Battery, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: an electrode assembly; a battery housing configured to receive the electrode assembly through an open part formed on one side; a battery terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly inside the battery housing by passing through a closed part of the battery housing and configured to be bolted to the battery housing, the closed part being provided on the opposite side to the open part; and an insulating member interposed between the battery terminal and the battery housing.

Description

Batteries, and battery packs and vehicles containing batteries

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, a battery pack including the battery, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0193119, filed December 27, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0017682, filed February 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] In the past, the terminal part of the battery was fixed to the can by forming a hole in the bottom of the can, inserting the terminal through the hole, and riveting the terminal.

[0004] The concept of fixing the terminal to the can by riveting it from the inside of the can and allowing the terminal to penetrate the bottom surface of the can is to maintain the structure by maintaining the deformed state of the riveted terminal that has been plastically deformed by riveting, and to maintain sealing at the terminal penetration area.

[0005] In this structure, if the rivet wing part (inner flange part) is deformed due to changes in physical properties caused by external load and long-term exposure to the environment / electrolyte, etc., there is a risk of leakage at the terminal penetration part. In other words, this riveting structure is a structure in which the riveted terminal wraps the inner bottom surface of the can with a single layer of the rivet wing part, and if force is applied to the rivet wing part that has already been deformed once during riveting, there is a high possibility that the rivet wing part will be deformed again, and accordingly, it can be seen as a structure in which there is a risk of leakage.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can eliminate or reduce the risk of leaks due to deformation of these terminal components.

[0007] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its primary purpose the removal or reduction of the risk of leakage occurring at a portion where a battery terminal is applied.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery may include: an electrode assembly; a battery housing configured to receive the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side; a battery terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly inside the battery housing by passing through a closing portion of the battery housing provided on the opposite side of the opening portion, and configured to be bolt-fastened to the battery housing; and an insulating member interposed between the battery terminal and the battery housing.

[0010] The above battery housing may be configured to allow the battery terminal to pass through and may have a terminal hole having a first screw thread formed on the inner surface thereof.

[0011] A second screw thread corresponding to the first screw thread may be formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the battery terminal.

[0012] The above terminal hole can be formed by burring processing.

[0013] The above battery housing may have a housing flange portion extending along the periphery of the terminal hole and extending along the thickness direction of the closed portion of the battery housing.

[0014] The first screw thread may be formed on the inner surface of the housing flange portion.

[0015] The above insulating material may be a tape wrapped around the outer surface of the battery terminal.

[0016] The battery may include a current collector interposed between the closure and the electrode assembly and configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly.

[0017] The above battery terminal may be configured to be electrically coupled to the current collector.

[0018] The above-described collector may be configured to be bolted to the battery terminal.

[0019] The above battery may include an insulator interposed between the closure and the current collector.

[0020] The above insulator may be configured to have a thickness corresponding to the width of the space between the closure and the collector.

[0021] The above insulator can be interposed in a compressed state between the closing portion and the current collector.

[0022] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem may include a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem may include a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the risk of leakage occurring at a site where a battery terminal is applied can be eliminated or reduced.

[0025] However, the advantageous effects derived from the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and other advantageous effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0026] 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.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of the upper portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of the terminal hole of the battery housing of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 is a drawing showing a detailed structure of a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a drawing exemplarily showing a process for forming a terminal hole provided in a battery housing of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a structure in which an insulating material is wrapped around the outer surface of a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0032] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings showing a bolt fastening structure between the current collector and the battery terminal of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an embodiment in which an insulator is interposed between a current collector and a closed portion of a battery housing in a battery of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a lower portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] 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 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 the 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 of the time of this application.

[0038]

[0039] The structure of a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of the upper portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of a terminal hole of a battery housing of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the detailed structure of a battery terminal of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an exemplary process for forming a terminal hole provided in a battery housing of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a structure in which an insulating member is wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), a battery terminal (30), and an insulating member (40). The battery (1) may be a secondary battery. The battery (1) may be a cylindrical battery.

[0042] The electrode assembly (10) may include a first electrode, a second electrode having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrode assembly (10) may be, for example, a jellyroll type electrode assembly formed by winding a laminate including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The first electrode of the electrode assembly (10) may have a first uncoated portion (11) extending from one end thereof along the winding direction. The first uncoated portion (11) may be provided on a first surface of the electrode assembly (10). The first uncoated portion (11) may, for example, extend upward of the electrode assembly (10).

