Battery cell, and battery pack including said battery cell and electric motorcycle
The battery cell design with an adhesive member between the washer and exterior material addresses the issue of short circuits by stabilizing the washer, enhancing safety and reliability, and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-15
AI Technical Summary
Conventional battery cells face the risk of short circuits due to the outer casing shrinking and exposing the top of the battery cell when repeatedly exposed to high/low temperature environments, exacerbated by washer movement, which is not adequately addressed by existing insulation methods.
A battery cell design incorporating a washer with an adhesive member between the exterior material and the washer to enhance adhesive force, preventing the washer from moving and exposing the battery cell top, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.
The adhesive member stabilizes the washer, preventing short circuits and ensuring safety by maintaining the washer's position even under temperature fluctuations, while also improving manufacturing efficiency through a simple adhesion process.
Smart Images

Figure 2026512265000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an electric two-wheeler.
[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0131972 filed on October 4, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated into this application.
Background Art
[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly adaptable to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are not only applied to portable devices but also widely applied to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries not only have the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also have the advantage of generating no by-products associated with energy use, and thus are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.
[0004] According to the charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack required by an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series / parallel to form a battery pack. In this case, a battery module including at least one battery cell is generally configured first, and other components are added to the at least one battery module to form a battery pack or a battery rack. In recent years, a cell-to-pack type battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing or the like without being modularized has also been manufactured.
[0005] On the other hand, conventional battery cells may include an outer casing material on the outside of the battery housing. When such battery cells are repeatedly exposed to high / low temperature environments during a temperature cycle test, the outer casing material, which is made of film or similar material, may shrink due to its physical properties, potentially exposing the top of the battery cell. In such cases, there is a problem that the risk of short circuits occurring in battery packs containing multiple battery cells increases.
[0006] In particular, if a washer is provided on the top of the battery housing to supplement electrical insulation, as the outer casing shrinks, the area of the washer covered by the outer casing gradually decreases, and the movement of the washer further increases the risk of a short circuit occurring in the battery pack.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop battery cells that can prevent the outer casing from shrinking and exposing the top of the battery cell, even when the battery cell is repeatedly exposed to high / low temperature environments.
[0008] In particular, there is a need to develop battery cells that can prevent washer movement and suppress the occurrence of short circuits in battery packs by increasing the adhesive or frictional force between the washer and the exterior material. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems described above, and aims to provide a battery cell that can prevent the top of the battery cell from being exposed even when the battery cell is repeatedly exposed to high temperature / low temperature environments, thereby ensuring safety and reliability.
[0010] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery pack that includes such battery cells.
[0011] Furthermore, the problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]
[0012] A battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems may include an electrode assembly, a battery housing having an opening on one side and housing the electrode assembly through the opening, a washer disposed on the opening side of the battery housing, an exterior material configured to cover at least a part of the battery housing and the washer, and an adhesive member provided on at least one side of the exterior material and configured to strengthen the adhesive force of the exterior material.
[0013] The adhesive member may be provided between the washer and the exterior material.
[0014] The washer includes a first portion to which the exterior material is bonded, and a second portion which is the remaining area excluding the first portion, and the adhesive member may be provided only on the first portion.
[0015] The adhesive member may be provided on the outer surface of the exterior material.
[0016] The adhesive member may be composed of a tape on which an adhesive surface is formed on one side.
[0017] The adhesive member may be configured in a ring shape with a hole formed in its center.
[0018] The battery housing may include a crimping portion that is bent inward along the radial direction of the electrode assembly from the upper peripheral edge of the battery housing.
[0019] The washer may be placed on the upper surface of the crimping portion.
[0020] In addition, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells according to an embodiment of the present invention described above.
[0021] Furthermore, the electric two-wheeler according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention described above.
[0022] On the other hand, in the present invention, a method for manufacturing such a battery cell is also provided.
[0023] The method for manufacturing a battery cell of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a battery housing that houses the electrode assembly and has an opening on one side, and a washer disposed on the opening side of the battery housing, the method including a step of mounting the washer on the upper surface of the battery housing, a step of positioning an adhesive member on at least a part of the outer surface of the washer, and a step of surrounding the battery housing with an exterior material so as to cover at least a part of the battery housing and the washer.
