Battery cell, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery cell, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising same. The battery cell comprises: a battery can comprising a bottom member and a sidewall member connected to the bottom member and extending in an axial direction, the battery can having an opening formed at one end thereof; an electrode assembly which is accommodated in the battery can through the opening of the battery can; a cap for covering the opening of the battery can; a gasket interposed between the battery can and the cap; and a current collector plate which comprises an electrode connection part, having at least a portion electrically connected to one end of the electrode assembly, and a can connection part, extending radially outward from the electrode connection part toward the sidewall member of the battery can, wherein at least a portion of the end of the edge region of the can connection part has a chamfered shape.

Description

Battery cells, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery cell for improving the stability and performance of the battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0184304, filed December 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, this application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0183383, filed December 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and easy applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of each of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., a single battery cell, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] Meanwhile, in the manufacture of secondary batteries, a sealing process using a crimping process can be performed to ensure the stability and performance of battery cells. This crimping process seals the battery can and gasket together, protecting the battery cell from the external environment and preventing internal electrolyte leakage.

[0005] However, in conventional technology, the crimping portion may have structural weaknesses due to the design and structural arrangement of the current collector plate, which can limit the ability to completely guarantee sealing performance. Specifically, the current collector plate may not evenly transmit mechanical pressure at the point of contact with the gasket, potentially forming small voids at the sealing site. These voids can reduce the sealing strength of the gasket, potentially leading to gas or electrolyte leakage within the battery cell.

[0006] Furthermore, thermal expansion, mechanical pressure imbalance, and microscopic deformation of the battery can during the crimping process further exacerbate the structural vulnerability of the sealing area. This increases the likelihood that secondary batteries will deteriorate sealing performance and lead to problems such as electrolyte loss, gas leakage, or a shortened battery life when exposed to extreme conditions such as external shock, vibration, or repeated temperature fluctuations.

[0007] Therefore, a new design of a current collector plate is required that can maximize the adhesion between the gasket and the battery can and minimize the gap that occurs at the contact area between the current collector plate and the gasket.

[0008] Accordingly, the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile for improving the sealing force of the battery cell.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle to minimize the gap that occurs at the contact area between the current collector plate and the gasket.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle to minimize the effect on the sealing force between the battery cell configurations.

[0011] 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.

[0012] In order to solve the above object, the present invention provides a battery cell including a battery can including a bottom member and a side wall member connected to the bottom member and extending in the axial direction, the battery can having an opening with one end open; an electrode assembly accommodated inside the battery can through the opening of the battery can; a cap covering the opening of the battery can; a gasket interposed between the battery can and the cap; and a current collector plate having an electrode connection portion at least a portion of which is electrically connected to one end of the electrode assembly and a can connection portion extending radially outwardly toward the side wall member of the battery can, wherein at least a portion of an end of an edge region of the can connection portion has a chamfered shape.

[0013] For example, the can connection part may extend from the electrode connection part at a predetermined angle relative to the axial direction.

[0014] For example, the battery can may include a bead portion that is recessed radially inward along a perimeter near an opening of the battery can at a side of the battery can, and an edge region of the can connection portion may be interposed between the bead portion and the gasket.

[0015] For example, the above can connecting portions may be provided in multiple numbers along the circumferential direction and may be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0016] For example, the can connection part has a connecting part interposed between the beading part and the gasket in the edge area of ​​the can connection part, and the connecting part may have a chamfered shape in at least a portion of the area.

[0017] For example, the above-mentioned joint may have a shape that is processed to be inclined at a certain angle in at least a portion of the joint so that the lower area of ​​the joint is larger than the upper area in the axial direction.

[0018] For example, the joint may have a shape processed to have a certain curvature in at least a portion of the joint so that the lower area of ​​the joint is larger than the upper area in the axial direction.

[0019] For example, the joint may be formed to have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the gasket in the axial direction.

[0020] For example, the gasket may be in contact with the beading portion of the battery can that is exposed between the joint portion and the adjacent joint portions, and the properties of the portion in contact with the joint portion and the portion in contact with the beading portion of the battery can may be different.

[0021] For example, the gasket may have different physical properties at the chamfered portion and the non-chamfered portion of the joint.

[0022] For example, the connecting portion may include a flat portion that is in contact with the bead portion; an outer end portion that is connected to the flat portion and is positioned radially outward; an inner end portion that is connected to the flat portion and is positioned radially inward; and a side end portion that is connected to the flat portion and is positioned along the circumferential direction, and at least one of the outer end portion, the inner end portion, and the side end portion may have a chamfered shape.

[0023] For example, the above-mentioned joint may have a width greater than the width of the beading portion in the radial direction and may have a chamfered shape at least on the side end.

[0024] For example, the outer end may be formed to have a thickness smaller than the inner end in the axial direction.