[0043] The battery housing (20) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (10) through an opening formed on one side thereof. The battery housing (20) may include a conductive metal. The battery housing (20) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). An electrolyte may be accommodated together with the electrode assembly (10) within the battery housing (20).

[0044] The above battery terminal (30) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) inside the battery housing (20) by passing through a closing portion provided on the opposite side of the opening portion of the battery housing (20). The above battery terminal (30) may be configured to be bolt-fastened to the battery housing (20).

[0045] The insulating member (40) may be interposed between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The insulating member (40) may include an insulating material. The insulating member (40) may be, for example, a separate component interposed between the battery terminal (30) to prevent contact between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20).

[0046] In this case, the insulating member (40) may include an elastic rubber material to maximize the leakage prevention effect in the area where the battery terminal (30) passes along with the insulating effect. Alternatively, the insulating member (40) may be, for example, a tape wrapped around at least a portion of the battery terminal (30). Alternatively, the insulating member (40) may be, for example, a coating layer coated on at least a portion of the battery terminal (30).

[0047]

[0048] Referring to Fig. 2, the battery housing (20) may be configured to allow the battery terminal (30) to pass through and may have a terminal hole (20a) having a first screw thread (TH1) formed on its inner surface. In this case, the battery terminal (30) may have a structure corresponding to the terminal hole (20a) so as to be bolt-fastened to the terminal hole (20a). Referring to Fig. 3, a second screw thread (TH2) corresponding to the first screw thread (TH1) provided in the battery housing (20) may be formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the battery terminal (30). In this way, the battery terminal (30) may be bolt-fastened to the terminal hole (20a) of the battery housing (20) by the first screw thread (TH1) and the second screw thread (TH2) having a structure corresponding to each other. Here, the bolt fastening means a screw fastening method in which the battery terminal (30) is rotated in one direction to be inserted and fixed into the battery housing (20).

[0049] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 2, the first screw thread (TH1) formed on the inner surface of the terminal hole (20a) of the battery housing (20) can be formed, for example, by burring processing. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a hole (20a) having a predetermined diameter can be formed by press punching the closed portion of the battery housing (20) with a tool having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the terminal hole (20a). Although not illustrated in the drawing, the first screw thread (TH1) can be formed on the inner surface of the terminal hole (20a) using a tool having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the terminal hole (20a) and having screw threads on the outer surface.

[0050] Meanwhile, the battery housing (20) may have a housing flange portion (21). The housing flange portion (21) may extend along the periphery of the terminal hole (20a). The housing flange portion (21) may extend along the thickness direction of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The housing flange portion (21) may be provided on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). A first screw thread (TH1) may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the housing flange portion (21).

[0051] In this way, when the battery housing (20) is provided with a housing flange portion (21) and a first screw thread (TH1) is formed on the inner surface of the housing flange portion (21), the area where the first screw thread (TH1) is formed can be wider compared to the case where the housing flange portion (21) is not provided. Therefore, when the battery terminal (30) is bolted to the battery housing (20), the area of ​​the fastening portion can be increased, thereby improving the bonding strength. In addition, as the bonding area using the screw threads (TH1, TH2) is widened, the leak prevention effect at the insertion portion of the battery terminal (30) can also be greatly improved.

[0052] The above housing flange portion (21) can be formed by the burring process described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in order to obtain the effect of improving the bonding strength and / or sealing force as described above, the housing flange portion (21) can be provided around the terminal hole (20a) through a separate process after the processing process.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 5, the insulating member (40) may be a tape wound on the outer circumference of the battery terminal (30). In this case, the tape may include, for example, a polymer insulator. The tape may be wound on the outer circumference of the battery terminal (30) to have a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the second screw thread (TH2) formed on the outer circumference of the battery terminal (30). Alternatively, by rotating the assembly of the battery terminal (30) and the insulating member (40) in one direction while the tape is wound on the outer circumference of the battery terminal (30) and bolting it to the battery housing (20), a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the second screw thread (TH2) may be formed on the outer circumference of the assembly of the battery terminal (30) and the insulating member (40).

