Battery cell and battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a battery cell and a battery module using same. A technical problem to be solved is to maintain a sealing force while reducing the number of components. To this end, the present disclosure provides: at least one electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a case in which the electrode assembly is embedded; a cap cover for covering an open region of the case; a terminal passing through the cap cover and assembled to the cap cover; and a tab welding unit for welding a lower portion of the terminal and an electrode tab provided in the electrode assembly.

Description

Battery cells and battery modules

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell and a battery module.

[0002] In general, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones rapidly increases and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. becomes more widespread, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively being conducted.

[0003] Secondary batteries are widely used for powering and storing energy not only in small devices like portable electronic devices, but also in medium- to large-sized devices like electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). In particular, for medium- to large-sized devices, multiple battery cells are electrically connected to form a single battery module to enhance battery output and / or capacity.

[0004] Conventional battery modules maintain durability performance by applying a certain level of surface pressure to the battery cells through a housing structure installed to surround the battery cells.

[0005] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a battery cell and a battery module using the same that can lower resistance by reducing the number of parts while improving the fastening force of the terminal.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described technical problem, a battery cell comprises: at least one electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a case in which the electrode assembly is built; a cap cover covering an opened area of ​​the case; a terminal that penetrates the cap cover and is assembled to the cap cover; and a tab welding part that welds a lower portion of the terminal and an electrode tab provided on the electrode assembly.

[0009] The cap cover may include a cap plate covering the case; a cap hole formed in the cap plate and penetrating the terminal; and a cap protrusion formed in the cap plate and protruding around the cap hole.

[0010] The terminal may include a terminal body penetrating the cap cover; a lower nut coupled to the lower portion of the terminal body and welded to the electrode tab; an upper nut coupled to the upper portion of the terminal body; and a terminal insertion portion made of an insulating material disposed between the cap cover and the terminal body.

[0011] The terminal body may include a body boss penetrating the cap cover; a boss lower portion formed at the lower portion of the body boss, positioned below the cap cover, and screw-connected with the lower nut; and a boss upper portion formed at the upper portion of the body boss, positioned above the cap cover, and screw-connected with the upper nut.

[0012] The terminal body may further include a body stopper formed on the body boss and restricting movement of the lower nut and the upper nut.

[0013] The terminal insertion portion may include a lower insertion portion positioned between the lower nut and the cap cover; a middle insertion portion positioned between the cap cover and the terminal body; and an upper insertion portion connected to the middle insertion portion and positioned between the upper nut and the cap cover.

[0014] An upper groove may be formed in the upper insertion portion, and an upper nut protrusion may be formed in the upper nut to be inserted into the upper groove.

[0015] The above lower insertion portion and the above middle insertion portion may have a laminated portion in which some portions overlap each other vertically.

[0016] The terminal may include a first terminal disposed above the cap cover; a second terminal extending downward from the first terminal and penetrating the cap cover; a third terminal disposed below the cap cover, penetrating the second terminal and coupled to the electrode tab; a fourth terminal coupled to a lower end of the second terminal and restraining the third terminal; and a fifth terminal made of an insulating material disposed between the cap cover and the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

[0017] The above electrode tab can be welded to at least one of the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

[0018] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a case in which one or more electrode assemblies having a positive electrode and a negative electrode are built in and arranged in a row; a cap cover each covering an opened area of ​​the case; a terminal each assembled to the cap cover by penetrating the cap cover; a tab welding part for welding a lower portion of the terminal and an electrode tab provided on the electrode assembly; a housing for accommodating the case; and a bus bar for connecting the terminals.

[0019] The cap cover may include a cap plate covering the case; a cap hole formed in the cap plate and penetrating the terminal; and a cap protrusion formed in the cap plate and protruding around the cap hole.

[0020] The terminal may include a terminal body penetrating the cap cover; a lower nut coupled to the lower portion of the terminal body and welded to the electrode tab; an upper nut coupled to the upper portion of the terminal body; and a terminal insertion portion made of an insulating material disposed between the cap cover and the terminal body.

