Battery cell comprising guide structure and battery module comprising same

Abstract

Provided according to the present disclosure is a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly including a current collector; an electrode tab connected to the current collector; and a guide structure disposed between the electrode assembly and the electrode tab. The guide structure may comprise: a first guide structure including a plurality of first slits in which the current collector is accommodated; and a second guide structure disposed between the first guide structure and the electrode tab and including at least one second slit in which the current collector is accommodated.

Description

Battery cell including a guide structure and battery module including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell including a guide structure and a battery module including the same.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and discharged, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid and electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS). Secondary batteries can be lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, or nickel-hydrogen batteries.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured as flexible pouch-type battery cells or rigid square or cylindrical can-type battery cells. Multiple battery cells can be formed into a stacked cell assembly.

[0004] The cell assemblies can be arranged inside the case to form a battery module, and a plurality of battery modules can be arranged inside the pack housing to form a battery pack.

[0005] A battery cell may include multiple current collectors connected to an electrode composite layer. The multiple current collectors may be pre-welded to each other and then bonded to the electrode tabs. However, the current collectors may be damaged (e.g., shorted) due to tension applied to them or bending of the current collectors.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell may be provided that includes a guide structure capable of reducing deformation (e.g., fracture and bending) of a current collector of the battery cell.

[0007] The battery cells and battery modules of the present disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, the battery cells and battery modules of the present disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which aim to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0008] A battery cell of the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly including a current collector, an electrode tab connected to the current collector, and a guide structure positioned between the electrode assembly and the electrode tab. The guide structure may include a first guide structure including a plurality of first slits for accommodating the current collector, and a second guide structure positioned between the first guide structure and the electrode tab, the second guide structure including at least one second slit for accommodating the current collector.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the current collector may include a plurality of current collectors connected to the electrode assembly, a plurality of first bonding regions to which at least some of the plurality of current collectors are bonded, and a second bonding region extending from the plurality of first bonding regions and bonded to the electrode tab.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of current collectors may be positioned within the plurality of first slits. At least a portion of the plurality of first bonding regions may be positioned within the at least one second slit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first guide structure may include a first surface facing the second guide structure, and a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the electrode assembly. The plurality of first slits may include a first outlet formed on the first surface and having a first width, and a first inlet formed on the second surface and having a second width greater than the first width.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first guide structure may include a first inclined surface extending from the first surface to the second surface and surrounding the plurality of first slits.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second guide structure may include a third side, at least a portion of which faces the electrode tab, and a fourth side, opposite the third side and facing the first guide structure. The second slit may include a second outlet formed on the third side and having a third width, and a second inlet formed on the fourth side and having a fourth width greater than the third width.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second guide structure may include a second inclined surface extending from the third surface to the fourth surface and surrounding the second slit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fourth width of the second slit may be shorter than or equal to a distance between the plurality of first slits.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the plurality of first slits may include a first through hole and a second through hole spaced apart from the first through hole.

[0017] In one embodiment, the guide structure may comprise at least a portion of a polymer and a ceramic.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first guide structure can be in contact with the second guide structure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery cell may further include a pouch housing the electrode assembly.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide structure can be positioned within the pouch.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the electrode tab may include a first electrode tab facing a first direction and a second electrode tab facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The current collector may include a first current collector connected to the positive electrode and the first electrode tab, and a second current collector connected to the negative electrode and the second electrode tab.

[0022] A battery module of the present disclosure may include a plurality of battery cells and a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells. Each of the plurality of battery cells may include an electrode assembly including a current collector, an electrode tab connected to the current collector, and a guide structure positioned between the electrode assembly and the electrode tab. The guide structure may include a first guide structure including a plurality of first slits accommodating the current collector, and a second guide structure positioned between the first guide structure and the electrode tab and including at least one second slit accommodating the current collector.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, warping or breakage of the foil of a battery cell can be reduced.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3A is a top view of a first guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B is a rear view of the first guide structure according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4A is a top view of a second guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a rear view of the second guide structure according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 5a is a cross-sectional view of a guide structure according to one embodiment. Fig. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a guide structure according to another embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 6a is a front view of a guide structure according to one embodiment. Fig. 6b is a rear view of the guide structure according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, these are merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described as examples.

