Battery cells

Abstract

To provide a battery cell that is not released from a battery pack even when exhaust gas is discharged. [Solution] This is achieved by a battery cell (100) comprising a core material (140) that provides energy and a cell housing that contains the core material, the cell housing comprising a side cover (110) that opens in the vertical direction and wraps around the housing axis, an upper cover (120) that covers the upper opening of the cell housing, a lower cover (130) that covers the lower opening of the cell housing, and a side vent groove (150) formed in the side cover.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exhaust gas discharge structure for a battery cell. [Related Technology] This application claims priority under Article 4 of the Paris Convention based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0013374 (filing date: February 4, 2020), and the present invention is based on the disclosures in that Korean patent application. For reference, the contents of the specification and drawings of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, the demand for secondary batteries is increasing rapidly due to technological development and increased demand for mobile devices. Among them, lithium (ion / polymer) secondary batteries, which have high energy density and operating voltage, as well as excellent storage and life characteristics, are widely used as an energy source for various electronic products as well as various mobile devices.

[0003] The prior art discloses a pouch-type secondary battery with improved safety, which has a channel formed between the inside of the cell and the sealing part of the electrode tab. When excessive gas is generated inside the pouch due to overcharging or an internal short circuit, causing high pressure, the gas is released to the outside of the pouch through the channel. That is, when gas inside the cell is released to the outside, it is always released through the sealing part of the electrode tab, so the direction of gas release can be predicted in advance.

[0004] However, in the prior art, channels are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch, electrodes are disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch, and the external lead frame and the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch are welded with a resistance welder for connection.

[0005] During the welding process in which channels are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch, there is a problem in that the channels may open or break, damaging the battery cell.

[0006] Furthermore, if a channel is formed on the upper or lower surface of the pouch, there is a problem that when exhaust gas inside the battery cell is discharged, the battery cell may be released to the outside of the battery pack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 2014-0130859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] A first object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell that has an exhaust gas discharge structure disposed on the side of the battery cell, so that the battery cell will not be ejected from the battery pack even if exhaust gas is discharged.

[0009] A second object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell in which an exhaust gas discharge structure is disposed on a side surface of a battery cell, but not on a bottom surface of the battery cell, thereby reducing the possibility of the discharge structure being damaged during welding for electrode connection.

[0010] The third object of the present invention is to provide a method for discharging exhaust gas from a battery cell. To provide a battery cell whose structure does not separate from the battery cell.

[0011] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell that adjusts the exhaust gas discharge direction to a direction that prevents the battery cell from being released when exhaust gas is discharged from the battery cell, thereby reducing danger to the surrounding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides an exhaust gas discharge structure on the side of the battery cell.

[0013] The present invention also features a V-groove on the side of the battery cell for discharging exhaust gas at an angle between downward and lateral.

[0014] Specifically, the present invention includes a core material that provides the energy and a cell housing that accommodates the core material, and the cell housing includes a side cover that opens in the vertical direction and wraps around a housing axis, an upper cover that covers the opening in the upper direction of the cell housing, a lower cover that covers the opening in the lower direction of the cell housing, and a side vent groove formed in the side cover. [One aspect of the present invention] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. [1] A battery cell, a core material that provides electrical energy; a cell housing that contains the core material; The cell housing comprises: a side cover that opens in the vertical direction and encloses the housing shaft; an upper cover that covers an upper opening of the cell housing; a lower cover that covers a downward opening of the cell housing; a side vent groove formed in the side cover. [2] The battery cell according to [1], wherein the side vent groove is positioned biased toward the lower cover in the side cover. [3] The battery cell according to [1] or [2], wherein the distance between the side vent groove and the lower cover is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. [4] The battery cell according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the side vent groove has a thickness thinner than that of the side cover. [5] The battery cell according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the side vent groove is made of the same material as the side cover. [6] The battery cell according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the side vent groove extends in a direction parallel to the lower cover. [7] The battery cell according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the side vent groove defines a closed curve that encloses the housing axis. [8] The side vent groove is a first side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover; The battery cell described in any one of [1] to [7], further comprising a second side vent groove extending parallel to the lower cover and spaced apart upward from the first side vent groove. [9] The battery cell according to [8], wherein the first side vent groove and the second side vent groove define a closed curve that encloses the housing axis.

[10] The side vent groove is a first open vent groove extending in a first direction; The battery cell according to any one of [1] to [8], further comprising: a second open vent groove extending in a second direction and connected to one end of the first open vent groove.

[11] The battery cell according to

[10] , wherein the angle formed between the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove is an acute angle.

[12] The depth of one end of the first open vent groove is deeper than the depth of the other end of the first open vent groove; a depth of one end of the second open vent groove is greater than a depth of the other end of the second open vent groove;

[10] The battery cell according to

[10] , wherein one end of the first open vent groove is connected to one end of the second open vent groove.

[13] The battery cell according to

[11] , wherein the direction of the angle formed by the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove forms an angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to the upward direction.

[14] The side vent groove is a third open vent groove connecting one end of the first open vent groove and one end of the second open vent groove;

[10] The battery cell according to

[10] , wherein the distance between the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove increases in an upward direction.

[15] The battery cell according to

[14] , wherein the depth of the third open vent groove is greater than the depth of the first open vent groove and the depth of the second open vent groove.

[16] The battery cell according to

[14] , wherein the depth of the first open vent groove and the depth of the second open vent groove increase toward the third open vent groove.

[17] The cell housing is The battery cell according to any one of [1] to [9], further comprising an upper surface vent groove formed in the upper cover.

[18] The battery cell according to

[17] , wherein the upper surface vent groove has a line shape that wraps around the housing axis.

[19] A battery cell, a core material that provides electrical energy; a cell housing that contains the core material; The cell housing comprises: a side cover that opens in the vertical direction and encloses the housing shaft; an upper cover that covers an upper opening of the cell housing; a lower cover that covers a downward opening of the cell housing; a side vent groove formed in the side cover, the side vent groove being broken when pressure inside the cell housing exceeds a preset pressure.

[20] A battery cell, a core material that provides electrical energy; a cell housing containing the core material; a side vent groove located adjacent to a lower end on a side surface of the cell housing.

[0015] The side vent groove may be disposed in the side cover so as to be biased toward the lower cover.

[0016] The distance between the side vent groove and the lower cover may be 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0017] The side vent groove may have a thickness less than that of the side cover.

[0018] The side vent groove may include the same material as the side cover.

[0019] The side vent grooves extend in a direction parallel to the lower cover.

[0020] The side vent groove defines a closed curve that encloses the housing axis.