[0021] The terminal body may include a body boss penetrating the cap cover; a boss lower portion formed at the lower portion of the body boss, positioned below the cap cover, and screw-connected with the lower nut; and a boss upper portion formed at the upper portion of the body boss, positioned above the cap cover, and screw-connected with the upper nut.

[0022] The terminal body may further include a body stopper formed on the body boss and restricting movement of the lower nut and the upper nut.

[0023] The terminal insertion portion may include a lower insertion portion positioned between the lower nut and the cap cover; a middle insertion portion positioned between the cap cover and the terminal body; and an upper insertion portion connected to the middle insertion portion and positioned between the upper nut and the cap cover.

[0024] An upper groove may be formed in the upper insertion portion, and an upper nut protrusion may be formed in the upper nut to be inserted into the upper groove.

[0025] The above lower insertion portion and the above middle insertion portion may have a laminated portion in which some portions overlap each other vertically.

[0026] The terminal may include a first terminal disposed above the cap cover; a second terminal extending downward from the first terminal and penetrating the cap cover; a third terminal disposed below the cap cover, penetrating the second terminal and coupled to the electrode tab; a fourth terminal coupled to a lower end of the second terminal and restraining the third terminal; and a fifth terminal made of an insulating material disposed between the cap cover and the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

[0027] The above electrode tab can be welded to at least one of the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

[0028] In the battery cell and battery module according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lower parts of the terminals are connected with nuts, thereby improving the assembling efficiency, reducing the number of parts, and stably securing the sealing force.

[0029] In the battery cell and battery module according to the embodiment of the present invention, the cap protrusion protrudes upward from the cap plate and is in close contact with the terminal insertion portion, thereby preventing foreign substances from entering from the outside in the direction of the cap hole.

[0030] In a battery cell and battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, a lower nut is screw-connected to the lower part of a terminal body, an upper nut is screw-connected to the upper part of the terminal body, and the screw-connected portion is welded so that a fastening force can be stably maintained for a long period of time.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack manufactured using a battery having an improved structure and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0032] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing schematically showing a cap cover according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded view schematically showing a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically showing a terminal insertion portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 7 is a schematic drawing showing another example of an upper insertion part for maintaining confidentiality in Fig. 6.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a schematic drawing showing another example of a lower insertion part and a middle insertion part for maintaining confidentiality in Fig. 6.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a drawing schematically showing a lower weld and an upper weld according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the electrode tab is placed between the third terminal and the fourth terminal in Fig. 10.

[0045] Figure 12 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the electrode tabs are arranged on the outside of the third and fourth terminals in Figure 10.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as substitutes for them at the time of filing this application.

[0049] Additionally, when used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0050] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may be exaggerated in size. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0051] The statement that two compared objects are "identical" means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may imply uniformity on average.

[0052] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0054] Any configuration being placed "on (or under)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0055] Additionally, when a component is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or coupled to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through other components.

[0056] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "one or more" and "one or more" preceding a list of elements modify the list as a whole and do not modify individual elements in the list.

[0057] When reference is made throughout the specification to “A and / or B,” this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when reference is made to “C through D,” this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0058] When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrases can refer to any suitable combination.

[0059] The term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than degrees, and are intended to take into account inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0060] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could also be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0061] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as depicted in the drawings. It will be understood that spatially relative positions encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "lower" another element would be understood to be "above" or "upper" the other element. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both the above and below orientations.

[0062] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments of square / pouch / circular batteries according to embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the square / pouch / circular batteries is selected and the selected battery is described as having a general structure, and in the case of a generally applicable technology, the general structure of the square / pouch / circular battery is described.

[0064] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly (10), a case (20), a cap cover (30), and a terminal (40). A tab welding portion (48) welds the lower portion of the terminal (40) and an electrode tab (18) provided on the electrode assembly (10).

[0065] One or more electrode assemblies (10) may be wound with a separator (13) as an insulator interposed between the positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12). The positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) may include a coated portion, which is an area where an active material is applied to a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and a non-coated portion (11a, 12a), which is an area where the active material is not coated. The positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) may be wound with the separator (13) as an insulator interposed therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly (10) may also have a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode made of a plurality of sheets are alternately laminated with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0066] An electrode assembly (10) may be built into the case (20). The case (20) forms the overall appearance of the battery cell (1) and may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case (20) may have an open upper side and provide a space in which the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated.