[0024] The adhesive member may be composed of a liquid and applied to the outer surface of the washer.
[0025] Here, before applying the adhesive member, a step of covering a part of the washer may be further included.
[0026] As another example, the adhesive member may be configured as an adhesive surface provided on one surface of the washer.
[0027] As yet another example, the adhesive member may be configured as an adhesive surface provided on one surface of the exterior material.
[0028] Another method for manufacturing a battery cell of the present invention includes an electrode assembly, a battery housing that houses the electrode assembly and has an opening on one side, and a washer disposed on the opening side of the battery housing. The method for manufacturing a battery cell includes a step of attaching the washer to the upper surface of the battery housing, a step of surrounding the battery housing with an exterior material so as to cover at least a part of the battery housing and the washer, and a step of positioning an adhesive member at the outer peripheral edge of the exterior material.
[0029] Here, the adhesive member may be composed of a tape having an adhesive surface formed on one surface.
[0030] The adhesive member may be configured in a ring shape with a hole formed in the central portion.
Advantages of the Invention
[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, even when the battery cell is repeatedly exposed to high-temperature / low-temperature environments, the adhesive member can prevent the exterior material from shrinking and exposing the upper part of the battery cell. Thereby, the safety and reliability of the battery cell can be ensured.
[0032] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, in the manufacture of a battery cell, adhesion can be achieved only by a simple process of applying a predetermined pressure when adhering a plurality of components to each other, so that productivity can be improved.
[0033] In particular, according to still another aspect of the present invention, in a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the occurrence of a short circuit can be suppressed.
[0034] Note that the present invention is not limited to the effects described above, and it is obvious from the description of each embodiment or the easy knowledge of those skilled in the art that the present invention can exhibit various other effects, so the description thereof is omitted.
[0035] The drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described later, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0036] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell relating to Entity Model 1. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a comparative example, a plan view of a battery cell in which no adhesive member is provided, unlike the battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a part of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the manufacturing process of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows another manufacturing process for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows yet another manufacturing process for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows yet another manufacturing process for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the manufacturing process of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a schematic perspective view of an electric motorcycle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0037] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted to be limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a sense and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms themselves in order to best describe the invention.
[0038] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical concept of the invention. It should be understood that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for these at the time of filing this application.
[0039] Furthermore, the present invention includes a variety of embodiments. In each embodiment, redundant explanations of substantially identical or similar configurations will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences.
[0040] On the other hand, while the present invention may use terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, these terms are for convenience of explanation and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they can change depending on the position of the object, the observer's position, etc.
[0041] For the sake of explanation, in this specification, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of an electrode assembly wound in a jelly roll shape will be referred to as the axial direction. The direction surrounding the winding axis will be referred to as the circumferential direction. The direction approaching or moving away from the winding axis will be referred to as the radial direction.
[0042] Figure 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a plan view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a comparative example, which is a plan view of a battery cell that does not have an adhesive member, unlike the battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] First, referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery cell 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly 10, a battery housing 20, a washer 30, an outer casing material 40, and an adhesive member 50. The battery cell 1 may be a cylindrical battery cell as shown in the figures.
[0044] Referring to Figure 2, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed in the battery housing 20. The electrode assembly 10 may include a first electrode having a first polarity, a second electrode having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes. The electrode assembly 10 may have a jelly-roll structure. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by stacking the first and second electrodes, which have a sheet shape, at least once with a separator interposed between them, in one direction with respect to the axial direction passing through the winding hole H1. In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly 10 for insulation from the battery housing 20. Any jelly-roll structure known in the industry is applicable to the present invention without limitation. The first electrode is either a positive or negative electrode, and the second electrode corresponds to an electrode having the opposite polarity to the first electrode.
