Battery cells, battery modules, battery packs and automobiles including such battery packs

Abstract

A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes an electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab provided on at least one side of the cell body; a cell case that houses the electrode assembly internally; an electrode lead coupled to the electrode tab and extending from the cell case; and a tab protection module housed within the cell case and configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tab, the tab protection module including: a lead positioning guide coupled to the electrode lead and configured to guide a position of the electrode lead relative to the cell case; and a positioning guide insert configured to house the lead positioning guide.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack, and more particularly to a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack, in which the stability of electrode tabs is enhanced.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0031063 filed on March 11, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0072394 filed on June 14, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0124534 filed on September 29, 2022, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of those applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability to each product group and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are powered by electrical sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new, environmentally friendly and highly energy-efficient energy source, not only because they have the primary benefit of significantly reducing the amount of fossil fuel used, but also because they do not produce any by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in series. Alternatively, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first configure a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use that at least one battery module to add other components to configure the battery pack.

[0006] In the case of conventional battery cells, the electrode tabs that connect the electrode assembly and the electrode leads generally do not have a separate protective structure around them and are surrounded only by the cell case, which creates a problem of vulnerability to external forces transmitted through the cell case or the electrode leads.

[0007] Furthermore, since there is no separate mechanical structure for fixing the electrode lead connected to the electrode tab inside the cell case, there is a problem in that the dimensional accuracy relating to the fixing position of the electrode lead is poor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell that can prevent breakage or damage to electrode tabs when an impact occurs to the outside of the battery cell.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell that can improve the dimensional accuracy related to the positioning of electrode leads.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab provided on at least one side of the cell body; a cell case that houses the electrode assembly; electrode leads that are coupled to the electrode tabs and extend from the cell case; and a tab protection module that is housed in the cell case and configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tabs, the tab protection module including: a lead positioning guide that is coupled to the electrode lead and configured to guide the position of the electrode lead relative to the cell case; and a positioning guide insert that is configured to house the lead positioning guide.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lead positioning guide may be configured to fix the position of the electrode lead relative to the cell casing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the lead positioning guides may be provided in pairs, and the pair of lead positioning guides may be configured to guide the positioning of both side edges of the electrode lead.

[0014] In one embodiment, the positioning guide insert may include a pair of positioning guide inserts, each of which may be configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of lead positioning guides.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electrode lead may define a pair of guide inserts, each of which may be formed along opposite edge portions of the electrode lead, and each of which may have a size and shape to accommodate each of the pair of lead positioning guides.

[0016] In one embodiment, one end of the electrode tab that is coupled to the electrode lead may be disposed between the pair of guide inserts.

[0017] In one embodiment, the positioning guide insert can be configured to wrap around at least a portion of a side of the lead positioning guide.

[0018] In one embodiment, each of the pair of guide inserts may have a shape corresponding to the positioning guide insert.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery cell may further include a fixing member configured to fix the lead positioning guide and the positioning guide insert together.

[0020] In one embodiment, the tab protection module may be disposed between an inner surface of the cell casing and the electrode assembly, a first end of the tab protection module may be located on at least one side of the electrode assembly, a second end of the tab protection module may be located at a junction between the electrode tab and the electrode lead, and the electrode tab may be at least partially enclosed by the tab protection module between the first end of the tab protection module and the second end of the tab protection module.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bond between the electrode tab and the electrode lead can be configured to be located within the tab protection module.

[0022] In one embodiment, the tab protection module may have a shape that corresponds to the interior surface of the cell casing.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cell case may include a housing portion that houses the electrode assembly therein and a sealing portion extending a certain length outward from the housing portion, the sealing portion may include a case terrace located in a direction in which the electrode lead is pulled out, and the tab protection module may have a shape that corresponds to an inner surface of the housing portion adjacent to the case terrace.

[0024] In one embodiment, the battery cell may further include a lead film interposed between the electrode lead and the case terrace, and the tab protection module may be disposed between the lead film and the electrode assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the tab protection module may be provided on at least one side of the cell body and may be configured to at least partially cover the upper and lower sides of the electrode tabs.

[0026] In one embodiment, the tab protection module may be positioned such that at least a portion of the tab protection module is in intimate contact with the cell body.

[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery module including at least one battery cell according to the above-described aspect of the present invention.

[0028] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack including at least one battery module according to the above-described aspect of the present invention.

[0029] In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention as described above.

[0030] Meanwhile, a battery cell according to another aspect of the present invention includes: an electrode assembly including a cell body and an electrode tab extending from at least one side of the cell body; a cell case configured to house the electrode assembly; an electrode lead coupled to the electrode tab and extending from the cell case; and a tab protection module housed within the cell case and configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tab, and a lead positioning guide configured to pass through the electrode lead from a first side of the electrode lead to an opposite second side thereof to guide the position of the electrode lead. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an impact occurs to the outside of a battery cell, it is possible to effectively prevent the electrode tab, which is structurally weak, from falling off or being damaged.

[0032] In addition, if an impact occurs outside the battery cell, the external force transmitted to the electrode tab is dispersed, minimizing the stress that may occur on the electrode tab.

[0033] Furthermore, the dimensional accuracy relating to the fixing position of the electrode lead inside the cell case can be improved.

[0034] In addition to the above, various other effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be explained in the section of each embodiment, and explanations of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0035] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the present invention to be described later, serve to further understand the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating external force dispersion by a tab protection module when an external impact is applied to the battery cell of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery cell of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell with the cell case removed from FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side of the battery cell of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery cell according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region C in FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the interior of the battery cell of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating bent portions formed in a cell case according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view of the interior of the battery cell of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] 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 the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain the invention.

[0038] 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 the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell 10 of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating external force dispersion by a tab protection module 500 when an external impact is applied to the battery cell 10 of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the battery cell 10 of Fig. 2. Meanwhile, in order to more clearly show the external force dispersion effect of the tab protection module 500, Fig. 3 shows only a portion of the cell case 200 (the upper portion of the cell case 200 in Figs. 1 and 2).

[0040] 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 500.

[0041] The battery cell 10 may refer to a secondary battery. The battery cell 10 may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0042] The electrode assembly 100 may include a cell body 110 and an electrode tab 120 .

[0043] 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 and second electrode plates. In one 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.

[0044] The electrode tab 120 may be at least a part of an uncoated portion where no positive or negative active material is applied. Such an uncoated portion may be a portion protruding from the first or second electrode plate of the electrode assembly 100. Specifically, the electrode tab 120 may be formed as an assembly of portions of the uncoated portion that are processed by a notching process. The cell body 110 may be defined as the remaining portion of the electrode assembly 100 excluding the electrode tab 120.

[0045] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the electrode tab 120 is not limited to being at least a part of the non-coating portion, that is, the electrode tab 120 may be provided separately and coupled to the non-coating portion.

