Secondary battery

Abstract

A secondary battery is disclosed. According to one aspect of the present 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, the first frame, and the second frame; and an outer case for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, the first frame can be combined with the cell to form a cell unit, and the cell units can be connected to each other by the second frame.

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 first frame and a second frame coupled to the cell, and a housing for accommodating the cell, the first frame and the second frame; and a casing for accommodating one or more of the cell assemblies, wherein the first frame may be coupled to the cell to form a cell unit, and the cell units may be interconnected through the second frame.

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

[0014] In some embodiments, a portion of the first frame may be a lower frame that is coupled to the lower part of the battery cell, and the remaining first frames may be an upper frame that supports the upper part of the battery cell.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second frame may be combined with the battery cell between the lower frame and the upper frame.

[0016] In some embodiments, the interior of the housing may be filled with a filler material.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing may contain insulating oil, and the battery cell may be immersed in the insulating oil.

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

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

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery cell and the second frame can be rotatably coupled to each other.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first frame may be provided with an insertion hole into which the battery cell can be inserted.

[0022] In some embodiments, multiple insertion holes may be provided, and the multiple insertion holes may be arranged in a row.

[0023] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the insertion hole may be convex.

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery cell may be pressed into the insertion hole.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second frame may be provided with a pair of coupling portions that are coupled to the battery cell.

[0026] In some embodiments, the coupling portion may include a coupling hole into which the battery cell can be inserted.

[0027] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the connecting hole may be convex.

[0028] In some embodiments, the battery cell may be pressed into the bonding hole.

[0029] In some embodiments, the joint of the second frame may be a pair of elastic sheets supporting the side of the battery cell.

[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 1 This 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 showing the state of a stack of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A partial 3D view of the unfolded state of the battery cell unit.

[0045] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 A 3D diagram showing the stacking arrangement of the battery cells.

[0046] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 9 A three-dimensional diagram showing the combination of the battery cell unit and the second frame.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing a cell unit and a second frame according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the combination of a battery cell and a second frame according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0049] 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.

[0050] First, the battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Figure 2This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 The diagram shows the electrode assembly wound around the central axis.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Next, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] 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 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.

[0078] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the first frame 310 can be combined with the cell 100 to form a cell unit 301, and these cell units 301 can be interconnected through the second frame 320 (see reference). Figure 9Furthermore, in some embodiments, as detailed below, the battery cell 301 and the second frame 320 can be rotatably coupled to each other. That is, the second frame 320 can connect two battery cells 301, and the second frame 320 can be rotatably coupled to battery cells 301 on both sides. By repeating this coupling, multiple battery cells 301 can be connected like joints via the second frame 320. Moreover, multiple battery cells 301 can be rotated and stacked about the coupling portion with the second frame 320 as an axis (see reference). Figure 11 By using this repeating connection structure of the cell unit 301 and the second frame 320, the number of cells 100 contained in a cell unit 301 and the number of cell units 301 can be appropriately set, thereby producing secondary batteries of different specifications.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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 a structure that allows adjacent housings 330 to engage with each other. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing 330 may have 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. Through this engaging structure between housings 330, the supporting force between the battery cell assembly 300 housed in the outer casing 210 can be enhanced, thereby improving structural stability.

[0085] 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, as described above, the cell units 301 connected via the second frame 320 can be stacked and inserted into the housing 330. The inner surface of the housing 330 is supported by the first and second frames 310 and 320, and the stacking configuration of the cell units 301 can be fixed by restricting rotation between the cell units 301 and the second frame 320. By stacking the cell units 301, inserting them into the housing 330, and fixing their configuration, the assembly convenience of the cell assembly 300 can be improved, and the support and fixation of the cell 100 can be easily achieved.

[0086] In some embodiments, a portion of the first frame 310 may be a lower frame 311 supporting the lower part of the battery cell 100, while the remaining first frames 310 may be upper frames 312 supporting the upper part of the battery cell 100. That is, the first 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 along the vertical direction, i.e., the z-direction. Since the lower frame 311 and the upper frame 312 are spaced apart from each other along the vertical direction and are combined with the battery cell 100, the structural stability of the battery cell unit 301 can be ensured while minimizing the volume and weight of the first frame 310. In addition, the contact area between the battery cell 100 and the first and second frames 320 can be minimized. Furthermore, as described later, when insulating oil is contained inside the housing 210, the contact area between the insulating oil and the battery cell 100 increases, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second frame 320 may be coupled to the battery cell 100 between the lower frame 311 and the upper frame 312. That is, as described in detail below, in some embodiments, the second frame 320 may include a coupling portion 321, which is rotatably coupled to the battery cell unit 301, and the coupling portion 321 may be coupled to the battery cell 100 between the lower frame 311 and the upper frame 312.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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. Additionally, 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 to each other through the first busbar 410 and the second busbar 420. Furthermore, the first busbar 410 of one cell assembly 300 and the second busbar 420 of another adjacent cell assembly 300 can 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.

