Battery cell, battery pack including the same, and automobile including the battery pack

Abstract

A battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and electrode tabs extending from the cell body; a cell case including a receiving portion that receives the electrode assembly and a peripheral portion extending outward from the receiving portion; a first conductive frame located on a first surface of the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the electrode tabs through the peripheral portion; and a second conductive frame located on a second surface of the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the electrode tabs through the peripheral portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0154013, filed on November 16, 2022, and the entire contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] For example, when manufacturing a battery pack using secondary battery cells to apply secondary batteries to devices requiring high capacity / high output such as automobiles, it is common to sequentially go through the steps of battery cell-battery module-battery pack.

[0004] However, when manufacturing a battery pack through these steps, not only does the process become complicated due to the intermediate step of manufacturing a battery module, but space loss may also occur due to the space occupied by a module housing used for manufacturing the battery module.

[0005] Furthermore, such a process may require the application of electrical connection components necessary for modularizing a plurality of battery cells to increase the capacity / output of the battery pack, and additional electrical connection components for electrically connecting a plurality of battery modules, which may result in space loss, increased manufacturing costs due to the application of many components, and reduced yields due to a decrease in production speed.

[0006] There are various types of secondary battery cells, such as pouch-type battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, and prismatic battery cells. Among these, pouch-type battery cells have relatively flexible properties compared to other types of battery cells, depending on the case material used. Therefore, when applying a battery pack using pouch-type battery cells, a method may be applied in which a battery module is manufactured by applying a separate cover member that supports one or more battery cells, and then a battery pack is manufactured by connecting a plurality of such battery modules. This may result in space loss, as described above.

[0007] Furthermore, pouch-type battery cells typically do not include any components that can function as external terminals other than electrode leads in the form of thin metal plates. Therefore, in order to manufacture a high-capacity / high-power battery pack using such pouch-type battery cells, it is necessary to apply a separate component that can function as an external terminal. As described above, this can cause a decrease in yield due to the application of additional components.

[0008] Therefore, when manufacturing a battery pack using various types of battery cells including pouch-type battery cells, there is a need to develop a battery cell having a structure that can minimize the application of additional parts or a structure that does not require the application of additional parts. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell having a structure that can minimize the application of additional components or does not require the application of additional components when manufacturing a battery pack using the battery cell.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate or minimize the possibility of a decrease in the sealing strength of the cell case due to the application of a component that functions as a terminal of the battery cell.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to prevent a decrease in the sealing force at the joint portion by applying a component that functions as a terminal of a battery cell and preventing the component from being pulled out from the joint portion of the pouch case.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to strengthen the bonding strength of a sealing region formed on a side of a sealing region of a pouch case where a terminal of a battery cell is located.

[0013] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve the above object, a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and electrode tabs extending from the cell body, a cell case including a receiving portion that receives the electrode assembly and a peripheral portion that extends outward from the receiving portion, a first conductive frame located on a first surface of the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the electrode tabs through the peripheral portion, and a second conductive frame located on a second surface of the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the electrode tabs through the peripheral portion.

[0015] The first conductive frame may include a first terminal portion extending away from the first surface, and the second conductive frame may include a second terminal portion extending away from the second surface at a position corresponding to the first terminal portion.

[0016] The first conductive frame and the second conductive frame may be provided on different battery cells when a pair of the battery cells are stacked on top of each other, and may be configured so that the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion extending in opposite directions at least partially overlap and face each other.

[0017] The first conductive frame and the second conductive frame may be provided on different battery cells when a pair of the battery cells are stacked on top of each other, and may be configured such that the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion extending in opposite directions at least partially overlap and contact each other.

[0018] The distance from the outer surface of the terminal portion of the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion that is located closer to the cell body to the cell body may be substantially the same as the distance from the inner surface of the terminal portion of the first terminal portion or the second terminal portion that is located farther from the cell body to the cell body.

[0019] The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion may each be provided in plural numbers.