[0046] The cell body 110 may be defined as the remaining portion of the electrode assembly 100 excluding the electrode tab 120. The electrode tab 120 may be provided on at least one of both sides of the cell body 110.

[0047] The cell casing 200 may accommodate the electrode assembly 100 therein. That is, the cell casing 200 may include an accommodating space for accommodating the electrode assembly 100 therein. In this case, the cell casing 200 may accommodate an electrolyte therein and accommodate the electrode assembly 100 therein in a state in which the electrode assembly 100 is impregnated with the electrolyte. For example, the cell casing 200 may be a pouch film including a layer of a metal material (e.g., aluminum (Al)), but is not limited thereto.

[0048] The electrode lead 300 may be drawn out to the outside of the cell casing 200 by a predetermined length. Such electrode leads 300 may be provided in pairs, one on each side of the cell casing 200, or only on one side. A lead film M may be interposed between the cell casing 200 and the electrode lead 300 to seal the space between the cell casing 200 and the electrode lead 300. In one example, the lead film M may be provided as a heat-sealing film to improve the sealing of the area of ​​the cell casing 200 where the electrode lead 300 is disposed. The lead film M may also be configured to include an insulating material to prevent short-circuiting of the electrode lead 300.

[0049] Additionally, the electrode lead 300 may be connected to the electrode assembly 100 within the cell casing 200 via the electrode tab 120. In one example, the electrode lead 300 may be interconnected with the electrode tab 120 by welding or the like.

[0050] The tab protection module 500 is housed in the cell casing 200 and may be configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tab 120. In one example, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to include an insulating material, which may allow the tab protection module 500 to come into contact with the cell body 110, the electrode tab 120, the electrode lead 300, etc., thereby minimizing short circuits among the cell body 110, the electrode tab 120, the electrode lead 300, etc.

[0051] The electrode tab 120 may have a relatively small thickness compared to the cell body 110. Therefore, the electrode tab 120 may be vulnerable to an impact due to an external force transmitted to the cell case 200 from the outside.

[0052] By covering the electrode tabs 120, the tab protection module 500 can receive impacts from external forces F1, F2, F3, etc. transmitted from the outside to the cell case 200 with priority over the electrode tabs 120. It should also be noted that the electrode tabs 120 may be subjected to an interior force due to expansion and contraction of the electrode assembly 100 generated by charging and discharging the battery cell 10. Another advantage of the tab protection module 500 is that it absorbs such internal force from the electrode assembly 100 and maintains the integrity of the electrode lead 300.

[0053] Specifically, the tab protection module 500 can absorb impacts caused by external forces F1, F2, F3, etc. that are transmitted from the outside to the cell case 200. The tab protection module 500 can be configured to distribute the absorbed impacts to multiple regions of the electrode assembly 100. This can reduce or minimize the impacts on the electrode tabs 120.

[0054] In addition, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tab 120 so that a predetermined space is formed between the electrode tab 120 and the inner surface 205 of the cell casing 200. This can minimize the transmission of impacts due to external forces or the like transmitted from the outside to the cell casing 200 to the electrode tab 120.

[0055] More specifically, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to receive the external forces F1, F2, and F3 preferentially over the electrode tab 120, and to distribute the external forces F1, F2, and F3 transmitted to the electrode tab 120 side to multiple regions of the electrode assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 3 (see "d" in FIG. 3).

[0056] The tab protection module 500 may also be configured to guide the positioning of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200. In particular, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to fix the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200, thereby preventing the electrode lead 300 from moving within the cell casing 200 and causing impact to the connection portion between the electrode lead 300 and the electrode tab 120.

[0057] For this reason, the tab protection module 500 may include a structure for fixing the electrode lead 300 in the cell casing 200. The detailed structure of such a tab protection module 500 will be described in more detail in the related description below.

[0058] According to this embodiment of the present invention, when an impact occurs to the outside of the battery cell 10, it is possible to effectively prevent the electrode tab 120, which is structurally weak, from being detached or damaged.

[0059] In addition, when an impact occurs outside the battery cell 10, the external force transmitted to the electrode tab 120 side is dispersed, thereby minimizing stress that may occur in the electrode tab 120.

[0060] It is also possible to improve the dimensional accuracy related to the fixed position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200. That is, without the tab protection module 500, the cell casing 200 may not have an appropriate structure for fixing the position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200 during the process of assembling and sealing the cell casing 200. Therefore, the presence of the tab protection module 500 allows the cell casing 200 to be provided with an additional structure for locating the electrode lead 300 in a desired position and maintaining the position of the electrode lead 300 when the electrode assembly 100 is assembled.

[0061] Meanwhile, in a battery cell 10 such as that of the present invention, an event such as thermal runaway may occur. In this case, high-temperature and high-pressure vent gas may be generated inside the cell casing 200. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the tab protection module 500 described above is housed inside the cell casing 200 while forming a predetermined internal space, thereby further increasing the internal volume of the cell casing 200 and preventing a sudden increase in the internal pressure of the cell casing 200 due to the generation of vent gas. That is, since the cell casing 200 is generally a pouch made of a flexible material, the presence of the tab protection module 500 fills the space inside the pouch more, causing the pouch to expand more compared to an assembly without the tab protection module 500. Further outward expansion of the outer periphery of the cell casing 200 increases the internal volume of the cell casing 200, and this increase in internal volume may slow the rate at which the internal pressure in the cell casing 200 increases due to gas accumulation. This effectively delays the time when a portion of the cell casing 200 is damaged and the vent gas is discharged to the outside of the cell casing 200 .

[0062] Meanwhile, the tab protection module 400 may include at least one heat dissipation hole (not shown). The heat dissipation hole may be formed penetrating from an inner surface of the tab protection module 500 (a surface of the tab protection module 500 facing the electrode tab 120) to an outer surface of the tab protection module 500 (a surface of the tab protection module 500 facing the inner surface of the cell case 200). Through the heat dissipation hole, the tab protection module 500 may transfer heat generated inside the battery cell 10 to the cell case 200 and guide the heat to be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0063] The battery cell 10 of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0064] 1 to 4, the tab protection module 500 may be disposed between the inner surface 205 of the cell casing 200 and the electrode assembly 100. The tab protection module 500 may cover the electrode tab 120 in this position.

[0065] Such an arrangement of the tab protection module 500 can more effectively disperse the external force F1 transmitted to the electrode lead 300 exposed to the outside of the cell casing 200, as shown in FIG.

[0066] Furthermore, the tab protection module 500 may be disposed between the cell case 200 and a partial region of the electrode tab 120. Specifically, the tab protection module 500 may be disposed between the cell case 200 and a partial region of the electrode tab 120 in the regions above (+Z axis direction) and below (-Z axis direction) the electrode tab 120.

[0067] Such an arrangement of the tab protection module 500 also makes it possible to more effectively disperse the external forces F2 and F3 generated on the upper and lower sides (Z-axis direction) of the outer side surface of the cell case 200.

