Battery cell, and battery pack and vehicle including battery cell

Abstract

Disclosed are: a battery cell; and a battery pack and a vehicle, comprising the battery cell. A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are wound in one direction; a battery can in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; a positive electrode current collector plate electrically connected to the positive electrode plate; a cell terminal connected to the positive electrode current collector plate through a through hole of the battery can; a negative electrode current collector plate electrically connected to the negative electrode plate; and an insulator interposed between the battery can and the positive electrode current collector plate, wherein a thickness reduction part is formed in the insulator.

Description

Battery cells, and battery packs and vehicles including battery cells

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0082199, filed on June 24, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0066781, filed on May 22, 2025, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, and more particularly, to a battery cell capable of reducing the weight of an insulator, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of producing no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Commonly used secondary battery types 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 ranges from approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V.

[0006] Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Accordingly, the number and electrical connection configuration of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be varied depending on at least one of the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped secondary battery cells are known types. Cylindrical battery cells are formed by interposing a separator, which serves as an insulator, between the positive and negative plates. This separator is then rolled to form a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly. This assembly, along with an electrolyte, is then inserted into a battery can to form the battery. Furthermore, cylindrical battery cells may use a current collector to electrically connect the positive and negative plates.

[0008] A cylindrical battery cell includes a positive terminal connected to a positive electrode portion, and a battery can connected to a negative electrode portion and housing an electrode assembly. When the positive electrode portion of the electrode assembly and the negative electrode portion of the battery can are electrically connected, a short circuit occurs. To prevent this, an insulator is provided to prevent contact between the positive electrode portion of the electrode assembly and the negative electrode portion of the battery can.

[0009] The insulator used in conventional cylindrical battery cells has a problem in that it has a uniform thickness, takes up a lot of space inside the battery can, and also increases the weight of the battery cell due to its considerable weight.

[0010] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell capable of reducing cost by reducing the weight of an insulator, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell capable of increasing the overall capacity of the battery cell by reducing the overall weight of the battery cell and securing space inside the battery can, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0012] 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.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell can be provided, comprising: an electrode assembly having a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are wound in one direction; a battery can in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; a positive electrode current collector electrically connected to the positive electrode plate; a cell terminal connected to the positive electrode current collector through a through hole of the battery can; a negative electrode current collector electrically connected to the negative electrode plate; and an insulator interposed between the battery can and the positive electrode current collector plate, wherein a thickness-reducing portion is formed in the insulator.

[0014] In one embodiment, the insulator is divided into a plurality of zones, and the thickness reduction portion may be formed in at least one of a first zone among the plurality of zones and a second zone adjacent to the first zone.

[0015] In one embodiment, the plurality of zones may be divided by partitions.

[0016] In one embodiment, the compartment may be formed to extend radially outward from the center of the insulator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the partitions may be formed in a linear shape and may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0018] In one embodiment, the compartments may be formed to be radially arranged from the center of the insulator.

[0019] In one embodiment, the partition includes a first straight portion and a second straight portion having a straight shape, and the first zone is formed between the first straight portion and the second straight portion, and the thickness of the first zone may be smaller than the thickness of at least one of the first straight portion and the second straight portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the compartment may be formed in a curved shape on the inside of the insulator.

[0021] In one embodiment, the compartment may be formed in a circular shape.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first zone may be formed on the inside of the compartment based on the compartment, and the second zone may be formed on the outside of the compartment based on the compartment.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one of the first zone and the second zone may be formed in a circular shape.

[0024] In one embodiment, the thickness of at least one of the first zone and the second zone may be less than the thickness of the compartment.

[0025] In one embodiment, a curved inner groove may be formed on the upper side of the compartment.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one fracture groove may be formed radially outward from the center of the insulator.

[0027] In one embodiment, the partition is formed in a curved shape on the inside of the insulator, at least one of the first zone and the second zone is formed in a circular shape, the first zone is formed on the inside of the partition with respect to the partition, the second zone is formed on the outside of the partition with respect to the partition, and the break groove can be formed in the first zone.

[0028] In one embodiment, when there are multiple fracture grooves, the plurality of fracture grooves may be formed to be radially arranged from the center of the insulator.

[0029] In one embodiment, the insulator includes a first surface contacting the positive electrode collector plate and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the break groove can be formed on the second surface.

[0030] In one embodiment, the insulator may be formed with a movement hole for movement of the electrolyte.

[0031] In one embodiment, a coupling protrusion may be formed around the periphery of the insulator so that the insulator is forcefully coupled to the battery can.

[0032] In one embodiment, a buffer hole may be formed at the rear of the coupling protrusion based on the radial direction of the insulator.