[0032] The terms and words used in this specification and claims described below are not to be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, he or she will interpret them in terms and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0033] Accordingly, it will be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0034] Detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present disclosure are omitted. In the attached drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the sizes of each component do not fully reflect the actual size.

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell (100) may include a pouch (110), an electrode assembly (120), and an electrode tab (130). The battery cell (100) may be a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell (100) may be a lithium ion battery, but is not limited thereto. For example, the battery cell (100) may be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery capable of being charged and discharged.

[0038] The pouch (110) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the battery cell (100). The pouch (110) may include an electrode receiving portion (111) for receiving an electrode assembly (120) and a sealing portion (115) for sealing at least a portion of the periphery of the electrode receiving portion (111). The electrode receiving portion (111) may provide a space for receiving the electrode assembly (120) and an electrolyte.

[0039] The sealing portion (115) may be formed by joining at least a portion of the periphery of the pouch (110). The sealing portion (115) is formed in a flange shape that extends outward from the electrode receiving portion (111) formed in the shape of a container, and may be arranged along at least a portion of the outer surface of the electrode receiving portion (111). In one embodiment, the sealing portion (115) may include a first sealing portion (115a) where the electrode tab (130) is positioned and a second sealing portion (115b) where the electrode tab (130) is not positioned. A portion of the electrode tab (130) may be pulled out or exposed to the outside of the pouch (110). In order to increase the sealing degree of the first sealing portion (115a) and simultaneously secure an electrical insulation state at the position where the electrode tab (130) is pulled out, the electrode tab (130) may be covered by an insulating film (140). The insulating film (140) is made of a film material thinner than the electrode tab (130) and can be attached to both sides of the electrode tab (130).

[0040] In one embodiment, the electrode tabs (130) may be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (100) so as to face in opposite directions. For example, the electrode tabs (130) may include a first electrode tab (130a) (e.g., a positive electrode tab) having a first polarity (e.g., a positive electrode) facing one longitudinal side of the battery cell (100) and a second electrode tab (130b) (e.g., a negative electrode tab) having a second polarity (e.g., a negative electrode) facing the other longitudinal side. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the sealing portion (115) may include two first sealing portions (115a) on which the electrode tabs (130) are arranged and one second sealing portion (115b) on which the electrode tabs (130) are not arranged. In one embodiment, the electrode tabs (130) may be referred to as electrode leads.

[0041] The direction in which the electrode tabs (130) are positioned can be selectively designed. In one embodiment (e.g., FIG. 1), the electrode tabs (130) may include a first electrode tab (130a) facing a first direction and a second electrode tab (130b) positioned in an opposite direction (e.g., a second direction) of the first electrode tab (130a) with respect to the electrode assembly (120). In FIG. 1, the electrode tabs (130) are shown positioned to face opposite directions on both sides of the longitudinal direction (e.g., the first direction (Y-axis direction)) of the battery cell (100), but the structure of the electrode tabs (130) is not limited thereto. For example, the two electrode tabs (130) may be arranged substantially parallel along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the battery cell (100).

[0042] Meanwhile, the pouch (110) is not limited to a structure in which a single sheet of outer material is folded to form a sealing portion (115) on three sides as shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the sealing portion (115) may be formed in a form that is folded at least once. By folding at least a portion of the sealing portion (115), the bonding reliability of the sealing portion (115) may be improved, and the area of ​​the sealing portion (115) may be minimized. In one embodiment, among the sealing portions (115), a second sealing portion (115b) on which the electrode tab (130) is not arranged may be fixed by an adhesive member (not shown) after being folded twice. The angle at which the second sealing portion (115b) is bent or the number of times it is bent may be changed. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), the second sealing portion (115b) may be folded at an angle of 90° with respect to the first sealing portion (115a).

[0044] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrode assembly (120) can be manufactured using various methods. In exemplary embodiments, the electrode assembly may be formed by repeatedly arranging the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be wound, stacked, zigzag-folded, or stack-folded.

[0045]

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interior of a battery cell according to one embodiment. FIG. 3A is a top view of a first guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B is a rear view of the first guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 4A is a top view of a second guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a rear view of the second guide structure according to one embodiment.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, and / or 4B, the battery cell (100) may include a pouch (110), an electrode assembly (120), an electrode tab (130), an insulating film (140), and / or a guide structure (200). The description of the battery cell (100), the pouch (110), the electrode assembly (120), the electrode tab (130), and the insulating film (140) of FIG. 1 may be applied to the battery cell (100), the pouch (110), the electrode assembly (120), the electrode tab (130), and the insulating film (140) of FIG. 2.