[0025] For example, the outer end of the above-mentioned joint may be in contact with the side wall member of the battery can and may have a chamfered shape.

[0026] For example, the joint portion may have a width smaller than or equal to the width of the bead portion in the radial direction, and may have a chamfered shape at the outer end, the inner end, and the side end.

[0027] For example, the gasket may be in contact with the beading portion of the battery can that is exposed between the joint portion and the adjacent joint portions, and a protrusion of a predetermined height may be formed at the portion in contact with the beading portion of the battery can.

[0028] For example, the protrusion may be formed with a thickness equal to the thickness of the joint portion in the axial direction.

[0029] For example, the protrusion has a shape corresponding to the chamfered shape of the connecting portion and can come into contact with the beading portion of the battery can.

[0030] For example, the joint portion may be formed with a protrusion having a plurality of protrusions configured to contact the gasket in an area having a chamfered shape.

[0031] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack including at least one of the above-described battery cells.

[0032] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack as described above.

[0033] The battery cell, battery pack and vehicle including the same according to various embodiments of the present invention have the effect of improving the airtightness and stability of the battery cell.

[0034] In addition, the battery cell according to various embodiments, the battery pack including the same, and the vehicle have the effect of minimizing the gap that occurs at the contact area between the current collector and the gasket.

[0035] In addition, the battery cell according to various embodiments, the battery pack including the same, and the vehicle have the effect of minimizing the influence on the sealing force between the components of the battery cell.

[0036] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic drawing showing the electrode assembly of the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining each component of the electrode assembly of Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of the current collector plate of the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of the current collector plate and electrode assembly of Fig. 4 combined.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the appearance of the battery cell of FIG. 1 sealed by a crimping process.

[0043] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings for explaining an exemplary appearance of a gasket being placed on the collector plate of Figure 4.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a drawing for explaining the state in which the joint portion of the current collector plate of Fig. 4 is interposed between the bead portion of the battery can and the gasket.

[0045] Figures 10 to 12 are schematic drawings showing various embodiments of the joint portion of the collector plate of Figure 4.

[0046] Fig. 13 is a drawing for explaining how a gasket according to another embodiment is arranged on the collector plate of Fig. 4.

[0047] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining a protrusion formed on the collector plate of Fig. 4.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack including a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 15.

[0050] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not 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, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0051] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0053] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0056] Hereinafter, the phrase "any configuration is placed on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, and that other configurations may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0057] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected 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 another component.

[0058] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0059] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, rotation, and position of the object being targeted, or the position of the observer.

[0060] The present invention may be implemented independently of the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented by combining two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments may be implemented independently and may also be freely combined with one another.

[0061] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly wound in the form of a jelly roll is referred to as the winding axis direction (Z). In addition, the direction in which the electrode assembly is wound along the longitudinal direction is referred to as the winding direction (X), and the direction moving away from or closer to the winding axis of the electrode assembly is referred to as the radial direction.

[0062]

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an electrode assembly (20) of the battery cell (1) according to FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining each component of the electrode assembly (20) according to FIG. 2.

[0064] First, a schematic structure of a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0065] The battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery cell. For example, the battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery cell having a form factor ratio (defined as the ratio of the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell divided by its height, i.e., the ratio of the diameter to the height) of approximately 0.4 or greater.

[0066] Here, the form factor may refer to a value indicating the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. The cylindrical battery cell may be a 46110 cell, a 48750 cell, a 48110 cell, a 48800 cell, or a 46800 cell by applying a numerical value indicating the form factor. Here, the first two numbers indicate the diameter of the cell, the next two numbers indicate the height of the cell, and the last number 0 indicates that the cross-section of the cell is circular.

[0067] Additionally, the battery cell (1) may be, for example, a cylindrical battery cell having a form factor ratio (ratio of the diameter in the radial direction to the height in the axial direction of the core) of greater than about 0.4. For example, the diameter of the battery cell (1) may be 40 mm to 50 mm, and the height may be 60 mm to 130 mm. The form factor of the battery cell (1) may be, for example, 46110, 4875, 48110, 4880, or 4680.

[0068] However, the shape of the battery cell (1) according to the present invention is not limited by the above, and can be applied to batteries of other shapes. For example, it can be applied to square batteries as well.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment largely includes a battery can (10) and an electrode assembly (20).

[0070] The battery can (10) may have a cylindrical structure for a cylindrical battery cell. In this case, the side wall member (11) forms a side surface of the cylinder of the battery can (10), and the bottom member (12) may be connected to the side wall member (11) to form one end of the cylinder. That is, the bottom member (12) may become a closed portion of the battery can (10), and the other end of the battery can (10) facing the bottom member (12) may be open and become an opening.