[0067] The cap cover (30) can cover the open area of ​​the case (20). The cap cover (30) can be coupled to the upper side of the case (20) to cover the open area of ​​the case (20). The cap cover (30) in contact with the case (20) can be made of a conductive material.

[0068] The terminal (40) can be assembled to the cap cover (30) by penetrating the cap cover (30). The terminal (40) can be connected to the electrode assembly (10). The terminal (40) can penetrate the cap cover (30), and the lower part can be built into the case (20) to contact the electrode assembly (10), and the upper part can protrude outside the case (20). The electrode tab (18) connected to the electrode assembly (10) can be in contact with the terminal (40).

[0069] Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of a cap cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the cap cover (30) may include a cap plate (31), a cap hole (32), and a cap protrusion (33).

[0070] The cap plate (31) is made of a thin plate and can be joined to the opening of the case (20). An electrolyte injection port (36) into which a sealing plug (35) can be installed can be formed in the cap plate (31), and a vent (37) having a notch can be installed.

[0071] The vent (37) can be opened and closed in response to changes in the internal pressure of the case (20). That is, the vent (37) can be kept closed during normal operation of the electrode assembly (10) to seal the case (20). The vent (37) can be opened when the internal pressure of the case (20) rises above a set level due to overcharging or a fire, and can discharge exhaust gases such as flames and gases from the inside of the case (20) to the outside of the case (20).

[0072] A cap hole (32) is formed in the cap plate (31) and can pass through a terminal (40). Two cap holes (32) can be formed in the cap plate (31) to pass through the positive and negative terminals (40), respectively. The cap hole (32) can be formed through additional processing of a molded cap plate (31). Alternatively, the cap hole (32) can be created while molding the cap plate (31).

[0073] The cap protrusion (33) is formed on the cap plate (31) and can protrude from the periphery of the cap hole (32). The cap hole (32) has a circular cross-section, so that foreign substances can be prevented from entering through the cap hole (32).

[0074] Fig. 4 is an exploded view schematically showing a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a combination diagram schematically showing a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the terminal (40) may include a terminal body (41), a lower nut (42), an upper nut (43), and a terminal insertion portion (44).

[0075] The terminal body (41) can penetrate the cap cover (30). The lower nut (42) can be coupled to the lower portion of the terminal body (41) and connected to the electrode assembly (10). The upper nut (43) can be coupled to the upper portion of the terminal body (41). The terminal body (41), the lower nut (42), and the upper nut (43) can be made of a conductive material. The lower nut (42) can be disposed below the cap cover (30) and built into the case (20). The upper nut (43) can be disposed above the cap cover (30). The lower nut (42) can have a ring shape with rounded edges, and the upper nut (43) can have an angled shape with angular edges.

[0076] The terminal insertion portion (44) made of an insulating material can be arranged between the cap cover (30) and the terminal body (41). The terminal insertion portion (44) can be separated into multiple pieces. The terminal insertion portion (44) can be arranged between the cap cover (30) and the lower nut (42) to prevent the cap cover (30) and the lower nut (42) from direct contact. The terminal insertion portion (44) can be arranged between the terminal body (41) and the cap hole (32) to prevent the cap cover (30) and the terminal body (41) from direct contact. The terminal insertion portion (44) can be arranged between the cap cover (30) and the upper nut (43) to prevent the cap cover (30) and the upper nut (43) from direct contact.

[0077] The terminal body (41) may include a body boss (411), a boss lower part (412), and a boss upper part (413).

[0078] The body boss (411) can penetrate the cap cover (30). The body boss (411) has a cylindrical shape and can penetrate the cap plate (31) through the cap hole (32).

[0079] The boss lower part (412) is formed at the lower part of the body boss (411), is positioned at the lower part of the cap cover (30), and can be screw-connected with the lower nut (42). The boss lower part (412) can be an area where screw threads are formed from the low point of the body boss (411) to a set height.