[0048] The electrode assembly (120) may include a cathode (121), an anode (122), and a separator (123).

[0049] The negative electrode (121) may include a negative electrode current collector (e.g., current collector (124)) and a negative electrode composite layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector may include, but is not limited to, copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, and / or a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal. The negative electrode composite layer may include a negative electrode active material. A material capable of adsorbing and desorbing lithium ions may be used as the negative electrode active material. For example, the negative electrode active material may include a carbon-based material such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, a carbon composite, carbon fiber, lithium metal, a lithium alloy, a silicon (Si)-containing material, and / or a tin (Sn)-containing material.

[0050] The positive electrode (122) may include a positive electrode current collector (not shown) and a positive electrode mixture layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector may include stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, titanium, or an alloy thereof. The positive electrode current collector may also include aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, or silver. The positive electrode mixture layer may include a positive electrode active material. The positive electrode active material may include a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. According to exemplary embodiments, the positive electrode active material may include a lithium-nickel metal oxide. The lithium-nickel metal oxide may further include at least one of cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al).

[0051] A separator (123) may be interposed between the anode (122) and the cathode (121). The separator (123) may be configured to prevent electrical short-circuiting between the anode (122) and the cathode (121) and to allow ion flow.

[0052] The electrode assembly (120) may include a current collector (124). In FIG. 2, the current collector (124) is illustrated as a negative current collector of the negative electrode (121), but the current collector (124) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment not shown, the current collector (124) may be a negative current collector of the negative electrode (121) and / or a positive current collector of the positive electrode (122). In one embodiment, the current collector (124) may include a first current collector connected to the positive electrode (122) and a positive electrode lead (e.g., the first electrode tab (130a) of FIG. 1) and a second current collector connected to the negative electrode (121) and a negative electrode lead (e.g., the second electrode tab (130b) of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the current collector (124) may be formed of a foil. The current collector (124) may include a plurality of current collectors (124a). Each of the plurality of collectors (124a) can be connected to a positive electrode composite layer or a negative electrode composite layer.

[0053] The electrode assembly (120) can be electrically connected to the electrode tab (130). For example, the electrode tab (130) can be joined to the current collector (124) of the electrode assembly (120). The ends of the plurality of current collectors (124a) can be pre-welded and joined to each other. The pre-welded current collector (124) can be joined to the electrode tab (130).

[0054] As the thickness (e.g., length in the X-axis direction) of the electrode assembly (120) increases, the tension applied to the current collector (124) may increase, or the current collector (124) may bend. The current collector (124) may be damaged (e.g., broken) due to the tension or bending. As the length (e.g., length in the Y-axis direction) of the current collector (124) increases, the tension applied to the current collector (124) may decrease. However, when the length of the current collector (124) increases, the energy density of the battery cell (100) may decrease.

[0055] The battery cell (100) of the present disclosure may include a guide structure (200) to minimize a decrease in the energy density of the battery cell (100) while reducing damage to the current collector (124).

[0056] The guide structure (200) can reduce damage or bending of the current collector (124). For example, the guide structure (200) can reduce damage or bending of the current collector (124) by positioning the current collector (124) within a designated point. The guide structure (200) can guide the shape in which the current collector (124) is arranged inside the battery cell (100). For example, the guide structure (200) can have a structure for bringing the ends of the current collector (124) connected to the electrode assembly (120) into close contact with the electrode tab (130). According to one embodiment, the guide structure (200) can include slits (211, 221) for bringing a plurality of current collectors (124a) into close contact with each other. At least some of the current collectors (124) can be brought into close contact with or in contact with each other by the slits (211, 221). At least a portion of the entire body (124) can be accommodated within the slits (211, 221).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the guide structure (200) may include a first guide structure (210) including a first slit (211). The first guide structure (210) may be positioned closer to the electrode assembly (120) than the second guide structure (220).

[0058] The first slit (211) can accommodate at least a portion of the plurality of current collectors (124a). At least a portion of the plurality of current collectors (124a) passing through the first slit (211) can be bonded to one another. The plurality of current collectors (124a) bonded to one another through the first slit (211) can be referred to as a first bonding region (124b). In one embodiment, the first bonding region (124b) can be referred to as a first pre-welding region.

