Gasket, battery cell, battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly; a battery housing for accommodating the electrode assembly through an opening portion provided on one side thereof; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a closing portion provided on the opposite side of the opening portion of the battery housing; and a gasket, which is interposed between the terminal and the battery housing, prevents an electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing, and includes ceramic filler.

Description

Gaskets, battery cells, battery packs and vehicles containing the same

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0191782, filed December 26, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0018291, filed February 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and high 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.

[0004] 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 these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for 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 the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventional cylindrical battery cell structures utilize insulating gasket components to prevent short circuits between the negatively charged can and the positively charged rivet. However, these polymer-based gasket components suffer from the problem of decomposition due to the high temperatures and pressures experienced during cell ignition and explosion, rendering them ineffective. Therefore, the development of a short-circuit prevention gasket capable of blocking current even after a battery cell explosion due to a thermal event has become necessary.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a gasket that can maintain an insulating function even in a high temperature and high pressure environment when a battery cell ignites or explodes.

[0007] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a short-circuit prevention gasket capable of blocking current even after explosion of a battery cell.

[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 gasket may include: an electrode assembly; a battery housing configured to receive the electrode assembly through an opening provided on one side; a terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a closing portion provided on an opposite side of the battery housing to the opening portion; and a gasket interposed between the terminal and the battery housing, configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing, and including a ceramic filler.

[0010] Preferably, the ceramic filler can be configured to be sinterable under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the ceramic filler can be sintered under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions to form a ceramic filler network.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the gasket may include at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, B2O3, TiO (Titanium(II) oxide), and CaP (Calcium phosphate).

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the gasket may further comprise a polymer.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the gasket may include a first gasket part exposed to the outside of the battery cell based on the closing portion of the battery housing; and a second gasket part located on the inside of the battery cell based on the closing portion of the battery housing.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the first gasket part and the second gasket part can be configured to be separable from each other.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the end surface of the first gasket part and the end surface of the second gasket part can be configured to align with each other.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the first gasket part may include a ceramic filler.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the second gasket part may comprise a polymer.

[0019] Preferably, the second gasket part may have elasticity.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the second gasket part may include at least one of PBT, PP, PTFE, PPA, PFA, PEEK, PA and PS.

[0021] Meanwhile, a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention is a gasket interposed between a terminal of a cylindrical battery cell and a battery housing, and configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing, and may include a ceramic filler.

[0022] Meanwhile, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery cell.

[0023] Meanwhile, a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack.

[0024] According to the present invention, the insulating function of the gasket can be maintained even in a high temperature and high pressure environment when a battery cell ignites or explodes.

[0025] In addition, according to the present invention, a short-circuit prevention gasket that maintains a state capable of blocking current even after the explosion of a battery cell can be provided.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal and gasket separated from the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the terminals and gasket in the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a gasket according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining the process of deformation of a gasket and its deformed state when a thermal event occurs inside a battery cell.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a process of mounting a first gasket part according to one embodiment of the present invention to a battery cell.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a process of mounting a second gasket part according to one embodiment of the present invention to a battery cell.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a second gasket part according to one embodiment of the present invention is deformed by a riveting process.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the final shape of a second gasket part according to one embodiment of the present invention deformed by a riveting process.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0042] 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 also mean uniformity on average.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0045] Any configuration being placed "on (or below)" a component or "on (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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0048] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10) wound in the form of a jelly roll is referred to as the axial direction. In addition, the direction surrounding the winding axis is referred to as the circumferential direction or the peripheral direction. In addition, the direction approaching or away from the winding axis is referred to as the radial direction. Among these, the direction approaching the winding axis is particularly referred to as the centripetal direction, and the direction away from the winding axis is referred to as the centrifugal direction.

[0049]

[0050] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal (30) and gasket (40) separated from the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), a terminal (30), and a gasket (40). The battery cell (1) may be a secondary battery. The battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery.

[0053] The electrode assembly (10) may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly (10) may be, for example, a jelly roll type electrode assembly formed by winding a laminate including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator.

[0054] The electrode assembly (10) includes a first non-coated portion (11) and a second non-coated portion (12). More specifically, the electrode assembly (10) has a structure in which the first electrode and the second electrode and the separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding axis, with a separator interposed therebetween, to define a core and an outer circumferential surface. That is, the electrode assembly (10) applied to the present invention may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly (10). In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly (10) for insulation from the battery housing (20). The electrode assembly (10) may have a winding structure well known in the art without limitation. Meanwhile, in the present invention, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0055]

[0056] The above battery housing (20) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (10) through an opening provided on one side. 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).