[0045] The first electrode may include a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the first electrode current collector. The first electrode may have a blank portion (first blank portion) formed by the absence of electrode active material at its upper end. That is, a blank portion (first blank portion) without the first electrode active material may exist at one end of the first electrode current collector in the width direction (along the Z-axis). The blank portion may function as a first electrode tab 11. The first electrode tab 11 may be provided at the top of the electrode assembly 10 in the height direction (along the Z-axis) housed in the battery housing 20. That is, the first electrode current collector has no active material layer coated on its long side end and includes a first blank portion exposed to the outside from the separator, and at least a part of the first blank portion may be used as an electrode tab. The first electrode tab 11 may be, for example, a positive electrode tab.
[0046] The second electrode may include a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the second electrode current collector. The second electrode may have a blank portion (second blank portion) formed by the absence of electrode active material at its lower end. That is, a blank portion (second blank portion) without second electrode active material may exist at the other end of the second electrode current collector in the width direction (along the Z-axis). The blank portion may function as a second electrode tab 12. The second electrode tab 12 may be provided at the bottom of the electrode assembly 10 in the height direction (along the Z-axis) housed in the battery housing 20. That is, the second electrode current collector has no active material layer coated on its long side end and includes a second blank portion exposed to the outside from the separator, and at least a part of the second blank portion may be used as an electrode tab. The second electrode tab 12 may be, for example, a negative electrode tab.
[0047] The first electrode tab 11 and the second electrode tab 12 may extend in opposite directions along the height direction (direction along the Z-axis) of the battery cell 1. For example, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first electrode tab 11 may extend toward an opening formed at the upper end of the battery housing 20, and the second electrode tab 12 may extend toward a closure formed at the lower end of the battery housing 20.
[0048] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the battery housing 20 may be provided as a substantially cylindrical housing. The battery housing 20 may have an opening on one side. The battery housing 20 can accommodate the electrode assembly 10 through the opening formed on one side, and can also accommodate the electrolyte. The side wall portion of the battery housing 20 and the closing portion formed on the opposite side of the opening may be formed integrally, or they may be formed individually and joined to each other by welding or the like.
[0049] The battery housing 20 may be made of a conductive metallic material. The battery housing 20 may be electrically connected to the second electrode tab 12 of the electrode assembly 10. Therefore, the battery housing 20 may have the same second polarity as the second electrode tab 12. The electrical connection between the electrode assembly 10 and the battery housing 20 may be achieved, for example, via the second current collector 90.
[0050] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a battery cell 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a top cap 60. The top cap 60 can cover the upper end opening of the battery housing 20. The top cap 60 may be made of a conductive metallic material. The top cap 60 may be configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10 and electrically insulated from the battery housing 20. Thus, the top cap 60 may have the same first polarity as the first electrode tab 11 of the electrode assembly 10 and function as the first electrode terminal in the battery cell 1 of the present invention. The electrical connection between the first electrode tab 11 and the top cap 60 may be achieved, for example, by a first current collector 80.
[0051] The top cap 60 may have a protrusion 61 that is formed to protrude upward from approximately the center.
[0052] The protrusion 61 may protrude upward above the upper surface of the washer 30 through the washer hole H2 of the washer 30 to facilitate contact with electrical connection components such as busbars. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the top cap 60 may be formed to be flat as a whole. Furthermore, even if the top cap 60 has a protrusion 61, the upper surface of the protrusion 61 may be located at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the washer 30, or at a lower height.
[0053] The battery housing 20 may include a beading portion 21. The beading portion 21 may be formed adjacent to the opening side of the battery housing 20. The beading portion 21 may have a shape that is press-fitted along the outer circumferential surface of the battery housing 20. As a result, the beading portion 21 may have a shape that is recessed to a predetermined depth radially from the outer circumferential surface of the battery housing 20 and may extend along the circumferential direction of the battery housing 20. The beading portion 21 may prevent the electrode assembly 10, which has a size corresponding to the width of the battery housing 20, from falling out of the upper end opening of the battery housing 20, and may also function as a support portion on which the top cap 60 sits.