[0021] The side vent grooves include a first side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover, and a second side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover and spaced apart upward from the first side vent groove.

[0022] The first side vent groove and the second side vent groove define a closed curve that encloses the housing axis.

[0023] The side vent grooves include a first open vent groove extending in a first direction and a second open vent groove extending in a second direction and connected to one end of the first open vent groove.

[0024] The angle formed between the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove may be an acute angle.

[0025] The depth of one end of the first open vent groove is deeper than the depth of the other end of the first open vent groove, the depth of one end of the second open vent groove is deeper than the depth of the other end of the second open vent groove, and one end of the first open vent groove is connected to one end of the second open vent groove.

[0026] The angle formed by the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove is within 45 degrees with respect to the upward direction.

[0027] The side vent grooves further include a third open vent groove connecting one end of the first open vent groove and one end of the second open vent groove, and the distance between the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove increases upward.

[0028] The third open vent groove may have a depth greater than the first open vent groove and the second open vent groove.

[0029] The depth of the first open vent groove and the depth of the second open vent groove increase toward the third open vent groove.

[0030] The cell housing further includes an upper vent groove formed in the upper cover.

[0031] The upper surface vent groove may have a linear shape that wraps around the housing axis.

[0032] The present invention also includes a core material that provides the energy and a cell housing that accommodates the core material, and the cell housing includes side covers that open in the vertical direction and surround a housing axis, an upper cover that covers the upper opening of the cell housing, a lower cover that covers the lower opening of the cell housing, and side vent grooves that are formed in the side covers and break when the pressure inside the cell housing exceeds a predetermined pressure.

[0033] The present invention also includes a vacuum cleaner including the battery cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the above-mentioned solution, the present invention provides an exhaust gas discharge structure on the side of the battery cell. This has the advantage that even if exhaust gas is discharged, the battery cells are not released from the battery pack, reducing the risk of damage to peripheral parts of the battery due to the release of the battery cells, and reducing the risk of injury to the user.

[0035] In addition, since the present invention arranges the exhaust gas discharge structure on the side of the battery cell and does not arrange the discharge structure on the underside of the battery cell, it has the advantage that the discharge structure is less likely to be damaged during welding for electrode connection and welding for electrode connection is easy.

[0036] In addition, the present invention has a gas exhaust structure located on the top surface of the battery cell and on the side surface of the battery cell near the bottom surface, so that exhaust gas is not discharged in one direction and acts as a propulsion force for the battery cell. Furthermore, since the side surface of the battery cell is wider than the top and bottom surfaces of the battery cell, multiple or wide exhaust structures are formed in a large space, which has the advantage of reducing the exhaust gas emission speed.

[0037] In addition, the present invention has an advantage that the gas exhaust structure formed on the side of the battery cell is cut from bottom to top, exhaust gas is ejected, and the upper end of the gas exhaust structure is connected to the side of the battery cell. Therefore, when exhaust gas is discharged from the battery cell, the exhaust gas discharge direction is adjusted between downward and lateral. This prevents the discharge of exhaust gas from acting as a propulsive force for the battery cell, reducing damage to other components and preventing the gas exhaust structure from detaching from the battery cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention in use. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner 1 shown in FIG. 1 with the nozzle module 70 removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the vacuum cleaner 1 of FIG. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is a top elevational view of the cleaner 1 of FIG. [Figure 4b] Figure 4b is a top elevational view of a vacuum cleaner 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner 1 of FIG. 3 taken along the line S1-S1'. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a vertical cross-section of the vacuum cleaner 1 of Figure 4a taken along line S2-S2'. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7a is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7b] FIG. 7b is an assembled perspective view of the battery cell of FIG. 7a. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery cell of FIG. 7b. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an operational diagram of the battery cell of FIG. 8 when gas is discharged. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S11-S12 in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an operational diagram of the battery cell of FIG. 10 when gas is discharged. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line S21-S22 in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an operational diagram of the battery cell of FIG. 13 during gas discharge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In order to explain the present invention, the following description will be based on a spatial Cartesian coordinate system with mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Each axial direction (X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis) refers to both directions in which the axis extends. Axes with a "+" sign before them (+X-axis, +Y-axis) are referred to as "+X-axis, +Y-axis" and "+Y-axis" respectively. The directions (+X-axis, -Y-axis, -Z-axis) refer to the positive direction, which is one of the two directions in which the axis extends. The directions (-X-axis, -Y-axis, -Z-axis) with a "-" sign before them refer to the negative direction, which is the other of the two directions in which the axis extends.

[0040] In the following, expressions indicating directions such as "front (+Y), back (-Y), left (+X), right (-X), up (+Z), down (-Z)" are defined using the XYZ coordinate axes, but this is for the purpose of explaining the present invention so that it can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction can be defined differently depending on where the reference point is placed.

[0041] In the following, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" before elements is intended to avoid confusion of the elements, and has no bearing on the order, importance, or hierarchical relationship between the elements. For example, an invention including only the second element without the first element is also possible.

[0042] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] The vacuum cleaner according to the present invention may be a manual vacuum cleaner or a robot vacuum cleaner. Hereinafter, the vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment will be described as being limited to a handheld manual vacuum cleaner, but the vacuum cleaner according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0044] <Vacuum cleaner including battery>

[0045] 1 to 6, a vacuum cleaner 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 10 that forms a flow path P that guides sucked air to be discharged to the outside. The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a dust separator (not shown) that is disposed on the flow path P and separates dust in the air. The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a handle 30 coupled to the rear side of the main body 10.

[0046] The vacuum cleaner 1 includes a battery Bt that supplies power and a battery housing 40 that houses the battery Bt. The vacuum cleaner 1 also includes a fan module 50 that is disposed on a flow path P and moves air within the flow path. In addition to a dust separation unit (not shown), the vacuum cleaner 1 also includes filters 61 and 62 that are disposed on the flow path P and separate dust in the air.

[0047] The vacuum cleaner 1 includes a nozzle module 70 that is detachably connected to a suction pipe 11 of a main body 10. The vacuum cleaner 1 includes an input unit 3 that allows a user to input information such as on / off and suction mode of the vacuum cleaner 1, and an output unit 4 that displays various states of the vacuum cleaner 1 to the user.

[0048] The vacuum cleaner 1 i) reduces the loudness of noise in the relatively low frequency range of audible frequencies. and ii) a second function of increasing the loudness of noise in a relatively high frequency range of audible frequencies. The noise control module 80 includes a speaker 89 that outputs sound. According to an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 1 further includes a sound transmission pipe (not shown) that transmits sound from the speaker 89 to the sound outlets 10b, 10b'.