[0020] The battery cell may have a rotationally symmetric shape, the outer shape of which is substantially the same when rotated 180 degrees about a central axis passing through the center of the battery cell.

[0021] The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion may each include a fastening hole configured to be able to be coupled with a fastening member.

[0022] The battery cell may further include an electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode tab and positioned inside the cell casing, wherein the first conductive frame may be electrically connected to a first surface of the electrode lead through the peripheral edge, and the second conductive frame may be electrically connected to a second surface of the electrode lead through the peripheral edge.

[0023] The first and second conductive frames may be configured to apply pressure to opposite sides of the periphery.

[0024] The battery cell may further include a first insulating frame configured to partially cover the first conductive frame and a second insulating frame configured to partially cover the second conductive frame.

[0025] The first insulating frame and the second insulating frame may be configured to apply pressure to both sides of the peripheral edge portion.

[0026] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, and a pack housing that accommodates the cell stack.

[0027] In such a battery pack, the plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other, and in a first battery cell and a second battery cell adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells, the first conductive frame provided in the first battery cell and the second conductive frame provided in the second battery cell may be electrically coupled by a fastening member.

[0028] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery cell having a structure that can minimize the application of additional parts or does not require the application of additional parts when manufacturing a battery pack using the battery cell.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the possibility of a decrease in the sealing strength of the cell case due to the application of a component that functions as a terminal of the battery cell can be eliminated or minimized.

[0031] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, when a component that functions as a terminal of a battery cell is applied, the component can be prevented from being pulled out of the joint portion of the pouch case, thereby preventing a decrease in the sealing force at the joint portion.

[0032] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an object is to strengthen the bonding strength of a sealing region formed on a side of a pouch case where a terminal of a battery cell is located.

[0033] The advantageous effects derived from the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects of the present invention will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of the exterior of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view showing one surface of the battery cell shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a plan view showing another surface of the battery cell shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a coupling structure between a conductive frame of an upper battery cell and a conductive frame of a lower battery cell when a pair of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention are coupled together. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating a rotationally symmetric shape of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a view showing a state in which an insulating frame disposed on an upper portion of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention has been removed; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. [Figure 10] 3A and 3B are views illustrating a region where sealing is applied in a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are views illustrating pressure applied to a peripheral portion of a battery cell by a conductive frame disposed on an upper side and a conductive frame disposed on a lower side in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a connection structure between an electrode lead and a tab cover member according to the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a connection structure between an electrode lead and a tab cover member according to the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing terminal fastening structures for forming a cell stack of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical concept of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best explain the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of the exterior of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell shown in FIG.

[0038] 1 and 2, a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly 100, a cell case 200, a first conductive frame 300, and a second conductive frame 400.

[0039] The electrode assembly 100 may include a cell body 110 and electrode tabs 120 extending from the cell body 110. The cell casing 200 may include a receiving portion 210 configured to receive the electrode assembly 100 and a peripheral portion 220 extending outward from the receiving portion 210. The first conductive frame 300 may be positioned on a first surface of the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200. The first conductive frame 300 may be electrically connected to the electrode tabs 120 of the electrode assembly 100 through the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200. The second conductive frame 400 may be positioned on a second surface of the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200 (the surface opposite to the first surface of the peripheral portion 220). The second conductive frame 400 may be electrically connected to the electrode tabs 120 of the electrode assembly 100 through the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200.

[0040] According to the above-described configuration of the battery cell 10 of the present invention, it can be used as an external terminal for electrically connecting the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 located at the peripheral portion 220 of the cell case 200. As a result, when a plurality of the battery cells 10 are stacked to form a cell stack, the second conductive frame 400 provided on the battery cell 10 arranged at the top and the first conductive frame 400 provided on the battery cell 10 arranged at the bottom can be fastened together, thereby easily achieving electrical connection.