[0054] The battery housing 20 may include a crimping portion 22. The crimping portion 22 may be formed on the opening side of the battery housing 20. The crimping portion 22 may have a form that is bent inward along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10 from the upper peripheral edge of the battery housing 20. If the battery housing 20 is provided with a beading portion 21, the crimping portion 22 may be formed on the upper part of the beading portion 21. The crimping portion 22 may extend from the beading portion 21 and have a form that extends and is bent so as to surround a portion of the outer peripheral surface and upper surface of the top cap 60 which is placed on the beading portion 21. The upper end of the crimping portion 22 may extend inward by a predetermined distance along the radial direction of the battery cell 1 and be formed to surround a portion of the upper surface of the top cap 60. This allows the crimping portion 22 to fix the upper peripheral edge of the top cap 60. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the crimping portion 22 fixes the top cap 60, thereby preventing the top cap 60 from detaching upward.
[0055] On the other hand, a gasket G may be interposed between the top cap 60 and the crimped portion 22 of the battery housing 20 to seal the upper end opening of the battery housing 20 and to electrically insulate the battery housing 20 from the top cap 60. The gasket G may include a material having insulating and elastic properties. For example, the gasket G may include a polymer resin. The gasket G may be bent together with the bent shape of the crimped portion 22 of the battery housing 20. If the battery housing 20 has a beading portion 21, the gasket G may be interposed between the upper surface of the beading portion 21 and the lower end of the crimped portion 22.
[0056] Furthermore, a battery cell 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vent 70 for reducing internal pressure. The vent 70 may be made of a conductive thin plate. A recessed area may be formed in the center of the vent 70, and multiple notches of different depths may be formed in the upper and lower bent portions of the center.
[0057] Although the structure of the battery cell 1 has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such a structure of the battery cell 1. The present invention is characterized by a battery cell including an adhesive member and a method for manufacturing the same.
[0058] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the washer 30 may be positioned on the opening side of the battery housing 20. Specifically, the washer 30 may seat on the upper end of the battery housing 20. If a crimping portion 22 is formed on the upper end of the battery housing 20, the washer 30 may seat on the upper surface of the crimping portion 22. The washer 30 may have a substantially disc shape with a hole formed approximately in the center. That is, the washer 30 may have a substantially ring shape with a washer hole H2 formed approximately in the center. The washer 30 can protect the battery cell 1 from external impacts and complement the mechanical strength of the member attached to the upper end of the battery cell 1.
[0059] The washer 30 can be fixed to the upper surface of the battery housing 20 in various ways. For example, the outer surface of the washer 30 can be fixed together during the crimping process of the battery housing 20, or the outer surface of the washer 30 can be fixed together when the outer covering material 40 is covered with heat-shrinkable tubing and then shrunk.
[0060] The washer 30 may be configured to be electrically insulated from the top cap 60 and the battery housing 20. The top cap 60 may be exposed through a washer hole H2 formed in the center of the washer 30, and the washer 30 and the top cap 60 may be spaced apart from each other. If the top cap 60 has a protrusion 61, the protrusion 61 may be exposed through the washer hole H2.
[0061] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the washer 30 can essentially play a role in complementing the electrical insulation state. Specifically, the washer 30 can prevent an internal short circuit from being induced by the top cap 60, which is the first electrode terminal, coming into contact with the battery housing 20, which is the second electrode terminal.
[0062] The exterior material 40 may be configured to surround the outer surface of the battery cell 1. The exterior material 40 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the battery housing 20 and the washer 30. For example, the exterior material 40 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the side of the battery housing 20 and the top surface of the washer 30. The exterior material 40 may be composed of a substantially rectangular sheet member and configured to surround the outer surface of the battery housing 20 while sealing the upper end of the washer 30. The exterior material 40 may be configured to cover up to the bottom surface of the battery housing 20. Alternatively, the exterior material 40 may be composed of a substantially cylindrical heat-shrinkable tube, and the battery housing 20 may be inserted into the exterior material 40 so that the exterior material 40 surrounds the battery housing 20. This allows the exterior material 40 to be wrapped around the outer surface of the battery housing 20 and the upper end of the washer 30, and then sealed by applying a predetermined amount of heat. The exterior material 40 can protect accessories of the battery cell 1, such as the battery housing 20.