[0033] In one embodiment, three coupling protrusions may be formed around the periphery of the insulator.

[0034] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack including at least one of the above-described battery cells may be provided, and further, a vehicle including at least one of the above-described battery cells may be provided.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of reducing cost by reducing the weight of the insulator.

[0036] Additionally, it has the effect of reducing the overall weight of the battery cell and increasing the overall capacity of the battery cell by securing space inside the battery can.

[0037] Additionally, the insulator can be easily fixed by being force-fitted to the battery can.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to a modified embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insulator according to a first embodiment of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of only the insulator in part A of FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view of a part of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a first modified embodiment of an insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a second modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a third modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a fourth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a fifth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an insulator according to a second embodiment of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an insulator according to the second embodiment of Fig. 10.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a first modified embodiment of an insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0052] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a second modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0053] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a third modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a fourth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0055] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a fifth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0056] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea 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, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0059] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0060] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0061] Meanwhile, the common elements described in one embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to other embodiments. For example, the common elements described in the first embodiment of the second embodiment can be replaced with the description of the first embodiment, but the common elements can also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the elements described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to a modified embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cap (700) coupled to a battery can (200) to seal an opening formed in the battery can (200). In addition, depending on the coupling method of the cap (700), the battery cell (10) may be classified into a type in which a crimping portion and a beading portion are not formed in the battery can (200) (see FIG. 1) and a type in which a crimping portion (220) and a beading portion (210) are formed in the battery can (200) (see FIG. 2).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, if a beading portion and a crimping portion are not formed on the battery can (200), the cap (700) can be directly welded to the battery can (200) through various welding methods, for example, seam welding.

[0065] When welding the battery can (200) and the cap (700) of the battery cell (10) by a deep welding method, the cap (700) can be joined to the side of the battery can (200) by welding (e.g., horizontal welding). That is, the cap (700) can be joined so as to be in contact with the inner side of the side of the opening of the battery can (200).

[0066] Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, the cap (700) may be welded (e.g., vertically welded) to the upper surface of the battery can (200). That is, the cap (700) may be welded to and seated on the upper side of the opening of the battery can (200).

[0067] The cap (700) may have various shapes, for example, it may have a plate shape, but the shape of the cap (700) is not limited thereto.

[0068] The welding method of the cap (700) and the battery can (200) may vary, and for example, the cap (700) may be joined to the battery can (200) by butt welding, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] It goes without saying that the cap (700) and the battery can (200) may be joined by a joining form other than welding, and the joining form is not limited thereto. By joining the cap (700) and the battery can (200), the battery cell (10) can be guaranteed to be sealed.

[0070] The cap (700) may be made of a metal material. Accordingly, the cap (700) may be conductive. For example, the cap (700) may include an aluminum material. The cap (700) may be electrically connected to the battery can (200). Meanwhile, since the battery can (200) is also made of a metal having conductivity, the cap (700) coupled to the battery can (200) may also be configured to have the same polarity as the battery can (200).

[0071] In this way, in the case of a seam welding method in which the cap (700) is directly welded to the battery can (200), the fixing structure is simple, so that the volume of the electrode assembly (100) that can be accommodated inside the battery can (200) can be secured more, and accordingly, it is more advantageous in securing electric capacity compared to the same volume of the battery can (200), so that there is an effect of improving the energy density.

[0072] And, referring to FIG. 2, in the case of a type in which a crimping portion (220) and a beading portion (210) are formed on the battery can (200), the crimping portion (220) is formed on the battery can (200) to secure the cap (700). And, the beading portion (210) is formed by pressing the outer circumference of the battery can (200) inward to support the electrode assembly (100) so that the electrode assembly (100) does not come out of the battery can (200).

[0073] The cap (700) may be made of, for example, a metal material to ensure rigidity. Furthermore, the cap (700) may be separated from the electrode assembly (100) and provided as non-polar. That is, even if the cap (700) is provided as a conductive metal material, it may not have polarity.

[0074] The fact that the cap (700) does not have polarity means that the cap (700) is electrically insulated from the battery can (200) and the cell terminal (400). As such, the cap (700) does not have to have polarity, and its material does not necessarily have to be a conductive metal.

[0075] The cap (700) may be supported by being seated on the beading portion (210) formed on the battery can (200). In addition, the cap (700) is fixed by the crimping portion (220). A sealing gasket (230) may be interposed between the cap (700) and the crimping portion (220) of the battery can (200) to ensure airtightness of the battery can (200). That is, the sealing gasket (230) may be arranged to be interposed between the edge of the cap (700) and the opening of the battery can (200).