[0068] In this way, the tab protection module 500 can significantly reduce the impact applied to the electrode tab 120 from both the electrode lead 300 side, which can transmit external forces to the electrode tab 120 side, and the upper and lower sides (Z-axis direction) of the external side of the cell case 200.

[0069] 2 to 4, when the tab protection module 500 covers the electrode tab 120, one end (first end) of the tab protection module 500 may be located on at least one side of the electrode assembly 100. In addition, the other end (second end) of the tab protection module 500 may be located at or near the joint between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300.

[0070] This allows the electrode tab 120 to be at least partially enclosed by the tab protection module 500 between one end of the tab protection module 500 and the other end of the tab protection module 500 .

[0071] According to this embodiment, the electrode tab 120 can be more reliably protected from external impacts and the like by being provided in a predetermined internal space of the tab protection module 500 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode lead 300. That is, the tab protection module 500 has a size and shape having a length in the X-axis direction that includes a part of the electrode tab 120, and can therefore stably support a corresponding part of the electrode lead 300, for example, a part where the electrode lead 300 is coupled to the electrode tab 120.

[0072] 2 to 4, the coupling portion between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 may be configured to be located in the internal space of the tab protection module 500. As shown in FIG.

[0073] Specifically, the entire area of ​​the bond between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300 can be configured to be located within the interior space of the tab protection module 500 .

[0074] This makes it possible to minimize damage to the electrode tab 120 and also to maintain a stable connection between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300.

[0075] 1 to 4 again, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface 205 of the opposing cell casing 200. Specifically, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface 205 on the upper and lower sides (Z-axis direction) of the side surface of the cell casing 200.

[0076] With this configuration, the tab protection module 500 can more effectively buffer impacts due to external forces transmitted to the cell case 200 from the outside. This minimizes impacts on the electrode tabs 120. In addition, with this shape and structure, the tab protection module 500 can be accommodated inside the cell case 200 without causing deformation of the cell case 200. In addition, with this shape and structure, when the tab protection module 500 is placed inside the cell case 200, it is possible to minimize the generation of dead space inside the cell case 200.

[0077] Specifically, the cell casing 200 may include a receiving portion 220 and a sealing portion 240 .

[0078] The receiving portion 220 may be configured to receive the electrode assembly 100 therein.

[0079] The sealing portion 240 may have a shape that extends outward from the outer periphery of the receiving portion 220 by a certain length.

[0080] Meanwhile, the cell casing 200 may include a first case member 200a and a second case member 200b. The peripheral regions of the first case member 200a and the second case member 200b may abut against each other and be joined by heat fusion to form the aforementioned seal portion 240. A space is formed inside the seal portion 240 due to the separation between the first case member 200a and the second case member 200b, and this space may be the aforementioned storage portion 220. That is, the peripheral regions of the first case member 200a and the second case member 200b may have recesses or protrusions, and these recesses and protrusions of the first case member 200a and the second case member 200b may be arranged opposite each other to form the storage portion 220 of an appropriate size to fit the cell casing 200 therebetween.

[0081] In addition, the sealing portion 240 may include a case terrace T. The case terrace T may refer to a region of the sealing portion 240 that is located in a direction in which the electrode lead 300 is drawn out of the cell casing 200.

[0082] That is, the case terrace T can be configured to extend a certain length from the accommodation portion 220 and support the electrode lead 300. At this time, the lead film M described above can seal the gap between the electrode lead 300 and the cell case 200. Specifically, the lead film M can be interposed between the electrode lead 300 and the case terrace T.

[0083] The tab protection module 500 described above may have a shape corresponding to the inner surface 205 of the housing portion 220 adjacent to the case terrace T. In this case, the adjacent areas of the housing portion 220 and the case terrace T may be structurally weak due to the shape of the bent structure or the like.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention, the tab protection module 500 may be accommodated in the accommodation portion 220 while having a shape corresponding to the inner surface 205 of the accommodation portion 220 adjacent to the case terrace T, thereby reinforcing the rigidity of the adjacent area of ​​the accommodation portion 220 and the case terrace T. Therefore, the tab protection module 500 can further increase the structural rigidity of the cell case 200 by reinforcing the rigidity of a structurally weak area of ​​the cell case 200. That is, the accommodation portion 220 of the cell case 200 may have a shape that fits snugly with the tab protection module 500 so that there is little or no space between the accommodation portion 220 and the tab protection module 500 when the battery cell 10 is fully assembled. The combination of components forms a tight stack between the layers, which prevents the tab protection module 500 from moving around when the tab protection module 500 is subjected to external impact, thereby preventing the electrode tabs 120 from moving.

[0085] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery cell 10 may further include a lead film M interposed between the electrode lead 300 and the case terrace T, as described above.

[0086] In this case, the tab protection module 500 may be disposed between the lead film M and the electrode assembly 100. With this arrangement, when an impact due to an external force F1 or the like occurs on the electrode lead 300 side outside the cell case 200, the lead film M can receive the external force F1 preferentially over the tab protection module 500 and buffer the impact.

[0087] The tab protection module 500 is then configured to secondarily distribute the impact absorbed by the lead film M to multiple areas of the electrode assembly 100, thereby further minimizing the transmission of external forces to the electrode tab 120.

[0088] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell 10 in FIG. 4 with the cell case 200 removed, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom side of the battery cell 10 in FIG.

[0089] 2 to 6, the tab protection module 500 may be provided on at least one side of the cell body 110. The tab protection module 500 may at least partially cover the upper and lower sides of the electrode tab 120. The tab protection module 500 may be provided on one side of the cell body 110 so as to cover most of the upper and lower sides of the electrode tab 120.

[0090] This allows the tab protection module 500 to more reliably cover the electrode tab 120, thereby more effectively preventing damage to the electrode tab 120 due to external impact or the like.

[0091] Specifically, the tab protection module 500 may include a first protective cap 520 and a second protective cap 540 .

[0092] The first protective cap 520 can be provided on at least one side of the cell body 110. The first protective cap 520 can at least partially cover the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the electrode tab 120 to protect the upper side (+Z-axis direction) of the electrode tab 120.

[0093] Such a first protective cap 520 may include a first cap body 522 and a first cap wing 526 .

[0094] The first cap body 522 may at least partially cover the upper side (+Z axis direction) of the electrode tab 120. The first cap body 522 may also be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface 205 of the opposing cell casing 200. Therefore, the first cap body 522 can reinforce the structural rigidity of the opposing cell casing 200.

[0095] The first cap wings 526 may be configured to extend from both ends of the first cap body 522. Such first cap wings 526 may be configured to cover a portion of one side of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not located. That is, the electrode tab 120 may extend from one side of the cell body 110, and the first cap wings 526 may be located on the same side of the cell body 110 as the electrode tab 120, but may cover the portion where the electrode tab 120 is not located.

