Battery cell and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding axis to define a core and an outer circumferential surface, the first electrode including a first uncoated portion that is not coated with an active material layer along the winding direction; a battery housing including an open portion on one side thereof and configured to accommodate the electrode assembly through the open portion; a cell terminal exposed to the outside of the battery housing through a closed portion of the battery housing located opposite the open portion, electrically connected to the first uncoated portion, and having at least one fixing structure in a direction toward the outside of the battery housing; and an insulating gasket interposed between the battery housing and the cell terminal on the closed portion side of the battery housing.

Description

Battery cells and battery packs and vehicles containing the same

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0082170, filed on June 24, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0026699, filed on February 28, 2025, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and high applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Meanwhile, in conventional battery cells, the electrode terminal electrically connected to the first electrode was riveted into a through hole formed in the closed portion of the battery housing electrically connected to the second electrode. Specifically, after the electrode terminal was inserted into the through hole, a component for riveting was inserted from the open portion of the housing to press the inner portion of the electrode terminal toward the inner surface of the closed surface of the housing. At this time, the process of pressing the inner portion of the electrode terminal toward the outer circumferential surface had to be performed, and it was difficult to form a flat surface on the electrode terminal, making it difficult to maximize the area where the electrode terminal is bonded to the current collector.

[0006] Accordingly, a spinning technique can be utilized to rivet electrode terminals. Spinning involves applying rotational force to the location to be riveted, thereby compressing the inner portion of the electrode terminal against the inner surface of the housing's closed surface. However, when riveting circular electrode terminals in conventional cylindrical batteries, there was a problem in that the electrode terminals could not be secured, making the riveting process impossible using the spinning technique.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention has been prepared to solve the problems described above, and has as its primary purpose to improve productivity and processability in the manufacture of battery cells.

[0008] In addition, another object of the present invention is to improve welding quality by maximizing the area where the terminal is bonded to the current collector.

[0009] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to improve the energy density of a battery cell.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell comprises: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding axis to define a core and an outer circumferential surface, wherein the first electrode includes a first non-coated portion on which an active material layer is not coated along a winding direction; a battery housing having an opening on one side thereof and configured to receive the electrode assembly through the opening; a cell terminal that penetrates a closed portion of the battery housing located opposite the open portion and is exposed to the outside of the battery housing, is electrically connected to the first non-coated portion, and has at least one fixing structure in a direction facing the outside of the battery housing; and an insulating gasket interposed between the battery housing and the cell terminal on the closed portion side of the battery housing.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the fixing structure may be configured to prevent circumferential rotation of the cell terminal.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixed structure may include a recessed groove facing inwardly toward the cell terminal.

[0014] Preferably, the cross-section of the engraved groove may be configured in a polygonal shape.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixed structure may be provided at the center of the cell terminal.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the fixed structure may include a plurality of engraved grooves.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the cell terminal may include a terminal exposure portion exposed to the outside of the battery housing; a terminal insertion portion positioned inside the battery housing by penetrating the closing portion of the battery housing; and a terminal connection portion connecting the terminal exposure portion and the terminal insertion portion and penetrating the battery housing.

[0018] At this time, the diameter of the terminal exposure portion may be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal insertion portion.

[0019] In another aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the terminal insertion portion may be configured to be at least twice the diameter of the terminal connection portion.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the axial thickness of the terminal insertion portion may be configured to be smaller than the axial thickness of the terminal exposure portion.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the terminal insertion portion may be configured to be parallel to the terminal exposure portion.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, the insulating gasket may include a gasket exposure portion interposed between the terminal exposure portion and the battery housing; and a gasket insertion portion interposed between the terminal insertion portion and the battery housing.

[0023] Preferably, the diameter of the gasket insert can be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal insert.

[0024] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to the above-described embodiment.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle including at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0026] According to the present invention, productivity and processability can be improved during the manufacturing of battery cells.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, welding quality can be improved by maximizing the area where the terminal is connected to the current collector.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the energy density of a battery cell can be improved.

[0029] 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.

[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 drawing for explaining a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state before a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is riveted.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a process of riveting a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which a terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is riveted.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 12.

[0044] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

[0045] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0046] The statement that two compared objects are identical means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may also mean uniformity on average.

[0047] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0048] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0049] Any configuration being placed "on (or below)" a component or "on (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0050] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component.