[0071] The bottom member (12) may have a disc shape with a through hole formed in the center, and the side wall member (11) may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the bottom member (12) and having a constant radius along the circumference. The battery can (10) including the bottom member (12) and the side wall member (11) may be a member formed by deep drawing a metal sheet having nickel plated on the surface of steel. Of course, the materials of the bottom member (12) and the side wall member (11) are not limited thereto.

[0072] The battery cell (1) can accommodate an electrode assembly (20) inside the battery can (10) through an opening of the battery can (10).

[0073] The electrode assembly (20) can be configured so that the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) and the separator (28) interposed therebetween are wound around the winding axis.

[0074] The electrode assembly (20) after winding may be in a jelly-roll shape. When viewed from the top or bottom of the electrode assembly (20) in the XY plane, the outer shape of the electrode assembly (20) along the circumferential direction may be circular. However, the structure of the electrode assembly (20) is not limited by the embodiment, and may have a winding structure well known in the art.

[0075] The first electrode (21), the second electrode (22), and the separator (28) may be formed to have a predetermined width along the winding axis direction (Z) and to extend to a predetermined length along the winding direction (X). The first electrode (21) may be a positive electrode plate, and the second electrode (22) may be a negative electrode plate. Of course, the opposite may also be the case.

[0076] The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be manufactured in the form of sheets. The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can be configured in a form in which an active material layer (25) is applied to at least a portion of the surface of a metal foil (23). The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) can have a holding portion (24) region in which the active material layer (25) is applied, and a non-conductive portion (26) region in which the active material layer (25) is not applied.

[0077] The non-coated portion (26) may be exposed to the outside of the separator (28) while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the winding axis of the electrode assembly (20) and may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. That is, the positive and negative plates may each include a non-coated portion (26) in which the active material is not coated at the long end in the winding axis direction (Z). In addition, the non-coated portions (26) of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be configured to face in opposite directions in the winding axis direction (Z). The non-coated portion (26) of the first electrode (21) may be housed inside the battery can (10) so that the non-coated portion (26) of the first electrode (21) is positioned at one end in the winding axis direction (Z), and the non-coated portion (26) of the second electrode (22) is positioned at the other end in the winding axis direction (Z). Here, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0078] In addition, the separator (28) may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., used alone or in a laminated manner. As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0079] At least one surface of the separator (28) may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the separator (28) itself may be formed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure in which they are bonded with a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0080] A portion of the body (26) like this can function as an electrode tab in itself.

[0081] The non-woven part (26) can form a plurality of notched tabs (27) in the shape of flags by forming notches at a predetermined interval along the winding direction (X). The plurality of notched tabs (27) can be in the shape of an equilateral trapezoid arranged along the winding direction (X). However, the shape is not limited thereto, and can be in various shapes such as a semicircle, a semi-ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a parallelogram, etc.

[0082] Additionally, a plurality of notching tabs (27) may be bent radially in the electrode assembly (20) and flattened. Additionally, the notching tabs (27) may be bent radially inward or outward in the electrode assembly (20).

[0083] Additionally, a plurality of notching tabs (27) may be bent one by one during the process of forming a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly (20). Alternatively, the notching tabs (27) may be bent all at once after forming the jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly (20).

[0084] In this way, the notched tabs (27) of the first electrode (21) and the notched tabs (27) of the second electrode (22) that are bent and covered in the radial direction can provide a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the winding axis direction (Z) at each of the ends of the electrode assembly (20) in the winding axis direction (Z).

[0085]

[0086] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a current collector plate (30) of a battery cell (1) of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a state in which the current collector plate (30) of FIG. 4 and the electrode assembly (20) are combined, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a state in which the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1 is sealed by a crimping process.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment includes a current collector (30), a cap (50), and a gasket (60).

[0088] The collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to at least one axial end of the electrode assembly (20). At this time, the collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to the first electrode (21) or the second electrode (22).

[0089] The current collector plate (30) can be joined to a substantially flat surface provided by bending a plurality of notched tabs (27) exposed at both ends in the winding axis direction (Z) of the electrode assembly (20).

[0090] For example, the current collector plate (30) may be a negative current collector plate made of copper or a positive current collector plate made of aluminum. In addition, the current collector plate (30) may be manufactured by punching, trimming, piercing, and bending a metal sheet, and the manufacturing method and material are not limited thereto.

[0091] At this time, the collector plate (30) connected to the first electrode (21) may be omitted.

[0092] Specifically, the collector plate (30) may be provided with an electrode connection portion (31) and a can connection portion (32).

[0093] The electrode connection portion (31) is an area electrically connected to one end of the electrode assembly (20), and can efficiently collect and transmit current generated in the electrode assembly (20).

[0094] The electrode connection portion (31) can be in direct contact with the electrode assembly (20), thereby minimizing resistance in the current transmission path and ensuring a stable electrical connection.

