Battery cell, battery module, battery pack, and motor vehicle including the same

Abstract

To provide a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, in which the cooling performance of the battery cell is improved while the stability of an electrode tab is enhanced. According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab provided on at least one of both sides of the cell body, a cell case that houses the electrode assembly therein, an electrode lead extended to an outside of the cell case by a predetermined length and connected to the electrode assembly via the electrode tab, and a tab protection module that is housed inside the cell case and configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tab and includes a heat dissipation material configured to dissipate heat to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, in which the cooling performance of the battery cell is improved while enhancing the stability of an electrode tab.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0071596 filed on June 13, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries having high applicability according to product groups and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source because they not only have the primary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also are environmentally friendly and can improve energy efficiency in that no by-products are generated during energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and the like. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, that is, a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel according to the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] In addition, when configuring a battery pack by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series and parallel, it is common to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use such at least one battery module to add other components to configure the battery pack.

[0006] In the case of conventional battery cells, the periphery of the electrode tab provided on the electrode assembly connected to the electrode lead is surrounded only by the cell case without any additional protective structure, and there is a problem that it is vulnerable to external forces transmitted from the cell case or the electrode lead. Further, in the case of conventional battery cells, there is a problem that they do not have a configuration capable of effectively discharging the heat generated inside the cell case during charging and discharging of the battery cell to the outside.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, in which the stability of the electrode tab is enhanced and the cooling performance of the battery cell is improved.

[0008] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention 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 description of the invention below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and electrode tabs provided on at least one side of both sides of the cell body, a cell case that houses the electrode assembly therein, an electrode lead that is drawn out to a predetermined length outside the cell case and is connected to the electrode assembly via the electrode tabs, and a tab protection module that is housed inside the cell case, is configured to cover at least a part of the electrode tabs, and includes a heat dissipation material configured to release heat to the outside.

[0010] Preferably, the tab protection module includes a first part configured to face the electrode tabs and including an electrically insulating material, and a second part configured to face the inner surface of the cell case and including the heat dissipation material.

[0011] Preferably, the second part may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the opposing cell case.

[0012] Preferably, the battery cell may further include an electrical insulating member configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the second part facing the inner surface of the cell case.

[0013] Preferably, the electrical insulating member may include at least one heat dissipation hole.

[0014] Preferably, the first part may include a recessed placement groove that houses the second part.

[0015] Preferably, at least a part of the recessed placement groove may be formed in a round shape corresponding to at least a part of the second part.

[0016] Preferably, the recessed placement groove includes a guide groove that is recessed to a predetermined depth from the outer surface in the direction of the electrode tabs, and the second part may further include a protrusion configured to be inserted into the guide groove.

[0017] Preferably, the second part includes a pair of bent portions each extending from an end of the first part toward the cell body and configured to face each other in the vertical direction, and a connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead may be disposed between the pair of bent portions.

[0018] Preferably, the battery cell may further include a heat transfer member disposed between any one of the pair of bent portions and a connection portion between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

[0019] In addition, a battery module according to an aspect of the present invention includes at least one or more battery cells according to an aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0020] In addition, a battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention includes at least one or more battery modules according to an aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0021] In addition, a vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes at least one or more battery modules according to an aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0022] A battery cell according to another aspect of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and electrode tabs provided on at least one side of both sides of the cell body, a cell case for housing the electrode assembly therein, an electrode lead having a predetermined length drawn out to the outside of the cell case and connected to the electrode assembly through the electrode tab at a coupling portion, and a tab protection module housed inside the cell case, configured to face the electrode tab, including a first part containing an electrically insulating material, and a second part connected to the first part, configured to face the inner surface of the cell case, and including a heat dissipation material configured to release heat to the outside.

[0023] Preferably, the battery cell may further include an electrical insulating member disposed on an outer surface of the second part and between the inner surface of the cell case and the second part.

[0024] Preferably, the electrical insulating member may include at least one heat dissipation hole.

[0025] Preferably, the second portion may include a bent portion disposed between the lower surface of the first portion and the coupling portion.