[0049] 1, the nozzle module 70 includes a nozzle unit 71 configured to draw in external air and an extension tube 73 extending from the nozzle unit 71. The extension tube 73 connects the nozzle unit 71 to the suction tube 11. The extension tube 73 guides the air drawn in through the nozzle unit 71 into the suction passage P1. One end of the extension tube 73 is detachably connected to the suction tube 11 of the main body 10. A user places the nozzle unit 71 on the floor and moves the nozzle unit 71 by holding the handle 30 to clean.

[0050] 2 to 6, the main body 10 forms the exterior of the vacuum cleaner 1. The main body 10 is generally formed in a cylindrical shape that is long vertically. A dust separator (not shown) is housed inside the main body 10. A fan module 50 is housed inside the main body 10. A handle 30 is coupled to the rear side of the main body 10. A battery housing 40 is coupled to the rear side of the main body 10.

[0051] The main body 10 includes an intake pipe 11 that guides intake of air into the main body 10. The intake pipe 11 forms an intake flow path P1. The intake pipe 11 protrudes forward from the main body 10.

[0052] The main body 10 includes exhaust covers 12, 12' that form air outlets 10a, 10a'. The exhaust covers 12, 12' further form sound outlets 10b, 10b'. The exhaust covers 12, 12' form the upper surface of the main body 10. The exhaust covers 12, 12' cover the upper portion of the fan module housing 14.

[0053] The main body 10 includes a dust collection section 13 for storing dust separated from a dust separation section (not shown). At least a portion of the dust separation section (not shown) may be disposed within the dust collection section 13. The inner surface of the upper part of the dust collection section 13 functions as a first cyclone section 21, which will be described later (in this case, the upper part of the dust collection section 13 may be referred to as the first cyclone section 21). A second cyclone section 22 and a dust flow guide 24 are disposed within the dust collection section 13.

[0054] The dust collection unit 13 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. The dust collection unit 13 is disposed below the fan module housing 14. Dust storage spaces S1 and S2 are formed inside the dust collection unit 13. A first storage space S1 is formed between the dust collection unit 13 and the dust flow guide 24. A second storage space S2 is formed inside the dust flow guide 24.

[0055] The main body 10 includes a fan module housing 14 that houses a fan module 50 therein. The fan module housing 14 may be formed to extend upward from the dust collection portion 13. The fan module housing 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape. An extension portion 31 of the handle 30 is disposed on the rear side of the fan module housing 14.

[0056] The main body 10 includes a dust cover 15 for opening and closing the dust collection unit 13. The dust cover 15 can be rotatably coupled to the lower side of the dust collection unit 13. The dust cover 15 can open and close the lower side of the dust collection unit 13 by rotating. The dust cover 15 includes a hinge (not shown) for rotation. The hinge is coupled to the dust collection unit 13. The dust cover 15 can open and close both the first storage space S1 and the second storage space S2.

[0057] The main body 10 includes an air guide 16 that guides air flowing out from a dust separator (not shown). The air guide 16 forms a fan module flow path P4 that guides air from the dust separator (not shown) to the impeller 51. The air guide 16 includes an exhaust flow path P5 that guides air that has passed through the impeller 51 to the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'. The air guide 16 may be disposed within the fan module housing 14.

[0058] As an example, referring to FIG. 6, the air guide 16 forms flow paths P4 and P5 so that air flowing out from the dust separation section (not shown) rises, passes through the impeller 51, then descends and rises again to the exhaust ports 10a and 10a'.

[0059] The air guide 16 may form flow paths P4 and P5 so that the air flowing out from the dust separator (not shown) passes through the impeller 51 and continues to rise to the exhaust ports 10a and 10a'.

[0060] 2, 4a, 4b, and 6, the main body 10 has exhaust ports 10a, 10a' through which air in the flow path P is exhausted to the outside of the main body 10. The exhaust ports 10a, 10a' are formed in the exhaust covers 12, 12'.

[0061] The exhaust ports 10a, 10a' may be disposed on one surface of the main body 10. The exhaust ports 10a, 10a' may be formed on the upper surface of the main body 10. This prevents dust around the vacuum cleaner from scattering due to the air discharged from the exhaust ports 10a, 10a' and also prevents the air discharged from the exhaust ports 10a, 10a' from directly hitting the user. In addition, the sound emission port may be disposed on the same surface of the main body 10 on which the exhaust ports 10a, 10a' are formed, among the multiple surfaces of the main body 10.

[0062] The exhaust ports 10a and 10a' may be arranged to face a specific direction (for example, upward). The exhaust direction (Ae) of the air exhausted through the exhaust ports 10a and 10a' may be arranged to face a specific direction (for example, upward). This could be a trend.

[0063] In this description, a predetermined axis O refers to an imaginary axis extending in a specific direction across the center of the main body 10. A "centrifugal direction" refers to a direction away from the axis O, and a "counter-centrifugal direction" refers to a direction toward the axis O. Additionally, a "circumferential direction" refers to a circumferential direction (or rotational direction) around the axis O. The circumferential direction includes both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.

[0064] The air discharge direction (Ae) may be a direction between the specific direction and the centrifugal direction. The air discharge direction (Ae) may be a direction between the specific direction and the circumferential direction. Specifically, the air discharge direction (Ae) may be a direction between the specific direction and the counterclockwise direction. The air discharge direction (Ae) may be a three-dimensional combination of the specific direction, the centrifugal direction, and the circumferential direction.

[0065] The exhaust ports 10a, 10a' may be arranged around the axis O. The exhaust ports 10a, 10a' may be arranged or extended along a circumferential direction. The exhaust ports 10a, 10a' may be arranged in a predetermined peripheral region (B1, B1') that extends circumferentially around the predetermined axis O by a central angle exceeding 180 degrees.

[0066] 4a, the peripheral region (B1) extends circumferentially around the axis O for a central angle of 360 degrees.

[0067] As another example, referring to FIG. 4b, the peripheral region (B1') is circumferentially arranged around the axis O. The central angle (Ag1) can be greater than or equal to 270 degrees and less than 360 degrees. In FIG. 4a, the central angle (Ag1) is approximately 270 degrees.

[0068] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 4b, the peripheral area (B1') is not surrounded by the axis O. The direction of the exhaust port 10a' is preferably the direction in which the handle 30 is disposed (rearward). The exhaust port 10a' does not have to be formed in the area between the axis O and the handle 30 so as to prevent the air exhausted from the exhaust port 10a' from flowing toward the user. A barrier 12b' for blocking the exhaust of air is provided in the area between the axis O and the handle 30. This prevents the air exhausted from the exhaust port 10a' from directly hitting the user who is holding the handle 30.