[0059] The first guide structure (210) may have a shape for aligning a plurality of current collectors (124a). For example, the first guide structure (210) may include a first surface (210a) facing the second guide structure (220) and a second surface (210b) opposite the first surface (210a) and facing the electrode assembly (120). The first slit (211) may be a hole penetrating the first surface (210a) and the second surface (210b). The first slit (211) may include a first outlet (212a, 213a) formed on the first surface (210a) and a first inlet (212b, 213b) formed on the second surface (210b).

[0060] The size of the first outlet (212a, 213a) may be smaller than the size of the first inlet (212b, 213b). For example, the second width (d2) of one of the plurality of first inlets (212b, 213b) may be larger than the first width (d1) of one of the plurality of first outlets (212a, 213a). The first width (d1) or the second width (d2) may be the length in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction (X-axis direction)) of the battery cell (100).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first guide structure (210) may have a shape for aligning a plurality of current collectors (124a) so that they are in close contact. For example, the first guide structure (210) may include a first inclined surface (210c) extending from a first surface (210a) to a second surface (210b) and surrounding a first slit (211). The plurality of current collectors (124a) may extend from a first inlet (212b) to a first outlet (212a) along the first inclined surface (210c). An empty space of the first guide structure (210) surrounded by the first inclined surface (210c) may be referred to as a first slit (211). The two ends of the first slit (211) may be referred to as a first outlet (212a) and a first inlet (212b), respectively. In one embodiment not shown, at least a portion of the first inclined surface (210c) may include a curved surface.

[0062] The first slit (211) may be formed in plurality. For example, the first slit (211) may include a first through hole (212) and a second through hole (213) spaced apart from the first through hole (212). The second through hole (213) may be spaced apart in a third direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction) with respect to the first through hole (212). Some of the plurality of current collectors (214b) may be accommodated in the first through hole (212), and other parts of the plurality of current collectors (214b) may be accommodated in the second through hole (213). The description of the first slit (211) may be applied to the first through hole (212) and the second through hole (213). In this document, a structure in which the first slit (211) includes two through holes (212, 213) is illustrated, but this is exemplary. For example, the number of through holes (212, 213) can be selectively designed depending on the size of the battery cell (100).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the guide structure (200) may include a second guide structure (220) including a second slit (221). The second guide structure (220) may be positioned between the first guide structure (210) and the electrode tab (130).

[0064] The second slit (221) can accommodate at least a portion of the current collector (124) (e.g., the first bonding region (124b)). The first bonding regions (124b) passing through the second slit (221) can be bonded to each other. A plurality of first bonding regions (124b) bonded to each other by passing through the second slit (221) can be referred to as second bonding regions (124c). The second bonding regions (124c) can be bonded to the electrode tab (130). In one embodiment, the second bonding regions (124c) can be referred to as second pre-welding regions.

[0065] The second guide structure (220) may have a shape for aligning the current collector (124) (e.g., the first bonding region (124b)). For example, the second guide structure (220) may include a third side (220a) and a fourth side (220a) opposite to at least a portion facing the electrode tab (130), and a fourth side (220b) facing the first guide structure (210).

[0066] The second slit (221) may be a hole penetrating the third surface (220a) and the fourth surface (220b). The second slit (221) may include a second outlet (221a) formed on the third surface (220a) and a second inlet (221b) formed on the fourth surface (220b). The size of the second outlet (221a) may be smaller than the size of the second inlet (221b). For example, the third width (d3) of the second outlet (221a) may be smaller than the fourth width (d4) of the second inlet (221b). The third width (d3) or the fourth width (d4) may be a length in the thickness direction (e.g., the third direction (X-axis direction)) of the battery cell (100).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the second guide structure (220) may have a shape for close alignment of the current collectors (124) (e.g., the first bonding areas (124b)). For example, the second guide structure (220) may include a second inclined surface (220c) extending from the third surface (220a) to the fourth surface (220b) and surrounding the second slit (221). The first bonding area (124b) may extend from the second inlet (221b) to the second inlet (221a) along the second inclined surface (220c). An internal empty space of the second guide structure (220) surrounded by the second inclined surface (220c) may be referred to as a second slit (221). The two ends of the second slit (221) may be referred to as a second outlet (221a) and a first inlet (221b), respectively. In one embodiment not shown, at least a portion of the first inclined surface (210c) may include a curved surface.