[0026] Preferably, the battery cell may further include a thermal interface material (TIM) disposed between the bent portion and the coupling portion.

[0027] Preferably, the first portion may include a polycarbonate (PC) film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, an insulating coating, or anodizing.

[0028] Preferably, the second portion may include aluminum, copper, a carbon composite sheet material, or a ceramic composite sheet material.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an impact occurs outside the battery cell, detachment and damage of the electrode lead of the structurally weak electrode tab can be prevented, and heat generated inside the battery cell can be released to the outside.

[0030] In addition, various additional effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, and descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention. The present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0033] 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 the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventors themselves must interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of the battery cell 10 in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the battery cell 10 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' direction in FIG. 1 (specifically, it is a view showing the battery cell 10 in FIG. 1 after being cross-sectioned with respect to the XZ plane based on the A-A' line).

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings is the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 10, the Y-axis direction is the left-right direction of the battery cell 10 perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly 100, a cell case 200, an electrode lead 300, and a tab protection module 400.

[0038] The battery cell 10 may mean a secondary battery. Such a battery cell 10 may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0039] The electrode assembly 100 may include a cell body 110 and an electrode tab 120.

[0040] Although not shown in detail, 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 electrode plate and the second electrode plate. As an example, the first electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate coated with a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material, and the second electrode plate may be an electrode plate having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode plate.

[0041] The electrode tab 120 may be at least a part of an uncoated portion where the positive electrode active material or the negative electrode active material is not coated. Such an uncoated portion may be a portion formed to protrude from the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate of the electrode assembly 100. Specifically, the electrode tab 120 may be formed by gathering the portions processed by the notching process among the uncoated portions. The cell body 110 may be defined as the remaining portion of the electrode assembly 100 excluding the electrode tab 120.

[0042] On the other hand, in the present invention, the electrode tab 120 is not limited to being at least a part of the uncoated portion. That is, the electrode tab 120 may be separately provided and coupled to the uncoated portion.

[0043] The cell body 110 may be defined as the remaining portion of the electrode assembly 100 excluding the electrode tab 120. Such an electrode tab 120 may be provided on at least one of both sides of the cell body 110.

[0044] The cell case 200 may accommodate the electrode assembly 100 therein. That is, the cell case 200 may include an accommodation space for accommodating the electrode assembly 100 therein. At this time, the cell case 200 may accommodate an electrolyte therein and accommodate the electrode assembly 100 therein in a form in which the electrode assembly 100 is impregnated with the electrolyte. As an example, the cell case 200 may be a pouch film including a layer of a metal material (for example, aluminum (Al)), but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The electrode lead 300 can be drawn out by a predetermined length to the outside of the cell case 200. Such an electrode lead 300 is provided in a pair when viewed from the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 10, and can be provided on both sides of the cell case 200 or only on one side. Further, a lead film F for sealing between the cell case 200 and the electrode lead 300 can be interposed between the cell case 200 and the electrode lead 300. As an example, the lead film F can be provided as a heat-sealing film so as to enhance the sealing force of the region of the cell case 200 where the electrode lead 300 is disposed. Further, the lead film F can be configured to include an insulating material to prevent a short circuit of the electrode lead 300.

[0046] And the electrode lead 300 can be connected to the electrode assembly 100 inside the cell case 200 via the electrode tab 120. As an example, the electrode lead 300 can be mutually coupled to the electrode tab 120 by welding or the like.

[0047] The tab protection module 400 can be housed inside the cell case 200 and configured to cover at least a part of the electrode tab 120.

[0048] Generally, the electrode tab 120 can have a relatively thin thickness compared to the cell body 110. Accordingly, the electrode tab 120 can be vulnerable to breakage or separation from the electrode lead 300 when an external force is transmitted to the cell case 200. However, in the battery cell 10 of the present invention, the tab protection module 400 is housed inside the cell case 200 and can cover at least a part of the electrode tab 120. Such a tab protection module 400 can transmit an external force or the like transmitted from the outside to the cell case 200 to the electrode tab 120 first by covering the electrode tab 120.