[0069] The exhaust ports 10a and 10a' are arranged in the peripheral regions (B1 and B1') in the following manner: i) along the circumferential direction; ii) may be divided into a plurality of parts and arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0070] 4a, for example, a plurality of exhaust ports 10a are arranged along the peripheral region (B1). A plurality of exhaust guides 12a separate the plurality of exhaust ports 10a from one another in the circumferential direction. The plurality of exhaust ports 10a may be arranged at regular intervals from one another in the circumferential direction.

[0071] As another example, referring to FIG. 4b, the exhaust port 10a' is arranged along the peripheral area (B1'). The plurality of exhaust ports 10a' may be spaced apart from one another in the centrifugal direction. The plurality of exhaust ports 10a' are separated from one another in the centrifugal direction by the exhaust guide 12a'. Each exhaust port 10a' extends circumferentially around the axis O by a central angle (Ag1).

[0072] The main body 10 has a structure in which air is exhausted through the exhaust ports 10a and 10a' with respect to the axis O. The exhaust guides 12a, 12a' may be disposed at an angle relative to the axis O. The exhaust covers 12, 12' include exhaust guides 12a, 12a' that divide the exhaust ports 10a, 10a' into multiple sections.

[0073] As an example, referring to FIG. 4a, the exhaust cover 12 includes a plurality of exhaust guides 12a that divide the exhaust port 10a into a plurality of sections. The plurality of exhaust guides 12a are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction. Each exhaust guide 12a extends in a direction between the circumferential direction and the centrifugal direction and divides two adjacent exhaust ports 10a. The space between two adjacent exhaust guides 12a forms the exhaust port 10a. The exhaust guides 12a guide air so that it is discharged in a direction that is a three-dimensional combination of a specific direction, the centrifugal direction, and the circumferential direction.

[0074] As another example, referring to FIG. 4b, the exhaust cover 12' includes one exhaust guide 12a' that divides the exhaust port 10a' into two. The exhaust guide 12a' extends circumferentially. The exhaust guide 12a' extends circumferentially from one end of the barrier 12b' to the other end by a central angle (Ag1) centered on the axis O. The exhaust guide 12a' guides air to be exhausted in a direction that combines a specific direction and the centrifugal direction.

[0075] 2, 4a, 4b, and 6, the main body 10 forms sound emission openings 10b, 10b' through which sound from the speaker 89 is emitted. The sound emission openings 10b, 10b' may be formed in the exhaust covers 12, 12'.

[0076] The sound emission ports 10b, 10b' may be formed on the upper surface of the main body 10. The sound emission ports 10b, 10b' may be arranged to face a specific direction (for example, upward). The emission direction (Se) of the sound emitted through the sound emission ports 10b, 10b' is the specific direction.

[0077] It is preferable that the sound emission ports 10b, 10b' are provided separately from the exhaust ports 10a, 10a', so that the performance of the speaker 89 can be prevented from being affected by air, dust, etc. moving within the flow path P.

[0078] It is preferable that the air outlets 10a, 10a' and the sound outlets 10b, 10b' face in the same direction based on the main body 10. This reduces the phenomenon in which the ratio of the loudness of the noise and the loudness of the sound changes depending on the position of the user's ear when the noise emitted through the air outlets 10a, 10a' and the sound emitted through the sound outlets 10b, 10b' are combined and reach the user's ear, and allows the sounds to be combined according to a preset ratio.

[0079] The sound output ports 10b, 10b' may be disposed at the center of the exhaust covers 12, 12'. The sound output ports 10b, 10b' are disposed in the centrifugal opposite direction of the peripheral regions (B1, B1') based on the axis O. The sound output ports 10b, 10b' are disposed in the central portion through which the axis O passes. The sound output ports 10b, 10b' are spaced apart in the centrifugal opposite direction from the peripheral regions (B1, B1') and are disposed within a predetermined central region (B2) through which the axis O passes. This allows a sound generation region by the sound output ports 10b, 10b' to be provided at the center of the noise generation region by the exhaust ports 10a, 10a', and the noise from the exhaust ports 10a, 10a' and the sound from the speaker 89 to undergo destructive or constructive interference as previously set. This is particularly effective in canceling out the low frequency range of the generated noise with the sound from the speaker 89 that is 180 degrees phase-shifted (destructive interference).

[0080] For example, referring to FIG. 4a, the sound outlet 10b includes a plurality of holes formed in the central region (B2) at intervals.

[0081] As another example, referring to FIG. 4b, a mash-type structure is arranged in the central region (B2), and many holes formed by the mash-type structure can function as sound outlets 10b.

[0082] 4b, the sound emission port 10b' includes a gap that extends long in the circumferential direction around the axis O in the central region (B2). Specifically, the sound emission port 10b' may include a ring-shaped gap.

[0083] 5 and 6, the dust separator (not shown) functions to filter dust on the flow path P. The dust separator (not shown) separates dust sucked into the main body 10 through the suction pipe 11 from the air.

[0084] For example, the dust separation unit (not shown) includes a first cyclone unit 21 and a second cyclone unit 22 that can separate dust by cyclone flow. A flow path P2 formed by the first cyclone unit 21 is connected to an intake flow path P1 formed by the intake pipe 11. Air and dust drawn in through the intake pipe 11 flow in a spiral along the inner circumferential surface of the first cyclone unit 21.

[0085] The axis A2 of the cyclone flow of the first cyclone unit 21 may extend in the vertical direction. The axis A2 of the cyclone flow may coincide with the axis O. The second cyclone unit 22 additionally separates dust from the air that has passed through the first cyclone unit 21. The second cyclone unit 22 may be located inside the first cyclone unit 21. The second cyclone unit 22 may be located inside the boundary unit 23. The second cyclone unit 22 may include multiple cyclone bodies arranged in parallel.

[0086] Alternatively, the dust separator (not shown) may have a single cyclone, and in this case, the axis A2 of the cyclone flow may extend vertically.

[0087] As another example, the dust separation unit (not shown) may include a main filter unit (not shown) instead of the cyclone unit. The main filter unit can separate dust from the air flowing in from the suction pipe 11.

[0088] Hereinafter, the dust separating unit (not shown) will be described based on the present embodiment including the first cyclone unit 21 and the second cyclone unit 22, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0089] The dust separation unit (not shown) forms dust separation paths P2 and P3. Air moves through the dust separation paths P2 and P3 at high speed, and dust in the air is separated. The separated dust is stored in a first storage tank. It is stored in storage space S1.

[0090] The space between the inner circumferential surface of first cyclone section 21 and the outer circumferential surface of boundary section 23 becomes flow path P2 of the first cyclone. Air passing through suction flow path P1 moves in a downward spiral direction in first cyclone flow path P2, and dust in the air is centrifuged. Here, axis A2 becomes the axis A2 of flow in the downward spiral direction.