[0057] The battery housing (20) is a roughly cylindrical container with an opening (C1) formed at the bottom, and is made of a conductive material such as metal, for example. The material of the battery housing (20) may be, for example, steel, stainless steel, or nickel-plated iron. The upper surface located opposite the opening (C1) is referred to as a closed portion (C2). The side wall portion and the closed portion (C2) of the battery housing (20) may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the side wall portion and the closed portion (C2) of the battery housing (20) may be provided separately and joined to each other by welding, etc. The upper surface (the surface parallel to the XY plane) of the battery housing (20), i.e., the outer surface of the closed portion (C2), may have a roughly flat shape. The battery housing (20) may accommodate an electrode assembly (E) through the opening portion (C1) formed at the bottom.

[0058]

[0059] The terminal (30) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) through a closing portion provided on the opposite side of the opening portion of the battery housing (20). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal (30) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery housing (20) through the closing portion of the battery housing (20). The terminal (30) may be electrically connected to, for example, the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10).

[0060] The specific structure of the terminal (30) and gasket (40) will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a terminal (30) and a gasket (40) in a battery cell (1) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a gasket (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the terminal (30) may include a first terminal portion (31), a second terminal portion (32), and a third terminal portion (33) connecting the first terminal portion (31) and the second terminal portion (32).

[0063] The first terminal portion (31) may be configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly (10) within the battery housing (20). The first terminal portion (31) may be configured to be fixed to the battery housing (20). The first terminal portion (31) may be provided at a position corresponding to a winding center hole formed in the core of the electrode assembly (10), for example.

[0064] The first terminal portion (31) may include an electrical connection portion (31a) and an inner flange portion (31b). The electrical connection portion (31a) may be electrically coupled, for example, to a first non-conductive portion (11) of an electrode assembly (10). The electrical connection portion (31a) may be electrically coupled, for example, to a current collector (first current collector) (60) to be described later. The inner flange portion (31b) may be provided on the outer side of the electrical connection portion (31a). The inner flange portion (31b) may be riveted to have a curved shape from the outer periphery of the electrical connection portion (31a) toward the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). By this shape deformation of the inner flange portion (31b), the terminal (30) may be fixed on the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20).

[0065] The second terminal portion (32) may be exposed to the outside of the battery housing (20). The second terminal portion (32) may be configured to have a larger diameter (or width) than a hole formed in the closed portion of the battery housing (20) for insertion of the terminal (30). For example, an outer flange portion (F) may be provided around the edge of the second terminal portion (32). The terminal (30) may be fixed to the battery housing (20) by the inner flange portion (31b) and the outer flange portion (F).

[0066]

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the gasket (40) may be interposed between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may be configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. The terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) may have opposite polarities, and in this case, the gasket (40) may be configured to prevent short circuiting due to contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may include a material having electrical insulation properties and chemical resistance to electrolytes.

[0068] In one aspect of the present invention, the gasket (40) may include a ceramic filler. The ceramic filler may be configured to be sinterable under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions. For example, the ceramic filler may be configured to be sinterable under temperature and pressure conditions that occur during a thermal event, such as an internal explosion of a secondary battery. For example, the ceramic filler may be configured to be sinterable under a temperature condition of approximately 600 degrees Celsius or higher.

[0069] In another aspect of the present invention, the ceramic filler may be configured to form a ceramic filler network by sintering under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions. For example, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (1), the ceramic filler may sinter, forming a filler network between the ceramic fillers. Accordingly, if a space existed between the ceramic fillers before sintering, the space may no longer exist between the ceramic fillers after sintering. In addition, as the ceramic fillers form a network and harden, the gasket (40) may fix the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) in a certain state.

[0070] In another aspect of the present invention, the ceramic filler may include at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, B2O3, TiO (Titanium(II) oxide), and CaP (Calcium phosphate). The ceramic filler may have insulating properties.

[0071] According to this structure, even when a thermal event such as an explosion of a battery cell (1) occurs, the gasket (40) is structured to fix the ends of the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) in a certain state by the ceramic filler network of the insulating ceramic filler, so that contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be effectively prevented. Accordingly, a short circuit between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be prevented.

[0072]

[0073] The above gasket (40) may include a polymer. The above gasket (40) may include, for example, an engineering plastic. Examples of the engineering plastic include PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), PP (Polyprophylene), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PPA (Polyphthalamide), PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy), PEEK (Polyther Etherketone), PA (Polyamide), PS (Polystyrene), etc.