[0096] Furthermore, the first cap wings 526 can cooperate with the first cap body 522 to guide the external forces F1, F2, and F3 to be dispersed throughout the first protective cap 520. Furthermore, the first cap wings 526 can surround the electrode tab 120 together with the first cap body 522 by covering one side of the cell body 110 on both sides of the first cap body 522. That is, the first cap wings 526 may extend to both sides of the first protective cap 520 and may surround the electrode tab 120 together with the first cap body 522.

[0097] Therefore, when viewed from above the electrode lead 300 (+Z-axis direction), the electrode tab 120 can be covered by the first protective cap 520 on the front side (+X-axis direction) and both left and right sides (Y-axis direction) of the electrode assembly 100.

[0098] The second protective cap 540 may be provided on at least one side of the cell body 110. The second protective cap 540 may be connected to the first protective cap 520 in the vertical direction. The second protective cap 540 may at least partially cover the lower side (-Z axis direction) of the electrode tab 120, thereby protecting the lower side (-Z axis direction) of the electrode tab 120.

[0099] Such a second protective cap 540 may include a second cap body 542 and second cap wings 546 .

[0100] The second cap body 542 may at least partially cover the underside (-Z axis direction) of the electrode tab 120. The second cap body 542 may also be configured to have a shape corresponding to the inner surface 205 of the opposing cell casing 200. Therefore, the second cap body 542 can reinforce the structural rigidity of the opposing cell casing 200.

[0101] The second cap wings 546 may be configured to extend from both ends of the second cap body 542. Such second cap wings 546 may be configured to cover a portion of one side of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not located.

[0102] Furthermore, the second cap wings 546 can cooperate with the second cap body 542 to guide the external forces F1, F2, and F3 to be dispersed throughout the second protective cap 540. Furthermore, the second cap wings 546 can surround the electrode tab 120 together with the second cap body 542 by covering one side of the cell body 110 on both sides of the second cap body 542. That is, the second cap wings 546 may extend to both sides of the second protective cap 540 and may surround the electrode tab 120 together with the second cap body 542.

[0103] Therefore, when viewed from the underside (-Z axis direction) of the electrode lead 300, the electrode tab 120 can be covered by the second protective cap 540 on the front side (+X axis direction) and both the left and right sides (Y axis direction) of the electrode assembly 100.

[0104] The first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 may be configured to be assembled together in the up-down direction of the electrode tab 120 to at least partially enclose the electrode tab 120 .

[0105] This minimizes the impact of external forces or the like transmitted from the outside through the cell case 200 to the electrode tab 120. Furthermore, the impact of external forces or the like transmitted from the outside to the cell case 200 can be dispersed to areas of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not disposed, further minimizing the impact on the electrode tab 120.

[0106] 4 to 6, the tab protection module 500 is shown as being formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the center of the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10 and substantially symmetrically with respect to the center of the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cell 10, but this is merely an example, and the tab protection module 500 may also be formed asymmetrically with respect to the left-right direction and / or the up-down direction. Also, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the first cap wing 526 and the second cap wing 546 of the tab protection module 500 are shown as being formed to extend from both ends of the first cap body 522 and the second cap body 542 along the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10. However, this is merely an example, and the first cap wing 526 and the second cap wing 546 may be formed to extend from the first cap body 522 and the second cap body 542 along the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), respectively.

[0107] Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to be at least partially intimately attached to the cell body 110. As shown in FIG.

[0108] Specifically, the first cap wing 526 of the first protective cap 520 and the second cap wing 546 of the second protective cap 540 may be configured to fit closely to a portion of one side of the cell body 110 where the electrode tab 120 is not located. That is, the electrode tab 120 may extend from one side of the cell body 110, and the second cap wing 546 may be located on the same side of the cell body 110 as the electrode tab 120, but may cover the portion where the electrode tab 120 is not located.

[0109] This allows impacts due to external forces or the like transmitted to the cell case 200 from the outside to be more reliably dispersed throughout the cell body 110, further minimizing impacts on the electrode tab 120.

[0110] 2 to 6, the tab protection module 500 may further include a lead slot 550 through which the electrode lead 300 passes. Such a lead slot 550 may be formed on the front surface of the tab protection module 500.

[0111] Specifically, when the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 are coupled to each other, an open space of a predetermined size may be formed between the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 in the vertical direction when viewed from the front of the tab protection module 500. The lead slot 550 may be the open space of a predetermined size formed when the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 are assembled in this manner. That is, the lead slot 550 may be a space defined between the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540, and this space may have a size and shape to accommodate the electrode lead 300. Thus, after the electrode assembly 100 is assembled with the tab protection module 500 and the electrode lead 300, the first protective cap 520 may be positioned on a first side (e.g., an upper side) of the electrode lead 300, and the second protective cap 540 may be positioned on a second side (e.g., a lower side) of the electrode lead 300.

[0112] According to this embodiment, damage to the electrode lead 300 can be prevented, and the occurrence of short circuits in the electrode lead 300 can be minimized.

[0113] 5 and 6, the tab protection module 500 can include a lead positioning guide 560.

[0114] The lead positioning guide 560 may be provided on either the first protective cap 520 or the second protective cap 540. One or more such lead positioning guides 560 may be provided and configured to be positioned adjacent to the edge of the electrode lead 300 in order to guide the fixation of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200 or to maintain a fixed state.

[0115] Specifically, the lead positioning guide 560 may have a protrusion shape that protrudes to a predetermined height. In one example, the lead positioning guide 560 may be provided on the upper side of the second protective cap 540. In particular, the lead positioning guide 560 protrudes to a predetermined height from the upper surface of the second cap body 542 and can fix the edge of the electrode lead 300 to the tab protection module 500.

[0116] Such a lead positioning guide 560 can fix the position of the electrode lead 300 relative to the cell case 200 inside the cell case 200. This makes it possible to minimize the movement of the electrode lead 300 inside the cell case 200 even if an external force is applied to the electrode lead 300. This prevents the phenomenon of damage to the connection between the electrode lead 300 and the electrode tab 120 due to the application of force to the connection.

[0117] Furthermore, the lead positioning guide 560 fixes the position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell case 200, so that even if an impact due to an external force or the like occurs on the electrode lead 300 side, the position of the electrode tab 120 connected to the electrode lead 300 can be effectively prevented from shifting.

[0118] In one embodiment, the lead positioning guides 560 may be provided in pairs.

[0119] The pair of lead positioning guides 560 may be configured to guide the fixation of both side edges of the electrode lead 300 and maintain a fixed state, thereby enabling the pair of lead positioning guides 560 to more stably fix the position of the electrode lead 300 relative to the cell case 200 within the cell case 200.

[0120] In one example, the pair of lead positioning guides 560 may be provided on the upper side of the second protective cap 540. In particular, the pair of lead positioning guides 560 may protrude to a predetermined height from the upper surface of the second cap body 542 and fix both side edges of the electrode lead 300 to the tab protection module 500. Furthermore, the pair of lead positioning guides 560 may be arranged opposite each other with the aforementioned lead slot 550 in between.