[0049] Specifically, the tab protection module 400 can be configured to absorb at least a part of the impact caused by an external force transmitted to the cell case 200. For example, the tab protection module 400 can be configured to disperse the impact transmitted to the electrode tab 120 to other regions of the electrode assembly 100. Thereby, the impact transmitted to the electrode tab 120 can be minimized.

[0050] More specifically, the tab protection module 400 can be configured to cover a part of the electrode tab 120 and be adapted to the inner surface of the cell case 200. In this regard, the tab protection module 400 is arranged to absorb the external force applied to the cell case 200, and it is possible to disperse the impact so as to prevent the structurally weak electrode tab 120 from being damaged and / or separated from the electrode lead 300 due to the impact.

[0051] In addition, the tab protection module 400 can be configured to release heat from at least a part thereof to the outside of the battery cell 10. That is, at least a part of the tab protection module 400 can include a heat dissipation material so as to release the heat generated inside the cell case 200 during charging and discharging of the battery cell 10 to the outside of the cell case 200.

[0052] Also, in the battery cell 10, a thermal event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon can occur. When the thermal runaway phenomenon occurs, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas can be generated inside the cell case 200. As described above, the heat dissipation material of the tab protection module 400 can be configured to discharge the heat generated inside the cell case 200 to the outside. In addition, since the tab protection module 400 increases the volume of the cell case 200, the internal pressure of the cell case 200 does not increase rapidly in response to the vent gas generated inside the cell case 200. Thereby, the time point when the vent gas is discharged to the outside of the cell case 200 due to the breakage of a certain region of the cell case 200 can be effectively delayed.

[0053] In summary, the tab protection module 400 of the battery cell 10 can disperse the external force applied to the structurally weak electrode tab 120 in order to prevent damage to the electrode tab 120 and / or separation from the electrode lead 300. And the tab protection module 400 can discharge the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 to the outside of the battery cell 10. Also, the tab protection module 400 can delay the negative impact of the high-pressure vent gas on the battery performance and safety by making the cell case 200 have a larger volume.

[0054] Hereinafter, the battery cell 10 of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0055] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the entire battery cell 10 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the flow of heat transfer inside the battery cell 10 of FIG. 1.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the tab protection module 400 can be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the opposing cell case 200. With such an implementation configuration, the tab protection module 400 can more effectively buffer the impact caused by an external force transmitted from the outside to the cell case 200 or the like. Thereby, the impact applied to the electrode tab 120 can be minimized. Also, with such a corresponding shape structure, the tab protection module 400 can be accommodated inside the cell case 200 without causing a deformation of the form of the cell case 200.

[0057] Specifically, the cell case 200 may include a housing portion 220 and a sealing portion 240.

[0058] The housing portion 220 may be configured to house the electrode assembly 100 therein.

[0059] The sealing portion 240 may have a form in which a certain length extends outward from around the housing portion 220.

[0060] On the one hand, the cell case 200 may include a first case member 200a and a second case member 200b. The peripheral regions of each of such first case member 200a and second case member 200b may be in contact with each other and joined by heat welding to form the above-described sealing portion 240. And inside the sealing portion 240, a space is formed due to the separation between the first case member 200a and the second case member 200b, and such a space may become the above-described accommodating portion 220.

[0061] Also, the sealing portion 240 may include a case terrace T. The case terrace T may mean a region located in the direction in which the electrode lead 300 is drawn out to the outside of the cell case 200 in the entire region of the sealing portion 240.

[0062] That is, the case terrace T may extend a certain length from the accommodating portion 220 and be configured to support the electrode lead 300. At this time, the space between the electrode lead 300 and the cell case 200 may be sealed by the above-described lead film F. Specifically, the lead film F may be interposed between the electrode lead 300 and the case terrace T.