[0095] The can connection portion (32) is connected to the electrode connection portion (31) and can extend radially outward from the electrode connection portion (31) toward the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). This provides a path for efficiently transmitting the current collected through the electrode connection portion (31) to the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10) to an external circuit.

[0096] At least a portion of the end portion of the edge area of ​​the can connection portion (32) may have a chamfered shape. Here, the chamfered shape refers to a structure designed to alleviate stress concentration at the contact area between parts and increase adhesion by treating the edge end portion with a gentle slope.

[0097] That is, a chamfered shape like this can be formed into a relatively gentle structure compared to a structure in which the end of the edge area of ​​the can connection part (32) is formed in a vertical direction with respect to the ground.

[0098] Thus, the chamfered shape can provide a technical advantage that can overcome the disadvantages of the end portion of the conventional sharp and straight edge area. In particular, the chamfered shape can effectively contribute to reducing voids that may be formed when the edge area of ​​the can connection portion (32) that is not chamfered is pressed against another component, such as a gasket (60) described below or a side wall member (11) of a battery can (10).

[0099] In this way, the chamfered shape can significantly improve adhesion with a soft member, such as a gasket (60) described later, through optimization of the contact area. This maximizes sealing performance and minimizes the risk of gas or electrolyte leakage within the battery cell (1).

[0100] The can connection portion (32) can be extended from the electrode connection portion (31) so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the axial direction. Accordingly, the can connection portion (32) can facilitate the connection with the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10), and can contribute to simplifying the assembly process.

[0101] In addition, such an inclined structure can optimize the contact area between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the can connection portion (32), which will be described later. Through this, mechanical stability can be secured even against physical stresses such as external shock or vibration after assembly.

[0102] In addition, a plurality of can connectors (32) may be formed along the circumferential direction. Each of the can connectors (32) may be spaced apart from each other at a constant interval. Such a structure can prevent interference between the plurality of can connectors (32) and evenly distribute the contact area with the battery can (10) to ensure structural stability. In addition, by appropriately arranging the plurality of can connectors (32) along the circumferential direction, alignment can be improved during the bonding process with the battery can (10) and the assembly process can be made more efficient.

[0103] In this way, by forming a plurality of can connectors (32), both ends of the edge region of each can connector (32) can be positioned between adjacent can connectors (32) along the circumferential direction. This structure will be described in detail later.

[0104] The cap (50) can cover the opening of the battery can (10). That is, the cap (50) can be configured as a cover structure that effectively seals the opening of the battery can (10). As a result, the battery cell (1) is guaranteed to be sealed, the internal electrolyte and electrode assembly (20) are protected from the external environment, and the long-term performance of the battery cell (1) can be maintained.

[0105] The cap (50) may be primarily made of a metallic material for electrical connection with the collector plate (30). Therefore, the cap (50) may be conductive. For example, the cap (50) may include an aluminum material.

[0106] The cap (50) may be fixed to the opening of the battery can (10) or may be circular in shape to seal the opening, but its shape is not limited thereto. In addition, the thickness of the cap (50) may be designed to provide sufficient strength to prevent deformation in high temperature or high pressure environments and to ensure durability to prevent leakage of the internal electrolyte.

[0107] A gasket (60) may be interposed between a battery can (10), for example, a side wall member (11) of the battery can (10) and a cap (50).

[0108] The gasket (60) can function as a sealing member that maintains the airtightness of the inside of the battery cell (1), protects the battery cell (1) from the external environment, and prevents gas and electrolyte leakage. In particular, the gasket (60) can be designed to maintain a stable sealing state even when pressure changes due to compression between the cap (50) and the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10) during the crimping process.

[0109] The gasket (60) may have flexibility and compressibility to cope with external stresses such as thermal expansion or vibration. Furthermore, the gasket (60) is made of a material with excellent chemical and heat resistance (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.), thereby preventing chemical reactions with the electrolyte and providing stable performance even in long-term use environments.

[0110] As an example, the battery can (10) has a beading portion (110) and can seal the inside of the battery cell (1) by a crimping process.

[0111] The beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) may be formed in a shape that is partially sunken radially inward along the circumference near the opening of the can (10) on the side of the battery can (10). Due to this, when the electrode assembly (20) is accommodated in the battery can (10), the position of the electrode assembly (20) can be controlled to a certain extent, and the process of sealing the interior of the battery can (10) later can be facilitated.

[0112] Here, the edge area of ​​the can connector (32) can be interposed between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60). In other words, the gasket (60) is pressed against the edge area of ​​the can connector (32) placed on the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10), thereby forming a seal.

[0113] This structure can maintain the airtightness inside the battery cell (1) by ensuring that the edge area of ​​the can connection portion (32) and the gasket (60) are in stable contact with the beading portion (110) through the crimping process.