[0091] The dust separation unit (not shown) includes a cylindrical boundary portion 23 disposed inside the first cyclone unit 21. The boundary portion 23 has a plurality of holes formed on its outer circumferential surface. Air in the first cyclone flow path P2 passes through the holes in the boundary portion 23 and can flow into the second cyclone flow path P3. Bulky dust can also be filtered by the holes in the boundary portion 23.

[0092] The upper portion of the second cyclone unit 22 is disposed within the boundary portion 23. The second cyclone unit 22 includes a plurality of hollow cyclone bodies that are vertically penetrated. Each cyclone body may be formed as a pipe that narrows toward the bottom. A second cyclone flow path P3 is formed within each cyclone body. Air that passes through the boundary portion 23 moves to the second cyclone flow path P3 along a guide disposed on the upper portion of the cyclone body that guides the air flow in a downward spiral. The air moves in a downward spiral along the inner circumferential surface of the cyclone body, and dust in the air is centrifuged. The separated air is stored in the second storage space S2. The air that moves along the second cyclone flow path P3 to the lower portion of the cyclone body moves upward along the vertical central axis of the second cyclone flow path P3 and flows into the fan module flow path P4.

[0093] The dust separation unit (not shown) includes a dust flow guide 24 that separates the first storage space S1 and the second storage space S2 within the dust collection unit 13. The space between the dust flow guide 24 and the inner surface of the dust collection unit 13 is the first storage space S1. The internal space of the dust flow guide 24 is the second storage space S2.

[0094] The dust flow guide 24 is coupled to the lower side of the second cyclone unit 22. The dust flow guide 24 contacts the upper surface of the dust cover 15. A portion of the dust flow guide 24 may be formed so that its diameter decreases from the top to the bottom. For example, the upper portion of the dust flow guide 24 is formed so that its diameter decreases from the bottom, and the lower portion of the dust flow guide 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends vertically.

[0095] The dust separation unit (not shown) includes a scattering prevention rib 25 extending downward from the upper end of the dust flow guide 24. It may surround the upper side of the dust flow guide 24. The scattering prevention rib 25 extends in a circumferential direction around the flow axis A2. For example, the scattering prevention rib 25 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0096] When the upper portion of the dust flow guide 24 is formed so that its diameter decreases downward, a space is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion of the dust flow guide 24 and the scattering prevention rib 25. When an upward flow of air occurs along the dust flow guide 24 in the first storage space S1, the rising dust is caught in the space between the scattering prevention rib 25 and the upper portion of the dust flow guide 24. This prevents dust in the first storage space S1 from flowing back upward.

[0097] The handle 30 is coupled to the main body 10. The handle 30 may be coupled to the rear side of the main body 10. The handle 30 may be coupled to the upper side of the battery housing 40.

[0098] The handle 30 includes an extension 31 that extends and protrudes rearward from the main body 10. The extension 31 extends forward from an upper portion of the additional extension 32. The extension 31 extends horizontally.

[0099] The handle 30 extends in the vertical direction and includes an additional extension 32. The additional extension 32 may be spaced apart from the main body 10 in the front-rear direction. A user can use the vacuum cleaner 1 by holding the additional extension 32. The upper end of the additional extension 32 is connected to the rear end of the extension 31. The lower end of the additional extension 32 is connected to the battery housing 40.

[0100] The additional extension 32 is provided with a movement limiting portion 32a for preventing the user's hand from moving in the length direction (up and down direction) of the additional extension 32 while gripping the additional extension 32. The movement limiting portion 32a protrudes forward from the additional extension 32.

[0101] The movement limiting portion 32a is disposed vertically spaced apart from the extension portion 31. When a user grips the additional extension portion 32, some of the fingers of the user's gripping hand are positioned above the movement limiting portion 32a and the remaining fingers are positioned below the movement limiting portion 32a.

[0102] The handle 30 includes an inclined surface 33 facing upward and backward. The inclined surface 33 may be located on the rear surface of the extension 31. The input unit 3 may be disposed on the inclined surface 33.

[0103] The battery Bt supplies power to the fan module 50. The battery Bt supplies power to the noise control module. The battery Bt may be detachably disposed inside the battery housing 40.

[0104] The battery housing 40 is coupled to the rear side of the main body 10. The battery housing 40 is disposed below the handle 30. The battery Bt is accommodated inside the battery housing 40. The battery housing 40 may be formed with a heat dissipation hole for dissipating heat generated from the battery Bt to the outside.

[0105] 6, the fan module 50 generates a suction force to draw external air into the flow path P. The fan module 50 is disposed within the main body 10. The fan module 50 is disposed below the sound outlets 10b and 10b'. The fan module 50 is disposed above a dust separator (not shown).

[0106] The fan module 50 includes an impeller 51 that generates a suction force by rotation. The impeller 51 urges the air in the flow path P to be discharged through the exhaust ports 10a and 10a'. When the impeller 51 pressurizes the air, noise and vibration are generated, and such noise is mainly released through the exhaust ports 10a and 10a'.

[0107] An extension of the rotation axis A1 of the impeller 51 (which can also be said to be the axis of the suction motor) can coincide with the flow axis A2.

[0108] Alternatively, the rotation axis A1 may coincide with the axis O. In this case, the impeller 51 rotates around the axis O to pressurize the air. This allows noise to be emitted relatively evenly through the exhaust ports 10a, 10a' formed in the peripheral regions (B1, B1').

[0109] The fan module 50 includes a suction motor 52 that rotates an impeller 51. The suction motor 52 may be the only motor of the vacuum cleaner 1. The suction motor 52 is located above a dust separator (not shown). When the suction motor 52 operates, noise and vibration are generated, and such noise is mainly released through the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'.

[0110] 6, for example, a fan module 50 is provided in which an impeller 51 is disposed below a suction motor 52. The impeller 51 pressurizes air upward when rotating.

[0111] A fan module 50 having an impeller 51 disposed below the suction motor 52 is provided. The impeller 51 pressurizes air downward when rotating.

[0112] The fan module 50 includes a shaft 53 fixed to the center of the impeller 51. The shaft 53 is disposed on the rotation axis A1 and extends in the vertical direction. The shaft 53 functions as a motor shaft of the suction motor 52.

[0113] Meanwhile, the vacuum cleaner 1 includes a PCB 55 for controlling the suction motor 52. The PCB 55 is disposed between the suction motor 52 and a dust separating unit (not shown).

