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

Abstract

A battery cell, a battery module including the same, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the same are disclosed. The battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates, electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly, a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, supports the electrode leads, and has a seal formed therein, and an internal pressure equalizing member coupled to at least a portion of the seal of the cell case.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0121322, filed on September 12, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings thereof.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery module including the battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle including the battery cell, and more particularly to a battery cell capable of uniformly maintaining an internal pressure of a pouch, a battery module including the battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle including the battery cell. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply to a wide range of products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which are powered by electrical sources.

[0004] Such secondary batteries have the main advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, as well as the advantage of not producing any by-products from the use of energy, making them environmentally friendly and drawing attention as a new energy source for improving energy efficiency.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V.

[0006] Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery module or a battery pack is configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, a battery module or a battery pack may be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel depending on the required charge / discharge capacity. Therefore, the number and electrical connection form of battery cells included in the battery module or battery pack can be variously set depending on at least one of the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Meanwhile, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type battery cells are known as types of secondary battery cells. A pouch-type battery cell is constructed by housing a cathode material, a separator, an anode material, and an electrolyte solution inside a pouch made of, for example, aluminum. A seal is formed around the edge of the pouch to prevent leakage of the electrolyte solution and other components from the pouch.

[0008] However, if gas is generated inside the pouch during the charging and discharging process of the battery cell, causing swelling of the pouch, the gas may be released through the seal at an unexpected point, which may have adverse effects on the battery cell or battery module, such as causing a fire. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Therefore, a technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell capable of preventing gas inside the battery cell from escaping through any sealing part and maintaining a uniform internal pressure of the cell case, a battery module including the same, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the same.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell that can reduce the risk of fire, a battery module including the battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle including the battery cell and the battery pack.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention provided below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell can be provided, including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly; a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, supports the electrode lead, and has a sealing portion formed therein; and an internal pressure uniformizing member that is coupled to at least a portion of the sealing portion of the cell case.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cell casing has a long side and a short side, and the internal pressure equalizing member can be coupled to a seal portion located along the short side of the cell casing and close to the electrode lead.

[0014] In one embodiment, the internal pressure equalizing member may include a magnetic material portion formed to a length corresponding to the length of the short side of the cell case and arranged along the short side, and a magnetic material connecting portion connected to the magnetic material portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the magnetic body portion may include a neodymium magnet.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cell casing has a long side and a short side, and the internal pressure equalizing member can be coupled to the cell casing along the long side of the cell casing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the internal pressure equalizing member may include a magnetic material portion formed to a length corresponding to the length of the long side of the cell case and arranged along the long side, and a magnetic material connecting portion connected to the magnetic material portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the magnetic material portion may include a first portion covering the cell case along the long side of the cell case, a second portion forming one side end of the first portion and electrically connected to a first electrode lead of the electrode leads, and a third portion forming the other side end of the first portion and electrically connected to a second electrode lead of the electrode leads.

[0019] In one embodiment, the connector may include a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor being coupled to the second portion, and the second conductor being coupled to the third portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the magnetic coupling portion may include a fourth portion that covers the cell case along the long side of the cell case, a fifth portion that forms one side end of the fourth portion and is electrically connected to a first electrode lead of the electrode leads, and a sixth portion that forms the other side end of the fourth portion and is electrically connected to a second electrode lead of the electrode leads.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fourth portion may have a foam pad attached thereto.

[0022] In one embodiment, the connector may include a third conductor and a fourth conductor, the third conductor being coupled to the fifth portion, and the fourth conductor being coupled to the sixth portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, a connection hole is formed in the magnetic material portion, a plug is connected to the magnetic material connecting portion, and when multiple cell cases each having the internal pressure equalizing member connected thereto are stacked, the plug of a first cell case among the multiple cell cases can be inserted into the connection hole of a second cell case among the multiple cell cases.

[0024] In one embodiment, the plug can be removably coupled to the magnetic coupling portion.

[0025] In one embodiment, an insulating layer may be formed between the plug and the magnetic coupling part.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second part and the third part may be magnetic, and the first part may be non-magnetic and connected to the magnetic parts.

[0027] In one embodiment, the magnetic body portion may include a neodymium magnet.

[0028] Meanwhile, according to other aspects of the present invention, a battery module including at least one of the above-described battery cells can be provided, a battery pack including at least one of the above-described battery cells can be provided, and a vehicle including at least one of the above-described battery cells can be provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that the internal pressure of the cell case can be uniformly maintained by preventing gas inside the battery cell from escaping through any sealing portion.