[0114] However, even in the process of forming a seal with the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) by interposing a gasket (60) through a crimping process, microscopic gaps may occur due to the presence of the current collector (30). In particular, there is a possibility that a local pressure imbalance may occur at the contact area with the gasket (60), including the end portion of the edge area of ​​the current collector (30), as pressure is not uniformly transmitted. This may cause the formation of microscopic gaps.

[0115] These gaps can reduce the sealing between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60), and weaken the airtightness inside the battery cell (1) over time. In particular, the gaps are likely to expand under stress conditions such as thermal expansion, vibration, or impact in the external environment, which may increase the risk of gas or electrolyte leakage.

[0116] To this end, as described above, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment can be designed to have a chamfered shape at least in part of the end of the edge region of the can connection portion (32), so that stress can be distributed evenly on the contact surface with the gasket (60) during compression.

[0117] Due to this, the gasket (60) is stably pressed against the edge area of ​​the can connection portion (32) and the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10), thereby reducing the risk of leakage and improving the reliability of the battery cell (1).

[0118] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment can be configured to further enhance the airtightness of the inside of the battery cell (1), prevent leakage of gas or electrolyte, and maintain a stable sealed state even under physical stress conditions such as external impact or vibration, by having a chamfered shape on at least a portion of the end of the edge area of ​​the can connection portion (32) of the current collector plate (30).

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are drawings for explaining an exemplary appearance of a gasket (60) being arranged on a current collector plate (30) of FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an appearance of a joining portion (321) of a current collector plate (30) of FIG. 4 being interposed between a beading portion (110) of a battery can (10) and a gasket (60).

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the can connection part (32) according to the present embodiment may have a connecting part (321) at the edge area of ​​the can connection part (32). At this time, the connecting part (321) is interposed between the beading part (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60), and may have a chamfered shape in at least a portion of the area.

[0122] As an example, the connecting portion (321) may include a flat portion (3211) and side ends (3212) connected to the flat portion (3211) and arranged on both sides along the circumferential direction.

[0123] The flat portion (3211) can be formed flat to ensure stable and uniform contact between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60).

[0124] The side end portion (3212) is an end portion located on both sides of the joint portion (321) and can assist in the structural stability of the joint portion (321).

[0125] At this time, the joint portion (321) may be designed so that the lower area is larger than the upper area based on the axial direction. For this purpose, at least the side end portion (3212) may be processed to be inclined at a certain angle. This inclined processed shape can optimize the contact area between the joint portion (321) and the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10), thereby increasing the strength of the mechanical joint and enhancing the sealing performance by increasing the compressive force with the gasket (60). In addition, the inclined processed shape can alleviate stress concentration that may occur at the side end portion (3212) of the joint portion (321), thereby maintaining structural stability and stabilizing the sealing state in the long term.

[0126] Additionally, during the crimping process or component bonding, the bonding portion (321) can be naturally aligned, reducing interference between components and simplifying the assembly process. Furthermore, the bonding portion (321) can provide greater support when in contact with the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10), thereby increasing resistance to external shocks or vibrations.

[0127] In this way, the inclined processing joint (321) can improve the gap removal and sealing performance while simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0128] As another embodiment, the connecting portion (321) may include a flat portion (3211) and side ends (3212a) connected to the flat portion (3211) and arranged on both sides along the circumferential direction.

[0129] The flat portion (3211) can be formed flat to ensure stable and uniform contact between the beading portion (110) and the gasket (60).

[0130] The side end portion (3212a) is an end portion located on both sides of the joint portion (321) and can assist in the structural stability of the joint portion (321).

[0131] At this time, the joint portion (321) may be designed such that the lower area is larger than the upper area in the axial direction, and for this purpose, at least the side end portion (3212a) may be processed to have a certain curvature. A shape having such a curvature can more precisely control the contact pressure distribution between the joint portion (321) and the gasket (60), thereby making the pressure distribution at the side end portion (3212a) uniform. Accordingly, the joint portion (321) can significantly improve sealing performance and contribute to maximizing airtightness by preventing the formation of voids.

[0132] In this way, the joint portion (321) having a curve can alleviate deformation of the gasket (60) even during the process of contact with the gasket (60), thereby ensuring long-term stability.

[0133] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment can more effectively increase the compression force and adhesive force transmitted from the gasket (60) to the side end portion (3212, 3212a) than before the chamfering process by chamfering at least the side end portion (3212, 3212a) of the joint portion (321).

[0134] The joint portion (321) may be formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the gasket (60) in the axial direction. As a result, the joint portion (321) may be sufficiently compressed and interposed between the gasket (60) and the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10).