[0063] The above-described tab protection module 400 may have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the accommodating portion 220 adjacent to the case terrace T. At this time, the adjacent region between the accommodating portion 220 and the case terrace T may be structurally weakened by a shape such as a bent structure.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present invention, since the tab protection module 400 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 220 in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the accommodating portion 220 adjacent to the case terrace T, the rigidity of the adjacent region between the accommodating portion 220 and the case terrace T can be reinforced. As a result, the tab protection module 400 can reinforce the rigidity of the structurally weak region in the cell case 200 and further enhance the structural rigidity of the cell case 200.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the tab protection module 400 can be provided on at least one side of the cell body 110 described above. In such a state, the tab protection module 400 can at least partially cover the upper and lower portions of the electrode tab 120. Such a tab protection module 400 can be provided on one side of the cell body 110 so as to almost cover the upper and lower portions of the electrode tab 120.

[0066] Specifically, the tab protection module 400 can include a first protection cap 400a and a second protection cap 400b. At this time, the first protection cap 400a can be an upper protection cap, and the second protection cap 400b can be a lower protection cap. The first protection cap 400a and the second protection cap 400b can be coupled to each other and can at least partially cover and protect the upper and lower portions of the electrode tab 120 in an assembled state.

[0067] The first protection cap 400a can be provided on at least one side of the cell body 110. Also, the first protection cap 400a can at least partially cover the upper portion of the electrode tab 120.

[0068] Such a first protection cap 400a can include a first cap body 400a1 and a first cap wing 400a2.

[0069] The first cap body 400a1 can at least partially cover the upper portion of the electrode tab 120. Also, the first cap body 400a1 can be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the cell case 200 facing it.

[0070] The first cap wing 400a2 can be configured to extend from both ends of the first cap body 400a1. That is, the first cap wing 400a2 can cover the portions of the cell body 110 provided on both sides of the electrode tab 120. Thereby, the first cap wing 400a2 can be configured to cover one side of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not provided.

[0071] Similarly, the second protective cap 400b may be provided on at least one side of the cell body 110. Further, the second protective cap 400b may be vertically connected to the first protective cap 400a and may at least partially cover the lower part of the electrode tab 120.

[0072] Such a second protective cap 400b may include a second cap body 400b1 and second cap wings 400b2.

[0073] The second cap body 400b1 may at least partially cover the lower side of the electrode tab 120. Further, the second cap body 400b1 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the opposing cell case 200.

[0074] The second cap wings 400b2 may be configured to extend from both ends of the second cap body 400b1. That is, the second cap wings 400b2 may cover the portions of the cell body 110 provided on both sides of the electrode tab 120. Therefore, the second cap wings 400b2 may be configured to cover one side of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not provided.

[0075] Such a first protective cap 400a and a second protective cap 400b may be assembled with each other in the vertical direction of the electrode tab 120 and may be configured to at least partially surround the electrode tab 120.

[0076] Thereby, it is possible to minimize the transmission of an impact caused by an external force transmitted through the cell case 200 to the electrode tab 120. Further, the impact caused by an external force transmitted to the cell case 200 from the outside is also dispersed to the region of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not provided, and the impact applied to the electrode tab 120 can be further minimized.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first protective cap 400a and the second protective cap 400b can be coupled to each other by a hook connection. By such a hook connection, the first protective cap 400a and the second protective cap 400b can be coupled in a more easy and simple manner.

[0078] Specifically, either one of the first protective cap 400a and the second protective cap 400b may be provided with a fastening hook 440 for the hook connection. Further, the other one of the first protective cap 400a and the second protective cap 400b may be provided with a hook groove 450 to which the fastening hook 440 is attached.

[0079] As an example, a pair of the fastening hooks 440 may be formed and provided on the second protective cap 400b. Such a pair of fastening hooks 440 may be provided so as to protrude a predetermined length from both sides of the second cap body 400b1.

[0080] Further, a pair of the hook grooves 450 may be formed to correspond to the fastening hooks 440 and provided on the first protective cap 400a. Such a pair of hook grooves 450 may be formed in a groove form on both sides of the first cap body 400a1 that can fix the ends of the fastening hooks 440.

[0081] On the other hand, in the tab protection module 400, the formation positions and the number of the fastening hooks 440 and the hook grooves 450 are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is also possible that the fastening hooks 440 are provided on the first protective cap 400a and the hook grooves 450 are provided on the second protective cap 400b. Further, the first protective cap 400a and the second protective cap 400b may be coupled to each other by a known snap-fit method or the like instead of the hook connection.