[0030] It also has the effect of reducing the risk of fire.

[0031] However, the effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0032] 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 concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a battery cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a battery cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of battery cells according to a second embodiment of the present invention are provided. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of battery cells in FIG. 5 are coupled to each other. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a battery cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of battery cells according to a third embodiment of the present invention are provided. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of battery cells in FIG. 10 are coupled to each other. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery module including battery cells according to various embodiments of the present invention; [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack including a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments 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 and dictionary meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0035] In the drawings, the size of each component or specific parts constituting the component may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically shown for convenience and clarity of description. Therefore, the size of each component may not completely reflect the actual size. If a detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "coupled" or "connected" include not only cases where one member is directly coupled or connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly coupled or connected to another member via a connecting member.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view of a battery cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG.

[0038] 1 and 2, a battery cell 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly 100, an electrode lead 200, a cell casing 300, and an internal pressure equalizing member 400. Here, the battery cell 10 may include a pouch-type battery cell 10.

[0039] The electrode assembly 100 may include a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode plates. For example, the first electrode plate may be a positive or negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate may correspond to an electrode plate having the opposite polarity to the first electrode plate. That is, if the first electrode plate is a positive electrode plate, the second electrode plate may be a negative electrode plate, and if the first electrode plate is a negative electrode plate, the second electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate.

[0040] The electrode lead 200 is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 100. The electrode lead 200 may be connected to only one side of the electrode assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction, or to both sides. For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the electrode lead 200 is connected to both sides of the electrode assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] The electrode lead 200 may include, for example, a first electrode lead 200a and a second electrode lead 200b. Here, the first electrode lead 200a is connected to a first electrode plate and may represent a positive or negative electrode. Also, the second electrode lead 200b is connected to a second electrode plate and may represent a positive or negative electrode. Here, the polarities of the first electrode lead 200a and the second electrode lead 200b are opposite. That is, if the first electrode lead 200a is a positive electrode, the second electrode lead 200b is a negative electrode, and if the first electrode lead 200a is a negative electrode, the second electrode lead 200b is a positive electrode.

[0042] The cell case 300 accommodates the electrode assembly 100 therein. That is, the cell case 300 may include an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly 100 therein. In this case, the cell case 300 may accommodate an electrolyte therein and accommodate the electrode assembly 100 therein in a state where the electrode assembly 100 is impregnated with the electrolyte.

[0043] The cell casing 300 may be configured, for example, as a pouch-type. For example, the cell casing 300 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum (Al), but the material of the cell casing 300 is not limited to this. For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the cell casing 300 is pouch-type and made of aluminum.

[0044] The cell casing 300 may be configured to support the electrode lead 200. In this case, the electrode lead 200 may protrude to the outside of the cell casing 300 by a predetermined length. In addition, a seal portion 310 may be formed along the side edge of the cell casing 300. The seal portion 310 prevents, for example, the electrolyte inside the cell casing 300 from leaking out, and also prevents gas generated during charging and discharging of the battery cell 10 from leaking out of the cell casing 300.

[0045] 1, the cell casing 300 has a long side and a short side, and the Y direction is the long side direction and the Z direction is the short side direction based on the drawing of FIG.

[0046] The internal pressure equalizing member 400 is coupled to at least a portion of the seal portion 310 of the cell casing 300. When the battery cell 10 undergoes a charge / discharge process and gas is generated inside the cell casing 300, causing swelling of the pouch, the gas may be released through the seal portion 310 at an unexpected point. However, since gas release increases the risk of fire, this must be prevented.

[0047] In the battery cell 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the internal pressure equalizing member 400 is coupled to the seal portion 310 of the cell case 300. Therefore, even if gas is generated inside the cell case 300, the gas is not discharged through any of the seal portions 310, and the internal pressure acting on the cell case 300 is maintained uniform. This also reduces the risk of fire.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the internal pressure equalizing member 400 can be coupled to the seal portion 310 located near the electrode lead 200 along the short side of the cell casing 300 .

[0049] Here, the internal pressure uniformizing member 400 can be coupled to the sealing portion 310 of the cell casing 300 in various ways. For example, the internal pressure uniformizing member 400 can include a magnetic portion 410 and a magnetic coupling portion 420.