[0080] The boss upper portion (413) is formed on the upper portion of the body boss (411), is positioned above the cap cover (30), and can be screw-connected with the upper nut (43). The boss upper portion (413) can be an area where screw threads are formed from the high point of the body boss (411) to a set height.

[0081] The lower boss (412) and the upper boss (413) can have threads formed in opposite directions. That is, if the pitch directions of the threads formed in the lower boss (412) and the upper boss (413) are formed in opposite directions, even if either the lower nut (42) or the upper nut (43) screw-connected thereto rotates together with the terminal body (41), the phenomenon of the other of the lower nut (42) or the upper nut (43) loosening can be suppressed. In addition, depending on the working environment, the lower boss (412) and the upper boss (413) can have threads formed in the same direction.

[0082] The terminal body (41) may further include a body stopper (414). The body stopper (414) is formed on the body boss (411) and may limit the movement of the lower nut (42) and the upper nut (43). The body stopper (414) may be formed integrally with the body boss (411) or may be mounted on the body boss (411). The body stopper (414) may protrude outward from the body boss (411) and may prevent excessive tightening of the lower nut (42) and the upper nut (43) that are tightened in the screw direction. The lower nut (42) and the upper nut (43) may be stopped by the body stopper (414) after reaching the set tightening position.

[0083] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a terminal insertion portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 6, the terminal insertion portion (44) may include a lower insertion portion (91), a middle insertion portion (92), and an upper insertion portion (93). The terminal insertion portion (44) includes an insulating material, and may be formed entirely or partially using a shrinkable material to maintain airtightness.

[0084] The lower insertion portion (91) can be positioned between the lower nut (42) and the cap cover (30). The lower insertion portion (91) can be positioned between the lower nut (42) and the cap cover (30). The lower insertion portion (91) can be attached to the lower surface of the cap plate (31) corresponding to the periphery of the cap hole (32). The lower insertion portion (91) can extend to the inner wall of the case (20) to support the electrode tab (18) so that the electrode tab (18) does not come into contact with the case (20).

[0085] A side insertion part (94) that surrounds the lower nut (42) can be attached to the bottom surface of the lower insertion part (91). The side insertion part (94) may be formed integrally with the lower insertion part (61).

[0086] The central insertion portion (92) can be placed between the cap cover (30) and the terminal body (41). The central insertion portion (92) has a cylindrical shape and can be inserted into the cap hole (32) and wrap around the terminal body (41). The lower portion of the central insertion portion (92) can be supported by the lower nut (42). In addition, the lower portion of the central insertion portion (92) can be seated on the lower insertion portion (91). The central insertion portion (92) can be manufactured separately from the lower insertion portion (91).

[0087] The upper insertion part (93) is connected to the central insertion part (92) and can be placed between the upper nut (43) and the cap cover (30). The upper insertion part (93) can be formed integrally with the central insertion part (92) or manufactured separately. The upper insertion part (93) is seated on the cap plate (31) corresponding to the periphery of the cap hole (32) and can be in close contact with the upper nut (43) to block the inflow of foreign substances. The upper insertion part (93) can include an insertion body (931) that is connected to the upper end of the central insertion part (92) and is seated on the cap plate (31) so as to surround the periphery of the cap hole (32), and an insertion groove (932) formed on the lower surface of the insertion body (931) and into which the cap protrusion (33) is inserted. When the cap protrusion (33) is inserted into the insertion groove (932), the flow of the upper insertion portion (93) can be suppressed. Foreign substances flowing between the upper insertion portion (93) and the cap plate (31) can be blocked from moving toward the cap hole (32) by the cap protrusion (33).

[0088] Fig. 7 is a schematic drawing showing another example of an upper insertion part for maintaining confidentiality in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 7, an upper groove (935) may be formed in the upper insertion part (93), and an upper nut protrusion (435) inserted into the upper groove (935) may be formed in the upper nut (43). An upper nut protrusion (435) may be formed circumferentially on the lower surface of the upper nut (43), and an upper groove (935) may be formed circumferentially on the upper surface of the insertion body (931). When the upper nut (43) is screw-connected to the terminal body (41) and the upper nut protrusion (435) is inserted into the upper groove (935), the installation position of the upper insertion part (93) can be corrected. Additionally, foreign substances flowing between the upper insert (93) and the upper nut (43) can be blocked from moving toward the cap hole (32) by the upper nut protrusion (435).