[0076] The insulator (600) according to each embodiment described below is applicable to the battery cell (10) of FIG. 1, in which the cap (700) is directly connected to the battery can (200) through seam welding without forming a beading portion and a crimping portion on the battery can (200). In addition, the insulator (600) according to each embodiment described below is also applicable to the battery cell (10) of FIG. 2, in which the crimping portion (220) and the beading portion (210) are formed on the battery can (200).

[0077] For convenience of explanation below, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with a focus on an embodiment in which a cap (700) is directly welded to a battery can (200) by a seam welding method, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly (100), a battery can (200), a positive electrode collector plate (300), a cell terminal (400), a negative electrode collector plate (500), and an insulator (600).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode assembly (100) has a structure in which a positive electrode plate (110), a negative electrode plate (120), and a separator (130) interposed between the positive electrode plate (110) and the negative electrode plate (120) are wound in one direction. In addition, a central hole (140) is formed in the center of the electrode assembly (100), and can be formed in a jelly roll type.

[0080] For example, the electrode assembly (100) can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode plate (120), a separator (130), a positive electrode plate (110), and a separator (130) at least once. Here, the positive electrode plate (110) and the negative electrode plate (120) can be formed in a sheet shape.

[0081] That is, the electrode assembly (100) applied to the present embodiment may be a coiled type electrode assembly (100). In this case, an additional separator (130) may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly (100) for insulation from the battery can (200). That is, the electrode assembly (100) may have a coiled structure well known in the related technical field without limitation.

[0082] A positive electrode plate (110) may have a positive electrode active material applied to one or both sides, and a first non-coated portion (111) on which the positive electrode active material is not applied may be formed at an end of the positive electrode plate (110). Here, any positive electrode active material known in the art may be used without limitation as long as it is coated on the positive electrode plate (110).

[0083] As described above, a positive electrode plate (110) having a first non-conductive portion (111) formed thereon may be provided, but a battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an embodiment of a positive electrode plate (110) in which a first non-conductive portion (111) is not formed. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case in which a first non-conductive portion (111) is formed on the positive electrode plate (110).

[0084] A negative electrode plate (120) may have a negative electrode active material applied to one or both sides, and a second non-coated portion (121) on which the negative electrode active material is not applied may be formed at an end of the negative electrode plate (120). Here, any negative electrode active material known in the art may be used without limitation as long as it is coated on the negative electrode plate (120).

[0085] As described above, a negative electrode plate (120) having a second non-conductive portion (121) formed thereon may be provided, but a battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an embodiment of a negative electrode plate (120) in which a second non-conductive portion (121) is not formed. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case in which a second non-conductive portion (121) is formed on the negative electrode plate (120).

[0086] At least one of the positive electrode plate (110) and the negative electrode plate (120) may include a non-coated portion, which is not coated with an active material, at a long side end in the winding direction. The first non-coated portion (111) and the second non-coated portion (121) may be exposed to the outside of the separator (130) while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the center of the electrode assembly (100), and may be used as an electrode tab in and of themselves. In addition, the first non-coated portion (111) and the second non-coated portion (121) may be configured to face in opposite directions.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first uncoated portion (111) and the second uncoated portion (121) may be provided with notches at predetermined intervals to form flag-shaped notched tabs. In the jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly (100), the notched tabs may be bent radially to be flattened. For example, the notched tabs may be bent radially inward or outward.

[0088] In addition, the notching tabs can be bent one by one during the process of forming a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (100) by winding the laminate. Alternatively, the notching tabs can be bent all at once after the laminate is wound to form a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (100).

[0089] The notching tabs of the first non-conductive portion (111) and the notching tabs of the second non-conductive portion (121), which are folded and covered in the radial direction, can provide a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction at both axial ends of the electrode assembly (100).

[0090] In addition, the separation membrane (130) may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., which may be used alone or in a laminated manner.

[0091] As another example, the separator (130) may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0092] At least one surface of the separator (130) may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Furthermore, the separator (130) itself may be formed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure in which they are combined with a binder such that an interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0093] In addition, the center hole (140) of the electrode assembly (100) is also used for welding the cell terminal (400, positive terminal) and the positive current collector (300). That is, the electrode assembly (100) can be configured to weld the cell terminal (400) and the positive current collector (300) by irradiating a laser through the center hole (140).

[0094] Referring to FIG. 1, a through hole is formed in a battery can (200) and an electrode assembly (100) is stored therein. For example, the battery can (200) is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the electrode assembly (100) is stored inside the battery can (200) and can be electrically connected to the negative electrode plate (120) of the electrode assembly (100). Accordingly, the battery can (200) can have the same polarity as the negative electrode plate (120), i.e., a negative electrode.