[0082] Referring further to FIGS. 3 to 5, the tab protection module 400 may be configured such that at least a part thereof is in close contact with the cell body 110.

[0083] Specifically, the first cap wing 400a2 of the aforementioned first protection cap 400a and the second cap wing 400b2 of the second protection cap 400b can be configured to be in close contact with one side of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not provided.

[0084] Thereby, the impact caused by an external force transmitted to the cell case 200, etc. can be more reliably dispersed throughout the cell body 110, and the impact applied to the electrode tab 120 can be further minimized.

[0085] Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, the tab protection module 400 may further include a slot 430 through which the electrode lead 300 passes. Such a slot 430 may be formed in front of the tab protection module 400.

[0086] Specifically, when the first protection cap 400a and the second protection cap 400b are mutually coupled, when viewed from the front of the tab protection module 400, an opening of a predetermined height in the vertical direction may be formed between the first protection cap 400a and the second protection cap 400b. The slot 430 may be the opening of the predetermined height formed when the first protection cap 400a and the second protection cap 400b are assembled.

[0087] On the other hand, the slot 430 may have a height greater than the height of the electrode lead 300. Specifically, when the electrode lead 300 passes through the slot 430 and extends and is arranged, the electrode lead 300 may be separated from the upper wall and the lower wall of the tab protection module 400 in the region corresponding to the slot 430. That is, the slot 430 may have a height greater than the height of the electrode lead 300 such that when the electrode lead 300 passes through the slot 430 and is arranged, the upper surface and the lower surface of the electrode lead 300 are separated from the tab protection module 400.

[0088] According to such an implementation configuration, when an external force is applied to the cell case 200, the tab protection module 400 can absorb or disperse the external force without contacting the electrode lead 300, so that damage to the electrode lead 300 and the electrode tab 120 coupled to the electrode lead 300 can be prevented, and the occurrence of a short circuit in the electrode lead 300 and the electrode tab 120 can be minimized.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 5, the tab protection module 400 may include a first portion 410 and a second portion 420. Specifically, the first protection cap 400a and the second protection cap 400b may each include the first portion 410 and the second portion 420.

[0090] The first portion 410 may be configured to face the electrode tab 120. Such a first portion 410 may include an electrically insulating material. Thereby, even when the first portion 410 contacts the cell body 110, the electrode tab 120, etc., the occurrence of a short circuit in the cell body 110, the electrode tab 120, etc. can be minimized.

[0091] The second portion 420 may be disposed on the first portion 410 and may be configured to face the inner surface of the cell case 200. Such a second portion 420 may be configured to absorb heat generated inside the cell case 200 (for example, inside the accommodating portion 220) and release the heat to the outside of the tab protection module 400. That is, the second portion 420 may include a heat dissipation material.

[0092] According to such an implementation configuration, while protecting the electrode tab 120 by the tab protection module 400, it is possible to prevent a short circuit of the electrode tab 120, etc. at the portion facing the electrode tab 120 and release the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0093] Further, the aforementioned first part 410 and second part 420 may be coupled to each other to form the first protective cap 400a and the second protective cap 400b. Specifically, a part of the first part 410 and the second part 420 may form the first cap body 400a1 of the first protective cap 400a and the second cap body 400b1 of the second protective cap 400b. Also, a remaining part of the first part 410 may form the first cap wing 400a2 of the first protective cap 400a and the second cap wing 400b2 of the second protective cap 400b.

[0094] On the other hand, it is important that the inner surface of the tab protection module 400 facing the electrode assembly 100 has excellent electrical insulation properties, and it is important that the outer surface of the tab protection module 400 facing the inner surface of the cell case 200 has excellent heat dissipation properties. To achieve such functions, the first part 410 may include a material with relatively excellent electrical insulation properties. For example, the electrical insulating material of the first part 410 may include a polycarbonate (PC) film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, an insulating coating, or anodizing. The second part 420 may include a material with relatively excellent heat dissipation properties. For example, the heat dissipating material of the second part 420 may include aluminum, copper, a carbon composite sheet material, or a ceramic composite sheet material. However, when the second part 420 is formed of a non-conductive material, the first part 410 may not include an electrical insulating material. On the other hand, the specific materials of the first part 410 and the second part 420 are applicable without being limited to the aforementioned embodiments as long as they satisfy such desirable properties and do not react with the electrolyte housed in the cell case 200.

