Battery, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery comprising: an electrode assembly; and a housing receiving the electrode assembly therein and having a crimping portion configured such that an opening portion side end portion formed on one side is inwardly bent, wherein an indented portion configured to be at least partially indented inwardly is formed in the bent end portion of the crimping portion.

Description

Batteries, battery packs and vehicles containing the same

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0193121, filed on December 27, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0015904, filed on February 1, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0004] Secondary battery cells, which offer high applicability across a wide range of product categories and possess electrical properties such as high energy density, 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 secondary battery cells not only offer the primary advantage of dramatically reducing fossil fuel use but also produce no byproducts from energy use, attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0005] Depending on the charge / discharge capacity required by an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form a battery pack. Typically, a battery module containing at least one battery cell is first constructed, and then other components are added to form a battery pack or battery rack using this at least one battery module. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing, are also being manufactured.

[0006] Meanwhile, conventional cylindrical batteries are configured by placing an electrolyte and electrode assembly in a metal housing, assembling a cap assembly at the top, and sealing the upper part of the open housing through a crimping process using a crimping device.

[0007] In these conventional cylindrical batteries, the crimping portion at the top of the housing has difficulty completely sealing the housing. Furthermore, when these cylindrical batteries are mounted in a battery module or battery pack, the lack of a structure to secure the cylindrical battery makes it difficult to ensure structural stability of the cylindrical battery within the battery module or battery pack.

[0008] Therefore, the development of a cylindrical battery with a structure that can solve these problems is required.

[0009] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its primary purpose the provision of a battery having enhanced sealing power by doubly sealing the opening of the battery.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention aims to provide a structure capable of supporting a battery when the battery is mounted in a battery module or battery pack, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[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] A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly; and a housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and has a crimping portion configured to bend inwardly at an end on an open portion formed on one side thereof; and an indentation configured to be at least partially indented inwardly at the bent end of the crimping portion.

[0013] The housing cover may further be configured to cover the opening, and the crimping portion may be configured to wrap around an edge of the housing cover.

[0014] It may further include a sealing gasket interposed between the crimping portion of the housing and the housing cover.

[0015] The above sealing gasket may have a sealing reinforcing portion configured to be compressed by the indentation portion of the above crimping portion.

[0016] The above-mentioned clamping portion may be provided with a support portion configured to extend to both sides of the indentation portion and have a constant height.

[0017] The above support member may be provided in multiple numbers along the bending direction of the above clamping member.

[0018] It may further include a base plate configured to allow the bent end of the above-mentioned crimping portion to be settled.

[0019] The above base plate may have a guide portion configured to be inserted into the above recessed portion.

[0020] The height of the above guide portion may be configured to correspond to the width of the indentation portion recessed inward.

[0021] The above indentation portion may be provided in multiple numbers, and the above guide portion may be provided in multiple numbers along the bending direction of the above crimping portion.

[0022] It may further include a terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a closure formed on the other side of the housing.

[0023] The terminal may be configured to be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion of the electrode assembly.

[0024] The above housing cover may have a vent portion configured to be ruptured when the internal pressure of the housing increases above a certain level.

[0025] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, by applying a structure that recesses inwardly into the crimping portion of the battery, the housing cover and sealing gasket are double-sealed, thereby suppressing or preventing leakage of electrolyte from within the housing to the outside. Thus, according to this aspect of the present invention, the sealing strength of the battery can be further strengthened.

[0028] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, by applying a structure that is recessed inwardly to the crimping portion of the battery, a structure capable of supporting the battery when the battery is mounted in a battery module or battery pack is provided, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0029] In addition, the present invention may have various other effects, which will be described in each embodiment configuration, or the description of effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0030] 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.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2, and is a drawing for explaining a crimping portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery and a base plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery housing according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted on a base plate.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 5, and is a drawing for explaining a structure in which a crimping portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is seated on a base plate.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a crimping portion of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the venting direction when a thermal event occurs in a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Meanwhile, in the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0045] For convenience of explanation, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly wound in the form of a jellyroll is referred to as the axial direction in this specification. 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.