[0135] At this time, the gasket (60) may be formed to be in contact with the joint portion (321) and the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) disposed between the joint portion (321). At this time, the gasket (60) may be designed to suit the characteristics of each of the joint portion (321) and the beading portion (110) in the crimping process, and the physical properties may be different at the portion in contact with the joint portion (321) and the portion in contact with the beading portion (110).

[0136] For example, the gasket (60) may have higher hardness at the portion in contact with the joint (321). This design can maintain a stable sealing state by preventing the gasket (60) from being excessively deformed even under high pressure, and can stably maintain a close contact with the joint (321) during the crimping process.

[0137] On the other hand, the portion of the gasket (60) that comes into contact with the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) may have a relatively low hardness. As a result, it can smoothly adapt to the curvature and surface irregularities of the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10), and maximize the sealing force during the crimping process, thereby preventing the occurrence of voids.

[0138] Additionally, the gasket (60) may be formed to contact the chamfered portion and the non-chamfered portion of the joint (321) with a relatively uniform pressure distribution. At this time, the gasket (60) may have different physical properties depending on the two contact portions.

[0139] For example, the portion of the gasket (60) that comes into contact with the chamfered portion of the joint (321) may have properties of relatively low hardness and high resilience. This allows the gasket (60) to smoothly adapt to the chamfered shape, thereby maximizing adhesion and minimizing the occurrence of gaps.

[0140] In contrast, the area of ​​the gasket (60) that comes into contact with the non-chamfered joint (321) may have a relatively high hardness. This allows for stable support even under high pressure conditions. These properties induce balanced compression and deformation of the gasket (60) during the crimping process, thereby optimizing sealing performance across the entire joint (321).

[0141]

[0142] Figures 10 to 12 are schematic drawings showing various embodiments of the joint portion of the collector plate (30) of Figure 4.

[0143] The connecting portion of the current collector plate (30) according to various embodiments of the present invention may be formed in various shapes and sizes. That is, the connecting portion may be adjusted according to design requirements to optimize the structural stability, sealing performance, and electrical connection efficiency of the battery cell (1).

[0144] Referring to Fig. 10, as an example, the joint portion (321) may have a width (L2) greater than the width (L1) of the bead portion (110) in the radial direction. This structure may be advantageous in maximizing the compression force and minimizing the formation of gaps by increasing the contact area between the joint portion (321) and the gasket (60).

[0145] In this case, the connecting portion (321) may include a side end portion (3212, 3212a) that is an end portion that substantially comes into contact with the gasket (60). The side end portions (3212, 3212a) may be connected to the flat portion (3211) and may be arranged along the circumferential direction, and may each include a chamfered shape.

[0146] Accordingly, the chamfer processing of the side end portion (3212, 3212a) further strengthens the adhesion with the gasket (60) and uniformizes the pressure distribution to maintain long-term airtightness.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 11, as an example, the connecting portion (322) may have a width (L4) that is less than or equal to the width (L3) of the beading portion (110) in the radial direction. For example, at least a portion of the connecting portion (322) may be arranged to extend radially further inward than the beading portion (110).

[0148] In this case, the connecting portion (322) may include a chamfered shape not only on the side end portions (3212, 3212a) but also on the outer end portion (3213) that is connected to the flat portion (3211) and is located radially outer.

[0149] The side end portions (3212, 3212a) and the outer end portion (3213) may be ends that substantially contact the gasket (60) at the joint portion (322), and all have a chamfered shape, thereby optimizing the contact area to promote pressure uniformity and enhance sealing performance.

[0150] Also, referring to FIG. 12, as an example, the connecting portion (323) may have a width (L6) smaller than the width (L5) of the beading portion (110) in the radial direction. In this case, the entire area of ​​the connecting portion (323) may be completely interposed between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60). This structure allows the entire area of ​​the connecting portion (323) to be in close contact with the gasket (60), thereby maximizing the sealing properties.

[0151] In this case, the joint portion (323) may include a chamfered shape not only on the side ends (3212, 3212a) and the outer end (3213), but also on the inner end (3214) connected to the flat portion (3211) and positioned radially inward. This structure can provide uniform sealing in all contact areas between the gasket (60) and the joint portion (323), and can maintain a stable sealing state even when deformed due to external impact or thermal expansion.

[0152] In addition, as an example, the outer end (3213) of the connecting portion (323) can be in contact with the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). At this time, when the outer end (3213) has a chamfered shape, the outer end (3213) can be naturally adapted to follow the curved surface of the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10). That is, the outer end (3213) portion having a relatively thin thickness can be more closely attached between the gasket (60) and the battery can (10). In particular, the structure of the outer end (3213) having a relatively thin thickness can maximize the contact area with the gasket (60) during the crimping process and induce pressure to be transmitted evenly, thereby improving the sealing performance. This can minimize the gap that may occur between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60), thereby ensuring airtightness inside the battery cell (1) and contributing to securing long-term sealing stability.