[0050] 2, the magnetic body 410 is formed with a length corresponding to the length of the short side of the cell case 300 and is arranged along the short side. The magnetic body 410 may be made of various magnetic materials, including, but not limited to, a neodymium magnet.

[0051] 2, the magnetic coupling portion 420 is coupled to the magnetic portion 410. That is, the magnetic coupling portion 420 can be made of various materials that react with magnetic materials. For example, the magnetic coupling portion 420 can be made of, but is not limited to, steel.

[0052] In this manner, when the magnetic material part 410 is arranged along the short side of the cell casing 300 and the magnetic material coupling part 420 is coupled to the magnetic material part 410 to apply pressure to the sealing part 310, it is possible to prevent gas from being discharged through the sealing part 310 formed in close proximity to the electrode lead 200. Furthermore, because the magnetic material part 410 and the magnetic material coupling part 420 apply pressure to the sealing part 310, the tensile force acting on the sealing part 310 is reduced, the sealing strength of the sealing part 310 is increased, and the moment of that part is also reduced. As a result, the internal pressure is uniformly distributed without concentrating on the sealing part 310 side, and the internal pressure throughout the cell casing 300 is uniform.

[0053] As a result, the internal pressure of the cell casing 300 becomes uniform, and gas is prevented from escaping from any point of the seal portion 310, ultimately reducing the risk of fire.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a battery cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a state in which a plurality of battery cells according to the second embodiment of the present invention are provided, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which a plurality of battery cells in FIG. 5 are coupled to each other, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 7.

[0055] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that the internal pressure equalizing member 400 is coupled to the cell case 300 along the long side of the cell case 300. However, the content common to the first embodiment is replaced with the above description of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the content applicable to the first embodiment among the content described in the second embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0056] The descriptions of the electrode assembly 100, the electrode lead 200, and the cell case 300 are replaced with the descriptions of the first embodiment.

[0057] 3, the cell case 300 has long sides and short sides. In FIG. 3, the battery cell 10 is viewed from above, and the Y direction is the long side direction based on FIG. 3. The Z direction, which is the short side direction, is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0058] 3 and 5, the internal pressure equalizing member 400 is coupled to the cell casing 300 along the long side of the cell casing 300. In the second embodiment, the internal pressure equalizing member 400 may cover the entire cell casing 300. Alternatively, the internal pressure equalizing member 400 may be configured to partially surround the cell casing 300 such that at least one side of the cell casing 300 is exposed to the outside.

[0059] The internal pressure equalizing member 400 can be configured to support the cell case 300 in an upright position. Due to the rigidity of the cell case 300, it is generally not easy to stack the pouch-shaped cell case 300 in an upright position.

[0060] However, the internal pressure equalizing member 400 may be configured to surround one or more cell casings 300, thereby maintaining the surrounded cell casings 300 in an upright position, i.e., an upright position.

[0061] In addition, the internal pressure uniformizing member 400 may be configured so that at least one side of the surrounded cell case 300 is exposed toward the bottom surface of the module case 600 of the battery module 20 or the pack case 700 of the battery pack 30. That is, the battery cells 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention are maintained in an upright state by the internal pressure uniformizing member 400, and thus can be stacked in the module case 600. In this case, the battery module 20 is housed in the pack case 700.

[0062] Alternatively, the battery cells 10 may be directly housed in the pack case 700 while being maintained in an upright state by the internal pressure equalizing member 400. In this case, the module case 600 can be omitted, and the battery cells 10 can be further housed in the space formerly occupied by the module case 600 inside the pack case 700, thereby increasing the energy density.

[0063] 3, the internal pressure uniformizing member 400 can include a magnetic material portion 410 and a magnetic material coupling portion 420. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the cell casing 300 as seen from above, and in Fig. 3, the cell casing 300 is arranged in the vertical direction with reference to Fig. 3, i.e., in the Y direction in Fig. 3, which is the direction of the long side of the cell casing 300. Furthermore, the first electrode lead 200a is arranged on the upper side, and the second electrode lead 200b is arranged on the lower side.

[0064] Here, the magnetic material part 410 is formed to have a length corresponding to the length of the long side of the cell case 300, and is arranged along the long side of the cell case 300. The magnetic material part 410 is made of various magnetic materials, and can include, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet, for example.

[0065] 3 and 5, the magnetic material part 410 can include a first part 411, a second part 412, and a third part 413. In Fig. 3, the magnetic material is integrally formed, and the first part 411, the second part 412, and the third part 413 are manufactured integrally.