[0121] 5 and 6, the tab protection module 500 may further include a positioning guide insert 570.

[0122] The positioning guide insert 570 may be configured to be coupled with the lead positioning guide 560 in the vertical direction to guide or maintain the fixation of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200. The shape of the positioning guide insert 570 may be configured in various ways. For example, the positioning guide insert 570 may be formed in a groove shape, or may be defined as a hole, a recess, an indentation, or the like.

[0123] Furthermore, the positioning guide insert 570 may be provided in either the first protective cap 520 or the second protective cap 540. One or more positioning guide inserts 570 may be provided and configured to guide or maintain the fixation of the electrode lead 300 in the cell casing 200 together with the lead positioning guide 560.

[0124] Such positioning guide inserts 570 may be provided to correspond to the number of lead positioning guides 560. In one example, the positioning guide inserts 570 may be provided in pairs to correspond to a pair of positioning guides 560. In a further embodiment, the tab protection module 500 may include three or more lead positioning guides 560. All of these lead positioning guides 560 may be provided on the first protective cap 520 or the second protective cap 540, while some lead positioning guides 560 may be provided on the first protective cap 520 and the remaining lead positioning guides 560 may be provided on the second protective cap 540. The tab protection module 500 may further include three or more positioning guide inserts 570, each of which may be located on the opposite side of the lead positioning guides 560 to correspond to and mate with each of the lead positioning guides 560.

[0125] In one embodiment, a pair of positioning guide inserts 570 may be provided on the underside of the first protective cap 520. In particular, the pair of positioning guide inserts 570 may be formed at a predetermined depth on the underside of the first cap body 522. Furthermore, the pair of lead positioning guides 560 may be disposed opposite each other across the aforementioned lead slot 550.

[0126] At least a portion of the lead positioning guide 560 can be inserted into the pair of positioning guide insertion portions 570 .

[0127] Furthermore, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, both side edges of the electrode lead 300 can be disposed between the first cap body 522 and the second cap body 542. That is, by coupling the lead positioning guide 560 and the positioning guide insertion portion 570 provided in the tab protection module 500 with each other, both side edges of the electrode lead 300 can be disposed between the first cap body 522 and the second cap body 542. In this state, both side edges of the electrode lead 300 can be fixed at positions in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell case 200 can be fixed more stably.

[0129] 5 and 6 , guide inserts 350 may be formed on both side edges of the electrode lead 300 to accommodate the lead positioning guides 560 or to be inserted into the lead positioning guides 560. The guide inserts 350 may be formed in a shape that at least partially corresponds to the lead positioning guides 560. The shape of the guide inserts 350 may be configured in various ways. For example, the guide inserts 350 may be formed in a groove shape, or may be defined as a hole, recess, indentation, etc.

[0130] In this way, with the guide insert portion 350 housing the lead positioning guide 560 or inserted into the lead positioning guide 560, the position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell case 200 can be fixed by the mutual coupling between the lead positioning guide 560 and the positioning guide insert portion 570. In other words, since the electrode lead 300 is inserted into the lead positioning guide 560 via the guide insert portion 350, which has a shape corresponding to the lead positioning guide 560, the position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell case 200 can be fixed more easily.

[0131] Furthermore, because the guide insert 350 of the electrode lead 300 accommodates the lead positioning guide 560 or is inserted into and fixed in the lead positioning guide 560, displacement of the electrode lead 300 can be effectively prevented even if an impact due to an external force or the like occurs on the electrode lead 300. That is, the guide insert 350 is a recess or indentation defined by the electrode lead 300, and can have a size and shape that can snugly accommodate the lead positioning guide 560 so that, when the lead positioning guide 560 and the guide insert 350 are coupled together, an edge of the electrode lead 300 at least partially surrounds the lead positioning guide 560, thereby forming a snug-fitting connection between the lead positioning guide 560 and the guide insert 350. This reduces or prevents movement of the electrode lead 300 relative to the tab protection module 500.

[0132] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode tab 120 may have one end connected to the electrode lead 300 disposed between the guide inserts 350 .

[0133] That is, one end of the electrode tab 120 can be positioned between a pair of lead positioning guides 560 into which the guide inserts 350 are inserted. In this embodiment, once the coupling between the lead positioning guides 560 and the positioning guide inserts 570 is achieved, the alignment of the electrode tab 120 connected to the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200 is more reliably achieved.

[0134] An exemplary coupling structure of the aforementioned tab protection module 500 will now be described in detail.

[0135] 5 and 6, the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 may be coupled to each other by a hook coupling, which allows the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 to be coupled to each other in a simpler and easier manner.

[0136] Specifically, a fastening hook 580 for the hook coupling may be provided on one of the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540. In addition, a hook groove 590 into which the fastening hook 580 fits may be provided on the other of the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540.

[0137] In one example, a pair of fastening hooks 580 may be provided on the bottom of the first protective cap 520. Such a pair of fastening hooks 580 may be provided so as to protrude a predetermined length from both sides of the bottom of the first cap body 522.

[0138] Furthermore, a pair of hook grooves 590 may be provided in the second protective cap 540 to correspond to the fastening hooks 580. Such a pair of hook grooves 590 may be formed in the shape of grooves on both sides of the second cap body 542 to which the ends of the fastening hooks 580 can be fixed.

[0139] Meanwhile, in the tab protection module 500, the positions of the fastening hooks 580 and the hook grooves 590 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. The fastening hooks 580 may be provided on the second protective cap 540, and the hook grooves 590 may be provided on the first protective cap 520. In an additional embodiment, either the first protective cap 520 or the second protective cap 540 may have a mushroom cap-shaped protrusion, instead of the fastening hooks 580, that can be inserted into a receiving hole or orifice provided in the other protective cap. The mushroom cap-shaped protrusion is provided on its underside and inserted into a corresponding hole to be stably fixed, thereby defining a ledge for connecting the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540 to each other. In additional embodiments, either the first protective cap 520 or the second protective cap 540 may include a butterfly anchor, instead of the fastening hook 580, that is inserted into a hole or orifice in the other protective cap and then expanded to maintain a stable connection between the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540.

[0140] 2 and 4, the tab protection module 500 may have a slit S formed in its upper and / or lower portions. The slit S may be formed when the tab protection module 500 is closely attached to the cell body 110. The slit S may be formed in the first cap body 522 and / or the second cap body 542 of the tab protection module 500.

[0141] Specifically, the slits S may be spaces formed between the first cap body 522 and the cell body 110 and / or between the second cap body 542 and the cell body 110 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 10 when the first cap wing 526 of the first protective cap 520 and the second cap wing 546 of the second protective cap 540 are in close contact with the cell body 110. The slits S enable the tab protection module 500 to transfer heat generated inside the battery cell 10 to the cell case 200 side and guide the heat to be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10.