[0041] Furthermore, when components that can serve as external terminals are provided on the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200, electrode leads or other electrical connection components do not need to be exposed to the outside of the cell casing 200 from the sealing portion (joint portion) of the cell casing 200. If electrical connection components are drawn from the inside of the cell casing 200 through the sealing portion, the thickness and / or width of the electrical connection components may be significantly limited to prevent a decrease in sealing strength in the drawing area. If the thickness and / or width of the electrical connection components are limited in this way, it may be difficult to maintain the resistance of the battery cell 10 below a certain level. In this regard, the battery cell 10 of the present invention, which is configured so that electrical connection components do not need to be drawn from the sealing portion of the cell casing 200, can ensure a sufficient thickness for the conductive frames 300, 400 that can function as external terminals, thereby significantly reducing the resistance of the cell itself.

[0042] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly 100 may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. The electrode assembly 100 may be a stack-type electrode assembly in which the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked at least once, or a jelly roll-type electrode assembly in which the stack is wound up. The first electrode may be a positive or negative electrode, and the second electrode may be an electrode of opposite polarity to the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may each include a coated portion, which is an area coated with an electrode active material, and a non-coated portion, which is an area not coated with the electrode active material. The electrode tab 120 of the present invention may be a non-coated portion or a separate lead tab connected to the non-coated portion. When the electrode assembly 100 includes multiple first and second electrodes, the electrode tab 120 may be a non-coated portion assembly in which multiple non-coated portions are combined, or a separate lead tab connected to the non-coated portion assembly. The electrode tab 120 may be provided on one side and the other side of the electrode assembly 100. In this case, the electrode tabs on one side of the electrode assembly 100 may have a first polarity, and the electrode tabs on the other side may have a second polarity. The cell body 110 may refer to the remaining portion of the electrode assembly 100 excluding the electrode tabs 120.

[0043] The cell case 200 may be, for example, a pouch case including a multi-layer pouch film. That is, the battery cell 10 may be a pouch-type battery cell. The pouch film may include, for example, a metal layer and a pair of resin layers configured to cover both sides of the metal layer. The cell case 200 may include a first case 200A and a second case 200B. The first case 200A and the second case 200B may be configured to cover both sides of the electrode assembly 100, respectively. At least one of the first case 200A and the second case 200B may have a groove for forming the receiving portion 210. The first case 200A and the second case 200B may be joined to each other to form a peripheral portion 220 of the cell case 200. The peripheral portion 220 may be formed by sealing the contact area between the first case 200A and the second case 200B, for example, by thermal welding.

[0044] Next, the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0045] 1 and 2, the first conductive frame 300 may include a conductive metal to function as a path for electrical connection. The first conductive frame 300 may include a first terminal portion 310. The first terminal portion 310 may extend in a direction away from a first surface of the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200. Similarly, the second conductive frame 400 may include a conductive metal to function as a path for electrical connection. The second conductive frame 400 may include a second terminal portion 410. The second terminal portion 410 may extend in a direction away from a second surface of the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200. The second terminal portion 410 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first terminal portion 310 provided on the opposite side of the peripheral portion 220. In this way, when the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 are provided at positions corresponding to each other, when a plurality of battery cells 10 of the present invention are stacked, electrical connection between adjacent battery cells 10 becomes easy.

[0046] The first terminal portion 310 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a first surface of the peripheral portion 220. Similarly, the second terminal portion 410 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a second surface of the peripheral portion 220. According to this configuration, when forming a cell stack, the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 of adjacent battery cells 10 are arranged side by side, thereby facilitating fastening between the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410. The first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 may have fastening holes for fastening a fastening member F3 (see FIG. 16 ). In this case, the fastening member F3 fastens the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410, thereby electrically connecting and fixing the adjacent battery cells 10 to each other.

[0047] Although the drawings of the present invention illustrate a case in which the first terminal unit 310 and the second terminal unit 410 are each provided in pairs, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the first conductive frame 300 may include only one first terminal unit 310 or three or more first terminal units 310. Similarly, the second conductive frame 400 may include only one second terminal unit 410 or three or more second terminal units 410. When the first conductive frame 300 includes a plurality of first terminal units 310 and the second conductive frame 400 includes a plurality of second terminal units 410, electrical connection and mechanical fastening portions may be provided at multiple locations when connecting a plurality of battery cells 10. This may reduce electrical resistance and increase fastening strength.