[0066] The first portion 411 covers the cell casing 300 along the long side of the cell casing 300. The first portion 411 may be configured to cover the entire side of the cell casing 300, or may be configured to cover only a portion of the side of the cell casing 300.

[0067] The second portion 412 forms one side end of the first portion 411 and is electrically connected to the first electrode lead 200a of the electrode lead 200. In Fig. 3, the second portion 412 forms the upper end of the first portion 411, but is not limited to this.

[0068] A first conductor 415 made of a conductive material is coupled to the second portion 412, and the first conductor 415 is electrically connected to the first electrode lead 200a (see FIG. 5 ). The first conductor 415 may be coupled to the second portion 412 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, bonding.

[0069] The third portion 413 forms the other end of the first portion 411 and is electrically connected to the second electrode lead 200b of the electrode lead 200. In Fig. 3, the third portion 413 forms the lower end of the first portion 411, but is not limited to this.

[0070] A second conductor 416 made of a conductive material is coupled to the third portion 413, and the second conductor 416 is electrically connected to the second electrode lead 200b (see FIG. 5 ). The second conductor 416 may be coupled to the third portion 413 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, bonding.

[0071] 3 and 5, the magnetic material coupling portion 420 is coupled to the magnetic material portion 410. That is, the magnetic material coupling portion 420 can be made of various materials that react with magnetic materials. For example, the magnetic material coupling portion 420 can be made of, but is not limited to, steel.

[0072] The magnetic coupling part 420 may include a fourth part 421, a fifth part 422, and a sixth part 423. In Fig. 3, the fourth part 421, the fifth part 422, and the sixth part 423 may be integrally formed.

[0073] The fourth part 421 covers the cell case 300 along the long side of the cell case 300 at a position opposite to the first part 411. For example, if the first part 411 of the magnetic part 410 covers the left side of the cell case 300 based on FIG. 3, the fourth part 421 of the magnetic coupling part 420 is formed to cover the right side of the cell case 300 based on FIG. 3, but is not limited to this.

[0074] Here, fourth portion 421 may be configured to cover the entire side surface of cell casing 300 or to cover a portion of the side surface of cell casing 300. Meanwhile, referring back to Fig. 3, foam pad 430 may be coupled to fourth portion 421 to cushion cell casing 300. Foam pad 430 may be made of polyurethane, but the material of foam pad 430 is not limited thereto.

[0075] The fifth portion 422 forms one side end of the fourth portion 421 and is electrically connected to the first electrode lead 200a of the electrode lead 200. In FIG. 3, the fifth portion 422 forms the upper end of the fourth portion 421, but is not limited to this.

[0076] A third conductor 425 made of a conductive material is coupled to the fifth portion 422, and the third conductor 425 is electrically connected to the first electrode lead 200a (see FIG. 5 ). There are various ways to couple the third conductor 425 to the fifth portion 422, and for example, the third conductor 425 may be coupled by forming a hole 429 in the fifth portion 422 and inserting the third conductor 425 into the hole formed in the fifth portion 422. However, the way in which the third conductor 425 is coupled to the fifth portion 422 is not limited thereto.

[0077] The sixth portion 423 forms the other end of the fourth portion 421 and is electrically connected to the second electrode lead 200b of the electrode lead 200. In Fig. 3, the sixth portion 423 forms the lower end of the fourth portion 421, but is not limited to this.

[0078] A fourth conductor 426 made of a conductive material is coupled to the sixth portion 423, and the fourth conductor 426 is electrically connected to the second electrode lead 200b (see FIG. 5). There are various ways to couple the fourth conductor 426 to the sixth portion 423, and for example, the fourth conductor 426 may be coupled by forming a hole 429 (see FIG. 6) in the sixth portion 423 and inserting the fourth conductor 426 into the hole 429 formed in the sixth portion 423. However, the way in which the fourth conductor 426 is coupled to the sixth portion 423 is not limited thereto.

[0079] 5, a magnetic part 410 and a magnetic coupling part 420 may be coupled to a cell case 300 to form one cell unit 500. Also, referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of cell units 500 may be coupled to each other.

[0080] Here, a plurality of cell units 500 may be coupled to each other and stacked in the module case 600 of the battery module 20, or may be directly stacked on the pack case 700 of the battery pack 30 without the module case 600. That is, the magnetic part 410 and the magnetic coupling part 420 not only function to apply pressure to the seal part 310, but also function to support the cell case 300 so that the cell case 300 maintains an upright state within the module case 600 or pack case 700.