[0054]

[0055] Referring back to FIG. 1, the battery (1) of the present invention may include a current collector (first current collector) (50). The current collector (50) may be interposed between the closing portion of the battery housing (20) and the electrode assembly (10). The current collector (50) may be configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly (10). The current collector (50) may be coupled, for example, to the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The current collector (50) may be electrically coupled to the battery terminal (30). The current collector (50) may be coupled, for example, to the battery terminal (30) fastened to the battery housing (20) by welding on the inside of the battery housing (20). The weld portion between the battery terminal (30) and the current collector (50) may be provided at a position that roughly corresponds to the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the battery terminal (30) is connected to the battery housing (20), and the assembly of the electrode assembly (10) and the current collector (50) is inserted through the opening of the battery housing (20) so that the current collector (50) and the battery terminal (30) come into contact, and then welding can be performed by inserting a welding tool or irradiating a laser through the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (10).

[0056]

[0057] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a description will be given of a case where the connection between the current collector (50) and the battery terminal (30) of the present invention is made by bolt fastening.

[0058] Figures 6 and 7 are drawings showing a bolt fastening structure between the current collector and the battery terminal of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the current collector (50) can be configured to be bolt-connected to the battery terminal (30).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, the current collector (50) may be provided with a current collector hole (50a) formed at a position corresponding to the battery terminal (30). A screw thread having a shape corresponding to a second screw thread (TH2) formed on the outer circumference of the battery terminal (30) may be provided on the inner circumference of the current collector hole (50a). Accordingly, the second screw thread (TH2) formed on the outer circumference of the battery terminal (30) may extend to an area corresponding to the inner circumference of the current collector hole (50a). A current collector flange portion (51) extending along the thickness direction of the current collector hole (50a) may be provided around the current collector hole (50a). In this case, a screw thread having a shape corresponding to the second screw thread (TH2) may be formed on the inner circumference of the current collector flange portion (51). The above-mentioned collector flange portion (51) can increase the area where screw threads are formed on the collector (50), thereby making bolt fastening more secure.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 7, a receiving groove (G) may be provided on the lower surface of the battery terminal (30), i.e., on the surface facing the current collector (50). A third screw thread (TH3) may be formed on the inner surface of the receiving groove (G). The current collector (50) may be provided with a current collector flange portion (51) formed at a position corresponding to the receiving groove (G) of the battery terminal (30). A screw thread having a shape corresponding to the second screw thread (TH2) may be formed on the outer surface of the current collector flange portion (51). Accordingly, the current collector flange portion (51) may be bolt-fastened within the receiving groove (G) of the battery terminal (30).

[0062] In this way, when the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) of the present invention are bolted together, and the battery terminal (30) and the current collector (50) are bolted together, the current collector (50) can act as a nut that prevents loosening of the bolted connection between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). In addition, since the welding process for joining the battery terminal (30) and the current collector (50) can be omitted, concerns about damage to the electrode assembly due to heat that may be generated during the welding process or interference by the welding tool can be resolved.

[0063]

[0064] Next, with reference to Fig. 8, a case in which an insulator (60) is applied to the battery (1) of the present invention will be described.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an embodiment in which an insulator is interposed between the current collector and the closed portion of the battery housing in the battery of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery (1) of the present invention may include an insulator (60). The insulator (60) may be interposed between the closing portion of the battery housing (20) and the current collector (50). The insulator (60) may be configured to have a thickness corresponding to the width of the space between the closing portion of the battery housing (20) and the current collector (50). The insulator (60) may be interposed in a compressed state between the closing portion of the battery housing (20) and the current collector (50). When the insulator (60) is interposed in a compressed state in this way, the effect of preventing loosening of the bolt fastening between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) and / or the bolt fastening between the battery terminal (30) and the current collector (50) may be maximized. That is, the insulator (60) may perform the function of an elastic washer that enables preventing loosening of the bolt fastening.

[0067]

[0068] Next, the lower structure of a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a lower portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 9, the battery (1) of the present invention may include a battery cover (70). The battery cover (70) may be configured to cover an opening formed on one side of the battery housing (20). The battery cover (70) may include metal. The battery cover (70) may include a venting portion. The venting portion may be an area of ​​the battery cover (70) that is configured to be more vulnerable than other surrounding areas. The venting portion may be, for example, an area having a thinner thickness compared to the remaining areas of the battery cover (70). The venting portion may be, for example, an area with notches on both sides. The venting portion may have an extended shape that forms a closed loop surrounding the approximate center of the battery cover (70). The venting portion may be formed continuously or discontinuously. In this way, when the battery (1) of the present invention includes a venting portion, even if an abnormality occurs in the battery (1), the internal pressure of the battery (1) can be prevented from increasing above a certain level.