[0093] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of a stack of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the first frame 310 is combined with the battery cell 100 to form a battery cell unit 301, and the battery cell units 301 can be interconnected through the second frame 320. As an example, the figure shows an embodiment in which four battery cell units 301 are connected sequentially through the second frame 320. The battery cell unit 301 is a structure combining the first frame 310 and the battery cell 100, and each battery cell unit 301 may include the same number of battery cells 100. The shape of the first frame 310 is not particularly limited, but as described later, it can be a shape with an insertion hole 313 (see reference). Figure 12 The battery cell 100 is inserted into the insertion hole 313. Furthermore, the battery cells 100 disposed on the first frame 310 can be spaced apart at predetermined intervals. The battery cell units 301 can be connected and stacked via the second frame 320. As described above, the inner surface of the housing 330 is supported by the first and second frames 310 and 320, thereby maintaining the shape of the stacked battery cell units 301 and ensuring stability.

[0095] In some embodiments, the battery cells 100 can be arranged in multiple columns. Multiple battery cells 100 included in a battery cell unit 301 can be arranged in multiple columns. The battery cells 100 can be arranged in a column at predetermined intervals along the x-direction, and such columns can be arranged in multiple columns along the y-direction. The battery cells 100 disposed in each battery cell unit 301 can be arranged in a column along the x-direction, while the battery cell unit 301 can be arranged in multiple columns along the y-direction. The outer surfaces of the first frame 310 of adjacent battery cell units 301 can support each other.

[0096] 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 arranged alternately along the x-direction. Therefore, the y-direction spacing between adjacent columns can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density. That is, battery cell units 301 adjacent along the y-direction can be arranged alternately along the x-direction. Furthermore, as described in detail below, the first frame 310 can be provided with insertion holes 313 for inserting the battery cells 100, and multiple insertion holes 313 are provided. The sides of the first frame 310 can be alternately provided with protruding portions 314 and recessed portions 315 (see reference). Figure 12 Furthermore, when the battery cells 301 are stacked, the protruding portion 314 and the recessed portion 315 support each other in an interlocking manner, thereby naturally causing adjacent battery cells 301 to be staggered along the x-direction.

[0097] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A partial 3D view of the unfolded state of the battery cell unit.

[0098] Reference Figure 10 In some embodiments, the battery cell units 301 can be interconnected via a second frame 320, and the battery cell units 301 and the second frame 320 can be rotatably coupled to each other. The second frame 320 can be rotatably coupled to the end battery cell 100 in the battery cell unit 301. The spacing between the two battery cells 100 coupled to the second frame 320 can be the same as the spacing between the battery cells 100 in the first frame 310. In the connected battery cell units 301, the first and last battery cell units are coupled to the second frame 320 only on one side, while the middle battery cell units can be coupled to the second frame 320 on both sides. The second frame 320 can be rotatably coupled to both connected battery cell units 301. Therefore, the battery cell units 301 can be connected in a joint-like manner via the second frame 320. This connection structure of the battery cell units 301 and the second frame 320 can be repeated continuously.

[0099] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 A 3D diagram showing the stacking method of the battery cells.

[0100] Reference Figure 11 In some embodiments, the battery cell units 301 connected by the second frame 320 can rotate and stack relative to each other. Each battery cell unit 301 can rotate via the second frame 320 and stack along the y-direction. That is, the battery cell units 301 are stacked in a manner such as... Figure 10 After production in the form shown, it can be like Figure 11 The cells are stacked as shown. Furthermore, when the cell units 301 are stacked, the protruding portion 314 and the recessed portion 315 engage with each other, so that the cells 100 are naturally staggered between adjacent columns, which improves the ease of manufacturing.

[0101] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 9 A three-dimensional diagram showing the combination of the battery cell unit and the second frame.

[0102] Reference Figure 12 In some embodiments, the first frame 310 may be provided with an insertion hole 313 for inserting the battery cell 100. After the battery cell 100 is inserted into the insertion hole 313, the outer surface of the battery cell 100 is supported by the first frame 310. In addition, the insertion hole 313 may be at least partially open laterally. Therefore, the contact area between the battery cell 100 and the first frame 310 can be minimized, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0103] In some embodiments, multiple insertion holes 313 may be provided and arranged in a row. Therefore, the cells 100 inserted into the insertion holes 313 can form a row. Furthermore, the insertion holes 313 may be arranged at predetermined intervals, and the cells 100 in each cell unit 301 may be separated by predetermined intervals. Moreover, since the cells 100 are separated from each other, not only is short circuit between the cells 100 prevented, but space is also provided between the cells 100 for filling filler material or circulating insulating oil.

[0104] In some embodiments, the second frame 320 may be provided with a pair of coupling portions 321 that are coupled to the battery cell unit 301. The pair of coupling portions 321 may be coupled to the end cells of the battery cells 100 in the battery cell unit 301 respectively, and connected to the battery cell unit 301 through the second frame 320. The spacing between the battery cells 100 coupled to the pair of coupling portions 321 may be the same as the spacing between the battery cells 100 inserted into the insertion hole 313.