[0068] In one embodiment, the number of second slits (221) may be equal to or less than the number of first slits (211). For example, in one embodiment, the second slits (221) may be formed singly.

[0069] In one embodiment, the second inlet (221b) of the second slit (221) can receive the current collector (124) that has passed through the first slit (211). In one embodiment, the length of the fourth width (d4) of the second slit (221) can be shorter than or equal to the distance between the plurality of first slits (211) (e.g., the first gap (g1) between the first through hole (212) and the second through hole (213)).

[0070] In one embodiment, the guide structure (200) may be made of a non-conductive material. For example, the guide structure (200) may include a high molecular polymer and / or a ceramic.

[0071] In one embodiment, the guide structure (200) may include a polymer film or a non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the guide structure (200) may include a polyolefin polymer, such as an ethylene polymer, a propylene polymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, and an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer. In one embodiment, the guide structure (200) may include high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and / or ceramics.

[0072] In the present disclosure, the guide structure (200) is illustrated as a structure including two guide structures (e.g., a first guide structure (210) and a second guide structure (220), but this is exemplary. For example, the guide structure (200) may include three or more guide structures. As another example, the guide structure (200) may be implemented as one guide structure (200) including a plurality of holes.

[0073]

[0074] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a guide structure according to another embodiment. FIG. 6A is a front view of a guide structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B is a rear view of a guide structure according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, and / or 6b, the guide structure (200) may include a first guide hole (201) formed in the back surface (200b) and a second guide hole (202) formed in the front surface (200a). A current collector (e.g., current collector (124) of FIG. 2) passing through the first guide hole (201) may pass through the second guide hole (202) and be bonded to an electrode tab (e.g., electrode tab (130) of FIG. 2). At least part of the description of the guide structure (200) of FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, and / or 4b may be applied to the guide structure (200) of FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, and / or 6b. For example, the configuration of the first guide hole (201) and the second guide hole (202) of FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, and / or FIG. 6b may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the first slit (211) and the second slit (221) of FIG. 2, FIG. 3a, FIG. 3b, FIG. 4a, and / or FIG. 4b.

[0076] According to one embodiment (e.g., FIGS. 5a, 6a, and 6b), the guide structure (200) may include a first guide structure (210) and a second guide structure (220) in contact with the first guide structure (210). The first guide structure (210) may include a first guide hole (201). According to one embodiment, the first guide hole (201) may include a first-first guide hole (201a) and a first-second guide hole (201b) spaced apart from the first-first guide hole (201a). The second guide structure (220) may include a second guide hole (202). A current collector (e.g., a current collector (124) of FIG. 2) passing through the first guide hole (201) may pass through the second guide hole (202) and be exposed to the outside of the guide structure (200). According to one embodiment, the first guide structure (210) and the second guide structure (220) may be brought into contact with each other and have a reduced gap therebetween during a degassing process of a battery cell (e.g., the battery cell (100) of FIG. 1). By reducing the gap between the first guide structure (210) and the second guide structure (220), the size of a terrace of a battery module (e.g., the battery module (300) of FIG. 7) may be reduced, and the energy density of the battery module (300) may be increased. As another example, the first guide structures (210) may be connected to each other using an adhesive member (e.g., an adhesive tape and / or an adhesive).

[0077] According to one embodiment (e.g., FIGS. 5b, 6a, and 6b), the guide structure (200) may be formed as an integral body. For example, the guide structure (200) may include a second guide hole (202) formed on the front surface (200a) and a first guide hole (201) formed on the back surface (200b). The first guide hole (201) and the second guide hole (202) may have a connected shape. For example, the first guide hole (201) and the second guide hole (202) may mean each portion of a single through hole. In one embodiment, the number and / or size of the first guide holes (201) may be smaller than the number and / or size of the second guide holes (202).

[0078]

[0079] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery module (300) may include a case (310) that accommodates a plurality of battery cells (e.g., battery cells (100) of FIG. 2), and a busbar assembly (320).

[0081] The battery module (300) may include a cell assembly (not shown) comprising the plurality of battery cells (100). The cell assembly may have a substantially hexahedral shape. In one embodiment, the cell assembly (101) may be referred to as a cell stack.