[0046]

[0047] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a longitudinal perspective view showing the internal structure of the battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Fig. 2, and is a drawing for explaining a crimping portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] First, a battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly (100) and a housing (200). The battery (10) of the present invention is not limited in the shape of the housing (200), and may be, for example, a cylindrical battery as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing.

[0049] When the battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided in a cylindrical shape, referring to FIG. 2, the electrode assembly (100) may include a first non-coated portion (110) and a second non-coated portion (120). More specifically, the electrode assembly (100) may have 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, thereby defining a core and an outer circumferential surface. That is, the electrode assembly (100) applied to the present invention may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly (100). In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly (100) for insulation from the housing (200). The electrode assembly (100) may have a winding structure well known in the art.

[0050] The first electrode may include a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material applied on one or both surfaces of the first electrode current collector. A non-coated portion on which the first electrode active material is not applied may exist at one end in the width direction (parallel to the height direction of the battery cell (1) illustrated in FIG. 1) of the first electrode. That is, the first electrode may include a non-coated portion that is not coated with an active material at a long end along the winding direction and is exposed to the outside of the separator. The non-coated portion that functions as a first electrode tab will be hereinafter referred to as a first non-coated portion (110).

[0051] The first non-conductive portion (110) may be provided on the upper portion of the electrode assembly (100) accommodated in the housing (200) in the height direction (parallel to the height direction of the battery (10) illustrated in FIG. 1). That is, the first electrode includes a first non-conductive portion (110) that is not coated with an active material layer on a long end and is exposed to the outside of the separator, and at least a portion of the first non-conductive portion (110) may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. The first non-conductive portion (110) may be, for example, a negative electrode tab.

[0052] The second electrode may include a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material applied on one or both surfaces of the second electrode current collector. A non-coated portion on which the second electrode active material is not applied may exist on the other end in the width direction (parallel to the height direction of the battery (10) illustrated in FIG. 1) of the second electrode. That is, the second electrode may include a non-coated portion that is not coated with an active material on the long end along the winding direction and is exposed to the outside of the separator. The non-coated portion that functions as a second electrode tab will be hereinafter referred to as a second non-coated portion (120).

[0053] The second non-conductive portion (120) may be provided at the lower portion in the height direction of the electrode assembly (100) accommodated in the housing (200). That is, the second electrode includes a second non-conductive portion (120) that is not coated with an active material layer on a long end and is exposed to the outside of the separator, and at least a portion of the second non-conductive portion (120) may be used as an electrode tab in its own right. The second non-conductive portion (120) may be, for example, a positive electrode tab.

[0054] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode current collector can be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0055] Meanwhile, the housing (200) may be configured to accommodate the electrode assembly (100). The housing (200) may have an opening formed on one side. The housing (200) may accommodate the electrode assembly (100) through the opening. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the housing (200) may have an open upper portion in the height direction (+Z-axis direction) and a closed lower portion (-Z-axis direction). The housing (200) may be a substantially cylindrical receiver and may include a conductive metal.

[0056] Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the housing (200) may be provided with a crimping portion (210). The crimping portion (210) may be configured such that the end portion on the open side of the housing (200) is bent inward.

[0057] At this time, a recessed portion (211) may be formed in the bent end of the crimping portion (210). The recessed portion (211) may be configured such that the bent end of the crimping portion (210) is at least partially recessed inward. The recessed portion (211) may be formed in the middle of the bent end of the crimping portion (210). The recessed portion (211) may be formed during the crimping process.

[0058] The indentation (211) may be provided to be indented inward along the circumference of the battery (10). The indentation (211) may be configured to form a closed loop along the circumference of the battery (10).

[0059] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by applying an inwardly recessed structure to the crimping portion (210) of the battery (10), the recessed portion (211) double seals the open portion of the battery (10), thereby enhancing the sealing force. In particular, the electrolyte injected into the housing (200) can be suppressed or prevented from leaking to the outside.