[0048] The number of the first terminal units 310 and the second terminal units 410 may be the same. In this case, when a plurality of the same battery cells 10 are stacked, the first terminal units 310 and the second terminal units 410 provided in adjacent battery cells 10 and extending in opposite directions may be fastened to each other in a one-to-one relationship. In this case, when the plurality of battery cells 10 are stacked, electrical connection and / or fixation between the battery cells 10 may be facilitated.

[0049] Meanwhile, the structure in which the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 are provided on both sides of the peripheral portion 220 may be formed not only on one side but also on the other side in the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10. In this case, the conductive frames 300, 400 provided on one side of the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the X-axis) of the battery cell 10 and the conductive frames 300, 400 provided on the other side may have opposite polarities.

[0050] Next, an exemplary positional relationship between the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0051] Figures 3 and 4 are plan views showing one side and the other side of the battery cell shown in Figure 1. Also, Figure 5 is a view showing a coupling structure between a conductive frame of an upper battery cell and a conductive frame of a lower battery cell when a pair of battery cells are coupled together according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] 3 to 5 , when a pair of battery cells 1 according to the present invention are stacked, the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 may be configured so that the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410, which are respectively provided on different battery cells 10 and extend in opposite directions, at least partially overlap and face each other. For example, a distance D1 from the first terminal portion 310 to the cell body 110 and a distance D2 from the second terminal portion 410, which are located on the opposite side of the first terminal portion 310 and the peripheral portion 220 and are provided in corresponding positions, to the cell body 110 may be different. In contrast, if the two distances D1 and D2 are substantially the same, when a pair of battery cells 10 are stacked, the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410, which extend in opposite directions, may interfere with each other, making it difficult to arrange them to overlap and face each other. Meanwhile, this structure can be applied to both the case where the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 are provided one by one and the case where the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 are provided one by one.

[0053] In another aspect, when a pair of battery cells 10 according to the present invention are stacked on top of each other, the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 may be provided on different battery cells 10, respectively, and configured so that the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 extending in opposite directions at least partially overlap and contact each other (see FIG. 5 ). This structure is applicable to both cases where one first terminal portion 310 and one second terminal portion 410 are provided and cases where multiple first terminal portions 310 and multiple second terminal portions 410 are provided. This structure enables electrical connection between adjacent battery cells 10 simply by stacking the battery cells 10 to form a cell stack.

[0054] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 5, a structure in which electrical connection between the battery cells 10 is naturally established when the battery cells 10 are stacked may be achieved, for example, by the arrangement of the first terminal unit 310 and the second terminal unit 410 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in the first terminal unit 310 and the second terminal unit 410 located opposite each other across the peripheral portion 220 and provided at corresponding positions, a distance D3 from an outer surface of the terminal unit located closer to the cell body 110 (e.g., the second terminal unit located on the right side in FIG. 4) to the cell body 110 and a distance D1 from an inner surface of the terminal unit located farther from the cell body 110 (e.g., the first terminal unit located on the left side in FIG. 3) to the cell body 110 may be substantially the same. Here, the inner surface of the terminal unit refers to the surface facing the cell body 110 among both surfaces of the terminal unit, and the outer surface of the terminal unit refers to the surface opposite to the surface facing the cell body 110 among both surfaces of the terminal unit. Furthermore, the fact that the distances from each of the two terminals to the cell body 110 are substantially the same does not mean that they are completely the same, but can be considered to be substantially the same if they are within a general design tolerance range. This is because, if the two distances D1 and D2 differ within a very small range, adjacent battery cells 10 can be stacked without much force and a pair of terminal portions extending in opposite directions can be brought into contact with each other.