[0082] The case (310) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the battery module (300) and may form a receiving space for receiving a plurality of battery cells (100). For example, the case (310) may include a cover (311) covering the plurality of battery cells (100) and a receiving portion (312) surrounding the lower surfaces and side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (100). In one embodiment, the cover (311) may be referred to as an upper cover.

[0083] The case (310) may include an end plate (315) that covers a portion of the side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells (100). In one embodiment, the end plate (315) may be connected to an end portion in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) of the receiving portion (312). The end plate (315) may cover a portion of the side surfaces of the cell assembly (101) and at least a portion of the busbar assembly (320).

[0084] In one embodiment, the case (310) may be formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. For example, the case (310) may be formed of aluminum. However, the material of the case (310) is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the case (310) may be formed of a polymer. The case (310) may be referred to as a housing, a module housing, or a module case.

[0085] The busbar assembly (320) may include an electrically conductive internal busbar electrically connected to an electrode tab (e.g., an electrode tab (130) of FIG. 1) of a battery cell (100) and a busbar frame supporting the internal busbar. The busbar assembly (320) may include at least one terminal busbar for electrical connection to the outside. The electrode tab (130) of the battery cell (100) may be electrically connected to the outside of the battery module (300) through the internal busbar and the terminal busbar. For example, the terminal busbar of the busbar assembly (320) may be exposed to the outside of the case (310) through a hole of the end plate (315). For convenience of explanation, some components are omitted or exaggerated in the drawings in this document.

[0086]

[0087] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims. For example, the present disclosure may be implemented by deleting some of the components in the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly including a collector; Electrode tabs connected to the above collector; and Including a guide structure located between the electrode assembly and the electrode tab, The above guide structure is, A first guide structure including a plurality of first slits for accommodating the above-mentioned collector, and A battery cell comprising a second guide structure positioned between the first guide structure and the electrode tab, the second guide structure including at least one second slit for accommodating the current collector.

2. In paragraph 1, The above entire house A plurality of current collectors connected to the above electrode assembly, a plurality of first bonding regions, at least some of said plurality of collectors being bonded, and A battery cell including a second bonding region extending from the plurality of first bonding regions and bonded to the electrode tab.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of collectors are positioned within the above plurality of first slits, A battery cell wherein at least a portion of said plurality of first bonding regions is located within said at least one second slit.

4. In paragraph 1, The first guide structure includes a first surface facing the second guide structure, and a second surface opposite the first surface and facing the electrode assembly, A battery cell wherein the plurality of first slits include a first outlet formed on the first surface and having a first width, and a first inlet formed on the second surface and having a second width greater than the first width.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery cell wherein the first guide structure extends from the first surface to the second surface and includes a first inclined surface surrounding the plurality of first slits.

6. In paragraph 1, The second guide structure includes a third face at least partially facing the electrode tab and a fourth face opposite the third face and facing the first guide structure, A battery cell comprising a second outlet formed on the third surface and having a third width, and a second inlet formed on the fourth surface and having a fourth width greater than the third width.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell wherein the second guide structure extends from the third surface to the fourth surface and includes a second inclined surface surrounding the second slit.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery cell wherein the fourth width of the second slit is shorter than or equal to the distance between the plurality of first slits.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery cell wherein the plurality of first slits include a first through hole and a second through hole spaced apart from the first through hole.

10. In paragraph 1, The above guide structure is a battery cell including at least a portion of a high molecular polymer and a ceramic.

11. In paragraph 1, The above first guide structure is a battery cell in contact with the above second guide structure.

12. In paragraph 1, A battery cell further comprising a pouch accommodating the electrode assembly.

13. In paragraph 12, The above guide structure is a battery cell placed within the pouch.

14. In paragraph 12, The above electrode tabs include a first electrode tab facing a first direction, and a second electrode tab facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, The above electrode assembly comprises an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode, A battery cell comprising a first current collector connected to the positive electrode and the first electrode tab and a second current collector connected to the negative electrode and the second electrode tab.

15. Multiple battery cells; and A case comprising a plurality of battery cells, Each of the above plurality of battery cells An electrode assembly comprising a collector; Electrode tabs connected to the above collector; and Including a guide structure located between the electrode assembly and the electrode tab, The above guide structure is, A first guide structure including a plurality of first slits for accommodating the above-mentioned collector, and A battery module comprising a second guide structure positioned between the first guide structure and the electrode tab, the second guide structure including at least one second slit for accommodating the current collector.

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