[0051] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C through D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0052] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10) wound in the form of a jelly roll is referred to as the axial direction. In addition, the direction surrounding the winding axis is referred to as the circumferential direction or the peripheral direction. In addition, the direction approaching or away from the winding axis is referred to as the radial direction. Among these, the direction approaching the winding axis is particularly referred to as the centripetal direction, and the direction away from the winding axis is referred to as the centrifugal direction.

[0053]

[0054] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, a cylindrical battery cell. The battery cell (1) includes an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), a cell terminal (30), and an insulating gasket (40). In addition to the above-described components, the battery cell (1) may further include a current collector (50) and / or an insulator. The present invention is not limited by the shape of the battery, and is applicable to batteries of other shapes, for example, square batteries.

[0056]

[0057] Referring to Fig. 2, the electrode assembly (10) includes a first electrode having a first polarity, a second electrode having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is an anode or a cathode, and the second electrode corresponds to an electrode having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode.

[0058] The electrode assembly (10) may have, for example, a jelly-roll structure. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may be manufactured by stacking a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate having a sheet shape at least once with a separator interposed therebetween, and winding the stack in one direction with respect to the winding center (C). In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly (10) for insulation from the battery housing (20). Any structure of a wound electrode assembly (10) known in the art may be applied to the present invention without limitation.

[0059] The first electrode includes a first electrode plate and a first electrode active material applied on one or both surfaces of the first electrode plate. The first electrode includes a first uncoated portion on which an active material layer is not coated along a winding direction. That is, a uncoated portion on which a first electrode active material is not applied exists at one end of the first electrode plate in the width direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis). The uncoated portion functioning as a first electrode tab is hereinafter referred to as a first uncoated portion (11). The first uncoated portion (11) is provided at an upper portion in the height direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis) of an electrode assembly (10) accommodated in a battery housing (20). That is, the first electrode plate includes a first uncoated portion (11) on which an active material layer is not coated at a long end and is exposed to the outside of a separator, and a part of the first uncoated portion (11) is used as an electrode tab in its own right. The first uncoated portion (11) may be, for example, a positive electrode tab.

[0060] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the first non-conductive portion (11) may include a plurality of segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the plurality of segments may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly (10). The plurality of bent segments may be overlapped in multiple layers.

[0061] The second electrode includes a second electrode plate and a second electrode active material applied on one or both surfaces of the second electrode plate. On the other end of the second electrode plate in the width direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis), there is a non-coated portion on which the second electrode active material is not applied. The non-coated portion functioning as a second electrode tab is hereinafter referred to as a second non-coated portion (12). The second non-coated portion (12) is provided at the lower portion in the height direction (in the direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the electrode assembly (10) accommodated in the battery housing (20). That is, the second electrode plate includes a second non-coated portion (12) on which an active material layer is not coated on a long end and which is exposed to the outside of the separator, and at least a portion of the second non-coated portion (12) is used as an electrode tab in its own right. The second non-coated portion (12) may be, for example, a negative electrode tab.

[0062] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the second non-conductive portion (12) may include a plurality of segments divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the plurality of segments may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly (10). The plurality of bent segments may be overlapped in multiple layers.

[0063] The first non-conductive portion (11) and the second non-conductive portion (12) extend in opposite directions along the height direction (parallel to the Z-axis) of the battery cell (1). The first non-conductive portion (11) extends toward the closed portion of the battery housing (20), and the second non-conductive portion (12) extends toward the open portion of the battery housing (20).

[0064] In the present invention, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0065]

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery housing (20) is a roughly cylindrical container with an opening formed on one side, and is made of a conductive material such as metal, for example. The material of the battery housing (20) may be, for example, steel, stainless steel, or nickel-plated iron. The upper surface located opposite the opening is referred to as a closed portion. The side wall portion and the closed portion of the battery housing (20) may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the side wall portion and the closed portion of the battery housing (20) may be provided separately and joined to each other by welding, etc. The upper surface of the battery housing (20) (the surface parallel to the XY plane), i.e., the outer surface (20a) of the closed portion, may have a roughly flat shape. The battery housing (20) accommodates the electrode assembly (10) through the opening formed on one side, and also accommodates an electrolyte.

[0067] The above battery housing (20) is electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The battery housing (20) is electrically connected, for example, to the second non-conductive portion (12) of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the battery housing (20) has the same polarity as the second non-conductive portion (12).