[0063] On the other hand, a battery cell 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an adhesive member 50. The adhesive member 50 may be provided on at least one side surface of the exterior material 40. The adhesive member 50 may be configured to strengthen the adhesive force between the exterior material 40 and the washer 30. According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the position of the washer 30 can be fixed by bonding the adhesive member 50 to the exterior material 40.
[0064] If, as in the comparative example shown in Figure 4, no adhesive member is provided on at least one surface of the exterior material 40, then when the battery cell 1' is repeatedly exposed to high / low temperature environments, the exterior material 40 may shrink, causing the area of the washer 30 covered by the exterior material 40 to gradually decrease, and the area of the exposed washer 30 to gradually increase (see arrow direction). In such a case, the washer 30 may move, potentially causing a short circuit.
[0065] On the other hand, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, if an adhesive member 50 is provided on at least one surface of the exterior material 40, the adhesive force or frictional force between the washer 30 and the exterior material 40 increases, and the exterior material 40 stably covers the washer 30, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery cell 1.
[0066] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive component of the adhesive member 50 allows the washer 30 and the exterior material 40 to be bonded together in a simple process of only applying a predetermined pressure, which can be advantageous in terms of process efficiency.
[0067] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a part of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing another manufacturing process of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive member 50 may be provided between the washer 30 and the exterior material 40. That is, the adhesive member 50 may be provided on the inner surface of the exterior material 40. The adhesive member 50 may be provided on at least a portion of the washer 30. Specifically, the washer 30 includes a first portion 31 to which the exterior material 40 is bonded, and a second portion 32 which is the remaining area excluding the first portion 31, and the adhesive member 50 may be provided only on the first portion 31. The first portion 31 may be provided along the outer circumference of the washer 30.
[0069] Referring to Figure 6, first, as shown in Figure 6(a), a washer 30 can be attached to the opening side of the battery housing 20, or in the example structure, to the upper surface of the battery housing 20. Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), an adhesive member 50 can be applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of the washer 30. At this time, the adhesive member 50 may include a gel-like or liquid adhesive. Then, as shown in Figure 6(c), the exterior material 40 can be wrapped around the battery housing 20 so as to cover the outer surface of the battery housing 20 and at least a portion of the washer 30. In this state, by applying a predetermined amount of heat to the exterior material 40, the exterior material 40 can be bonded to the battery housing 20 and the washer 30 by the adhesive member 50.
[0070] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, even if the battery cell 1 is repeatedly exposed to high / low temperatures and the outer material 40 shrinks, the adhesive member 50 prevents the outer material 40 from peeling off, thus preventing the washer 30 from being exposed to the outside. This prevents the risk of a short circuit from occurring, and thus ensures the safety of the battery cell 1.
[0071] On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive member 50 is composed of a liquid and can be applied to the outer surface of the washer 30. Specifically, referring to Figure 7, first, as shown in Figure 7(a), the washer 30 can be attached to the opening side of the battery housing 20, for example, to the upper surface of the battery housing 20. Next, as shown in Figure 7(b), a portion of the washer 30 can be covered before applying the adhesive member 50. This covered portion is hatched in the drawing. That is, the second portion 32 of the washer 30 to which the exterior material 40 is not bonded can be covered.
[0072] Next, as shown in Figure 7(c), the adhesive member 50 can be applied to the washer 30. At this time, the adhesive member 50 can be applied to the washer 30 using a spray or the like. Even if the adhesive member 50 is applied uniformly while the second portion 32 is covered, the adhesive member 50 can be applied only to the first portion 31, making the application process simple and preventing the adhesive member 50 from being applied to a part of the top cap 60 that functions as the first electrode terminal.
[0073] Next, as shown in Figure 7(d), the battery housing 20 may be surrounded by the exterior material 40 so as to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the battery housing 20 and the washer 30.