[0089] Fig. 8 is a schematic drawing showing another example of the lower insertion part and the middle insertion part for maintaining confidentiality in Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 8, the lower insertion part (91) and the middle insertion part (92) may have a laminated part (95) that overlaps vertically.

[0090] The laminated portion (95) may include a lower laminated portion (951) extending from an end of the lower insertion portion (91) and a middle laminated portion (952) extending from the middle insertion portion (92). The lower laminated portion (951) may extend from the upper end of the inner circumference of the lower insertion portion (91) toward the middle insertion portion (92). The middle laminated portion (952) may extend from the lower end of the middle insertion portion (92) toward the outer circumference and may be arranged to face the lower laminated portion (951). A space may be formed between the lower laminated portion (951) and the middle laminated portion (952), or a contractible buffer laminated portion (953) may be arranged. In the above state, when a tightening force is generated by the lower nut (42), the space between the lower laminated portion (951) and the middle laminated portion (952) may be reduced, or the buffer laminated portion (953) may be contracted. The laminated portion (95) can suppress interference between the lower insertion portion (91) and the middle insertion portion (92) due to the tightening force of the lower nut (42).

[0091] Fig. 9 is a schematic drawing showing a lower weld portion and an upper weld portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 9, the terminal (40) may further include a lower weld portion (45) and an upper weld portion (46).

[0092] The lower welding part (45) can weld the lower nut (42) and the terminal body (41). After the lower nut (42) is screwed to the boss lower part (412), welding can be performed so that the gap between the lower nut (42) and the boss lower part (412) is joined.

[0093] The upper welding part (46) can weld the upper nut (43) and the terminal body (41). After the upper nut (43) is screwed onto the boss upper part (413), welding can be performed so that the gap between the upper nut (43) and the boss upper part (413) is joined. Meanwhile, the tab welding part (48) can weld the electrode tab (18) and the lower nut (42).

[0094] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the electrode tab is arranged between the third terminal and the fourth terminal in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a drawing schematically showing a state in which the electrode tab is arranged on the outside of the third terminal and the fourth terminal in FIG. 10. Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, a terminal (40) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first terminal (71), a second terminal (72), a third terminal (73), a fourth terminal (74), and a fifth terminal (75).

[0095] The first terminal (71) may be positioned above the cap cover (30). The first terminal (71) has a disc shape and may be connected to the bus bar (60) using a rivet method. The diameter of the first terminal (71) may be formed larger than the diameter of the cap hole (32).

[0096] The second terminal (72) extends downward from the first terminal (71) and can penetrate the cap cover (30). The second terminal (72) is formed integrally with the first terminal (71), has a cylindrical shape, and can penetrate the cap plate (31) through the cap hole (32).

[0097] The third terminal (73) is positioned at the bottom of the cap cover (30) and can be connected to the electrode tab (18) by penetrating the second terminal (72). The third terminal (73) includes a conductive material and has a hole formed in the center so that the lower part of the second terminal (72) can pass through.

[0098] The fourth terminal (74) can be connected to the lower end of the second terminal (72) to restrain the third terminal (73). The fourth terminal (74) can be screw-connected to the lower end of the second terminal (72) by forming a screw thread in a hole formed in the center. The lower welding portion (45) can additionally weld the fourth terminal (74) and the second terminal (72) to increase the bonding strength between them.