[0142] The internal space of the tab protection module 500 may be filled with a heat dissipation member (e.g., resin) (not shown). The heat dissipation member may fill the entire internal space of the tab protection module 500 or may partially fill the internal space of the tab protection module 500, for example, by resin potting. In this case, a slit S may be formed in the upper or lower part of the tab protection module 500 so that the injected resin can fill the interior of the tab protection module 500. That is, when the slit S is formed in the first protective cap 520, the slit S may not be formed in the second protective cap 540. Conversely, when the slit S is formed in the second protective cap 540, the slit S may not be formed in the first protective cap 520.

[0143] According to this embodiment, heat generated in the battery cell 10, particularly heat generated at the joint between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300, can be effectively dissipated to the outside of the battery cell 10. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the space between the inner surface of the tab protection module 500 and the electrode tab 120 can be filled with a heat dissipation member, thereby further improving the stability of the joint between the electrode tab 120 and the electrode lead 300.

[0144] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to fit tightly against the inner surface of the opposing cell casing 200 .

[0145] For example, the first cap body 522 of the first protective cap 520 may be configured to fit tightly against the upper inner surface of the opposing housing portion 220. Also, the second cap body 542 of the second protective cap 540 may be configured to fit tightly against the lower inner surface of the opposing housing portion 220.

[0146] Although not shown in detail, the first cap wing 526 of the first protective cap 520 and the second cap wing 546 of the second protective cap 540 may also be configured to fit closely to the inner surface of the opposing accommodating portion 220. In this manner, the tab protection module 500 may have a structure that fits closely to the inner surface of the cell casing 200 on one side and to the cell body 110 on the other side, thereby allowing the tab protection module 500 to be stably fixed within the cell casing 200.

[0147] 2 and 4, the tab protection module 500 may have a curved surface portion R. Such curved surface portion R may be in close contact with the inner surface of the opposing cell casing 200. Specifically, the curved surface portion R of the tab protection module 500 may have substantially the same radius of curvature as the inner surface of the opposing receiving portion 220.

[0148] More specifically, the curved surface portion R may be formed on the edge of the tab protection module 500. In this case, the curved surface portion R may be formed on the edge of the first cap body 522 of the first protective cap 520 and the edge of the second cap body 542 of the second protective cap 540.

[0149] That is, the edge of the first cap body 522 and the edge of the second cap body 542 can be in close contact with the inner surface of the opposing housing portion 220. Furthermore, the edge of the first cap body 522 and the edge of the second cap body 542 can have substantially the same radius of curvature as the inner surface of the opposing housing portion 220.

[0150] As a result, the upper, lower, and front portions of the tab protection module 500 can be fixed to the inner surface of the cell case 200 in a manner that they are in close contact with the inner surfaces of the opposing receiving portions 220. In other words, when the tab protection module 500 is housed in the cell case 200, it can be firmly fixed to the inner surface of the cell case 200, thereby preventing the occurrence of dead space between the inner surface of the cell case 200 and the outer surface of the tab protection module 500.

[0151] According to this embodiment, the tab protection module 500 can be more stably fixed within the cell casing 200 .

[0152] Meanwhile, the curved surface portion R may include a first curved surface R1, a second curved surface R2, and a third curved surface R3.

[0153] The first curved surface R1 may be formed on the front (X-axis direction) of the tab protection module 500. Specifically, the first curved surface R1 may be formed on the front edge of the tab protection module 500. In one example, the first curved surface R1 may be formed on the front edge of the first cap body 522. The first curved surface R1 may also be formed on the front edge of the second cap body 524.

[0154] The second curved surface R2 may be formed on at least one of both side edges (both side edges in the Y-axis direction) of the tab protection module 500. Specifically, the second curved surface R2 may be formed on at least one of both side edge portions of the tab protection module 500. In one example, the second curved surface R2 may be formed on at least one of both side edge portions of the first cap body 522. Furthermore, the second curved surface R2 may be formed on at least one of both side edge portions of the second cap body 542.

[0155] The third curved surface R3 may be formed in a region where the first curved surface R1 and the second curved surface R2 meet. In one example, the third curved surface R3 may be formed in a region where the first curved surface R1 and the second curved surface R2 meet in the first cap body 522. The third curved surface R3 may also be formed in a region where the first curved surface R1 and the second curved surface R2 meet in the second cap body 542.

[0156] These first curved surface R1, second curved surface R2, and third curved surface R3 may each be in close contact with the inner surface of the opposing housing portion 220. That is, each of the first curved surface R1, second curved surface R2, and third curved surface R3 may have substantially the same radius of curvature as the inner surface of the opposing housing portion 220.

[0157] According to this embodiment, the curved surface R formed along the edge of the tab protection module 500 adheres closely to the inner surface of the opposing cell case 200, thereby enabling the tab protection module 500 to be more stably fixed within the cell case 200.

[0158] 12, the cell casing 200 of the present invention may include a protrusion 222. The protrusion 222 may be formed to protrude a predetermined length from the inner surface of the cell casing 200 in a direction toward the electrode assembly 100. Specifically, the protrusion 222 may be formed to protrude a predetermined length from the inner surface of the receiving portion 220 in a direction toward the electrode assembly 100. In particular, the protrusion 222 may be provided in an area adjacent to the case terrace T. In one example, the protrusion 222 may be formed using a forming mold.

[0159] The tab protection module 500 may include recesses 522a, 542a. The recesses 522a, 542a may have a shape corresponding to the protrusion 222 and may be recessed to a predetermined depth from the outer surface of the tab protection module 500. The recesses 522a, 542a may have a concave shape. In particular, the recesses 522a, 542a may be provided on the edges of the first protective cap 520 and the second protective cap 540, respectively. The recesses 522a, 542a may be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the protrusion 222. The recesses 522a, 542a may be provided on the first cap body 522 and the second cap body 542. The outer surface of the protrusion 222 and the outer surfaces of the recesses 522a, 542a may have approximately the same radius of curvature to facilitate close contact with each other.

[0160] According to this embodiment, the tab protection module 500 can be more stably fixed within the cell casing 200.

[0161] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the cell casing 200 may have a folded portion 224 formed by being folded in multiple stages.

[0162] The bent portion 224 may be formed in an area where the tab protection module 500 is disposed. The bent portion 224 may be formed by a forming die. In one example, the curved surface of the bent portion 224 formed by bending in multiple stages may be configured to have a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0163] Meanwhile, the tab protection module 500 may be configured to fit closely to such a bent portion 224. Specifically, the first cap body 522 of the first protective cap 520 may fit closely to the bent portion 224 of the opposing accommodating portion 220. Also, the second cap body 542 of the second protective cap 540 may fit closely to the bent portion 224 of the opposing accommodating portion 220.

[0164] With continued reference to Figures 13 and 14, the bent portion 224 may include a first angled portion 224a and a second angled portion 224b.