[0095] Referring further to FIGS. 3 to 6, the second part 420 can be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the opposing cell case 200. With such an implementation configuration, the tab protection module 400 can more efficiently release the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 from the cell case 200 to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0096] Also, the battery cell 10 may further include an electrical insulation member I.

[0097] The electrical insulation member I can be configured to be disposed on the outer surface of the second part 420 facing the inner surface of the cell case 200. That is, the electrical insulation member I can be disposed between the inner surface of the cell case 200 and the second part 420.

[0098] In the battery cell 10 of the present invention, the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be connected by welding or the like at the joint. The tab protection module 400 can surround and protect at least a part of the joint of the battery cell 10. That is, the joint can be configured to be located in the internal space of the tab protection module 400. Specifically, the joint between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be configured to be located in the internal space of the tab protection module 400. Thereby, damage to the electrode tab 120 can be minimized, and the connection between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be stably maintained.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 4, at least a partial region of the joint can be arranged adjacent to the second part 420.

[0100] By disposing the electrical insulation member I on the outer surface of the second part 420 including a heat dissipation material, the occurrence of a short circuit at the joint adjacent to the second part 420 can be minimized.

[0101] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the electrical insulation member I may include at least one heat dissipation hole H formed through the electrical insulation member I.

[0102] Therefore, when the second part 420 releases the heat generated inside the battery cell 10, the heat released from the second part 420 can be further released to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the heat dissipation holes H and through the electrical insulating member I.

[0103] With such a combination of the first part 410, the second part 420, and the electrical insulating member I, while minimizing the risk of short circuit occurrence, the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 can be discharged to the outside. In the case of a conventional battery cell, an electrically insulating material is often applied to the inner surface of the cell case. As a result, even if the conventional cell case is composed of a pouch film including a metal layer, a direct short circuit can generally be prevented by the insulating layer covering the metal layer. However, when using such a conventional cell case, there are other problems. For example, when the inner surface of the cell case is damaged, the metal layer may be exposed and the risk of short circuit may increase. On the other hand, the electrical insulating material of the tab protection module 400 of the present invention can provide an additional preventive measure against the above-mentioned short circuit. Further, in order to improve the heat dissipation property of the tab protection module 400, the second part 420 may include a metal material. When the second part 420 includes a metal material, the risk of short circuit may increase due to direct contact between the second part 420 and the inner surface of the cell case 200. At this time, the electrical insulating member I can minimize such a risk of short circuit. Therefore, the electrical insulating member I may not be provided when the second part 420 is composed of a heat dissipation material that is not metal.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the first part 410 may include a placement groove 412 recessed in the outer surface of the first part 410. That is, the placement groove 412 may be formed to be recessed in the outer surface of the first part 410.

[0105] The placement groove 412 may be formed as a recess extending to the inner surface of the first part 410 facing the electrode tab 120 on the outer surface of the first part 410.

[0106] Also, the second part 420 may be disposed in the placement groove 412 and may be closely adhered to and coupled with the first part 410. That is, the placement groove 412 can accommodate the second part 420.

[0107] According to such an implementation configuration, the second part 420 including the heat dissipation material can be stably adhered and coupled to the first part 410. Thereby, the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 can be more stably released to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0108] In particular, at least a part of the outer surface of the placement groove 412 can be formed in a round shape so as to correspond to at least a part of the second part 420. That is, the placement groove 412 of the first part 410 and the second part 420 can be configured to have a predetermined radius of curvature. Specifically, the placement groove 412 and the second part 420 can have substantially the same radius of curvature.