[0095] The battery can (200) may be formed with a closed portion and an open portion positioned so as to face each other. The electrode assembly (100) is housed through the open portion formed in the battery can (200), and the electrolyte is also injected through the open portion formed in the battery can (200).

[0096] That is, the battery can (200) is a roughly cylindrical container with an opening formed therein, and may be made of a conductive material such as metal, for example. The material of the battery can (200) may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0097] In addition, a closed portion may be formed in the battery can (200). The closed portion may be partially formed on the opposite side of the open portion. A through hole is formed in the closed portion. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, a cell terminal (400) is coupled to the through hole, and the cell terminal (400) may be electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate (300) through the through hole. In addition, referring to FIG. 1, an insulator (600) according to each embodiment of the present invention, which will be described later, may be interposed between the battery can (200) and the positive electrode collector plate (300). The same applies to FIG. 2.

[0098] The battery can (200) may include a bottom portion and a side wall portion, and the bottom portion and the side wall portion of the battery can (200) may be manufactured by forming a metal sheet having a nickel plated surface of steel using a deep drawing process, and trimming the front end of the side wall portion with a punch while holding it with a blank holder. However, the material and manufacturing method of the battery can (200) are not limited thereto.

[0099] The positive electrode collector plate (300) is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate (110), and for example, referring to FIG. 1, the positive electrode collector plate (300) is connected to the positive electrode plate (110) of the electrode assembly (100).

[0100] The positive electrode collector plate (300) is made of a conductive metal material and is connected to the first non-coated portion (111) of the electrode assembly (100). The positive electrode collector plate (300) can be connected to a bonding surface formed by bending an end of the first non-coated portion (111) in a direction parallel to the positive electrode collector plate (300). The bending direction of the first non-coated portion (111) may be, for example, a direction toward the winding center of the electrode assembly (100).

[0101] When the first non-conductive portion (111) has a folded shape like this, the space occupied by the first non-conductive portion (111) is reduced, which can lead to an improvement in energy density. In addition, the increase in the bonding area between the first non-conductive portion (111) and the positive electrode current collector (300) can lead to an improvement in bonding strength and a reduction in resistance.

[0102] The cell terminal (400) is made of a conductive metal material and is coupled to a through hole formed in the closed portion of the battery can (200) so as to be electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate (300) through the through hole. In addition, the cell terminal (400) is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate (110) of the electrode assembly (100) through the positive electrode collector plate (300), thereby having a positive polarity.

[0103] That is, the cell terminal (400) can function as a positive terminal. In addition, the battery can (200) is electrically connected to the negative plate (120) of the electrode assembly (100) as described above, thereby having a negative polarity.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 1, the negative electrode collector plate (500) is electrically connected to the negative electrode plate (120). The negative electrode collector plate (500) may be connected to the second non-conductive portion (121) of the electrode assembly (100). Here, the negative electrode collector plate (500) is made of a conductive metal material such as aluminum, steel, copper, or nickel, and may be electrically connected to the second non-conductive portion (121) of the negative electrode plate (120).

[0105] The negative electrode collector plate (500) may be electrically connected to the battery can (200). As a result, the battery can (200) may have a negative polarity. In addition, at least a portion of the edge portion of the negative electrode collector plate (500) may be directly welded to the inner wall surface of the battery can (200), but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The insulator (600) is interposed between the battery can (200) and the positive electrode collector plate (300) to prevent contact between the positive electrode portion of the electrode assembly and the negative electrode portion of the battery can (200), thereby blocking electrical connection. Therefore, the insulator (600) may be made of a material having electrical insulation performance. The insulator (600) may have a hollow portion (631) formed in the center portion (630), and the cell terminal (400) may be electrically connected to the positive electrode collector plate (300) through the hollow portion (631) formed in the insulator (600).

[0107] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an insulator according to a first embodiment of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of only the insulator in part A of FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view of a part of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a thickness reduction portion (610) may be formed in the insulator (600). When the thickness reduction portion (610) is formed in the insulator (600), cost reduction is possible through weight reduction of the insulator (600), and the overall weight of the battery cell (10) can be reduced and the space inside the battery can (200) can be secured, thereby increasing the overall capacity of the battery cell (10).