[0055] Next, the symmetrical structure of the battery cell 10 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a view illustrating the rotationally symmetrical shape of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] 6, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may have a rotationally symmetrical shape, which is substantially identical when rotated 180 degrees around a central axis passing through the center of the battery cell 10. For example, the battery cell 10 may have substantially the same outer shape when rotated 180 degrees around a rotation axis 1 passing through the center and extending parallel to the length direction of the battery cell 10, a rotation axis 2 extending parallel to the width direction of the battery cell 10, and / or a rotation axis 3 extending parallel to the thickness direction of the battery cell 10. Here, having substantially the same outer shape when rotated means that the positions of the first terminal portion 310 of the first conductive frame 300 and the second terminal portion 410 of the second conductive frame 400 are substantially the same in appearance before and after rotation of the battery cell 10.

[0057] 6 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the battery cell 10 of the present invention has a rotationally symmetric structure as described above, the orientation of the battery cell 10 does not need to be considered when forming a cell stack, thereby improving processability. For example, when the battery cell 10 of the present invention has a substantially symmetrical shape when rotated 180 degrees around rotation axis 1, it is not necessary to distinguish between a first side of the battery cell 10 and a second side thereof on the opposite side. Furthermore, when the battery cell 10 of the present invention has a substantially symmetrical shape when rotated 180 degrees around rotation axis 2 or 3, when a pair of battery cells 10 are stacked one on top of the other, the first terminal unit 310 and the second terminal unit 410 provided on each of the different battery cells 10 can be naturally aligned at corresponding positions regardless of their polarity.

[0058] Meanwhile, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may have the symmetrical structure as described above, and may be configured such that the first terminal unit 310 and the second terminal unit 410 provided in each of the adjacent battery cells 10 at least partially overlap and face each other, or at least partially overlap and contact each other, as described above with reference to Figures 3 to 5. With this structure, the terminal units of the battery cells 10 can naturally face or contact each other even when stacked without considering the direction, thereby significantly improving processability during the manufacture of a cell stack.

[0059] Next, an electrode lead 700 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7 in addition to Figure 2. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 2 and 7 , the battery cell 10 of the present invention may include an electrode lead 700. The electrode lead 700 may be electrically coupled to the electrode tab 120 of the electrode assembly 100. The electrode lead 700 may be coupled to the electrode tab 120 by, for example, welding. The electrode lead 700 may be located inside the cell casing 200. The electrode lead 700 may be arranged so as not to be exposed to the outside of the cell casing 200.

[0061] Such an arrangement position of the electrode lead 700 can eliminate the risk of a decrease in the sealing strength of the cell case 200 due to the electrode lead 700 being pulled out to the outside of the cell case 200. That is, if at least a portion of the electrode lead 700 is pulled out to the outside of the cell case 200, the sealing strength at the portion where the electrode lead 700 is pulled out may be reduced. In particular, if the cross-sectional area of the electrode lead 700 is increased to reduce the electrical resistance on the current path, the sealing strength at the portion where the electrode lead 700 is pulled out may be further reduced due to an increase in the thickness and / or width. In contrast, if the electrode lead 700 is not pulled out to the outside of the cell case 200, there is no risk of a decrease in the sealing strength of the cell case 200, and therefore, increasing the thickness and / or width of the electrode lead 700 to increase its cross-sectional area makes it easier to reduce the electrical resistance of the battery cell 10.

[0062] Meanwhile, the cell casing 200 may include a lead receiving portion 230 configured to have a shape substantially corresponding to the electrode lead 700. The lead receiving portion 230 may be, for example, a groove formed in the first case 200A (see FIG. 2) and / or the second case 200B (see FIG. 2). If the lead receiving portion 230 for receiving the electrode lead 700 is formed in advance before the first case 200A and the second case 200B are combined, stress due to the thickness of the electrode lead 700 at the peripheral portion 220 can be prevented when the first case 200A and the second case 200B are combined, thereby preventing a decrease in sealing strength.

[0063] The electrode lead 700 may have a shape that extends elongatedly along the width direction (direction parallel to the Y-axis) of the battery cell 10. This structure can ensure a sufficient bonding area between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700. As a result, the bonding strength between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700 can be improved, and the contact resistance at the bonding portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700 can be reduced.

