embodiments, a plurality of recesses 317 may be provided. The recesses 317 may be located circumferentially within the mounting groove 313 (see reference φ). Figure 1 Multiple recesses 317 are spaced apart along the P1 direction. As an example, the figure shows a configuration with three recesses 317. By providing multiple recesses 317, the contact area between the frame 310 and the cell 100 can be further reduced, the structural stability can be further improved when the filling material is filled, or the cooling efficiency can be further improved when insulating oil is contained.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 frame coupled to the battery cell, and a housing for accommodating the battery cell and the frame; Housing for accommodating one or more of the aforementioned cell assemblies, The frame is provided in multiple ways, and the multiple frames face each other and are arranged adjacent to each other so that the battery cell is arranged between the adjacent frames.

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

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the frame is a lower frame that supports the lower part of the battery cell, while the remaining frames are upper frames that support the upper part of the battery cell.

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 and the frame are arranged alternately on the sides.

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

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

9. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is provided with a mounting slot, and the side of the battery cell is mounted in the mounting slot.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, characterized in that, At least a portion of the frame has the mounting grooves provided on both sides.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting groove is provided on one side of at least a portion of the frame.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the adjacent frames is provided with a protruding insertion part, and the other frame is provided with an insertion slot, the insertion part being inserted into the insertion slot.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 12, characterized in that, The insertion part is pressed into the insertion groove.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the lower frames and at least one of the upper frames are connected in the vertical direction.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 9, characterized in that, The placement groove is provided with a recessed portion.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 15, characterized in that, The recessed portion opens to the upper and lower ends of the frame.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 15, characterized in that, The recessed portion is provided in multiple ways.

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