[0153] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment can maximize sealing performance by optimizing the bonding stability between the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) and the gasket (60) by having a chamfered end portion at the joining portion (323) of the current collector plate (30).

[0154] In this way, the chamfered end portion can alleviate deformation of the gasket (60), evenly distribute pressure to minimize void formation, and ensure long-term airtightness and mechanical stability. In addition, the size and shape of the joints (321, 322, 323) can be flexibly changed depending on the application environment.

[0155]

[0156] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a gasket (61) according to another embodiment being arranged on the collector plate (30) of FIG. 4, and FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a protrusion (3240) formed on the collector plate (30) of FIG. 4.

[0157] Referring to Fig. 13, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment may include a gasket (61). Fig. 13 is a view of the gasket (61) being arranged on the current collector (30) as viewed from the downward direction in the winding axis direction (Z).

[0158] The gasket (61) may be formed to contact the joining portions (321, 322, 333) and the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10) positioned between the joining portions (321, 322, 333). At this time, the gasket (61) may be provided with a protrusion (610) of a predetermined height at a portion in contact with the beading portion (110) of the battery can (10). This protrusion (610) is a structural element designed to maximize the adhesion between the gasket (61) and the beading portion (110) and the joining portions (321, 322, 333), thereby contributing to enhancing sealing performance and minimizing the occurrence of gaps.

[0159] The protrusion (610) may be formed to have a thickness (L8) that is the same as the thickness (L7) of the joint portion (321, 322, 333) in the axial direction, so that the gasket (61) can transmit uniform pressure to the joint portion (321, 322, 333) and the bead portion (110) of the battery can (10) during the crimping process. In addition, the protrusion (610) may be designed to have a shape corresponding to the chamfered shape of the joint portion (321, 322, 333). This design can further strengthen the close contact between the gasket (61) and the joint portion (321, 322, 333) and further prevent sealing loss that may occur during the crimping process.

[0160] The protrusions (610) may be arranged in a plurality along the circumferential direction, and the distance (L10) between these protrusions may match the width (L9) of the connecting portions (321, 322, 333) to be arranged therebetween. Through this, the protrusions (610) can secure alignment between the gasket (61) and the connecting portions (321, 322, 333), and ensure stable arrangement during the assembly process.

[0161] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment can induce the gasket (61) to be more closely attached to the beading portion (110) and the joining portion (321, 322, 333) of the battery can (10), maintain airtightness inside the battery cell (1), and provide long-term reliability and durability.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 14, the connecting portions (321, 322, 333) may be configured as areas having a chamfered shape, and in these areas, protrusions (3240) including a plurality of protrusions for contacting the gasket (60, 61) and enhancing adhesion may be formed. These protrusions (3240) may be positioned at various locations depending on the configuration of the connecting portions (321, 322, 333).

[0163] For example, it can be formed on the flat portion (3211) or the side end portion (3212, 3212a). In addition, a protrusion (3240) can also be formed on the outer end portion (3213) forming the outer region of the connecting portion (321, 322, 333) or the inner end portion (3214) positioned inward.

[0164] In this way, the protrusion (3240) can increase the contact area with the gasket (60, 61) and maximize the adhesion between the joint (321, 322, 333) and the gasket (60, 61) during the crimping process, thereby contributing to preventing the occurrence of gaps.

[0165] The protrusion (3240) not only strengthens the sealing performance by concentrating local pressure at the contact surface with the gasket (60, 61), but also maintains a stable position of the gasket (60, 61) during the crimping process. This optimizes the interaction between the joint (321, 322, 333) and the gasket (60, 61), thereby enhancing the airtightness and sealing reliability inside the battery cell (1).

[0166]

[0167] FIG. 15 is a schematic drawing of a battery pack (P) equipped with a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 15, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery cell (1) according to the previous embodiment and a pack case (C) accommodating the same.

[0169] A battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components of a battery pack (P) known at the time of filing of the present invention. For example, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0170] The battery pack (P) is not significantly restricted in the application of cooling methods, such as bottom cooling and side cooling, regardless of the arrangement direction of the battery cells (1), and can be freely adopted according to desired design requirements. Accordingly, the battery pack (P) can be configured with various structural designs and thermal management systems, thereby optimizing the performance of the battery cells (1) and adapting them to various application environments.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 16, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (P) according to the present invention. In addition to the battery pack (P), the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, a vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (P) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as an energy storage system that uses a secondary battery, in addition to the automobile (V).

[0173] According to various embodiments as described above, a battery cell (1) capable of further improving sealing performance, a battery pack (P) including the same, and a vehicle (V) can be provided.