[0165] The first inclined portion 224a may be configured to face the electrode tab 120. In this case, the first inclined portion 224a may be disposed apart from the electrode tab 120 along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0166] The second inclined portion 224b may be configured to be in close contact with the tab protection module 500. The second inclined portion 224b may have a larger inclination angle than the first inclined portion 224a with respect to the extension direction (X-axis extension direction) of the electrode lead 300. The second inclined portion 224b may correspond to a region of the accommodating portion 220 connected to the case terrace T.

[0167] That is, the inclination of the first inclined portion 224a facing the electrode tab 120 may be configured to be gentler than the inclination of the second inclined portion 224b facing the tab protection module 500. In this case, the curved surface portion R of the tab protection module 500 may have substantially the same radius of curvature as the opposing inner surface of the cell casing 200. In one example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the first curved surface R1 of the tab protection module 500 may be in close contact with the opposing inner surface of the accommodating portion 220.

[0168] This multi-stage folding structure can minimize the height occupied by the tab protection module 500. Even if the tab protection module 500 used to protect the electrode tab 120 has a height shorter than the height occupied by the electrode assembly 100, this does not affect its function of protecting the electrode tab 120. Therefore, by adopting this multi-stage folding structure, the height occupied by the tab protection module 500 can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density. In addition, in this multi-stage folding structure, the inclination of the second inclined portion 224b is configured to be greater than the first inclined portion 224a, thereby improving the effect of the cell case 200 compressing and fixing the tab protection module 500 in a direction toward the cell body 110.

[0169] Meanwhile, the bent portion 224 may further include a connecting portion 224c. The connecting portion 224c may connect between the first inclined portion 224a and the second inclined portion 224b and may be configured to closely contact the tab protection module 500 in the up-down direction.

[0170] More specifically, the connection portion 224c may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the battery cell 10. Furthermore, the connection portion 224c may be closely attached to the upper portion of the first cap body 522 and the lower portion of the second cap body 542 of the tab protection module 500, respectively.

[0171] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell 12 of Fig. 7. For convenience of explanation, the cell case 200 of the battery cell 12 is not illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8.

[0172] Since the battery cell 12 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery cell 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0173] 7 and 8, a tab protection module 700 for a battery cell 12 may include a first protective cap 720 and a second protective cap 740.

[0174] The first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 are coupled to each other in a vertical direction, and may at least partially cover the electrode tab 120 .

[0175] Such a tab protection module 700 may include a lead positioning guide 760 and a positioning guide insert 770 .

[0176] The lead positioning guide 760 may be provided on either the first protective cap 720 or the second protective cap 740. In one example, the lead positioning guide 760 may be provided on the upper side of the second protective cap 740. In particular, the lead positioning guide 760 protrudes to a predetermined height from the upper surface of the second cap body 742 of the second protective cap 740 and can fix the edge of the electrode lead 300 to the tab protection module 700.

[0177] The positioning guide insert 770 may be coupled to the lead positioning guide 760 in the vertical direction and configured to guide the fixation of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200. In one embodiment, the positioning guide insert 770 may be provided in the first protective cap 720. The shape of the positioning guide insert 770 may be configured in various ways. For example, the positioning guide insert 770 may be formed in a groove shape, or may be defined as a hole, a recess, an indentation, or the like.

[0178] Specifically, the positioning guide insert 770 may be configured to enclose at least a portion of the side surface of the lead positioning guide 760. That is, the positioning guide insert 770 may be formed in a substantially semicircular or U-shape, and the inner surface of the positioning guide insert 770 may be positioned on or near the lead positioning guide 760 corresponding to the positioning guide insert 770, thereby allowing the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 to be coupled together. In this case, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, both side edges of the electrode lead 300 may be positioned between the first cap body 722 of the first protective cap 720 and the second cap body 742 of the second protective cap 740.

[0179] More specifically, since the positioning guide insert 770 is configured to enclose at least a portion of the lead positioning guide 760, when the lead positioning guide 760 and the positioning guide insert 770 are coupled, both side edges of the electrode lead 300 arranged between the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 can be more stably fixed in position in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), front-back direction (X-axis direction), and left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0180] 7 and 8, guide inserts 355 to be inserted into the respective lead positioning guides 760 may be formed on both side edges of the electrode lead 300. The guide inserts 355 may have a shape corresponding to the positioning guide inserts 770. The shape of the guide inserts 355 may be configured in various ways. For example, the guide inserts 355 may be formed in a groove shape or a hole shape.

[0181] According to this embodiment, when the lead positioning guide 760 and the positioning guide insertion portion 770 are coupled, the movement of both side edges of the electrode lead 300 arranged between the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10 can be more reliably restricted.

[0182] This allows the position of the electrode lead 300 within the cell case 200 to be fixed more stably.

[0183] Meanwhile, in the battery cell 12 according to this embodiment, after the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 are coupled to each other, at least a portion of the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 may be configured to closely contact one side of the cell body 110 on which the electrode tab 120 is not provided. In one example, the first cap wing 726 of the first protective cap 720 and the second cap wing 746 of the second protective cap 740 may be configured to closely contact one side of the cell body 110 on which the electrode tab 120 is not provided.

[0184] Furthermore, the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 may be fixed by adhesive or the like after at least a portion of them has been adhered to one side of the cell body 110 .

[0185] In the battery cell 12 according to this embodiment, the mutual coupling between the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 can also be achieved by simply coupling the lead positioning guide 760 and the positioning guide insert 770 together.

[0186] Therefore, in the battery cell 12 according to this embodiment, the tab protection module 700 can be assembled by simply assembling the lead positioning guide 760 and the positioning guide insert 770, without providing a separate joining structure for joining the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740. Therefore, in the battery cell 12 according to this embodiment, the position of the electrode lead 300 can be fixed within the cell casing 200 while ensuring the mutual assembly of the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 with a simpler structure. In another embodiment, the lead positioning guide 760 may have a mushroom cap shape similar to the above-described embodiment, thereby preventing the positioning guide insert 770 from separating from the lead positioning guide 760 in the Z-axis direction. In yet another embodiment, the positioning guide insert 770 may have a deformable tab on its inner surface. The positioning guide insert 770 can be inserted into the lead positioning guide 760 by slightly deforming the tab, and after insertion, the tab of the positioning guide insert 770 passes over the protrusion of the lead positioning guide 760 and regains its shape, preventing the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 from separating in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, instead of requiring the lead positioning guide 760 to pass over the tab, the lead positioning guide 760 can be defined as a slit or recess corresponding to a deformable (or non-deformable) tab, so that the tab of the positioning guide insert 770 can be positioned within the slit of the lead positioning guide 760, thereby coupling the first protective cap 720 and the second protective cap 740 together.

[0187] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a battery cell 14 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the battery cell 14 of Fig. 9, and Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region C of Fig. 9. For convenience of explanation, the cell case 200 described above in the battery cell 14 is omitted from Figs. 9 and 10.