[0109] The insulator (600) may be divided into multiple zones in various ways. For example, the multiple zones may be divided by partitions (620). Here, the shape, structure, and number of partitions (620) may vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the partitions (620) may be formed in a linear shape and may be provided in multiple numbers. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0110] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the insulator (600) may be formed in a circular shape, and a hollow portion (631) may be formed in the center portion (630) of the insulator (600). Then, a hollow peripheral portion (632) having a thickness corresponding to the partition portion (620) (e.g., the same thickness as the partition portion (620)) may be formed along the circumference of the hollow portion (631). However, the shape of the insulator (600) is not limited thereto.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 3, the partition (620) may be formed to extend radially outward from the central portion (630) of the insulator (600), for example, the hollow peripheral portion (632) of the insulator (600). For example, the partition (620) may be formed to be radially arranged from the central portion (630) of the insulator (600).

[0112] When there are multiple partitions (620), a thickness reduction portion (610) can be formed between one partition (620) and an adjacent partition (620).

[0113] For example, referring to FIG. 3, the partition (620) may include a first straight portion (621) and a second straight portion (622) having a straight shape, and when the partition (620) includes the first straight portion (621) and the second straight portion (622) having a straight shape, a first zone (611) may be formed between the first straight portion (621) and the second straight portion (622). In addition, when the partition (620) includes a third straight portion (623) having a straight shape, a second zone (612) may be formed between the second straight portion (622) and the third straight portion (623).

[0114] Here, the thickness reduction portion (610) can be formed in at least one of the first zone (611) among the plurality of zones and the second zone (612) adjacent to the first zone (611).

[0115] The thickness of the first zone (611) may be smaller than the thickness of the first straight portion (621). In addition, the thickness of the first zone (611) may be smaller than the thickness of the second straight portion (622). In addition, the thickness of the second zone (612) may be smaller than the thickness of the first straight portion (621). In addition, the thickness of the second zone (612) may be smaller than the thickness of the second straight portion (622).

[0116] In this way, since the area formed between a plurality of straight sections, for example, the first area (611) formed between the first straight section (621) and the second straight section (622) or the second area (612) formed between the second straight section (622) and the third straight section (623), has a smaller thickness than the first straight section (621) or the second straight section (622), the weight of the insulator (600) can be reduced.

[0117] Meanwhile, since the space between the battery can (200) and the positive current collector (300) has a preset standard, if the overall thickness of the insulator (600) is reduced, it cannot be interposed between the battery can (200) and the positive current collector (300). However, in the battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the partition (620) of the insulator (600) has a sufficient thickness (if the hollow peripheral portion (632) is formed, the hollow peripheral portion (632) also has a sufficient thickness), the insulator (600) can be interposed between the battery can (200) and the positive current collector (300). In addition, since the thickness reduction portion (610) is formed in the insulator (600), the weight reduction and lightening of the insulator (600) are possible.

[0118] That is, in a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, an insulator (600) can be interposed between a battery can (200) of a preset standard and a positive electrode current collector (300), while having the effect of reducing the weight and reducing the weight of the insulator (600) through a thickness reduction portion (610).

[0119] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a first modified embodiment of an insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 5, a moving hole (670) for movement of the electrolyte may be formed in the insulator (600). That is, the insulator (600) may be formed in a structure in which the electrolyte can move.

[0121] Here, a plurality of moving holes (670) can be formed, and the plurality of moving holes (670) can be spaced apart at preset intervals.

[0122] Referring back to FIG. 5, the moving hole (670) may be formed in the thickness reduction portion (610) of the insulator (600). For example, the moving hole (670) may be formed in the first zone (611) or the second zone (612). In addition, it may also be formed in other zones between the plurality of straight sections.

[0123] The moving holes (670) may be arranged radially outward from the center (630) of the insulator (600), but are not limited thereto. In addition, the shape, number, and arrangement structure of the moving holes (670) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0124] In this way, when a moving hole (670) is formed in the insulator (600), the movement of the electrolyte can become smooth.

[0125] Meanwhile, the insulator (600) may be composed of various materials that allow the electrolyte to move, thereby enabling the electrolyte to move through the insulator (600). Here, the insulator (600) may be composed of various materials that allow the electrolyte to move, for example, non-woven fabric. However, the material of the insulator (600) is not limited thereto.

[0126] When the insulator (600) is configured to allow movement of the electrolyte, the electrolyte can smoothly flow into the electrode assembly (100), and further, by-products of the electrolyte can be prevented from being generated on the surface of the electrode assembly (100), thereby improving the performance of the battery cell (10).

[0127] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a second modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 6, a coupling protrusion (680) may be formed around the periphery of the insulator (600). The insulator (600) may be coupled to the battery can (200) in various ways, for example, the coupling protrusion (680) of the insulator (600) may be coupled to the battery can (200) in a force-fit manner.