[0074] That is, the gasket (40) may be a mixture containing a polymer and a ceramic filler. For example, the gasket (40) may be composed of a mixture in which a ceramic filler is added to a polymer base. Accordingly, the material constituting the base of the gasket (40) may be a polymer, and may have a structure in which a ceramic filler is embedded between the polymers. Accordingly, when the gasket (40) is placed in a high temperature and high pressure environment, the polymer component decomposes, and the insulating ceramic filler may form a ceramic filler network under certain temperature and pressure conditions.

[0075] Accordingly, with the above configuration, a short circuit between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be effectively prevented. In addition, with the structure in which the gasket (40) includes a polymer as described above, the possibility of a short circuit is blocked, and the ease of injection of the gasket (40) can be further improved.

[0076]

[0077] In another aspect of the present invention, the gasket (40) may be deformed together with the terminal (30) when riveting inside the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may be interposed between the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20) and the terminal (30) according to this deformation.

[0078] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the gasket (40) may include a first gasket part (41) and a second gasket part (42).

[0079] The first gasket part (41) may be interposed between the second terminal part (32) and the outer surface of the closing part of the battery housing (20). The first gasket part (41) may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell (1) based on the closing part of the battery housing (20). More specifically, the first gasket part (41) may include an exposed area that is exposed to the outside of the terminal (30) from the outside of the battery housing (20).

[0080] Meanwhile, the first gasket part (41) may be configured such that its cross-section has an approximately “ㄱ” shape. That is, the first gasket part (41) may be configured to have a horizontal region and a vertical region based on the cross-section. Here, the horizontal region may be interposed between the outer flange portion (F) of the second terminal portion (32) and the battery housing (20). Meanwhile, the vertical region may be interposed between the third terminal portion (33) of the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). Ultimately, the first gasket part (41) may have a structure having a flat region and a pipe shape extending downward or upward from the innermost point of the flat region. The first gasket part (41) may not have its structure deformed when the terminal (30) is riveted.

[0081] The second gasket part (42) may be interposed between the inner flange part (31b) of the first terminal part (31) and the inner surface of the closing part of the battery housing (20). The second gasket part (42) may be positioned on the inner side of the battery cell (1) based on the closing part of the battery housing (20). More specifically, the second gasket part (42) may include an exposed area that is exposed from the inside of the battery housing (20) to the outside of the terminal (30). For example, the second gasket part (42) of the gasket (40) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the inner flange part (31b) of the first terminal part (31).

[0082] Meanwhile, the second gasket part (42) may be configured to have a roughly cylindrical pipe shape. At this time, the second gasket part (42) may be deformed until one end comes into contact with the inner surface of the battery housing (20) by riveting the terminal (30). Accordingly, the shape of the final deformed second gasket (40) may be configured such that its longitudinal cross-section has an approximately “L” shape.

[0083]

[0084] In one aspect of the present invention, the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) can be configured to be separable from each other.

[0085] For example, the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) may be manufactured through separate manufacturing processes. That is, the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) may exist as separate components. Accordingly, the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) may be made of different materials.

[0086] According to this structure, since the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) can be manufactured separately, manufacturing can be made easier in terms of injection moldability. Furthermore, since the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) can exist as separate parts, each part can be manufactured with different materials. Accordingly, manufacturing ease can be further improved.

[0087]

[0088] In another aspect of the present invention, the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) may be configured to be in contact with each other. For example, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the lower surface of the first gasket part (41) and the upper surface of the second gasket part (42) may be configured to be in contact with each other. Here, the end surface of the first gasket part (41) and the end surface of the second gasket part (42) may be configured to be aligned with each other.

[0089] For example, the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) may be manufactured through separate manufacturing processes and then joined through a separate process, but they may also be assembled as separate parts without being joined. In this case, since the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) do not undergo a separate bonding process, a slight gap may exist between the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42). However, according to the structure in which the end surface of the first gasket part (41) and the end surface of the second gasket part (42) of the present invention are aligned with each other, a gap may not exist between the end surface of the first gasket part (41) and the end surface of the second gasket part (42). Accordingly, the sealing force and airtightness of the gasket (40) can be guaranteed.

[0090]

[0091] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a gasket (40) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] The end surface of the first gasket part (41) and the end surface of the second gasket part (42) may be configured to have complementary shapes. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the end surface of the first gasket part (41) and the end surface of the second gasket part (42) may each be configured to have a gear shape.