[0068]

[0069] Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the battery cell (1) of Fig. 1.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 3, the cell terminal (30) is made of a conductive metal material. For example, aluminum (Al) may be used as the material for the cell terminal (30). If the material for the cell terminal (30) is aluminum, it facilitates processing during rivet processing as described below, and 10-series aluminum with relatively low electrical resistance may be used.

[0071] The cell terminal (30) penetrates the closed portion of the battery housing (20), that is, the surface (parallel to the XY plane) located on the opposite side of the open portion of the battery housing (20). For example, the cell terminal (30) may be configured to penetrate the center of the closed portion. That is, the cell terminal (30) may penetrate the closed portion of the battery housing (20) located on the opposite side of the open portion and be exposed to the outside of the battery housing (20).

[0072] The above cell terminal (30) can be electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the cell terminal (30) has a first polarity. Therefore, the cell terminal (30) can function as a first electrode cell terminal (30) in the battery cell (1) of the present invention. When the cell terminal (30) has the first polarity, the cell terminal (30) is electrically insulated from the battery housing (20) having the second polarity.

[0073]

[0074] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a cell terminal (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, in one aspect of the present invention, the cell terminal (30) may be provided with at least one fixing structure in at least a portion of the battery housing (20). Preferably, the cell terminal (30) may be provided with at least one fixing structure in a direction facing the outside of the battery housing (20). The fixing structure may be configured to prevent movement of the cell terminal (30). For example, the fixing structure may be configured to prevent forward, backward, left, and right movement of the cell terminal (30). Preferably, the fixing structure may be configured to prevent rotation in the circumferential direction of the cell terminal (30).

[0076] According to the configuration of the present invention, a riveting method using a spinning method can be applied. The spinning method refers to a method of applying a rotational force to a location to be riveted to compress a rivet, and in order to apply the rotational force, the opposite side needs to be fixed. According to the fixing structure of the present invention, although the cell terminal (30) has a circular structure, since movement is prevented by the fixing structure, the spinning method can be applied to the cell terminal (30). Accordingly, the cell terminal (30) of the present invention can be riveted by a single spinning method process. Accordingly, compared to the conventional multi-step riveting method, the management points for each process can be reduced. In addition, compared to the conventional multi-step riveting method, it has the advantages of reducing foreign matter and reducing equipment investment costs.

[0077]

[0078] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a cell terminal (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 6 to 8 are drawings for explaining a cell terminal (30) according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixed structure may include a concave groove (30G) that is sunken toward the inside of the cell terminal (30). At this time, the cross-section of the concave groove (30G) may be configured in a polygonal shape. That is, it is preferable that the cross-section of the concave groove (30G) be configured in a shape having at least three or more vertices.

[0080] As another embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 5, the cross-section of the engraved groove (30G) may be configured in a square shape. In this case, since the engraved groove (30G) is sunken to a predetermined depth, the engraved groove (30G) may be configured in the shape of a square pillar.

[0081] As another embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 6, the cross-section of the engraved groove (30G) may be configured in the shape of a regular pentagon. In this case, since the engraved groove (30G) is sunken to a predetermined depth, the engraved groove (30G) may be configured in the shape of a regular pentagonal pillar.

[0082] As another embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 7, the cross-section of the engraved groove (30G) may be configured in a star shape. In this case, since the engraved groove (30G) is sunken to a predetermined depth, the engraved groove (30G) may be configured in the shape of a star pillar.

[0083] In this way, according to the structure in which the cross-section of the engraved groove (30G) is formed into a polygonal shape, even if spinning is applied to a cell terminal (30) having a circular cross-section, the cell terminal (30) itself can be effectively prevented from rotating. That is, by inserting a pillar having a shape matching the engraved groove (30G) into the engraved groove (30G) to provide a fixed axis, the cell terminal (30) can be effectively prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the spinning method can be applied when riveting the cell terminal (30), and compared to the conventional riveting process, management points, foreign substances, equipment investment costs, etc. can be reduced.

[0084]

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the fixed structure may be provided at the center of the cell terminal (30). Preferably, the fixed structure may be provided on a concentric axis with the rotation axis of the spinning device (S) that applies rotation to the cell terminal (30). In an embodiment in which the fixed structure is configured in a square pillar shape, the center of the square pillar may be located on a concentric axis with the rotation axis of the spinning device (S).

[0086] According to this structure, the rotational force received by the cell terminal (30) can be evenly distributed to the cell terminal (30). That is, when the fixed structure is located at a position off the center of the cell terminal (30), the rotational force received by the cell terminal (30) during the spinning method may be concentrated on a part of the cell terminal (30). In this case, the possibility of damage to the fixed structure and / or the fixed axis increases. However, according to the above configuration of the present invention, the rotational force received by the cell terminal (30) is evenly distributed to the cell terminal (30), so that stable riveting can be performed.