[0081] There are various ways in which multiple cell units 500 can be connected to each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a connection hole 414 is formed in the magnetic part 410 and a plug 424 is connected to the magnetic coupling part 420. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, multiple cell cases 300, each having an internal pressure uniformizing member 400 connected thereto, can be stacked in such a manner that the plug 424 of a first cell case 300a among the multiple cell cases 300 is inserted into the connection hole 414 of a second cell case 300b among the multiple cell cases 300. Here, the plug 424 connected to the magnetic coupling part 420 can be included in the third conductor 425 and / or the fourth conductor 426. That is, the plug 424 is made of a conductive material.

[0082] Additionally, multiple cell units 500 can be coupled together in the above-described manner and stacked within a module case 600 or a pack case 700 .

[0083] 5 and 6, the plug 424 can be detachably coupled to the magnetic coupling part 420. Referring to Fig. 6, the plug 424 included in the fourth conductor 426 at the sixth part 423 has been removed.

[0084] The plug 424 is included in the third conductor 425 or the fourth conductor 426 and is coupled to the first electrode lead 200a or the second electrode lead 200b. Therefore, if the plug 424 is incorrectly connected, for example, if the same polarity is connected in series, a short circuit may occur. To prevent this, as needed, the plug 424 can be removed from the hole 429 formed in the magnetic coupling part 420 as shown on the right side of FIG. 6, or multiple cell units 500 can be connected by inserting the plug 424 into the hole 429 formed in the magnetic coupling part 420 as shown on the left side of FIG. 6. Here, a coupling thread 800 (see FIG. 4) may be formed around the plug 424.

[0085] 4, an insulating layer 428 may be formed between the plug 424 and the magnetic coupling portion 420. The insulating layer 428 is formed to provide electrical insulation between the magnetic coupling portion 420 made of a conductive steel material and the plug 424 made of a conductive material. Here, the insulating layer 428 may be formed from various materials, for example, plastic, but the material of the insulating layer 428 is not limited thereto.

[0086] In this way, when the magnetic material part 410 is arranged along the long side of the cell case 300 and the magnetic material joining part 420 is joined to the magnetic material part 410 to pressurize the sealing part 310, it is possible to prevent gas from being discharged through the sealing part 310 formed in close proximity to the electrode lead 200, thereby reducing the risk of fire, which is the effect common to the first embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a battery cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a plan view of a state in which a plurality of battery cells according to the third embodiment of the present invention are provided, and FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which a plurality of battery cells in FIG. 10 are coupled to each other.

[0088] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in the shape of the cell casing 300, which in turn changes the structure of the internal pressure equalizing member 400. However, the content common to the first or second embodiment is replaced with the description of the first or second embodiment. Furthermore, the content applicable to the first or second embodiment among the content described in the third embodiment can also be applied to the first or second embodiment.

[0089] 9, the second portion 412 and the third portion 413 are made of magnetic material. This is the same as in the second embodiment, so a detailed description will be omitted. However, the first portion 411 is made of a non-magnetic material and is connected to the second portion 412 and the third portion 413, respectively.

[0090] 9, unlike in FIG. 3, cell case 300 also protrudes toward magnetic material part 410. Therefore, in order for magnetic material part 410 to be coupled to cell case 300 in FIG. 9, a stepped portion recessed inward must be formed in magnetic material part 410. However, since it is not easy to process a stepped portion in a magnetic material such as a neodymium magnet, in order to facilitate the processing, first part 411 is formed as a non-magnetic material and is connected to second part 412 and third part 413, respectively, which is a difference in configuration from the second embodiment.

[0091] However, in Figure 10, the content in which a magnetic material part 410 and a magnetic material joining part 420 are joined to a cell case 300 to form one cell unit 500, and the content in Figure 11 in which multiple cell units 500 are joined to each other are common to the second embodiment, so they will be replaced with the content described above in the second embodiment.

[0092] In the third embodiment, the magnetic body 410 is also made of various magnetic materials, and may include, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet, for example.

[0093] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery module including battery cells according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0094] 12, a battery module 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above. In FIG. 12, the battery cells 10 are schematically shown stacked together to form a cell unit 500.

[0095] Here, the battery module 20 may include, for example, a module case 600 that houses a plurality of battery cells 10 electrically connected to one another.