[0093] With this structure, the contact area between the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) increases, thereby improving the sealing force and airtightness. In addition, due to the uneven structure formed on the end surface of the first gasket part (41) and the end surface of the second gasket part (42), misalignment between the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) can be effectively prevented.

[0094]

[0095] Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining the process of deformation of a gasket (40) and its deformed state when a thermal event occurs inside a battery cell (1).

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in one aspect of the present invention, the first gasket part (41) may include a ceramic filler. More specifically, the first gasket part (41) may include a mixture of a ceramic filler and a polymer. The ceramic filler may be configured to have a higher melting point compared to the polymer. In this case, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery cell (1) and the internal temperature of the battery cell (1) increases, or the polymer is damaged or destroyed by contact with a flame and / or high-temperature gas, the ceramic filler may not be destroyed and may remain interposed between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). Meanwhile, the second gasket part (42) may include a polymer. For example, the second gasket part (42) may be configured to include only a polymer without including a ceramic filler.

[0097] According to this embodiment, only the first gasket part (41) may contain a ceramic filler, and the second gasket part (42) may not contain a ceramic filler. With this structure, when a thermal event occurs inside the battery cell (1), the second gasket part (42) containing only a polymer component may be completely decomposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second gasket part (42) may completely melt and flow into the battery cell (1). However, since the first gasket part (41) contains both a ceramic filler and a polymer, the polymer component may melt and the ceramic filler may be sintered to form a ceramic filler network. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the first gasket part (41) may be in a state where the ceramic filler is sintered. At this time, the first gasket part (41) may block the space between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). That is, the sintered first gasket part (41) can prevent electrical contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20), thereby preventing short circuiting of the battery cell (1).

[0098] That is, according to this structure, since only the first gasket part (41) contains a ceramic filler, it is possible to secure cost-effectiveness in manufacturing the gasket (40). In addition, while securing cost-effectiveness, it is possible to reliably prevent short circuits between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). Furthermore, since the second gasket part (42) contains only a polymer component, it is also possible to secure ease of injection molding.

[0099]

[0100] In another aspect of the present invention, the second gasket part (42) may be configured to have elasticity. In this way, since the second gasket part (42) is configured to have elasticity, the sealing force and airtightness of the gasket (40) can be secured. For example, the second gasket part (42) may include at least one of PBT, PP, PTFE, PPA, PFA, PEEK, PA, and PS.

[0101]

[0102] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery cell (1) of the present invention may include a current collector (first current collector) (60). The current collector (60) may be provided between the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (30). The current collector (60) may be configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (30). The current collector (60) may be disposed between the electrode assembly (10) and the inner surface of the closure portion of the battery housing (20). The current collector (60) may be configured to electrically connect the first electrode of the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (30).

[0103] The first electrode of the electrode assembly (10) may have a first uncoated portion (11) extending from one end thereof along the winding direction. Accordingly, the first uncoated portion (11) may be provided on the first surface of the electrode assembly (10). The first uncoated portion (11) may, for example, extend upwards of the electrode assembly (10).

[0104]

[0105] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a first gasket part (41) according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a battery cell (1), and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a second gasket part (42) according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a battery cell (1). FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a second gasket part (42) according to an embodiment of the present invention is deformed by a riveting process, and FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a final form in which a second gasket part (42) according to an embodiment of the present invention is deformed by a riveting process.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, it can be seen that the process of ensuring ease of assembly is achieved by the first gasket part (41) and the second gasket part (42) being configured as separate gaskets (40).

[0107] Referring to Fig. 7, first, the first gasket part (41) can be mounted on the outer flange part (F) located around the edge of the second terminal part (32). Here, the terminal (30) before being deformed by the riveting process can be configured in a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal cross-section having approximately a “T” shape. That is, the inner flange part (31b) before being deformed can extend approximately vertically upward from the second terminal part (32) in the drawing. Meanwhile, the first gasket part (41) can be configured so that its longitudinal cross-section has approximately a “ㄱ” shape. That is, the first gasket part (41) can be configured to have a horizontal region and a vertical region based on the longitudinal cross-section. Here, the horizontal region can be interposed between the outer flange part (F) of the second terminal part (32) and the battery housing (20). Meanwhile, the vertical region may be interposed between the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30) before deformation and the battery housing (20). As shown in Fig. 7, the first gasket part (41) may be configured to fit precisely and without a gap between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). That is, the inner diameter of the first gasket part (41) may be configured to match the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the terminal (30) before deformation.