[0114] The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a pre-filter 61 that filters air before it is drawn into the suction motor 52. The pre-filter 61 is arranged to surround the impeller 51. Air on the fan module flow path P4 passes through the pre-filter 61 before reaching the impeller 51. The pre-filter 61 is arranged inside the main body 10. The pre-filter 61 is arranged below the discharge covers 12, 12'. A user can pull out the pre-filter 61 from inside the main body 10 by separating the discharge covers 12, 12' from the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0115] The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a HEPA filter 62 that filters the air before it is discharged through the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'. The air that has passed through the impeller 51 passes through the HEPA filter 62 and is then discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 10a. The HEPA filter 62 is disposed on the exhaust flow path P5.

[0116] The discharge covers 12, 12' may form a filter accommodating space (not shown) for accommodating the HEPA filter 62. The filter accommodating space is formed so that the bottom side is open, and the HEPA filter 62 is accommodated in the filter accommodating space below the discharge covers 12, 12'.

[0117] The exhaust port 10a may be formed so as to face the HEPA filter 62. The HEPA filter 62 is disposed below the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'. The HEPA filter 62 is disposed extending in the circumferential direction along the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'.

[0118] The main body 10 includes a filter cover 17 that covers the underside of the HEPA filter 62. When the HEPA filter 62 is housed in the filter housing space, the underside of the HEPA filter 62 is covered by the filter cover 17, which has holes formed therein for air to pass through on the exhaust flow path P5. The filter cover 17 is separably connected to the exhaust covers 12, 12'.

[0119] The exhaust covers 12, 12' are detachably connected to the fan module housing 14. When the filter cover 17 is separated from the exhaust covers 12, 12' that are separated from the fan module housing 14, the HEPA filter 62 can be pulled out from the filter accommodating space.

[0120] Although the present invention describes the vacuum cleaner 1 as including the pre-filter 61 and the HEPA filter 62, it goes without saying that there is no limitation on the type and number of filters.

[0121] On the other hand, the input unit 3 may be located on the opposite side of the movement limiting unit 32a with respect to the handle 30. The input unit 3 may be disposed on an inclined surface 33.

[0122] The output unit 4 may also be disposed on the extension 31. As an example, the output unit 4 is located on the upper surface of the extension 31. The output unit 4 includes a plurality of transmitting units 111. The plurality of transmitting units 111 are arranged at intervals in the length direction (front-rear direction) of the extension 31.

[0123] Meanwhile, the flow path P is formed by sequentially connecting an intake flow path P1, dust separation flow paths P2 and P3, a fan module flow path P4, and exhaust flow paths P5 and P5.

[0124] 5, the intake passage P1 supplies external air to a dust separator (not shown). The intake passage P1 is connected to the dust separator (not shown). Specifically, the intake passage P1 is defined by an intake pipe 11, with a portion of the intake passage P1 exposed to the outside of the main body 10 and the other side of the intake passage P1 located inside the main body 10. One side of the intake passage P1 is connected to an extension pipe 73 connected to the nozzle portion 71. The air in the intake passage P1 is moved by the fan module.

[0125] A flap door 44 for opening and closing the suction pipe 11 is installed in the suction pipe 11 .

[0126] Air and dust drawn in through the suction passage P1 by the operation of the suction motor 52 flow through the first passage P2 and the second cyclone passage P3 and are separated from each other. In the second cyclone passage P3, the air moves upward as described above and flows into the fan module passage P4.

[0127] The fan module flow path P4 guides the air toward the pre-filter 61. After passing through the pre-filter 61 and the impeller 51, the air flows into the exhaust flow paths P5, P5. After passing through the HEPA filter 62, the air on the exhaust flow paths P5, P5 is discharged to the outside via the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'.

[0128] The fan module flow path P4 guides the air flowing out from the dust separator (not shown) so that the air rises, passes through the impeller 51, and then descends. Here, the exhaust flow path P5 guides the air so that the air passes through the impeller 51, descends, and then ascends again to the exhaust ports 10a, 10a'.

[0129] The battery cells 100 constituting the battery Bt will be described in detail below.

[0130] 7a, 7b and 8, a battery cell 100 of the present invention includes a core material 140 that provides electrical energy and cell housings 110, 120, 130 that house the core material 140.

[0131] The core material 140 provides electrical energy while discharging. For example, the core material 140 may include a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator, and electrode leads may be connected to electrode tabs extending from the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0132] The cell housings 110, 120, and 130 provide a space for accommodating the core material 140, and power terminals connected to the positive and negative electrode plates are formed in the cell housings 110, 120, and 130. The cell housings 110, 120, and 130 may have various shapes for accommodating the core material 140.

[0133] For example, the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 may have various shapes such as a cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, and a pouch shape. The housing includes a side cover 110 that opens downward and encloses the housing axis G, an upper cover 120 that covers the opening in the upward direction of the cell housing, and a lower cover 130 that covers the opening in the downward direction of the cell housing.

[0134] The side cover 110 has a cylindrical shape centered on the housing axis G, and is formed with an upper opening 111 and a lower opening 112. The side cover 110 has a surface extending in a direction parallel to the housing axis G.

[0135] The upper cover 120 covers the upper opening 111. The upper cover 120 defines a plane that intersects with the housing axis G. An electrode terminal (not shown) may be formed on the upper cover 120. Preferably, the upper cover 120 does not have an electrode terminal, but has an upper surface vent groove 160.

[0136] The upper vent groove 160 is a structure that breaks a portion of the upper cover 120 when pressure increases due to exhaust gas inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130. For example, the upper vent groove 160 may be formed by a depression in a portion of the upper cover 120. As another example, the upper vent groove 160 may be defined as a region in the upper cover 120 that has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the upper cover 120.

[0137] The cross-sectional shape of the upper surface vent groove 160 may be V-shaped or U-shaped. The upper surface vent groove 160 may be a line-shaped groove extending in one direction. The upper surface vent groove 160 is preferably formed in a ring shape surrounding the housing axis G.

[0138] The lower cover 130 covers the lower opening 112. The lower cover 130 defines a plane that intersects with the housing axis G. Electrode terminals (not shown) may be formed on the lower cover 130. Preferably, the lower cover 130 may be formed with a positive electrode terminal (not shown) connected to the positive electrode plate and a negative electrode terminal (not shown) connected to the negative electrode plate.

[0139] Because the lower cover 130 and the lead frame are connected to each other by welding, if a vent groove is formed in the lower cover 130, the vent groove may be damaged during the welding process, potentially damaging the battery cell 100. Therefore, the present invention solves this problem by not forming a vent groove in the lower cover 130, but by forming a vent groove in the side cover 110, as will be described later.