[0060]

[0061] Hereinafter, the advantages of forming a recessed portion (211) in the crimping portion (210) of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0062] Meanwhile, the battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a housing cover (300). The housing cover (300) may be configured to cover an opening formed on one side of the housing (200). The housing cover (300) may be fixed by a crimping portion (210) of the housing (200). Specifically, the crimping portion (210) may be configured to be bent inward to wrap around the edge of the housing cover (300). In particular, an end of the housing cover (300) may be fixed by a recessed portion (211) formed in the crimping portion (210).

[0063] As in the embodiment of the present invention, when a recessed portion (211) configured to be recessed into the crimping portion (210) toward the housing cover (300) is formed, the recessed portion (211) can more stably fix the housing cover (300).

[0064] Meanwhile, the housing (200) may be provided with a beading portion (220). The beading portion (220) may have a shape in which the outer circumference of the housing (200) is pressed inward to a predetermined depth. The inner diameter of the housing (200) in the area where the beading portion (220) is formed may be formed smaller than the diameter of the electrode assembly (100).

[0065] More specifically, the beading portion (220) may be formed at an end adjacent to the opening. The beading portion (220) may be formed on the upper portion of the electrode assembly (100). The beading portion (220) may have a shape that is pressed inward in the area between the opening formed on one side of the housing (200) and the receiving portion that receives the electrode assembly (100).

[0066] The beading portion (220) prevents the electrode assembly (100), which may have a size roughly corresponding to the inner diameter of the housing (200), from coming out through the opening formed at the top of the housing (200), and can function as a support portion on which the housing cover (300) is mounted.

[0067] To this end, the beading portion (220) can provide a support surface on which the housing cover (300) can be secured. At this time, the upper surface of the beading portion (220) can have a shape that extends along a direction roughly parallel to the lower surface of the housing (200), i.e., along a direction roughly perpendicular to the side wall of the housing (200). Accordingly, the beading portion (220) can more stably support the perimeter of the edge of the housing cover (300).

[0068] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the beading portion (220) is provided in addition to the crimping portion (210), the fixing force of the housing cover (300) can be improved without a separate fixing member, and the sealing property of the housing (200) can be secured.

[0069] In addition, the battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first current collector (500). The first current collector (500) is accommodated inside the housing (200), is electrically connected to the electrode assembly (100), and may be configured to be electrically connected to the housing (200). That is, the first current collector (500) may be configured to electrically connect between the electrode assembly (100) and the housing (200).

[0070] The first current collector (500) may be provided on one side of the electrode assembly (100). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first current collector (500) may be provided on the upper portion of the electrode assembly (100) and may be provided by being mounted on the beading portion (220).

[0071] Meanwhile, the battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sealing gasket (400). The sealing gasket (400) may be configured to surround an end of the housing cover (300) between the beading portion (220) and the crimping portion (210). That is, the sealing gasket (400) may be interposed between the crimping portion (210) of the housing (200) and the housing cover (300) and between the first current collector (500) and the housing cover (300). At this time, the beading portion (220) may function as a support portion for fixing not only the housing cover (300) but also the sealing gasket (400).

[0072] The sealing gasket (400) may be configured to be compressed by external pressure. The sealing gasket (400) may be made of a material having elasticity. For example, the sealing gasket (400) may be made of a material such as silicone.

[0073] In particular, referring to FIG. 3, the sealing gasket (400) may be provided with a sealing reinforcement portion (410). The sealing reinforcement portion (410) may be configured to be compressed by the recessed portion (211) of the crimping portion (210). That is, since the bent end of the crimping portion (210) is configured to be recessed toward the sealing gasket (400), at least a portion of the sealing gasket (400) may be configured to be compressed inward.

[0074] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the sealing reinforcement portion (410) is formed by the indentation portion (211), the sealing gasket (400) is double-sealed, thereby further improving the fixing force of the housing cover (300). In addition, the electrolyte injected into the interior of the housing (200) is suppressed or prevented from leaking to the outside, thereby further improving the sealing property of the housing (200).

[0075]

[0076] Meanwhile, the battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a terminal (600) and / or a second current collector (700) and / or an insulating gasket (800) and / or an insulator (900).