[0087]

[0088] As another embodiment of the present invention, the fixed structure may include a plurality of negative grooves (30G).

[0089] For example, referring to Fig. 8, engraved grooves (30G) having a square cross-section may be arranged at a predetermined interval. In this case, the center of the shape connecting the centers of the plurality of engraved grooves (30G) may be provided at the center of the cell terminal (30). Specifically, referring to Fig. 8, when the centers of each engraved groove (30G) having a square cross-section are connected, an equilateral triangle is formed. At this time, the center of the equilateral triangle may be provided on an axis concentric with the rotation axis of the spinning device (S) that applies rotation to the cell terminal (30).

[0090] With this structure, the rotational force received by the cell terminal (30) can be uniformly distributed to the cell terminal (30). In addition, with the above structure, the possibility of damage to the fixed structure and / or the fixed shaft can be reduced.

[0091] Although the features of the present invention have been described based on various embodiments of the present invention, such as FIGS. 5 to 8, it is obvious that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0092]

[0093] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cell terminal (30) may include a terminal exposure portion (31), a terminal insertion portion (32), and a terminal connection portion (33).

[0094] The terminal exposure portion (31) is exposed to the outside of the battery housing (20). The terminal exposure portion (31) may be located approximately at the center of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). That is, the cell terminal (30) may penetrate approximately at the center of the closed portion. The terminal exposure portion (31) may have a shape that extends approximately parallel to the closed portion.

[0095] The terminal insertion portion (32) may have a shape that is curved toward the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). Therefore, the maximum width of the terminal insertion portion (32) after the riveting process for fixing the cell terminal (30) is performed may be formed to be larger than the maximum width of the hole formed in the battery housing (20) through which the terminal insertion portion (32) passes. The terminal insertion portion (32) may have a shape that extends approximately parallel to the closed portion. That is, the terminal insertion portion (32) may have a shape that extends approximately parallel to the terminal exposed portion (31). For example, the terminal exposed portion (31) and the terminal insertion portion (32) may be configured as a structure having a shape of an approximately circular plate that is parallel to each other. Of course, the shape of the terminal insertion portion (32) is not limited thereto.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3, the terminal connection portion (33) can connect the terminal exposure portion (31) and the terminal insertion portion (32). The terminal connection portion (33) can penetrate the battery housing (20). Specifically, the terminal connection portion (33) can penetrate the closing portion of the battery housing (20), and more specifically, the terminal connection portion (33) can penetrate approximately the center of the closing portion of the battery housing (20). The terminal connection portion (33) can extend in a direction approximately parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10). The terminal exposure portion (31) can be positioned at one end of the terminal connection portion (33). The terminal exposure portion (31) can be configured to extend horizontally from one end of the terminal connection portion (33). The terminal insertion portion (32) can be positioned at the other end of the terminal connection portion (33). The terminal insertion portion (32) may be configured to extend horizontally from the other end of the terminal connection portion (33).

[0097] The terminal connection portion (33) may have a roughly cylindrical shape extending in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10). However, the shape of the terminal connection portion (33) is not limited thereto, and if it is hollow inside and extends in the direction of the winding axis, it will be considered to be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0098]

[0099] In one aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the terminal exposure portion (31) may be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32). Preferably, the diameter of the terminal exposure portion (31) may be configured to be greater than the diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32). Meanwhile, the diameter of the terminal exposure portion (31) may be configured to be about three times or more the diameter of the connection portion.

[0100] In another aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32) may be configured to be about twice or more the diameter of the terminal connection portion (33). In this case, the diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32) refers to the maximum width of the terminal insertion portion (32) after the riveting process for fixing the cell terminal (30) is performed.

[0101] According to the above configuration, the diameter after the riveting process is performed can be secured, thereby ensuring an internal welding surface of a certain level or higher. The terminal insertion portion (32) can be welded to the first non-conductive portion or current collector (50), and according to the above configuration, the bonding area with the first non-conductive portion or current collector (50) can be expanded. Accordingly, the welding quality can be improved.