[0064] Meanwhile, when the electrode lead 700 is provided, the first conductive frame 300 may be electrically coupled to a first surface of the electrode lead 700 through the peripheral portion 220. For example, the first conductive frame 300 may include a first lead connection portion 320, which may be electrically coupled to the electrode lead 700. When the electrode lead 700 is provided, the second conductive frame 400 may be electrically coupled to a second surface of the electrode lead 700 through the peripheral portion 220. For example, the second conductive frame 400 may include a second lead connection portion 420, which may be electrically coupled to the electrode lead 700.

[0065] Next, the coupling structure between the conductive frames 300, 400 and the electrode lead 700 of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 11, and further, the pressure applied to the peripheral portion 220 by the pair of conductive frames 300, 400 will be described.

[0066] Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a state in which an insulating frame disposed on an upper portion of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention has been removed, Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a region to which sealing is applied in a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a view illustrating pressure applied to a peripheral portion of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention by a conductive frame disposed on an upper portion and a conductive frame disposed on a lower portion.

[0067] 8, 9, and 11, the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 may be configured to press both sides of the peripheral portion 220 of the cell casing 200. For example, the first terminal connection portion 320 and the second terminal connection portion 420, which are disposed at corresponding positions across the peripheral portion 220 and the electrode lead 700, may be fixed by a fastening member F1. In this case, the fastening member F1 may sequentially penetrate the first terminal connection portion 320, the electrode lead 700, and the second terminal connection portion 420. The penetration order may be reversed. After sequentially penetrating the components, another fastening member F2 may be coupled to the end of the fastening member F1 exposed to the outside of the penetrated component. The fastening members F1 and F2 may be, for example, a bolt and a nut.

[0068] The first terminal connection portion 320 and the second terminal connection portion 420 may each penetrate one side and the other side of the cell casing 200 to contact the electrode lead 700. In this case, the first terminal connection portion 320 and the second terminal connection portion 420 may be fixed to both sides of the electrode lead 700 by fastening with the fastening members F1 and F2.

[0069] Next, a structure for strengthening the sealing force in the bonding region between the conductive frames 300, 400 and the electrode leads 700 and / or the region where the electrode leads 700 are disposed will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 10 is a view for explaining the region where sealing is applied in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] 9 and 10, a sealing member R may be applied around the area where the first terminal connection portion 320 and the second terminal connection portion 420 are coupled to the electrode lead 700. The sealing member R prevents a decrease in sealing strength at the area when the first terminal connection portion 320 and the second terminal connection portion 420 penetrate one side and the other side of the cell casing 200, respectively, to couple to the electrode lead 700. The sealing member R may be configured to surround the first terminal connection portion 320 and may be interposed between the first case 200A (see FIG. 2) and the electrode lead 700. The sealing member R may be configured to surround the second terminal connection portion 420 and may be interposed between the second case 200B (see FIG. 2) and the electrode lead 700.

[0071] Meanwhile, a sealing region S may be formed in the peripheral portion 220 outside the region in which the electrode lead 700 is accommodated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the sealing region S may be the entire region where the first case 200A and the second case 200B abut. Increasing the area occupied by the sealing region S in the peripheral portion 220 in this manner can improve the sealing performance of the cell casing 200.

[0072] Next, insulating frames 500 and 600 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 9. FIG.

[0073] 2 to 4 and 9, the battery cell 10 of the present invention may include a first insulating frame 500 and a second insulating frame 600. The first insulating frame 500 may be configured to partially cover the first conductive frame 300. The second insulating frame 600 may be configured to partially cover the second conductive frame 400. According to this configuration, the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 of the present invention are insulated except for certain regions of the terminal portions 310, 410 for connecting the battery cells 10 to each other or connecting the battery cell 10 to an external device, thereby eliminating the risk of unnecessary electrical contact.