[0140] The side cover 110 is formed with a side vent groove 150. The side vent groove 150 is structured to break when the pressure inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 exceeds a preset pressure. The side vent groove 150 is also structured to break and deform when the pressure inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 exceeds a preset pressure, thereby guiding the exhaust gas discharged from inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 in an exhaust direction.

[0141] The side vent grooves 150 may be located on the sides of the cell housings 110, 120, 130 adjacent the bottom ends.

[0142] For example, the side vent groove 150 may be formed by depressing a portion of the side cover 110. As another example, the side vent groove 150 may be defined as a region of the side cover 110 that has a thickness thinner than the thickness of the side cover 110. That is, a portion of the side cover 110 that is thinner than a reference thickness may be defined as the side vent groove 150. The side vent groove 150 has a thickness thinner than the side cover 110. The side vent groove 150 is easily manufactured if it is made of the same material as the side cover 110.

[0143] The cross-sectional shape of the side vent groove 150 may be V- or U-shaped. The side vent groove 150 may be a line extending in one direction. The side vent groove 150 may also be a circular shape or a shape formed by connecting a plurality of straight lines. The side vent grooves 150 may also be continuously connected. A plurality of side vent grooves 150 may also be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0144] For example, the side vent groove 150 is formed in a ring shape surrounding the housing axis G. The side vent groove 150 defines a closed curve surrounding the housing axis G. Specifically, the side vent groove 150 extends along the circumference of the side cover 110. Of course, the side vent groove 150 may extend along the circumference of the side cover 110 and may have an interrupted portion along the way. The side vent groove 150 may also extend in a direction parallel to the lower cover 130.

[0145] In another example, the side vent groove 150 includes a first side vent groove 151 extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover 130 and a second side vent groove 152 extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover 130 and spaced apart upward from the first side vent groove 151. The first side vent groove 151 and the second side vent groove 152 define a closed curve that encloses the housing axis G. Of course, as another example, the side vent groove 150 may be a plurality of lines extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover 130.

[0146] When the side vent groove 150 is formed along the circumference of the side cover 110, the vent groove can be formed over a larger area than the lower cover 130, which reduces the pressure of exhaust gases discharged from the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 and reduces damage to parts other than the battery due to exhaust gas pressure.

[0147] The side vent grooves 150 are disposed on the side cover 110 so as to be biased toward the lower cover 130. For example, the distance between the side vent grooves 150 and the lower cover 130 is preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm. When the side vent grooves 150 are disposed on the side cover 110 so as to be biased toward the lower cover 130, the balance between the exhaust gas discharged from the top surface vent grooves 160 of the upper cover 120 and the exhaust gas discharged from the side vent grooves 150 can prevent the movement of the battery cells 100.

[0148] 9, when excessive gas is generated inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 due to overcharging, an internal short circuit, or the like, and pressure increases, the side vent grooves 150 are damaged, creating spaces that connect the outside to the inside of the cell housings 110, 120, and 130. When exhaust gas from inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 is released through these spaces, explosion of the battery cell 100 is prevented. Of course, although not shown in the drawing, the top vent groove 160 is also damaged, and gas is released into the damaged space.

[0149] The battery cell 100A according to the second embodiment will be described below. The following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment (FIGS. 7 and 8), and similar descriptions will be omitted. Configurations that are not otherwise described are considered to be similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the structure of the side vent groove 150A.

[0151] The side vent groove 150A according to the second embodiment has a structure in which the side vent groove 150A is broken by the pressure inside the cell housings 110, 120, 130, and the side cover 110 around the side vent groove 150A is deformed to guide the exhaust gas discharge direction.

[0152] The side cover 110 may have a plurality of side vent grooves 150A spaced apart from one another. Specifically, the side cover 110 may have a plurality of side vent grooves 150A arranged along its circumference.

[0153] For example, the side vent groove 150A includes a first open vent groove 153 extending in a first direction and a second open vent groove 154 extending in a second direction and connected to one end of the first open vent groove 153. One end of the first open vent groove 153 is connected to one end of the second open vent groove 154. The first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 may have a straight or curved shape.

[0154] One end of the first open vent groove 153 and one end of the second open vent groove 154 are connected to each other, and the distance between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 increases as the groove moves from one end to the other end of the first open vent groove 153. The first direction and the second direction may be directions between the top and the side.

[0155] The angle (Ag10) formed between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 may be an acute angle. Preferably, the angle (Ag10) formed between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 may be 20 degrees to 40 degrees. The first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 have a V-shape. When the side cover 110 is cut along the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154, a large space is secured for exhaust gas to be discharged. This significantly reduces the pressure of the exhaust gas being discharged, thereby increasing the amount of exhaust gas that can be discharged per unit time.

[0156] The distance between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 may increase upward. If the angle (Ag10) between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 is less than 20 degrees, a sufficient space for exhaust gas to be discharged when cut by exhaust gas cannot be secured. If the angle (Ag10) between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 is more than 40 degrees, it is difficult for the side cover 110 to be cut along the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 by exhaust gas, and deformation of the side cover 110 may be significant.

[0157] The direction (VD) of the angle formed by the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 may form an angle of 45 degrees or less with the upward direction. Preferably, the direction (VD) of the angle formed by the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 is parallel to the upward direction. When the direction (VD) of the angle formed by the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 is parallel to the upward direction, exhaust gas cuts open the side cover 110 along the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154, and the exhaust gas is guided in a direction between the downward and sideward directions.

[0158] When the exhaust gas is discharged between the bottom and the side, the sum of the vectors of the exhaust gas discharged from the top vent groove 160 becomes close to 0, preventing the battery cell 100 from being ejected.

[0159] The depth of one end (h2) of the first open vent groove 153 is deeper than the depth of the other end (h1) of the first open vent groove 153, and the depth of one end (h2) of the second open vent groove 154 is deeper than the depth of the other end (h3) of the second open vent groove 154.

[0160] As another example, the depth of the first open vent groove 153 increases from the other end toward one end, and the depth of the second open vent groove 154 increases from the other end toward one end.

[0161] If the depth of the portion where the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 are connected is deep, damage will begin from one end of the first open vent groove 153 and one end of the second open vent groove 154 due to exhaust gas, and damage will occur in the direction from the other end of the first open vent groove 153 to the other end of the second open vent groove 154, and the side cover 110 between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 will be bent.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 12, when excessive gas is generated inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 due to overcharging or an internal short circuit, causing high pressure, damage begins from one end of the first open vent groove 153 and one end of the second open vent groove 154, and damage progresses toward the other end of the first open vent groove 153 and the other end of the second open vent groove 154. At the same time, the side cover 110 between the first open vent groove 153 and the second open vent groove 154 is bent, causing the side cover to open.