[0109] According to such an implementation configuration, the second part 420 including the heat dissipation material can be more stably adhered and coupled to the first part 410. Thereby, the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 can be more stably released to the outside of the battery cell 10. Also, when the second part 420 is disposed in the placement groove 412, damage to the placement groove 412 and the second part 420 can be minimized. Also, damage to the second part 420 due to an external force can be prevented.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the second part 420 may include a bent portion 422.

[0111] The bent portion 422 may be formed to extend from the end of the first part 410 in the direction of the cell body 110 when viewed on the horizontal plane (XY plane). And the bent portion 422 of the first protective cap 400a may be configured to face the bent portion 422 of the second protective cap 400b in the vertical direction. At this time, the end of the first part 410 adjacent to the electrode lead 300 may also be configured to face in the vertical direction.

[0112] Specifically, the pair of bent portions 422 can be formed to extend toward the cell body 110 so as to surround the end portions of the respective first portions 410 adjacent to the electrode lead 300. That is, the pair of bent portions 422 can surround the end portions of the respective first portions 410 adjacent to the electrode lead 300 together with the other portions of the second portion 420.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 4, the portion (joint portion) where the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 are connected can be disposed between the pair of bent portions 422. Thereby, the second portion 420 can absorb the heat generated at the joint portion.

[0114] According to such an embodiment configuration, the second portion 420 can absorb the heat generated at the joint portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 where the most heat can be generated inside the battery cell 10. Therefore, the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 can be more efficiently released to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0115] Referring further to FIGS. 4 to 6, the battery cell 10 may further include a heat transfer member M.

[0116] The heat transfer member M can be disposed between any one of the pair of bent portions 422 and the connection portion (joint portion) between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300. As an example, the heat transfer member M can include a thermal interface material (TIM).

[0117] Specifically, the heat transfer member M can include a first member M1 and a second member M2.

[0118] The first member M1 can face the lower surface of the bent portion 422 of the first protective cap 400a and can be disposed between the bent portion 422 and the joint portion. At this time, the first member M1 can be in surface contact with the lower surface of the bent portion 422 of the first protective cap 400a.

[0119] The second member M2 can face the upper surface of the bent portion 422 of the second protective cap 400b and can be disposed between the bent portion 422 and the coupling portion. At this time, the second member M2 can be in surface contact with the upper surface of the bent portion 422 of the second protective cap 400b.

[0120] According to such an implementation configuration, the heat generated at the connection portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be more efficiently absorbed by the second portion 420. As a result, the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 can be more efficiently released to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0121] In addition, since the heat transfer member M is disposed between the connection portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 and each bent portion 422, it is possible to prevent the bent portion 422 from directly contacting the connection portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300. Thereby, the occurrence of a short circuit at the connection portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be minimized.

[0122] FIG. 7 is a view showing a battery cell 12 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a view of the inside of the battery cell 12 of FIG. 7 as seen from the side.

[0123] The battery cell 12 according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery cell 10 of the foregoing embodiment, and duplicate descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations as those of the foregoing embodiment are omitted. Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the differences from the foregoing embodiment.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the battery cell 12 according to the present embodiment, the placement groove 412 of the first portion 410 may include a guide groove 412a. The guide groove 412a may be formed by being recessed a predetermined depth in the direction of the electrode tab 120 from the placement groove 412. That is, the guide groove 412a may be formed by being recessed from the outer surface of the placement groove 412.

[0125] Further, the second part 420 may include a protrusion 424 having a shape corresponding to the guide groove 412a. Such a protrusion 424 may be configured to be inserted into the guide groove 412a. As a result, the second part 420 can be more stably adhered to and coupled to the first part 410.

[0126] According to the battery cell 12 of the present embodiment, the second part 420 including the heat dissipation material can be more stably placed on the first part 410. As a result, the heat generated inside the battery cell 10 can be more stably released to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0127] On the other hand, one or more of the battery cells 10 and 12 according to the present invention can form a battery module by being provided. That is, the battery module according to the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery cells 10 and 12 according to the present invention. Specifically, at least one battery cell 10 or 12 can form a cell assembly, and the cell assembly can be housed in a module case.