[0174]

[0175] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

[0176] [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1: Battery cell

[0178] 10: Battery can

[0179] 11: Side wall member

[0180] 110: Bidding Department

[0181] 111: Support

[0182] 12: Flooring

[0183] 20: Electrode assembly

[0184] 21: First electrode

[0185] 22: Second electrode

[0186] 23: Metal foil

[0187] 24: Maintenance Department

[0188] 25: Active material layer

[0189] 26: Ministry of Immigration

[0190] 27: Notching tab

[0191] 28: Membrane

[0192] 30: Current collector board

[0193] 31: Electrode connection

[0194] 32: Can connector

[0195] 321, 322, 323: Joints

[0196] 3211: Flat area

[0197] 3212, 3212a: Side section

[0198] 3213: Outer end

[0199] 3214: Inner end

[0200] 3240: Protrusion

[0201] 50: Cap

[0202] 60, 61: Gasket

[0203] 610: Protrusion

[0204] P: Battery pack

[0205] C: Pack Case

[0206] V: Car

Claims

1. A battery can including a floor member and a side wall member extending axially and connected to the floor member, and having an opening with one end open; An electrode assembly accommodated inside the battery can through an opening of the battery can; A cap covering the opening of the above battery can; a gasket interposed between the battery can and the cap; and At least a portion of the current collector plate comprises an electrode connection portion electrically connected to one end of the electrode assembly and a can connection portion extending radially outwardly from the electrode connection portion toward a side wall member of the battery can; At least a portion of the end of the edge area of ​​the above can connection, A battery cell characterized by having a chamfered shape.

2. In paragraph 1, The above can connection part is, A battery cell characterized in that it extends from the electrode connection portion at a predetermined angle relative to the axial direction.

3. In paragraph 1, The above can connection part is, A battery cell characterized in that it is provided in multiple numbers along a circumferential direction and is arranged spaced apart from each other.

4. In paragraph 1, The above battery can, Including a beaded portion sunken radially inwardly along the circumference near the opening of the battery can on the side of the battery can, A battery cell, characterized in that the edge area of ​​the can connection portion is interposed between the beading portion of the battery can and the gasket.

5. In paragraph 4, The above can connection part is, The edge area of ​​the can connection portion is provided with a joint portion interposed between the bead portion of the battery can and the gasket, The above joint is, A battery cell characterized by having a chamfered shape in at least some area.

6. In paragraph 5, The above joint is, A battery cell characterized in that it has a shape processed to be inclined at a certain angle in at least some area, and the lower area of ​​the joint is larger than the upper area based on the axial direction.

7. In paragraph 5, The above joint is, A battery cell having a shape processed to have a certain curvature in at least some area, characterized in that the lower area of ​​the joint is larger than the upper area based on the axial direction.

8. In paragraph 5, The above joint is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed with a thickness smaller than the thickness of the gasket in the axial direction.

9. In paragraph 5, The above gasket, A battery cell characterized in that the beading portion of the battery can is in contact with the beading portion of the battery can exposed between the connecting portion and the adjacent connecting portions, and that the physical properties of the portion in contact with the connecting portion and the portion in contact with the beading portion of the battery can are different from each other.

10. In paragraph 9, The above gasket, A battery cell, characterized in that the chamfered portion and the non-chamfered portion of the above-mentioned joint have different physical properties.

11. In paragraph 5, The above joint is, A flat portion in contact with the above beading portion; An outer end connected to the above flat portion and positioned radially outer; An inner end connected to the above flat portion and positioned radially inward; and Connected to the above flat portion and including a lateral end portion arranged along the circumferential direction, A battery cell characterized in that at least one of the outer end, the inner end, and the side end has a chamfered shape.

12. In paragraph 11, The above joint is, A battery cell characterized in that it has a width greater than the width of the bead portion in the radial direction and has a chamfered shape at least on the side end portion.

13. In paragraph 11, The above joint is, A battery cell characterized in that it has a width smaller than or equal to the width of the bead portion in the radial direction, and has a chamfered shape on the outer end, the inner end, and the side end.

14. In paragraph 11, The outer end of the above joint is, A battery cell characterized by having a chamfered shape and being in contact with a side wall member of a battery can.

15. In paragraph 5, The above gasket, Contacting the beading portion of the battery can exposed between the above-mentioned joint portion and the adjacent joint portions, A battery cell characterized in that a protrusion of a predetermined height is formed at a portion in contact with the beading portion of the battery can.

16. In paragraph 15, The above protrusion is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed with the same thickness as the thickness of the joint portion based on the axial direction.

17. In paragraph 15, The above protrusion is, A battery cell having a shape corresponding to the chamfered shape of the above-mentioned joint, and characterized in that it comes into contact with the beading portion of the battery can.

18. In paragraph 5, The above joint is, A battery cell characterized in that a protrusion is formed in an area having a chamfered shape and having a plurality of protrusions configured to come into contact with the gasket.

19. A battery pack comprising a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A motor vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack according to Article 19.

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