[0077] The terminal (600) may be configured to be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion (120) of the electrode assembly (100). The terminal (600) may be configured to penetrate the housing (200) at a closed portion formed on the other side of the open portion of the housing (200). The terminal (600) may penetrate approximately the center of the lower surface of the housing (200). The terminal (600) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (100), for example, by being coupled to a second current collector (700) coupled to the second non-conductive portion (120) or by being coupled to a lead tab (not shown) coupled to the second non-conductive portion (120).

[0078] The second current collector (700) may be electrically coupled to the second non-conductive portion (120). The current collector (700) may be provided on the other side of the electrode assembly (100). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the second current collector (700) may be provided on the lower side of the electrode assembly (100). The second current collector (700) may include a conductive metal material.

[0079] An insulating gasket (800) may be interposed between the housing (200) and the terminal (600) to prevent the housing (200) and the terminal (600) having opposite polarities from coming into contact with each other.

[0080] The second non-conductive part (120) and / or the second current collector (700) can be maintained in an insulated state from the housing (200). To this end, an insulator (900) can be interposed between the second non-conductive part (120) and the housing (200) and / or between the second current collector (700) and the housing (200).

[0081]

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a case where the crimping portion (210) of the battery (10) is mounted on another structure will be described. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery and a base plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a housing of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a base plate. In addition, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 5, and is a view for explaining a structure in which the crimping portion of the battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a base plate. FIGS. 4 to 7 are views showing a state in which the crimping portion (210) of the battery (10) of FIG. 1 is mounted on a base plate (1) with the crimping portion (210) facing downward.

[0083] First, referring further to FIGS. 5 and 6 along with FIG. 3, the crimping portion (210) may include a support portion (212). The support portion (212) may be formed by forming a recessed portion (211) at a bent end of the crimping portion (210). The support portion (212) may be configured to extend to both sides of the recessed portion (211). The support portion (212) may be provided in a closed loop shape extending from the recessed portion (211). A plurality of support portions (212) may be provided along the bending direction of the crimping portion (210) (the radial direction of the battery (10)). The support portions (212) may be arranged along the radial direction of the battery (10).

[0084] The support portion (212) may be configured to have a constant height. That is, the height of the support portion (212) may be configured to correspond to the depth to which the indentation portion (211) is pressed inward. The support portion (212) may be configured in a shape that protrudes outward from the indentation portion (211). The indentation portion (211) and the support portion (212) may be configured in a wave shape.

[0085] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the bent end of the crimping portion (210) of the battery (10) is fixed to another structure, a structure is provided in which the housing (200) of the battery (10) can be stably erected, thereby ensuring structural stability.

[0086] Meanwhile, a battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a base plate (1). The base plate (1) may be provided on the outside of the housing (200) of the battery (10). The base plate (1) may be configured such that the bent end of the crimping portion (210) is secured thereto. To this end, the base plate (1) may be configured in a plate shape having a flat surface. More specifically, the support portion (212) of the crimping portion (210) may be configured such that it is secured to the base plate (1).

[0087] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the support portion (212) of the crimping portion (210) is secured to the base plate (1), the housing (200) can be more stably erected on the base plate (1). In particular, since a plurality of support portions (212) are provided, the contact area between the bent end portion of the crimping portion (210) and the base plate (1) increases, thereby allowing the housing (200) to be stably secured to the base plate (1).

[0088] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the crimping portion (210) of the housing (200) is facing downward and the support portion (212) is secured to the base plate (1), the sealing gasket (400) is compressed more strongly by the weight of the housing (200) itself or the weight of the internal components of the housing (200), so that the sealing force of the housing (200) can be further strengthened.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the base plate (1) may be provided with a guide portion (1a). The guide portion (1a) may be configured such that at least a portion of the base plate (1) protrudes outward. When the housing (200) is mounted on the base plate (1), the guide portion (1a) may be configured such that it is inserted into the recessed portion (211). The guide portion (1a) may be provided at a position corresponding to the position of the recessed portion (211) when the housing (200) is mounted on the base plate (1). In addition, the guide portion (1a) may be provided in a shape or size corresponding to the recessed portion (211). For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the recessed portion (211) may be formed in a substantially circular shape along the circumferential direction of the housing (200), and the guide portion (1a) may also be formed in a substantially circular closed loop.