[0128] In addition, one or more of the battery modules according to the present invention can form a battery pack by being provided. That is, the battery pack according to the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery modules according to the present invention. And the battery pack may further include a pack case for housing the battery module inside and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery pack, for example, a BMS (battery management system), a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0129] In addition, the battery pack according to the present invention is applicable to an automobile such as an electric vehicle. That is, the automobile according to the present invention may include at least one or more of the battery packs according to the present invention.

[0130] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to the limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention.

[0131] In addition, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used. However, such terms indicate relative positions and are for the convenience of explanation only. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms can change depending on the position of the object and the position of the observer.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0132] 10, 12 Battery Cells 100 Electrode Assembly 110 Cell Body 120 Electrode Tab 200 Cell Case 200a First Case Member 200b Second Case Member 220 Accommodation Portion 240 Sealing Portion 300 Electrode Lead 400 Tab Protection Module 400a First Protection Cap 400a1 First Cap Body 400a2 First Cap Wing 400b Second Protection Cap 400b1 Second Cap Body 400b2 Second Cap Wing 410 First Portion 412 Mounting Groove 412a Guide Groove 420 Second Portion 422 Bending Portion 424 Projection 430 Slot 440 Fastening Hook 450 Hook Groove

Claims

1. An electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab provided on at least one side of the cell body, a cell case for housing the electrode assembly therein, and a tab protection module housed inside the cell case, configured to cover at least a part of the electrode tab and including a heat dissipation material configured to release heat to the outside. The tab protection module, includes a first part configured to face the electrode tab and including an electrically insulating material, and a second part configured to face the inner surface of the cell case and including the heat dissipation material. The battery cell is characterized in that the first part includes a recessed placement groove for housing the second part.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the second part has a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the opposing cell case.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, further including an electrical insulation member disposed on the outer surface of the second part facing the inner surface of the cell case.

4. The battery cell according to claim 3, wherein the electrical insulation member includes at least one heat dissipation hole.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the recessed placement groove is formed in a rounded shape corresponding to at least a part of the second part.

6. The recessed placement groove, includes a guide groove recessed from the outer surface in the direction of the electrode tab to a predetermined depth, and the second part, The battery cell according to claim 1, further includes a protrusion inserted into the guide groove.

7. The battery cell further includes an electrode lead that is drawn out a predetermined length to the outside of the cell case and connected to the electrode assembly via the electrode tab. The second part, includes a pair of bent portions each extending from an end of the first part in the direction of the cell body and configured to face each other in the vertical direction. The connection part between the electrode tab and the electrode lead, The battery cell according to claim 1, is disposed between the pair of bent portions.

8. The battery cell according to claim 7, further includes a heat transfer member disposed between any one of the pair of bent portions and the connection part between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

9. A battery module, comprising at least one or more of the battery cells according to claim 1.

10. A battery pack, comprising at least one or more of the battery modules according to claim 9.

11. An automobile, comprising at least one or more of the battery packs according to claim 10.

12. An electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab provided on at least one side of the cell body, a cell case for housing the electrode assembly therein, a tab protection module housed inside the cell case, configured to face the electrode tab, including a first portion containing an electrically insulating material, and a second portion connected to the first portion, configured to face the inner surface of the cell case, and including a heat dissipation material configured to release heat to the outside, A battery cell, further including an electrical insulating member disposed on an outer surface of the second portion and disposed between the inner surface of the cell case and the second portion.

13. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein the electrical insulating member includes at least one heat dissipation hole.

14. The battery cell further includes an electrode lead that is drawn out a predetermined length to the outside of the cell case and connected to the electrode assembly via the electrode tab at a coupling portion, The second portion, The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein the second portion includes a bent portion disposed between a lower surface of the first portion and the coupling portion.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, further including a thermal conductive material (TIM) disposed between the bent portion and the coupling portion.

16. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein the first portion includes a polycarbonate (PC) film, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, an insulating coating, or anodizing.

17. The battery cell according to claim 12, wherein the second portion includes aluminum, copper, a carbon composite sheet material, or a ceramic composite sheet material.

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