[0188] Since the battery cell 14 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery cell 10 according to the above-described embodiment, redundant explanations of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0189] 9-11, a tab protection module 900 for a battery cell 14 may include a first protective cap 920 and a second protective cap 940.

[0190] Such a tab protection module 900 may include a lead positioning guide 960 and a positioning guide insert 970 .

[0191] The lead positioning guide 960 may be provided on either the first protective cap 920 or the second protective cap 940. In one example, the lead positioning guide 960 may be provided on the upper side of the second protective cap 940. In particular, the lead positioning guide 960 protrudes to a predetermined height from the upper surface of the second cap body 942 of the second protective cap 940 and can fix the edge of the electrode lead 300 to the tab protection module 900.

[0192] The positioning guide insert 970 may be configured to be coupled to the lead positioning guide 960 in the vertical direction to guide the fixation of the electrode lead 300 within the cell casing 200. In one embodiment, the positioning guide insert 970 may be provided in the first protective cap 920. In particular, the positioning guide insert 970 may be formed to a predetermined depth on the lower surface of the first cap body 922 of the first protective cap 920. The shape of the positioning guide insert 970 may be configured in various ways. For example, the positioning guide insert 970 may be formed in the shape of a groove or a hole.

[0193] The tab protection module 900 may further include a fixing member B configured to fix the lead positioning guide 960 and the positioning guide insert 970 in the vertical direction. In one example, the fixing member B may fix the positioning guide insert 970 provided in the first protective cap 920 to the lead positioning guide 960 provided in the second protective cap 940. For this purpose, the fixing member B may be inserted into the lead positioning guide 960 through the positioning guide insert 970. Examples of such fixing member B include, but are not limited to, bolts, screws, nails, pins, pegs, etc.

[0194] This configuration allows for more stable coupling between the lead positioning guide 960 and the positioning guide inserting portion 970. As a result, both side edges of the electrode lead 300 can be more stably fixed at positions in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 10.

[0195] Meanwhile, in the battery cell 14 according to this embodiment, after the first protective cap 920 and the second protective cap 940 are coupled to each other, at least a portion of the first protective cap 920 and the second protective cap 940 may be configured to fit closely to one side of the cell body 110 on which the electrode tab 120 is not provided. In one example, the first cap wing 926 of the first protective cap 920 and the second cap wing 946 of the second protective cap 940 may be configured to fit closely to one side of the cell body 110 on which the electrode tab 120 is not provided.

[0196] Meanwhile, a battery module may be configured with at least one battery cell 10, 12, 14 according to the present invention. That is, a battery module according to the present invention may include at least one battery cell 10, 12, 14 according to the present invention. Specifically, at least one battery cell 10, 12, 14 may constitute a cell assembly, and the cell assembly may be housed in a module case.

[0197] A battery pack may be configured with at least one battery module according to the present invention. That is, the battery pack according to the present invention may include at least one battery module according to the present invention. The battery pack may further include a pack case for accommodating the battery module therein, and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery pack, such as a battery management system (BMS), a current sensor, and a fuse.

[0198] Furthermore, the battery pack according to the present invention can be applied to automobiles such as electric vehicles, that is, an automobile according to the present invention can include at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0199] Although the present invention has been described above using limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the scope of equivalents of the claims.

[0200] On the other hand, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may differ depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0201] 10, 12, 14 battery cells 100 electrode assembly 110 Cell Body 120 Electrode tab 200 cell cases 220 Storage unit 240 Seal part T Case Terrace 300 electrode leads 350, 355 Guide insertion part 500 Tab Protection Module 560 Lead Positioning Guide 570 Positioning guide insert M Lead Film 700 Tab Protection Module 760 Lead Positioning Guide 770 Positioning guide insert 900 Tab Protection Module 960 Lead Positioning Guide 970 Positioning guide insert B Fixing member

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 that accommodates the electrode assembly therein; an electrode lead coupled to the electrode tab and extending from the cell casing; a tab protection module housed within the cell casing, in contact with the cell body, and configured to cover at least a portion of the electrode tab, the tab protection module including: a lead positioning guide coupled to the electrode lead and configured to guide a position of the electrode lead relative to the cell casing; and a positioning guide insert configured to house the lead positioning guide; In a battery cell comprising: The tab protection module comprises: disposed between the inner surface of the cell casing and the electrode assembly, The electrode tab is a battery cell at least partially encased by the tab protection module between a first end of the tab protection module and a second end of the tab protection module.

2. The lead positioning guide The battery cell according to claim 1 , configured to fix the position of the electrode lead relative to the cell casing.

3. The lead positioning guide They are provided in pairs, The pair of lead positioning guides are The battery cell according to claim 2 , wherein the electrode lead is configured to guide the positioning of both side edges of the electrode lead.

4. The positioning guide insertion portion is a pair of positioning guide inserts; Each of the pair of positioning guide inserts is The battery cell of claim 3 , configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair of lead positioning guides.

5. the electrode lead defines a pair of guide inserts; each of the pair of guide insertion portions is formed along both side edges of the electrode lead; The battery cell of claim 3 , wherein each of the guide inserts is sized and shaped to accommodate each of the pair of lead positioning guides.

6. The battery cell according to claim 5 , wherein one end of the electrode tab that is coupled to the electrode lead is disposed between the pair of guide insertion portions.

7. The positioning guide insertion portion is The battery cell of claim 1 , configured to wrap around at least a portion of a side surface of the lead positioning guide.

8. Each of the pair of guide inserts is The battery cell of claim 5 , having a shape corresponding to the positioning guide insert.

9. The battery cell The battery cell of claim 1 , further comprising a fixing member configured to provide a fixation between the lead positioning guide and the positioning guide insert.

10. The first end of the tab protection module includes: Located on at least one side of the electrode assembly, The second end of the tab protection module includes: The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein the electrode tab is located at a joint between the electrode tab and the electrode lead.

11. The connection between the electrode tab and the electrode lead is The battery cell of claim 10 configured to be positioned within the tab protection module.

12. The tab protection module comprises: The battery cell of claim 1 , having a shape corresponding to an inner surface of the cell casing.

13. The cell casing is a housing portion that houses the electrode assembly therein; a seal portion extending a certain length outward from the housing portion, The sealing portion is a case terrace located in a direction in which the electrode lead is drawn out, The tab protection module comprises: The battery cell according to claim 12 , having a shape corresponding to an inner surface of the housing portion adjacent to the case terrace.

14. The battery cell The device further includes a lead film interposed between the electrode lead and the case terrace, The tab protection module comprises: The battery cell according to claim 13 , wherein the battery cell is disposed between the lead film and the electrode assembly.

15. The tab protection module comprises: The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the electrode tab is provided on at least one side of the cell body and at least partially covers the upper and lower sides of the electrode tab.

16. The tab protection module comprises: The battery cell of claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the battery cell is disposed in intimate contact with the cell body.

17. A battery module comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A battery pack comprising at least one battery module according to claim 17.

19. 20. A motor vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 18.

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