[0090] The height of the guide portion (1a) may be configured to correspond to the width of the indentation portion (211) that is indented inward. That is, when the housing (200) is seated on the base plate (1), the end of the guide portion (1a) may be configured to support the outer surface of the indentation portion (211). Accordingly, the support portion (212) of the crimping portion (210) may be configured to be seated in close contact with the base plate (1).

[0091]

[0092] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a crimping portion of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 7, a plurality of indentations (211) may be provided. The plurality of indentations (211) may be arranged along the bending direction of the crimping portion (210). Accordingly, at least two or more support portions (212) may also be provided. In addition, when a sealing gasket (400) is provided, a plurality of sealing reinforcement portions (410) may also be provided.

[0094] In addition, a plurality of guide portions (1a) may be provided. A plurality of guide portions (1a) may be provided along the bending direction of the crimping portion (210). Accordingly, a plurality of guide portions (1a) may be configured to be inserted into a plurality of recessed portions (211) provided at corresponding positions, respectively.

[0095] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of sealing reinforcement parts (410) are provided, the fixing force of the housing cover (300) and the sealing force of the housing (200) can be further improved. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the housing (200) is mounted on another structure such as a base plate (1), the fixing force of the housing (200) can be secured without a separate fixing structure. As a result, structural stability between the housing (200) and the base plate (1) can be secured.

[0096]

[0097] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can use the terminal (600) exposed on the other side of the opening of the housing (200) as the second electrode terminal (T2). In addition, the outer surface (200a) of the closed portion located on the other side of the opening of the housing (200) can function as the first electrode terminal (T1). That is, the remaining area excluding the area occupied by the terminal (600) in the closed portion of the housing (200) (including the area where the insulating gasket (800) is exposed when the insulating gasket (800) is exposed to the outside of the terminal (600) on the outer surface (200a) of the closed portion) can be used as the first electrode terminal (T1).

[0098] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when electrically connecting multiple batteries (10), both positive and negative poles can be connected in one direction, thereby simplifying the electrical connection structure. In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since most of the closed portion located opposite the open portion of the housing (200) has a structure that can be used as an electrode terminal, there is an advantage in that a sufficient area can be secured for welding components for electrical connection.

[0099] Accordingly, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, even if the crimping portion (210) of the housing (200) is mounted on another structure such as the base plate (1), both the positive and negative poles can be connected on the other side where the closing portion of the battery (10) is located.

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the venting direction when a thermal event occurs in a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Meanwhile, the housing cover (300) may be provided with a vent portion (310). The vent portion (310) may be configured to be broken when the internal pressure of the housing (200) increases above a certain level. For example, the vent portion (310) may be formed in a portion of the housing cover (300) and may be a structurally weaker area than the surrounding area so that it may be easily broken when the internal pressure increases above a certain level. The vent portion (310) may be, for example, an area having a thinner thickness than the surrounding area. Referring to FIG. 1, the vent portion (310) may form a closed loop having a substantially circular shape.

[0103] Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs inside the housing (200), the vent part (310) is ruptured by the internal pressure, allowing venting gas or flames to be smoothly discharged to the outside. In other words, directional venting of venting gas or flames can be induced. As a result, the internal pressure of the housing (200) is reduced, thereby minimizing the risk of explosion of the battery (10).

[0104] Meanwhile, the housing (200) may be mounted on the base plate (1) such that the vent portion (310) faces downward. The vent portion (310) may be provided on the inner side of the crimping portion (210). That is, the outermost surface of the housing cover (300) may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the base plate (1) by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, a sufficient distance is formed between the vent portion (310) and the base plate (1), so that the vent portion (310) may be broken by internal pressure.

[0105] Accordingly, if a thermal event occurs inside the housing (200), venting gas or flame, etc. may be discharged toward the base plate (1). For example, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 8, the venting gas or flame, etc. may be discharged toward the lower portion of the housing (200).