[0071] The battery (1) may include a current collector (second current collector) (80). The current collector (80) may be configured to electrically connect a second electrode of the electrode assembly (10) and a battery housing (20). The current collector (80) may be disposed on one surface of the electrode assembly (10). The current collector (80) may be electrically coupled to a second non-coated portion (12) of the electrode assembly (10). The second electrode of the electrode assembly (10) may have a second non-coated portion (12) extending from one end thereof in a winding direction. Accordingly, the second non-coated portion (12) may be provided on the second surface of the electrode assembly (10) (the surface opposite to the first surface on which the first non-coated portion is provided). The second non-coated portion (12) may, for example, extend downwardly of the electrode assembly (10).

[0072] The above battery (1) may include a sealing member (90) interposed between the battery cover (70) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20). When the sealing member (90) is provided, the current collector (80) may be interposed between the sealing member (90) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20).

[0073]

[0074] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a battery pack (3) and a vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described, respectively.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery (1) of the present invention as described above. The battery (1) may be accommodated in a pack housing (2). The battery pack (3) may include components for electrical connection of the batteries (1) and / or a BMS (Battery Management System) configured to control charging and discharging of the batteries (1).

[0077] Next, referring to FIG. 11, a vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes at least one battery pack (3). The vehicle (5) may be configured to operate by receiving power from the battery pack (3). The vehicle (5) may be, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or an electric vehicle (EV).

[0078]

[0079] 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.

[0080] [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1: Battery

[0082] 2: Pack housing

[0083] 3: Battery pack

[0084] 5: Car

[0085] 10: Electrode assembly

[0086] 11: 1st Military Department

[0087] 12: 2nd Military Department

[0088] 20: Battery housing

[0089] 20a: Terminal hole

[0090] 21: Housing flange section

[0091] TH1: First screw thread

[0092] 30: Battery terminals

[0093] G; Reception home

[0094] TH2: Second screw thread

[0095] TH3: Third screw thread

[0096] 40: Insulating member

[0097] 50: Whole house (1st whole house)

[0098] 50a: Whole house hall

[0099] 51: Whole body flange

[0100] 60: Insulator

[0101] 70: Battery cover

[0102] 80: Whole house (second whole house)

[0103] 90: Sealing member

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; A battery housing configured to receive the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side; A battery terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly inside the battery housing by passing through the closing portion of the battery housing provided on the opposite side of the opening portion, and configured to be bolt-fastened to the battery housing; and An insulating member interposed between the battery terminal and the battery housing; A battery containing:

2. In paragraph 1, The above battery housing, A battery characterized by having a terminal hole configured to allow the battery terminal to pass through and having a first screw thread formed on an inner surface.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery characterized in that a second screw thread corresponding to the first screw thread is formed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the battery terminal.

4. In paragraph 2, The above terminal hole is, A battery characterized by being formed by burring processing.

5. In paragraph 2, The above battery housing, A battery characterized by having a housing flange portion extending along the periphery of the terminal hole and extending along the thickness direction of the closed portion of the battery housing.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery characterized in that the first screw thread is formed on the inner surface of the housing flange portion.

7. In paragraph 2, The above insulating material is, A battery characterized by a tape wound on the outer surface of the battery terminal.

8. In paragraph 1, The above battery, A battery characterized by including a current collector interposed between the closure portion and the electrode assembly and configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery, characterized in that the battery terminal is configured to be electrically coupled to the current collector.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery characterized in that the above-mentioned collector is configured to be bolted to the above-mentioned battery terminal.

11. In paragraph 10, The above battery, A battery characterized by including an insulator interposed between the closing portion and the collector.

12. In paragraph 11, The above insulator, A battery characterized in that it is configured to have a thickness corresponding to the width of the space between the above-mentioned closing portion and the above-mentioned collector.

13. In paragraph 11, The above insulator, A battery characterized in that it is interposed in a compressed state between the above-mentioned closing part and the above-mentioned collector.

14. A battery pack comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to Article 14.

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