[0129] That is, when a joining protrusion (680) is formed on the outer surface of the insulator (600), when the insulator (600) is joined to the battery can (200), the joining protrusion (680) is compressed and deformed, so that the insulator (600) can be joined to the inner surface of the battery can (200) in a force-fit manner.

[0130] However, the method by which the insulator (600) is coupled to the battery can (200) is not limited to this.

[0131] In addition, a buffer hole (690) may be formed in the insulator (600). The buffer hole (690) may be formed at the rear of the coupling protrusion (680) based on the radial direction of the insulator (600). When the buffer hole (690) is formed in the insulator (600), when the coupling protrusion (680) is deformed, it can buffer the deformation, thereby preventing the coupling protrusion (680) from being damaged.

[0132] A plurality of coupling protrusions (680) may be provided, and the plurality of coupling protrusions (680) may be formed at preset intervals on the outer surface of the insulator (600). In FIG. 6, three coupling protrusions (680) are formed, but this is not limited thereto. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on a case where there are three coupling protrusions (680).

[0133] Three coupling protrusions (680) may be formed at equal intervals on the outer surface of the insulator (600). For example, if the insulator (600) is circular, the three coupling protrusions (680) may be formed at 120-degree intervals.

[0134] In this way, if three connecting protrusions (680) are formed on the insulator (600), even if the battery can (200) is not an exact circle due to a processing error, etc., the worker can easily connect the insulator (600) to the battery can (200) in a desired shape. For example, first, two of the three connecting protrusions (680) are brought into contact with the inner surface of the battery can (200), and then only the remaining one connecting protrusion (680) is pushed into the inner side of the battery can (200), so that all three connecting protrusions (680) are easily connected to the battery can (200). However, the number of connecting protrusions (680) is not limited to three due to this.

[0135] The distance from the center of the insulator (600) to the end of the coupling protrusion (680) may be greater than the radius of the electrode assembly (100). Alternatively, the distance from the center of the insulator (600) to the end of the coupling protrusion (680) may be greater than the inner diameter of the battery can (200). Accordingly, when the insulator (600) is inserted into the battery can (200), the coupling protrusion (680) is compressed, so that the insulator (600) can be forcefully coupled to the battery can (200).

[0136] In addition, the insulator (600) can be easily fixed by being force-fitted to the battery can (200).

[0137] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a third modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0138] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, both a moving hole (670) for movement of the electrolyte and a joining protrusion (680) for force-fitting are formed in the insulator (600).

[0139] The moving hole (670) and the coupling protrusion (680) of Fig. 7 are common to the contents of the moving hole (670) described in Fig. 5 and the coupling protrusion (680) described in Fig. 6, and are therefore replaced with the contents described above.

[0140] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a fourth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 8, at least one fracture groove (640) can be formed radially outward from the center (630) of the insulator (600).

[0142] A vent notch (not shown) may be formed in the battery can (200) so that the battery can (200) ruptures when the pressure inside the battery can (200) exceeds a critical value. In addition, a rupture groove (640) may be formed in the insulator (600) to correspond to the vent notch (not shown) of the battery can (200).

[0143] That is, when the pressure inside the battery can (200) exceeds the critical value, the insulator (600) is easily broken by the rupture groove (640) formed in the insulator (600), the battery can (200) is also broken by the vent notch (not shown), and the flame and gas inside the battery can (200) can be discharged.

[0144] In Fig. 1, the vent notch of the battery can (200) is omitted from the drawing, but the vent notch may be formed in the battery can (200) close to the position where the cell terminal (400) is formed.

[0145] In addition, although the vent notch of the battery can (200) is not shown in FIG. 2, the vent notch may be formed in the battery can (200) on the side where the cell terminal (400) is formed. In addition, although the vent notch (710) is formed in the cap (700) in FIG. 2, this is only one embodiment, and the vent notch may be formed in the cap (700), or may be formed in the battery can (200) close to the position where the cell terminal (400) is formed. That is, the venting direction may be toward the cell terminal (400), or may be the opposite side of the cell terminal (400), and the formation position of the vent notch may vary depending on the venting direction.

[0146] Referring to Fig. 8, when there are multiple fracture grooves (640), the multiple fracture grooves (640) may be formed to be arranged radially from the center (630) of the insulator (600). However, the shape of the fracture grooves (640) is not limited thereto.

[0147] In addition, the insulator (600) may include a first surface (650) that contacts the positive electrode collector (300) and a second surface (660) opposite the first surface (650), and a break groove (640) may be formed on the second surface (660) of the insulator (600). However, this is not limited thereto, and if necessary, the break groove (640) may also be formed on the first surface (650) of the insulator (600).