[0108] Next, referring to FIG. 8, a second gasket part (42) may be further mounted. That is, the second gasket part (42) may be placed on top of the first gasket part (41). Here, the second gasket part (42) may be configured to have a substantially cylindrical pipe shape. At this time, the inner diameter of the second gasket part (42) may be configured to match the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the terminal (30) before deformation.

[0109] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the inner flange portion (31b) can be bent toward the inner surface of the battery housing (20) through a riveting process. Accordingly, the second gasket portion (42) that was in contact with the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30) can also be deformed. That is, since the second gasket portion (42) is configured to have elasticity, the shape of the second gasket portion (42) can also be easily deformed according to the deformation of the inner flange portion (31b).

[0110] Finally, referring to FIG. 10, the inner flange portion (31b) can be bent until it becomes approximately parallel to the inner surface of the battery housing (20) through the riveting process. Accordingly, the second gasket part (42) that was in contact with the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30) can also be deformed until it becomes approximately parallel to the inner surface of the battery housing (20). Here, since the length of the second gasket part (42) is configured to be slightly longer than the length of the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30), the space between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be reliably cut off by the second gasket part (42) even after the riveting process. Accordingly, electrical contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be effectively prevented.

[0111] As described above, since the gasket (40) is configured as a separate first gasket part (41) and a second gasket part (42), the process of assembling the gasket (40) into the narrow space between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be performed more easily. In addition, since the first gasket part (41) includes a ceramic filler, even when a thermal event, etc. occurs in the battery cell (1), electrical contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) is effectively prevented, thereby preventing a short circuit.

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to Fig. 11, a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery cell (1) of the present invention as described above. The battery cell (1) may be accommodated in a pack housing (2). The battery pack (3) may include components for electrical connection of the battery cells (1) and / or a BMS (Battery Management System) configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cells (1).

[0115] Next, referring to FIG. 12, 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).

[0116]

[0117] 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.

[0118] [Drawing reference symbol]

[0119] 1: Battery cell

[0120] 2: Pack housing

[0121] 3: Battery pack

[0122] 5: Car

[0123] 10: Electrode assembly

[0124] 11: 1st Military Department

[0125] 12: 2nd Military Department

[0126] 20: Battery housing

[0127] 30: Terminal

[0128] 31: First terminal section

[0129] 31a: Electrical connections

[0130] 31b: Inner flange

[0131] 32: Second terminal

[0132] F: Outer flange

[0133] 33: Third terminal

[0134] 40: Gasket

[0135] 41: First gasket part

[0136] 42: Second gasket part

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; A battery housing configured to receive the electrode assembly through an opening provided on one side; A terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a closing portion provided on the opposite side of the opening portion of the battery housing; and A gasket interposed between the terminal and the battery housing and configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing, and including a ceramic filler A battery cell comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, The above ceramic filler is, A battery cell characterized in that it is configured to be sinterable under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions.

3. In paragraph 1, The above ceramic filler is, A battery cell characterized in that it forms a ceramic filler network by sintering under predetermined temperature and pressure conditions.

4. In paragraph 1, The above gasket, A battery cell characterized by comprising at least one of Al2O3, SiO2, B2O3, TiO(Titanium(II) oxide), and CaP(Calcium phosphate).

5. In paragraph 1, The above gasket, A battery cell characterized by further comprising a polymer.

6. In paragraph 1, The above gasket, A first gasket part exposed to the outside of the battery cell based on the closed portion of the battery housing; and A second gasket part located inside the battery cell based on the closing part of the above battery housing A battery cell characterized by including a .

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell characterized in that the first gasket part and the second gasket part are configured to be separable from each other.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery cell characterized in that the end surface of the first gasket part and the end surface of the second gasket part are configured to align with each other.

9. In paragraph 6, A battery cell, characterized in that the first gasket part includes a ceramic filler.

10. In paragraph 6, A battery cell, characterized in that the second gasket part comprises a polymer.

11. In paragraph 6, A battery cell, characterized in that the second gasket part has elasticity.

12. In paragraph 6, The above second gasket part, A battery cell characterized by comprising at least one of PBT, PP, PTFE, PPA, PFA, PEEK, PA and PS.

13. A gasket interposed between a terminal of a cylindrical battery cell and a battery housing and configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing, characterized in that the gasket includes a ceramic filler.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A vehicle characterized by comprising at least one battery pack as described in paragraph 14.

Images