[0074] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to fundamentally prevent the adhesive member 50 from being applied to a part of the top cap 60 that functions as the first electrode terminal. Furthermore, when applying the adhesive member 50, which is composed of a liquid, it is possible to apply it quickly over a wide area, thus saving time and costs in the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
[0075] Figure 8 shows yet another manufacturing process for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive surface 51 may be provided on one side of the washer 30. The adhesive surface 51 may be provided on the first portion 31. The adhesive surface 51 may be one side of a double-sided tape. As a result, as shown in Figure 8(a), the washer 30 with the adhesive surface 51 can be attached to the opening side of the battery housing 20, for example, the top surface. Then, as shown in Figure 8(b), the battery housing 20 can be surrounded by an exterior material 40 so as to cover the outer surface of the battery housing 20 and at least a part of the washer 30. By applying a predetermined heat to the exterior material 40 in this state, the adhesive surface 51 and the exterior material 40 can be bonded together, and the exterior material 40 can be bonded to the battery housing 20 and the washer 30.
[0077] In other words, in this embodiment, when manufacturing a battery cell 1 in the following order: attaching a washer 30 to the upper surface of the battery housing 20, positioning an adhesive member 50 on at least a portion of the outer surface of the washer 30, and surrounding the battery housing 20 with an outer material 40 so as to cover at least a portion of the battery housing 20 and the washer 30, the adhesive member 50 can be configured as an adhesive surface 51 provided on one side of the washer 30. In this embodiment, the adhesive surface 51 of the washer 30 functions as the adhesive member 50, and in particular in this case, the process of applying the liquid form of the adhesive member, as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, to the battery housing 20 and the washer 30 is omitted, thus saving time and costs in the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
[0078] Figure 9 shows yet another manufacturing process for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive surface 51 may be provided on one surface of the exterior material 40. The adhesive surface 51 may be provided on the inner surface of the exterior material 40. The adhesive surface 51 may be provided on the portion of the exterior material 40 that covers the upper surface of the washer 30. The adhesive surface 51 may be one side of a double-sided tape. As a result, as shown in Figure 9(a), the washer 30 is first attached to the upper surface of the battery housing 20, and then, as shown in Figure 9(b), the exterior material 40 with the adhesive surface 51 can be bonded to the battery housing 20 so as to cover at least a portion of the battery housing 20 and the washer 30.
[0080] In other words, in this embodiment, when manufacturing a battery cell 1 in the following order: attaching a washer 30 to the upper surface of the battery housing 20, positioning an adhesive member 50 on at least a portion of the outer surface of the washer 30, and surrounding the battery housing 20 with an outer material 40 so as to cover at least a portion of the battery housing 20 and the washer 30, the adhesive member 50 can be configured as an adhesive surface 51 provided on one surface of the outer material 40. In this embodiment, the adhesive surface 51 of the outer material 40 functions as the adhesive member 50, and in particular in this case, the process of applying the liquid form of the adhesive member, as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, to the battery housing 20 and the washer 30 is omitted, thus saving time and costs in the manufacturing process and improving productivity.
[0081] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 11 is a diagram showing the manufacturing process of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0082] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive member 50 may be provided on the outer surface of the exterior material 40. Referring to Figure 10, the adhesive member 50 may be provided on the upper surfaces of the exterior material 40 and the washer 30. The adhesive member 50 may be provided along the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the exterior material 40 that covers the washer 30.
[0083] Specifically, the adhesive member 50 may be composed of a tape with an adhesive surface formed on one side. Alternatively, the adhesive member 50 may be configured as a ring shape with a hole formed in the center. The adhesive member 50 may be configured to cover the top cap 60 excluding the protruding portion 61. The inner diameter of the hole in the adhesive member 50 may be configured to correspond to the outer diameter of the protruding portion 61.
[0084] A method for manufacturing such a battery cell 1 can be carried out as follows.
[0085] Specifically, first, as shown in Figure 11(a), a washer 30 can be attached to the upper surface of the battery housing 20. Next, as shown in Figure 11(b), the battery housing 20 can be surrounded by an exterior material 40 so as to cover the outer surface of the battery housing 20 and at least a portion of the washer 30. Then, as shown in Figure 11(c), an adhesive member 50 can be positioned on the outer peripheral edge of the exterior material 40. In this case, similar to the embodiment described above, the adhesive member 50 is made of tape with an adhesive surface formed on one side and can be adhered to the outer peripheral edge of the exterior material 40 and a portion of the washer 30.