[0074] The first insulating frame 500 may include a first terminal cover 510 configured to cover one side of the first terminal portion 310. The first insulating frame 500 may include a first connection portion cover 520 configured to surround the periphery of the first lead connection portion 320. Similarly, the second insulating frame 600 may include a second terminal cover 610 configured to cover one side of the second terminal portion 410. The second insulating frame 600 may include a second connection portion cover 620 configured to surround the periphery of the second lead connection portion 420.

[0075] The first insulating frame 500 and the second insulating frame 600 may be configured to pressurize both sides of the peripheral portion 220. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the first insulating frame 500 and the second insulating frame 600 may be configured to be pressed in a direction toward the peripheral portion 220 by the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 when the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400 are coupled to the electrode lead 700. As a result, the first insulating frame 500 and the second insulating frame 600 can strengthen the sealing force of the peripheral portion 220 together with the first conductive frame 300 and the second conductive frame 400.

[0076] Next, a tab cover member 800 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in Figure 1, and Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining the connection structure between the electrode lead and the tab cover member of the present invention.

[0077] 12 to 14, the battery cell 10 may include a tab cover member 800. The tab cover member 800 may be located within the cell casing 200 and configured to cover a bonding area between the electrode lead 700 and the electrode tab 120. When such a tab cover member 800 is provided, damage to the bonding area between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700 can be prevented.

[0078] The tab cover member 800 may be configured to be supported at one side by the electrode lead 700 fixed to the peripheral portion 220, and at the other side by the cell body 110. In this case, the tab cover member 800 may prevent movement of the electrode assembly 100 within the cell case 200, thereby preventing impact from being applied to the coupling portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the battery cell 10, it is possible to prevent defects caused by damage to the coupling portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700.

[0079] The tub cover member 800 may have a fixing protrusion P. In this case, the electrode lead 700 may have a protrusion receiving portion G configured to receive the fixing protrusion P. The protrusion receiving portion G may be, for example, a groove recessed from an edge portion of the tub cover member 800 adjacent to the electrode assembly 100. A plurality of fixing protrusions P and protrusion receiving portions G may be provided to stably fix the tub cover member 800.

[0080] The tub cover member 800 may be formed by combining a pair of cover members 800A and 800B. The tub cover member 800 may include a body portion 810 and wing portions 820. The body portion 810 may have a space for accommodating a coupling region of the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 700. The fixing protrusion P may be provided on the body portion 810. The wing portions 820 may extend from the body portion 810 and be configured to face the cell body 110. Within the cell casing 200, the movement of the body portion 810 away from the cell body 110 may be restricted by the electrode lead 700, and the movement of the wing portions 820 toward the cell body 110 may be restricted by their close contact with the cell body 110.

[0081] Next, a battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 15 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 16 is a diagram showing a terminal fastening structure for forming a cell stack of the present invention.

[0082] 15, a battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cell stack 1 including a plurality of battery cells 10 of the present invention as described above, and a pack housing 2 that houses the cell stack 1. As a result, the battery pack 3 of the present invention may be manufactured without going through a battery module step. That is, the battery pack 3 of the present invention may be manufactured by a cell-to-pack process.

[0083] Meanwhile, in the cell stack 1 applied to the battery pack 3 of the present invention, the plurality of battery cells 10 may be electrically connected to each other. In a first battery cell 10 and a second battery cell 10 adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells 10, the first conductive frame 300 provided in the first battery cell 10 and the second conductive frame 400 provided in the second battery cell 10 may be electrically coupled by a fastening member F3. The fastening member F3 may be configured to penetrate the first terminal portion 310 and the second terminal portion 410 that at least partially overlap and face each other. The fastening member F3 may be, for example, a bolt.