[0099] The fifth terminal (75) of the insulating material can be arranged between the cap cover (30) and the first terminal (71) to the third terminal (73). The fifth terminal (75) can be divided into multiple pieces. Since this fifth terminal (75) corresponds to the specific configuration of the terminal insertion portion (44) described in FIGS. 5 and 6, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] The electrode tab (18) can be welded to at least one of the third terminal (73) and the fourth terminal (74). In the first embodiment, the electrode tab (18) penetrating the second terminal (72) is arranged on the lower surface of the third terminal (73). In the above state, when the fourth terminal (74) is screwed into the lower portion of the second terminal (72), the electrode tab (18) is in close contact with the third terminal (73). After the fourth terminal (74) is coupled to the second terminal (72), the electrode tab (18) can be maintained in a coupled state with the third terminal (73) by welding (see FIG. 11). Alternatively, after the fourth terminal (74) is coupled to the lower portion of the second terminal (72), the electrode tab (18) can be coupled to the exposed surfaces of the second terminal (72) and the fourth terminal (74) by welding (see FIG. 12). Meanwhile, the tab welding part (48) can weld the terminal (40) and the electrode tab (18).

[0101] Fig. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, a battery module (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case (20), a cap cover (30), a terminal (40), a housing (50), and a bus bar (60). A tab welding portion (48) welds the lower portion of the terminal (40) and an electrode tab (18) provided on the electrode assembly (10).

[0102] One or more electrode assemblies (10) may be wound with a separator (13) as an insulator interposed between the positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12). The positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) may include a coated portion, which is an area where an active material is applied to a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and a non-coated portion (11a, 12a), which is an area where the active material is not coated. The positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) may be wound with the separator (13) as an insulator interposed therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly (10) may also have a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode made of a plurality of sheets are alternately laminated with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0103] An electrode assembly (10) may be built into a case (20). A plurality of cases (20) may be arranged in a row, and an electrode assembly (10) may be built into each case (20). The case (20) may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case (20) may have an open upper side and provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly (10).

[0104] The cap cover (30) can cover the open area of ​​the case (20). The cap cover (30) can be coupled to the upper side of the case (20) to cover each of the open areas of the case (20). The cap cover (30) in contact with the case (20) can be made of a conductive material.

[0105] The terminal (40) can be assembled to the cap cover (30) by penetrating the cap cover (30). The terminal (40) is connected to the electrode assembly (10) and can be formed of a conductive material. The terminal (40) can penetrate the cap cover (30), and the lower part can be built into the case (20) to contact the electrode assembly (10), and the upper part can protrude outside the case (20). The electrode tab (18) connected to the electrode assembly (10) can be in contact with the terminal (40).

[0106] The housing (50) can accommodate cases (20) arranged in a row. The housing (50) can be formed to have a space into which the cases (20) arranged in a row can be inserted. In addition, the housing (50) can be combined with the bottom and side surfaces of the cases (20) arranged in a row to implement modularization.

[0107] A bus bar (60) can connect terminals (40). A pair of terminals (40) of positive and negative poles are formed on one battery cell (1), and the bus bar (60) can electrically connect one battery cell (1) to another adjacent battery cell (1). The bus bar (60) can pass through the terminal (40) protruding outwardly and be maintained in a fixed state by a bar nut (65) assembled to the terminal (40).

[0108] Meanwhile, a battery module (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a module in which a plurality of battery cells (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention are arranged in a row, and the plurality of battery cells (1) are electrically connected in a modular manner through a housing (50) and a bus bar (60). Accordingly, the specific configuration of the cap cover (30) and the terminal (40) can be directly applied to the drawings and descriptions thereof illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 10, which were previously described with respect to the battery cell (1).

[0109] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. One or more electrode assemblies having a positive electrode and a negative electrode; A case in which the above electrode assembly is built-in; A cap cover covering the opened area of ​​the above case; A terminal that penetrates the cap cover and is assembled to the cap cover; and A battery cell characterized by including a tab welding part that welds an electrode tab provided on the lower part of the terminal and the electrode assembly.

2. In the first paragraph, the cap cover A cap plate covering the above case; A cap hole formed in the above cap plate and penetrating the terminal; and A battery cell characterized by including a cap protrusion formed on the cap plate and protruding around the cap hole.

3. In the first paragraph, the terminal A terminal body penetrating the above cap cover; A lower nut coupled to the lower part of the terminal body and welded to the electrode tab; An upper nut coupled with the upper portion of the terminal body; and A battery cell characterized by including a terminal insertion portion made of an insulating material placed between the cap cover and the terminal body.