[0096] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a battery pack including a battery module according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] 13, a battery pack 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells 10 or battery modules 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above. The battery pack 30 may further include a pack case 700 for accommodating the battery cells 10 or the battery modules 20, and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery cells 10, such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0098] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] 14, an automobile 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more of the battery cells 10, battery modules 20, or battery packs 30 according to the above-described embodiments. Here, the automobile 40 includes various automobiles that are configured to use electricity, such as electric automobiles and hybrid automobiles.

[0100] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that such terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that various modifications and variations may be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present invention and within the scope of equivalents of the claims set forth below. Therefore, the above-disclosed embodiments should be considered from an explanatory perspective, not a restrictive one. In other words, the true scope of the spirit of the present invention is defined in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereto should be construed as being included in the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0102] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery module including the battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle including the battery cell, and is particularly applicable to the secondary battery industry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10 battery cells 20 Battery Module 30 Battery Pack 40 Automobiles 100 electrode assembly 200 electrode leads 200a First electrode lead 200b Second electrode lead 300 cell case 300a 1st cell case 300b Second cell case 310 Seal part 400 Internal pressure uniformity member 410 Magnetic material part 411 Part 1 412 Part 2 413 Part 3 414 Connection hole 415 First Conductor 416 Second Conductor 420 Magnetic coupling part 421 Part 4 422 Part 5 423 Part 6 424 Plug 425 Third Conductor 426 Fourth Conductor 428 Insulating Layer 429 holes 430 Foam Pad 500 cell units 600 Module Case 700 pack case 800 coupling thread

Claims

1. an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate having a first polarity, a second electrode plate having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; an electrode lead connected to the electrode assembly; a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, supports the electrode leads, and has a seal formed therein; an internal pressure equalizing member coupled to at least a portion of the sealing portion of the cell casing.

2. the cell casing having a long side and a short side; The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the internal pressure equalizing member is coupled to a sealing portion located along the short side of the cell casing and close to the electrode lead.

3. The internal pressure equalizing member is a magnetic body portion formed to a length corresponding to the length of the short side of the cell case and arranged along the short side; The battery cell according to claim 2 , further comprising: a magnetic material coupling portion coupled to the magnetic material portion.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3 , wherein the magnetic material portion includes a neodymium magnet.

5. the cell casing having a long side and a short side; The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the internal pressure equalizing member is coupled to the cell case along the long side of the cell case.

6. The internal pressure equalizing member is a magnetic body portion formed to a length corresponding to the length of the long side of the cell case and arranged along the long side; The battery cell according to claim 5 , further comprising: a magnetic material coupling portion coupled to the magnetic material portion.

7. The magnetic material portion is a first portion covering the cell case along the long side of the cell case; a second portion forming one side end of the first portion and electrically connected to a first electrode lead of the electrode leads; a third portion forming the other end of the first portion and electrically connected to a second one of the electrode leads.

8. a first conductor and a second conductor; The battery cell of claim 7 , wherein the first conductor is coupled to the second portion and the second conductor is coupled to the third portion.

9. The magnetic coupling portion is a fourth portion covering the cell case along the long side of the cell case; a fifth portion forming one side end of the fourth portion and electrically connected to a first electrode lead of the electrode leads; 9. The battery cell according to claim 6, further comprising: a sixth portion that forms the other end of the fourth portion and is electrically connected to a second one of the electrode leads.

10. The battery cell of claim 9 , wherein the fourth portion has a foam pad coupled thereto.

11. a third conductor and a fourth conductor; The battery cell of claim 9 , wherein the third conductor is coupled to the fifth portion and the fourth conductor is coupled to the sixth portion.

12. A connection hole is formed in the magnetic material portion, a plug is coupled to the magnetic coupling portion; 9. The battery cell according to claim 6, wherein when a plurality of cell cases each having the internal pressure equalizing member bonded thereto are stacked, a plug of a first cell case among the plurality of cell cases is inserted into a connection hole of a second cell case among the plurality of cell cases.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12 , wherein the plug is detachably coupled to the magnetic coupling portion.

14. The battery cell according to claim 12 , wherein an insulating layer is formed between the plug and the magnetic coupling portion.

15. The battery cell of claim 7 , wherein the second portion and the third portion are magnetic materials, and the first portion is a non-magnetic material connected to the magnetic materials.

16. The battery cell according to claim 6 , wherein the magnetic material portion includes a neodymium magnet.

17. A battery module comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

18. A battery pack comprising the battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

19. A motor vehicle comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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