[0106] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when a battery pack including a plurality of batteries (10) is mounted on a vehicle, etc., venting gas or flames emitted when a thermal event of the battery (10) occurs can be prevented from being directed at a driver located above.

[0107] In addition, since both sides of the housing cover (300) in the present invention are strongly fixed by the indentation (211) and the sealing reinforcement (410), even if the vent part (310) is broken and venting gas or flames are discharged to the outside, the remaining part of the housing cover (300) or other components inside the housing (200) other than the vent part (310) can be suppressed or prevented from being discharged to the outside together.

[0108] Additionally, the base plate (1) may be provided with a rupture portion (1b). The rupture portion (1b) may be configured to be ruptured by pressure such as venting gas discharged from the housing (200). For example, the rupture portion (1b) may be formed in a portion of the base plate (1), and may be a structurally weaker area than the surrounding area so that it can be easily ruptured by a specific pressure. The rupture portion (1b) may be configured to have a thinner thickness than the surrounding area.

[0109] The rupture portion (1b) may be provided outside the vent portion (310). That is, the area of ​​the closed loop formed by the rupture portion (1b) may be configured to be larger than the area of ​​the closed loop formed by the vent portion (310). The rupture portion (1b) may be configured to be ruptured by the pressure of the venting gas or flame discharged to the outside of the housing (200), so that the venting gas or flame may be smoothly discharged to the outside of the base plate (1).

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 9 is a drawing schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack including a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 9, a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery assembly in which a plurality of batteries (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above are electrically connected, and a pack housing (2) that accommodates the battery assembly.

[0113] At this time, the pack housing (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of base plates (1). The plurality of base plates (1) may extend in all directions to form a bottom surface (1') of the pack housing (2). The plurality of batteries (10) may be mounted on the bottom surface (1') of the pack housing (200) such that the guide portion (1a) is inserted into the recessed portion (211) of the crimping portion (210).

[0114] Meanwhile, the battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a bus bar for electrical connection, a cooling unit, and a power terminal, but these are omitted for convenience of illustration in the drawing.

[0115] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, a guide portion (1a) is provided on the bottom surface (1') of the pack housing (200), so that when a plurality of batteries (10) are accommodated in the pack housing (200), the positions of the batteries (10) can be guided. In addition, the fixing force between the batteries (10) and the pack housing (200) can be improved.

[0116]

[0117] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (V) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119]

[0120] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; and A housing is provided to accommodate the electrode assembly, and has a crimping portion configured such that an end portion formed on one side of the housing is bent inward. A battery characterized in that a recessed portion is formed at the bent end of the above-mentioned crimping portion so as to be recessed at least partially inward.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a housing cover configured to cover the above opening, A battery characterized in that the above-mentioned crimping portion is configured to wrap around the edge of the housing cover.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery further characterized by including a sealing gasket interposed between the crimping portion of the housing and the housing cover.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery characterized in that the sealing gasket has a sealing reinforcing portion configured to be compressed by the indentation portion of the crimping portion.

5. In paragraph 1, The above clamping part A battery characterized by having a support member configured to extend to both sides of the above-mentioned recessed portion and have a constant height.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery characterized in that the above support member is provided in multiple numbers along the bending direction of the above crimping member.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery further characterized by including a base plate configured to allow the bent end of the crimping portion to be secured thereto.

8. In paragraph 7, The above base plate A battery characterized by having a guide portion configured to be inserted into the above-mentioned recessed portion.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery characterized in that the height of the above guide portion is configured to correspond to the width of the indentation portion being indented inward.

10. In paragraph 8, The above indentation portion is provided in multiple numbers, A battery characterized in that the above guide portion is provided in multiple numbers along the bending direction of the above crimping portion.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery characterized in that it further includes a terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a closing portion formed on the other side of the housing.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery, characterized in that the terminal is configured to be electrically connected to the second non-conductive part of the electrode assembly.

13. In paragraph 2, The above housing cover A battery characterized by having a vent part configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the housing increases above a certain level.

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

15. A vehicle comprising a battery according to at least one of claims 1 to 13.

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