[0102]

[0103] In another aspect of the present invention, the axial thickness of the terminal insertion portion (32) can be configured to be smaller than the axial thickness of the terminal exposure portion (31). That is, according to the present invention, riveting by a spinning method is possible. Accordingly, the axial thickness of the terminal insertion portion (32) can be effectively reduced. At the same time, the diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32) can be relatively enlarged to the extent that the axial thickness of the terminal insertion portion (32) is reduced.

[0104] Accordingly, the present invention can effectively reduce the riveting height compared to conventional methods. That is, the above-described configuration of the present invention enables riveting at a minimal height. Consequently, the energy density of the battery cell (1) can be improved. At the same time, the diameter after the riveting process can be secured, thereby improving weld quality.

[0105]

[0106] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state before a cell terminal (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention is riveted, and FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a process of riveting a cell terminal (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state after a cell terminal (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention is riveted.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 9, before the riveting process is performed, the terminal insertion portion (32) may be configured in a roughly cylindrical shape. At this time, the end of the terminal insertion portion (32) may have a shape that extends roughly horizontally. That is, the end of the terminal insertion portion (32) may be configured to be roughly parallel to the closing portion of the battery housing (20). The end of the terminal insertion portion (32) provides a surface that comes into contact with a spinning device (S) to which a spinning method is applied. In this case, the cross-section of the cell terminal (30) has a roughly T shape. That is, the cell terminal (30) is fitted into the hole of the closing portion, and at this time, an insulating gasket (40) is interposed between the cell terminal (30) and the battery housing (20).

[0108] Referring to Fig. 10, a spinning device (S) is applied to the end of a terminal insertion portion (32) having a roughly cylindrical shape. The spinning device (S) has a rotation axis that is identical to the central axis of the battery cell (1). The spinning device (S) rotates around the rotation axis and presses the terminal insertion portion (32) downward. Accordingly, the terminal insertion portion (32) is pressed downward by the spinning device (S) and its shape is deformed.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 11, the terminal insertion portion (32) is pressurized by the spinning device (S) to increase its diameter. The portion with the increased diameter has approximately the same shape as the flange portion. The flange portion is configured to have approximately a circular plate shape and has a horizontally extended form. At this time, the terminal insertion portion (32) can extend in a direction parallel to the terminal exposure portion (31). In this way, the thickness and diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32) can be adjusted depending on the degree of pressurization of the spinning device (S). If the thickness of the terminal insertion portion (32) increases, the diameter decreases, and if the thickness decreases, the diameter increases. According to the present invention, the thickness of the terminal insertion portion (32) can be effectively reduced while increasing its diameter. Accordingly, securing a welding area and improving energy density can be expected.

[0110]

[0111] Referring again to FIG. 3, the insulating gasket (40) may be provided on the closed side of the battery housing (20). The insulating gasket (40) may be interposed between the battery housing (20) and the cell terminal (30).

[0112] The above insulating gasket (40) may include a gasket exposure portion (41) and a gasket insertion portion (42). The gasket exposure portion (41) is interposed between the terminal exposure portion (31) of the cell terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket exposure portion (41) may extend longer than the terminal exposure portion (31), thereby being exposed to the outside of the terminal exposure portion (31) when the battery cell (1) is viewed from above. That is, the diameter of the gasket exposure portion (41) may be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal exposure portion (31).

[0113] The above gasket insertion portion (42) is interposed between the terminal insertion portion (32) of the cell terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket insertion portion (42) can be deformed together with the terminal insertion portion (32) during riveting and can be brought into close contact with the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20). The insulating gasket (40) can be made of, for example, a resin material having insulating and elastic properties.

[0114] The diameter of the gasket insertion portion (42) may be configured to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal insertion portion (32). Preferably, the gasket insertion portion (42) may be configured to at least partially surround the end of the terminal insertion portion (32). With such a configuration, electrical insulation performance between the battery housing (20) and the cell terminal (30) can be effectively secured.

[0115]

[0116] Meanwhile, the battery cell (1) may further include a current collector (50) configured to be electrically connected to the first electrode. At this time, at least a portion of the current collector (50) may be coupled to the terminal insertion portion (32) of the cell terminal (30).

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the current collector (50) is coupled to the upper portion of the electrode assembly (10). The current collector (50) is made of a conductive metal material and is electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion (11). For example, the current collector (50) may be coupled to a coupling surface formed by bending an end of the first non-conductive portion (11) in a direction parallel to the current collector (50).

[0118] Referring to Fig. 3, the current collector (50) can be coupled to the upper portion of the electrode assembly (10). In addition, the current collector (50) can be coupled to the cell terminal (30). That is, the current collector (50) is interposed between the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10) and the cell terminal (30), thereby electrically connecting the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10) and the cell terminal (30). The current collector (50) is made of a conductive metal material.