[0086] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the force with which the adhesive member 50 attracts the exterior material 40 acts in the opposite direction to the force that causes the exterior material 40 to contract, thereby holding the exterior material 40 in place. This prevents the exterior material 40 from contracting due to its physical properties. Furthermore, since the adhesive member 50 can fix the washer 30, it is possible to suppress the movement of the washer 30 and prevent a short circuit from occurring.
[0087] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack containing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0088] Referring to Figure 12, a battery pack 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell assembly in which a plurality of battery cells 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention described above are electrically connected, and a pack housing 2 that houses the same. The plurality of battery cells 1 can be housed inside the pack housing 2 such that the opening of the battery housing 20 faces upward.
[0089] On the other hand, the battery pack 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as busbars for electrical connections, a cooling unit, and power terminals, but these are omitted for the sake of illustration.
[0090] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of an electric motorcycle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] Referring to Figure 13, an electric motorcycle 5 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack 3 of the present invention described above. The electric motorcycle 5 operates by receiving power from the battery pack 3 of the present invention. The electric motorcycle 5 may be a motorcycle that operates solely by power supply from the battery pack 3, or it may be a hybrid motorcycle that operates by other energy sources such as fuel and power supply. Examples of the electric motorcycle 5 include electric scooters and electric bicycles.
[0092] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art in the field to which the invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as described in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or outlook of the present invention.
Claims
1. Electrode assembly and A battery housing having an opening on one side, through which the electrode assembly is housed, A washer positioned on the opening side of the battery housing, An exterior material configured to cover at least a portion of the battery housing and the washer, An adhesive member provided on at least one side surface of the exterior material and configured to strengthen the adhesive force of the exterior material, Battery cells, including
2. The adhesive member is The battery cell according to claim 1, provided between the washer and the exterior material.
3. The aforementioned washer is, The first portion to which the exterior material is bonded, The second part is the remaining area excluding the first part mentioned above, Includes, The battery cell according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive member is provided only in the first portion.
4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive member is provided on the outer surface of the exterior material.
5. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive member is composed of a tape having an adhesive surface formed on one surface.
6. The battery cell according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive member is configured in the shape of a ring with a hole formed in the center.
7. The aforementioned battery housing is The battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising a crimping portion having a shape that is bent inward along the radial direction of the electrode assembly from the upper peripheral edge of the battery housing.
8. The battery cell according to claim 7, wherein the washer is positioned on the upper surface of the crimping portion.
9. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. An electric motorcycle comprising the battery pack described in claim 9.
11. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising an electrode assembly, a battery housing that houses the electrode assembly and has an opening on one side, and a washer disposed on the opening side of the battery housing, The steps include attaching the washer to the upper surface of the battery housing, The steps include positioning the adhesive member on at least a portion of the outer surface of the washer, The steps include: surrounding the battery housing with an exterior material so as to cover at least a portion of the battery housing and the washer; A method for manufacturing battery cells, including the invention of a battery cell.
12. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive member is composed of a liquid and is applied to the outer surface of the washer.
13. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 12, further comprising the step of covering a portion of the washer before applying the adhesive member.
14. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive member is configured as an adhesive surface provided on one surface of the washer.
15. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 11, wherein the adhesive member is configured as an adhesive surface provided on one surface of the exterior material.
16. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising an electrode assembly, a battery housing that houses the electrode assembly and has an opening on one side, and a washer disposed on the opening side of the battery housing, The steps include attaching the washer to the upper surface of the battery housing, The steps include wrapping the exterior material around the battery housing so as to cover at least a portion of the battery housing and the washer, The steps include positioning an adhesive member on the outer edge of the exterior material, A method for manufacturing battery cells, including the invention of a battery cell.
17. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 16, wherein the adhesive member is composed of a tape having an adhesive surface formed on one side.
18. The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 16, wherein the adhesive member is configured in the shape of a ring with a hole formed in the center.