[0084] Next, a vehicle 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] 17, an automobile 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above. The automobile 5 may operate by receiving power from the battery pack 3 of the present invention. The automobile 5 may be, for example, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or the like.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Cell stack 2-pack housing 3 Battery Pack 5. Automobiles 10 battery cells 100 electrode assembly 110 Cell Body 120 Electrode tab 200 cell cases 200A Case 1 200B Second Case 210 Storage unit 220 Periphery S sealing area 230 Lead storage section 300 first conductive frame 310 1st terminal section 320 Second lead connection 400 Second conductive frame 410 2nd terminal section 420 Second lead connection 500 First insulating frame 510 1st terminal cover 520 First connection cover 600 Second insulating frame 610 Second terminal cover 620 Second connection cover 700 electrode leads G Protrusion housing 800 Tub cover member 800A First cover member 800B Second cover member 810 Main body 820 Wing P Fixed protrusion R Sealing member F, F1, F2, F3 fasteners

Claims

1. an electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab extending from the cell body; a cell case including a housing portion that houses the electrode assembly and a peripheral portion that extends outward from the housing portion; a first conductive frame located on a first surface of the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the electrode tab through the peripheral portion; a second conductive frame located on a second surface of the peripheral portion and electrically connected to the electrode tab through the peripheral portion.

2. the first conductive frame includes a first terminal portion extending in a direction away from the first surface, The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the second conductive frame includes a second terminal portion extending away from the second surface at a position corresponding to the first terminal portion.

3. The first conductive frame and the second conductive frame are 3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, when a pair of the battery cells are stacked, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion provided in different battery cells and extending in opposite directions are configured to at least partially overlap and face each other.

4. The first conductive frame and the second conductive frame are 3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein, when a pair of the battery cells are stacked, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion provided in different battery cells and extending in directions opposite to each other are configured to at least partially overlap and contact each other.

5. 5. The battery cell of claim 4, wherein a distance from an outer surface of one of the first and second terminal portions located closer to the cell body to the cell body is substantially the same as a distance from an inner surface of one of the first and second terminal portions located farther from the cell body to the cell body.

6. The battery cell according to claim 2 , wherein the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion each include a plurality of terminals.

7. 3. The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein the battery cell has a rotationally symmetrical shape, the outer shape of which is substantially the same when rotated 180 degrees about a central axis passing through the center of the battery cell.

8. The first conductive frame and the second conductive frame are 8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, when a pair of the battery cells are stacked, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion provided in different battery cells and extending in opposite directions are configured to at least partially overlap and face each other.

9. The first conductive frame and the second conductive frame are 8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein, when a pair of the battery cells are stacked, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion provided in different battery cells and extending in directions opposite to each other are configured to at least partially overlap and contact each other.

10. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are provided at positions corresponding to each other with the peripheral edge portion therebetween, 10. The battery cell of claim 9, wherein a distance from an outer surface of one of the first and second terminal portions located closer to the cell body to the cell body is substantially the same as a distance from an inner surface of one of the first and second terminal portions located farther from the cell body to the cell body.

11. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion each include: The battery cell according to claim 2 , further comprising a fastening hole configured to be coupled with a fastening member.

12. the battery cell further includes an electrode lead electrically coupled to the electrode tab and positioned inside the cell casing; the first conductive frame is electrically coupled to the first surface of the electrode lead through the peripheral edge; The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the second conductive frame is electrically coupled to the second surface of the electrode lead through the peripheral edge.

13. The battery cell of claim 12 , wherein the first conductive frame and the second conductive frame are configured to pressurize both sides of the peripheral portion.

14. The battery cell a first insulating frame configured to partially cover the first conductive frame; The battery cell of claim 12 , further comprising: a second insulating frame configured to partially cover the second conductive frame.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14 , wherein the first insulating frame and the second insulating frame are configured to pressurize both sides of the peripheral portion.

16. A cell stack including a plurality of battery cells according to any one of claims 1 to 15; a pack housing that houses the cell stack.

17. The plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other; 17. The battery pack of claim 16, wherein, in a first battery cell and a second battery cell adjacent to each other among the plurality of battery cells, the first conductive frame of the first battery cell and the second conductive frame of the second battery cell are electrically coupled by a fastening member.

18. 17. A motor vehicle comprising the battery pack of claim 16.

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