[0163] When exhaust gas is ejected into the open space of the side cover 110, the bent portion of the side cover 110 guides the exhaust gas between the outward and downward directions.

[0164] The battery cell 100B according to the third embodiment will be described below. The following description will focus on differences from the second embodiment (FIGS. 10 and 11), and similar descriptions will be omitted. Configurations that are not otherwise described are considered to be similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the structure of the side vent groove 150B.

[0166] The side vent groove 150B according to the third embodiment has a structure in which the side vent groove 150B is broken by the pressure inside the cell housings 110, 120, 130, and the side cover 110 around the side vent groove 150B is deformed to guide the exhaust gas discharge direction.

[0167] For example, the side vent groove 150B includes a first open vent groove 155 extending in a first direction, a second open vent groove 156 extending in a second direction and connected to one end of the first open vent groove 155, and a third open vent groove 157 connecting one end of the first open vent groove 155 and one end of the second open vent groove 156.

[0168] One end of the first open vent groove 155 and one end of the second open vent groove 156 are connected to opposite ends of a third open vent groove 157. The third open vent groove 157 may extend in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. Preferably, the third open vent groove 157 may extend in a direction parallel to the lower cover 130.

[0169] The distance between the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 increases as they move from one end of the first open vent groove 155 to the other end (upward).

[0170] The angle formed between the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 may be an acute angle, and preferably, the angle formed between the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 may be 10 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0171] Since the third open vent groove 157 initially ensures a large space for exhaust gas discharge, the angle formed by the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 does not need to be large.

[0172] The direction of the angle formed by the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 (VD 2) forms an angle of 45 degrees or less with the upward direction. Preferably, the direction of the angle (VD2) formed by the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 may be parallel to the upward direction. When the direction of the angle (VD2) formed by the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 is parallel to the upward direction, exhaust gas cuts the side cover 110 along the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156, guiding the exhaust gas in a direction between the downward and side directions.

[0173] The depth (h6) of the third open vent groove 157 is deeper than the depth (h4) of the first open vent groove 155 and the depth (h5) of the second open vent groove 156. The depths of the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 become deeper as they approach the third open vent groove 157. The depth of the third open vent groove 157 becomes deeper from both ends toward the center.

[0174] If the third open vent groove 157 is deep, damage will start from the third open vent groove 157 due to exhaust gas, and damage will occur toward the other end of the first open vent groove 155 and the other end of the second open vent groove 156, and the side cover 110 between the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 will be bent and banded and opened.

[0175] According to the third embodiment, a large amount of exhaust gas can be discharged in the initial stage, and therefore the pressure of the exhaust gas can be made very low in the initial stage.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 15, when excessive gas is generated inside the cell housings 110, 120, and 130 due to overcharging or an internal short circuit, causing high pressure, damage begins from the third open vent groove 157 and continues toward the other end of the first open vent groove 155 and the other end of the second open vent groove 156. At the same time, the side cover 110 between the first open vent groove 155 and the second open vent groove 156 is bent, causing the third cover 110 to open.

[0177] When exhaust gas is ejected into the open space of the side cover 110, the bent portion of the side cover 110 guides the exhaust gas between the outward and downward directions.

[0178] According to the above solution, the present invention provides an exhaust gas discharge structure on the side of the battery cell, which prevents the battery cell from being ejected from the battery pack even when exhaust gas is discharged, thereby reducing the risk of damage to peripheral components of the battery due to the ejection of the battery cell and reducing the risk of injury to the user.

[0179] In addition, since the present invention arranges the exhaust gas discharge structure on the side of the battery cell and does not arrange the discharge structure on the underside of the battery cell, there is an advantage that the discharge structure is less likely to be damaged during welding for electrode connection and welding for electrode connection is easier.

[0180] In addition, the present invention has a gas exhaust structure located on the top surface of the battery cell and on the side surface of the battery cell near the bottom surface, so that exhaust gas is exhausted in one direction and does not act as a propulsion force for the battery cell. Furthermore, since the side surface of the battery cell is wider than the top and bottom surfaces of the battery cell, multiple or wide exhaust structures are formed in a large space, which has the advantage of reducing the exhaust gas ejection speed.

[0181] In addition, the present invention provides a gas exhaust structure formed on the side of the battery cell, which is cut from the bottom to the top, and exhaust gas is ejected, and the upper end of the gas exhaust structure is in contact with the side of the battery cell. When exhaust gas is discharged from the battery cell, the discharge direction of the exhaust gas is adjusted between downward and sideways, so that the exhaust gas does not act as a propulsive force for the battery cell but is discharged in a direction that reduces damage to other components, and there is an advantage in that the gas discharge structure is prevented from separating from the battery cell.

[0182] The above-described features, structures, effects, etc. are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. described in each embodiment can be combined or modified by those skilled in the art in other embodiments. Therefore, content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A battery cell, a core material that provides electrical energy; a cell housing containing the core material; The cell housing comprises: a side cover that opens in the vertical direction and encloses the housing shaft; an upper cover that covers an upper opening of the cell housing; a lower cover that covers a downward opening of the cell housing; a side vent groove formed in the side cover, The side vent groove is a first side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover; a second side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover and spaced apart from the first side vent groove; The cell housing further includes an upper surface vent groove formed in the upper cover, the upper surface vent groove has a linear shape that surrounds the housing shaft; the top surface vent groove is disposed closer to the housing axis than the first side surface vent groove and the second side surface vent groove; The side vent groove defines a closed curve that encloses the housing axis.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the side vent groove is disposed in the side cover so as to be biased toward the lower cover.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the distance between the side vent groove and the lower cover is 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the side vent groove has a thickness less than that of the side cover.

5. The battery cell of claim 1 , wherein the side vent groove comprises the same material as the side cover.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1 , wherein the first side vent groove and the second side vent groove define a closed curve that encloses the housing axis.

7. A battery cell, a core material that provides electrical energy; a cell housing that contains the core material; The cell housing comprises: a side cover that opens in the vertical direction and encloses the housing shaft; an upper cover that covers an upper opening of the cell housing; a lower cover that covers a downward opening of the cell housing; a side vent groove formed in the side cover, which breaks when the pressure inside the cell housing exceeds a preset pressure; The side vent groove is a first side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover; a second side vent groove extending in a direction parallel to the lower cover and spaced apart from the first side vent groove; The cell housing further includes an upper surface vent groove formed in the upper cover, the upper surface vent groove has a linear shape that surrounds the housing shaft; the top surface vent groove is disposed closer to the housing axis than the first side surface vent groove and the second side surface vent groove; The side vent groove defines a closed curve that encloses the housing axis.

Images