[0105] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the coupling 321 can be coupled to the cell 100 between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311. That is, the z-direction spacing between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311 can be kept constant through the coupling 321. For example, when insulating oil is contained inside the housing 210, the flow channel for the insulating oil to flow between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311 can be kept constant. Therefore, the cooling of the cell 100 within the cell unit 300 can be uniform, and temperature deviation can be minimized.

[0106] In some embodiments, the coupling portion 321 may include coupling holes 322 for inserting the battery cell 100. The spacing between the coupling holes 322 may be the same as the spacing between the insertion holes 313 of the first frame 310. Figure 12 As shown, after inserting the battery cell 100 into the insertion hole 313 of the lower frame 311 (or the upper frame 312), the end of the battery cell can be inserted into the connection hole 322 of the second frame 320. Then, the battery cell 100 is inserted into the insertion hole 313 of the upper frame 312 (or the lower frame 311), thereby simultaneously completing the assembly of the battery cell unit 301 and the connection of the battery cell unit 301 through the second frame 320.

[0107] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of a cell unit and a second frame according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the insertion hole 313 may be convex. Only the convex central portion of the inner surface of the insertion hole 313 supports the battery cell 100, while the remaining portion does not support the battery cell 100. Therefore, the contact area between the first frame 310 and the battery cell 100 can be further reduced, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0109] In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 can be pressed into the insertion hole 313. The battery cell 100 can be pressed into the insertion hole 313 protruding from the inner side. Therefore, the connection between the battery cell 100 and the first frame 310 can be easily performed.

[0110] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the inner surface of the connecting hole 322 may be convex. Only the convex central portion of the inner surface of the connecting hole 322 supports the battery cell 100, while the remaining portion does not support the battery cell 100. Therefore, the contact area between the second frame 320 and the battery cell 100 can be further reduced, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 100.

[0111] In some embodiments, the battery cell 100 can be pressed into the mating hole 322. The battery cell 100 can be pressed into the mating hole 322, which has a protruding inner surface. Therefore, the mating of the battery cell 100 and the second frame 320 can be easily performed.

[0112] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the combination of a battery cell and a second frame according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In some embodiments, the joining portion 321 of the second frame 320 may be a pair of elastic sheets 323 supporting the side of the battery cell 100. That is, the ends of the pair of elastic sheets 323 are spaced apart, and the battery cell 100 can be inserted between them. Furthermore, the battery cell 100 and the second frame 320 can be joined by the elastic support force provided by the elastic sheets 323. The surface of the battery cell 100 inserted into the joining portion 321 is exposed between the spaced ends of the elastic sheets 323, thereby minimizing temperature deviations between the battery cells 100. That is, for a battery cell 100 not joined to the second frame 320, its surface is exposed between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311, while the battery cell 100 joined to the second frame 320 is different. Figure 12 In the embodiment where the second frame 320 includes a coupling hole 322, the battery cell 100 coupled to the second frame 320 has its surface exposed only at the upper and lower ends, potentially resulting in poorer cooling compared to other battery cells. In contrast, in Figure 14 In the embodiment where the second frame 320 includes an elastic sheet 323, the contact area between the battery cell 100 coupled to the second frame 320 and the second frame 320 is reduced in the portion between the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311. Therefore, when the inside of the housing 210 is filled with insulating oil, the contact area between the insulating oil and the battery cell 100 increases, the cooling efficiency is improved, and the temperature deviation between the battery cells 100 can be minimized.

[0114] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second frame 320, including the elastic sheet 323, can be combined with the battery cell 100 from the side. That is, after the upper frame 312 and the lower frame 311 are combined with the battery cell 100 to form the battery cell unit 301, the end of the battery cell can be combined with the second frame 320.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 aforementioned cell assemblies, The first frame is combined with the battery cell to form a battery cell unit, and the battery cell units are interconnected through the second frame.

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, A portion of the first frame is a lower frame that is combined with the lower part of the battery cell, while the remaining first frames are upper frames that support the upper part of the battery cell.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second frame is combined with the battery cell between the lower frame and the upper frame.

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

6. 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.

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 battery cell and the second frame are rotatably coupled to each other.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first frame is provided with an insertion hole, and the battery cell is inserted into the insertion hole.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 10, characterized in that, The insertion holes are provided in multiple ways, and the multiple insertion holes are arranged in a row.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 11, characterized in that, The inner surface of the insertion hole is convex.

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

14. The secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second frame is provided with a pair of coupling portions that are coupled to the battery cell unit.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 14, characterized in that, The joint includes a joint hole, into which the battery cell is inserted.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 15, characterized in that, The inner surface of the connecting hole is convex.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 15, characterized in that, The battery cell is pressed into the bonding hole.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second frame has a pair of elastic sheets that support the sides of the battery cell at the joint.

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