[0148] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a fifth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9, a curved partition portion (625) may be further included to connect the linear partition portion (620) (e.g., the first linear portion (621) and the second linear portion (622)). As a result, the first linear portion (621) and the second linear portion (622), which are the linear partition portions (620), may be supported by the curved partition portion (625).

[0150] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an insulator according to a second embodiment of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the insulator according to the second embodiment of Fig. 10. Fig. 11 illustrates the opposite side of Fig. 10 positioned on the upper side.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the partition (620) may be formed in a curved shape on the inside of the insulator (600). For example, the partition (620) may be formed in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] Here, the first zone (611) may be formed on the inner side of the partition (620) based on the partition (620), and the second zone (612) may be formed on the outer side of the partition (620) based on the partition (620). The first zone (611) may be formed in a circular shape, and the second zone (612) may also be formed in a circular shape, but the shapes of the first zone (611) and the second zone (612) are not limited thereto.

[0153] And, referring to FIG. 11, the thickness of the first zone (611) may be formed to be smaller than the thickness of the partition (620). In addition, the thickness of the second zone (612) may be formed to be smaller than the thickness of the partition (620).

[0154] In this way, if the thickness of the first zone (611) or the second zone (612) is formed to be smaller than the thickness of the partition (620), the weight of the insulator (600) can be reduced and its weight can be reduced.

[0155] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a first modified embodiment of an insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0156] Referring to Fig. 12, a moving hole (670) for movement of the electrolyte may be formed in the insulator (600). That is, the insulator (600) may be formed in a structure in which the electrolyte can move.

[0157] Here, a plurality of moving holes (670) can be formed, and the plurality of moving holes (670) can be spaced apart at preset intervals.

[0158] Referring back to FIG. 12, the moving hole (670) may be formed in the thickness reduction portion (610) of the insulator (600). For example, the moving hole (670) may be formed in the first zone (611), the second zone (612), or the partition (620). In addition, the shape, number, and arrangement structure of the moving hole (670) are not limited to the portion illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0159] In this way, when a moving hole (670) is formed in the insulator (600), the movement of the electrolyte can become smooth.

[0160] Meanwhile, the insulator (600) may be composed of various materials that allow the electrolyte to move, thereby enabling the electrolyte to move through the insulator (600). Here, the insulator (600) may be composed of various materials that allow the electrolyte to move, for example, non-woven fabric. However, the material of the insulator (600) is not limited thereto.

[0161] When the insulator (600) is configured to allow movement of the electrolyte, the electrolyte can smoothly flow into the electrode assembly (100), and further, by-products of the electrolyte can be prevented from being generated on the surface of the electrode assembly (100), thereby improving the performance of the battery cell (10).

[0162] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a second modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0163] Referring to Fig. 13, a coupling protrusion (680) may be formed around the periphery of the insulator (600). The insulator (600) may be coupled to the battery can (200) in various ways, for example, the coupling protrusion (680) of the insulator (600) may be coupled to the battery can (200) in a force-fit manner.

[0164] In addition, a buffer hole (690) may be formed in the insulator (600). The buffer hole (690) may be formed at the rear of the coupling protrusion (680) based on the radial direction of the insulator (600). When the buffer hole (690) is formed in the insulator (600), when the coupling protrusion (680) is deformed, it can be buffered, thereby preventing the coupling protrusion from being damaged.

[0165] Specific details regarding the coupling protrusion (680) are common to those described in Fig. 6, so they are replaced with the aforementioned description.

[0166] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a third modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0167] In the embodiment of Fig. 14, both a moving hole (670) for moving the electrolyte and a joining protrusion (680) for force-fitting are formed in the insulator (600).

[0168] The moving hole (670) and the coupling protrusion (680) of Fig. 14 are common to the contents of the moving hole (670) described in Fig. 12 and the coupling protrusion (680) described in Fig. 13, and are therefore replaced with the contents described above.

[0169] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a fourth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0170] Referring to Fig. 15, a curved inner groove (624) may be formed on the upper side of the partition (620). That is, the inner groove (624) may be formed on the second surface (660), which is the opposite surface of the first surface (650) where the first zone (611) and the second zone (612) are formed in the insulator (600). This may facilitate weight reduction of the insulator (600).

[0171] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a fifth modified embodiment of the insulator according to the second embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 16, at least one fracture groove (640) can be formed radially outward from the center (630) of the insulator (600).

[0173] Since the basic contents of the fracture groove (640) of Fig. 16 are common to the description in Fig. 8, they are replaced with the description in Fig. 8, and the parts that are different from the description in Fig. 8 are described.