[0119]

[0120] Referring again to FIG. 3, the insulator may be provided between the current collector (50) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20). The insulator prevents contact between the current collector (50) and the battery housing (20). The insulator may also be interposed between the upper end of the outer surface of the electrode assembly (10) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20). That is, the insulator may also be interposed between the first non-coated portion (11) and the inner surface of the side wall of the battery housing (20). This is to prevent contact between the first non-coated portion (11) extending toward the closed portion of the battery housing (20) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20).

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery pack including a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery assembly in which a plurality of battery cells (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention are electrically connected, and a pack housing (2) accommodating the same. In the drawing of the present invention, components such as a bus bar, a cooling unit, and a power terminal for electrical connection are omitted for convenience of illustration. In addition, the battery pack (3) may further include various components, such as components of the battery pack (1) known at the time of filing of the present invention, such as a BMS, a pack case, a relay, and a current sensor.

[0124]

[0125] Fig. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack (3) of Fig. 12.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (5) according to an 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 an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) includes a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (5) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery cell (1) or the battery pack (3). For example, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc. in addition to the battery cell (1) according to the present invention.

[0127]

[0128] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up and down are used in this specification, 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.

[0129] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0130]

[0131] [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 5: Car

[0133] 3: Battery pack

[0134] 2: Pack housing

[0135] 1: Battery cell

[0136]

[0137] 10: Electrode assembly

[0138] 11: 1st Military Department

[0139] 12: 2nd Military Department

[0140] C: Center of winding

[0141]

[0142] 20: Battery housing

[0143] 20a: External surface

[0144]

[0145] 30: Cell terminal

[0146] 31: Terminal exposure

[0147] 32: Terminal insertion part

[0148] 33: Terminal connection

[0149] 30G: Engraved groove

[0150]

[0151] 40: Insulating gasket

[0152] 41: Gasket exposure area

[0153] 42: Gasket insert

[0154]

[0155] 50: Whole house

Claims

1. An electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween, each of which is wound around a winding axis to define a core and an outer peripheral surface, wherein the first electrode includes a first uncoated portion on which an active material layer is not coated along the winding direction; A battery housing comprising an opening on one side and configured to receive the electrode assembly through the opening; A cell terminal that penetrates the closed portion of the battery housing located opposite the opening portion and is exposed to the outside of the battery housing, is electrically connected to the first non-conductive portion, and has at least one fixing structure in a direction facing the outside of the battery housing; and An insulating gasket interposed between the battery housing and the cell terminal on the closed side of the battery housing Battery cells containing .

2. In paragraph 1, The above fixed structure is, A battery cell characterized in that it is configured to prevent circumferential rotation of the cell terminal.

3. In paragraph 1, The above fixed structure is, A battery cell characterized by including a recessed groove facing inwardly toward the cell terminal.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery cell characterized in that the cross-section of the above-mentioned engraved groove is configured in a polygonal shape.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the above-mentioned fixed structure is provided at the center of the cell terminal.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized in that the above fixed structure includes a plurality of engraved grooves.

7. In paragraph 1, The above cell terminals are, A terminal exposed portion exposed to the outside of the above battery housing; A terminal insertion portion positioned inside the battery housing through the closure portion of the battery housing; and A terminal connection portion that connects the terminal exposure portion and the terminal insertion portion and penetrates the battery housing. A battery cell characterized by including:

8. In paragraph 7, The diameter of the above terminal exposure part is A battery cell characterized in that it is configured to have a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal insertion portion.

9. In paragraph 7, The diameter of the above terminal insertion part is A battery cell characterized in that it is configured to be at least twice the diameter of the terminal connection portion.

10. In paragraph 7, The axial thickness of the above terminal insertion portion is A battery cell characterized in that it is configured to be smaller than the axial thickness of the terminal exposure portion.

11. In paragraph 7, A battery cell characterized in that the terminal insertion portion is configured to be parallel to the terminal exposure portion.

12. In paragraph 7, The above insulating gasket, A gasket exposed portion interposed between the terminal exposed portion and the battery housing; and A gasket insert interposed between the terminal insert and the battery housing A battery cell characterized by including:

13. In paragraph 12, The diameter of the gasket insert is A battery cell characterized in that it is configured to have a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the terminal insertion portion.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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

Images