4. In the third paragraph, the terminal body Body boss penetrating the above cap cover; A boss lower portion formed at the lower portion of the above body boss, positioned at the lower portion of the above cap cover, and screw-connected with the lower nut; and A battery cell characterized by including a boss upper portion formed on the upper portion of the body boss, positioned above the cap cover, and screw-connected with the upper nut.

5. In the fourth paragraph, the terminal body A battery cell characterized by further comprising a body stopper formed on the body boss and limiting movement of the lower nut and the upper nut.

6. In the third paragraph, the terminal insertion part A lower insert positioned between the lower nut and the cap cover; A central insertion portion positioned between the cap cover and the terminal body; and A battery cell characterized by including an upper insertion part connected to the central insertion part and positioned between the upper nut and the cap cover.

7. In paragraph 6, An upper groove is formed in the upper insertion portion, A battery cell characterized in that the upper nut has an upper nut protrusion formed thereon, the upper nut being inserted into the upper groove.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery cell characterized in that the lower insertion part and the middle insertion part have a laminated part in which some parts overlap each other vertically.

9. In the first paragraph, the terminal A first terminal arranged on the upper side of the cap cover; A second terminal extending downward from the first terminal and penetrating the cap cover; A third terminal positioned at the bottom of the cap cover, penetrating through the second terminal and connected to the electrode tab; A fourth terminal coupled to the lower end of the second terminal and binding the third terminal; and A battery cell characterized by including a fifth terminal made of an insulating material arranged between the cap cover and the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery cell, characterized in that the electrode tab is welded to at least one of the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

11. A case in which one or more electrode assemblies having positive and negative electrodes are built in and arranged in a row; Cap covers each covering the opened area of ​​the above case; Terminals each assembled to the cap cover by penetrating the cap cover; A tab welding part that welds an electrode tab provided on the lower part of the above terminal and the above electrode assembly; a housing accommodating the above case; and A battery module characterized by including a bus bar connecting the above terminals.

12. In the 11th paragraph, the cap cover A cap plate covering the above case; A cap hole formed in the above cap plate and penetrating the terminal; and A battery module characterized by including a cap protrusion formed on the cap plate and protruding around the cap hole.

13. In the 11th paragraph, the terminal A terminal body penetrating the above cap cover; A lower nut coupled to the lower part of the terminal body and welded to the electrode tab; An upper nut coupled with the upper portion of the terminal body; and A battery module characterized by including a terminal insertion part made of an insulating material placed between the cap cover and the terminal body.

14. In the 13th paragraph, the terminal body Body boss penetrating the above cap cover; A boss lower portion formed at the lower portion of the above body boss, positioned at the lower portion of the above cap cover, and screw-connected with the lower nut; and A battery module characterized by including a boss upper portion formed on the upper portion of the body boss, positioned above the cap cover, and screw-connected with the upper nut.

15. In the 14th paragraph, the terminal body A battery module characterized by further comprising a body stopper formed on the body boss and restricting movement of the lower nut and the upper nut.

16. In the 13th paragraph, the terminal insertion part A lower insert positioned between the lower nut and the cap cover; A central insertion portion positioned between the cap cover and the terminal body; and A battery module characterized by including an upper insertion part connected to the central insertion part and positioned between the upper nut and the cap cover.

17. In paragraph 16, An upper groove is formed in the upper insertion portion, A battery module characterized in that the upper nut has an upper nut protrusion formed thereon to be inserted into the upper groove.

18. In paragraph 16, A battery module characterized in that the lower insertion part and the middle insertion part have a laminated part in which some parts overlap each other vertically.

19. In the 11th paragraph, the terminal A first terminal arranged on the upper side of the cap cover; A second terminal extending downward from the first terminal and penetrating the cap cover; A third terminal positioned at the bottom of the cap cover, penetrating through the second terminal and connected to the electrode tab; A fourth terminal coupled to the lower end of the second terminal and binding the third terminal; and A battery module characterized by including a fifth terminal made of an insulating material arranged between the cap cover and the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

20. In paragraph 19, A battery module, characterized in that the electrode tab is welded to at least one of the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

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