[0174] Referring to Fig. 16, the partition (620) may be formed in a curved shape on the inside of the insulator (600), and at least one of the first zone (611) and the second zone (612) may be formed in a circular shape. In addition, the first zone (611) is formed on the inside of the partition (620) based on the partition (620), and the second zone (612) is formed on the outside of the partition (620) based on the partition (620). Here, the fracture groove (640) may be formed in the first zone (611), but is not limited thereto. That is, the fracture groove (640) may be formed across the first zone (611) and the second zone (612).

[0175] Referring to Fig. 16, when there are multiple fracture grooves (640), the multiple fracture grooves (640) may be formed to be arranged radially from the center (630) of the insulator (600). However, the shape of the fracture grooves (640) is not limited thereto.

[0176] In Fig. 16, both the moving hole (670) and the coupling protrusion (680) are formed in the insulator (600), but only the fracture groove (640) may be formed without the moving hole (670) and the coupling protrusion (680), or only the moving hole (670) and the fracture groove (640) may be formed, or only the coupling protrusion (680) and the fracture groove (640) may be formed.

[0177] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 17, a battery pack (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention as described above. In addition, the battery pack (20) may further include a pack case (21) for storing the battery cells (10), and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery cells (10), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0179] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 18, a vehicle (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (10) according to each embodiment described above or one or more battery packs (20) according to each embodiment. Here, the vehicle (30) includes various types of vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0181] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0182] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0183] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the battery cell, and an automobile, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly having a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are wound in one direction; A battery can in which the electrode assembly is housed; A positive electrode current collector electrically connected to the positive electrode plate; A cell terminal connected to the above positive electrode collector plate; a negative electrode current collector electrically connected to the negative electrode plate; and Including an insulator interposed between the battery can and the positive electrode collector plate, A battery cell characterized in that a thickness reduction portion is formed in the above insulator.

2. In paragraph 1, The above insulator is divided into multiple zones, A battery cell characterized in that the thickness reduction portion is formed in at least one of a first zone among a plurality of zones and a second zone adjacent to the first zone.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery cell characterized in that the above plurality of zones are divided by a compartment.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery cell characterized in that the above compartment is formed to extend radially outward from the center of the insulator.

5. In paragraph 4, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned compartment is formed in a straight shape and is provided in multiple numbers.

6. In paragraph 4, A battery cell characterized in that the compartments are formed to be arranged radially from the center of the insulator.

7. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned partition includes a first straight portion and a second straight portion having a straight shape, The first zone is formed between the first straight section and the second straight section, A battery cell characterized in that the thickness of the first region is smaller than the thickness of at least one of the first straight section and the second straight section.

8. In paragraph 3, A battery cell characterized in that the above compartment is formed in a curved shape on the inside of the insulator.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery cell characterized in that the above compartment is formed in a circular shape.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery cell characterized in that the first zone is formed on the inner side of the compartment based on the compartment, and the second zone is formed on the outer side of the compartment based on the compartment.

11. In paragraph 10, A battery cell characterized in that at least one of the first zone and the second zone is formed in a circular shape.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery cell characterized in that the thickness of at least one of the first zone and the second zone is smaller than the thickness of the compartment.

13. In paragraph 8, A battery cell characterized in that a curved inner groove is formed on the upper side of the above compartment.

14. In paragraph 3, A battery cell characterized in that at least one fracture groove is formed radially outward from the center of the insulator.

15. In paragraph 14, The above-mentioned partition is formed in a curved shape on the inside of the insulator, At least one of the first zone and the second zone is formed in a circular shape, The first zone is formed on the inside of the compartment based on the compartment, and the second zone is formed on the outside of the compartment based on the compartment. A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned fracture groove is formed in the first region.

16. In paragraph 14, A battery cell characterized in that, when the above-mentioned fracture grooves are multiple, the plurality of the fracture grooves are formed to be arranged radially from the center of the insulator.

17. In paragraph 14, The above insulator includes a first surface contacting the positive electrode collector plate and a second surface opposite to the first surface, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned fracture groove is formed on the second surface.

18. In paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that a moving hole for moving an electrolyte is formed in the above insulator.

19. In paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that a joining projection is formed around the periphery of the insulator so that the insulator is forcibly joined to the battery can.

20. In paragraph 19, A battery cell characterized in that a buffer hole is formed at the rear of the coupling protrusion based on the radial direction of the insulator.

21. In paragraph 19, A battery cell characterized in that three connecting protrusions are formed around the periphery of the above insulator.

22. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

Images