Battery cell, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery cell according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a cathode, an anode, and a separator are stacked in the stacking direction; a cell case for accommodating the electrode assembly; and an insulation member which is disposed on one side other than two side surfaces of the electrode assembly of the cell case in the stacking direction, and which includes an insulation material, wherein the cell case includes a contact unit which is formed at a position different from the position at which the insulation member is disposed, and with which a cooling member is in contact.

Description

Battery cells, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery cell capable of maintaining cooling performance under normal conditions while effectively delaying and preventing a heat transfer phenomenon when a thermal event occurs, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097262, filed on July 23, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, with their high applicability across product categories and electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These 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] Commonly used secondary batteries today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. When high output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, to increase charge / discharge capacity, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery module or pack can vary depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] When connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to form a battery pack, it's common to first construct a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple battery cells are housed directly in a pack housing or other device, without modularization, have also been manufactured.

[0006] However, when a battery pack contains multiple battery cells, the pack may be vulnerable to thermal chain reactions between battery cells or battery modules. For example, if a thermal event, such as thermal runaway, occurs in a single battery cell, this thermal event can propagate to other battery cells or battery modules. If this thermal runaway propagation is not properly controlled, a thermal event occurring in a specific battery cell can trigger a chain reaction in other battery cells or battery modules, potentially resulting in major problems such as explosions or fires.

[0007] In the case of conventional battery cells, the cell case was a structure that simply wrapped around the electrode assembly, so there was no problem under normal conditions. However, when a thermal event such as a battery cell fire occurred, the electrode assembly inside the battery cell was exposed to high temperatures, making it very difficult to delay and prevent the heat transfer phenomenon.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a battery cell that can smoothly maintain cooling performance under normal conditions or during normal times, while effectively delaying and preventing heat transfer when a thermal event occurs.

[0009] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and its primary purpose is to provide a battery cell capable of minimizing the surface area of ​​an electrode assembly exposed to high temperatures, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle capable of minimizing the time until the electrode assembly is exposed to high temperatures.

[0011] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle in which the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented.

[0012] In addition, another purpose is to provide a battery cell capable of maintaining cooling performance, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0013] In addition, another purpose is to provide a battery cell that can secure more reliable insulation performance, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0014] In addition, another purpose is to provide a battery cell with improved durability and rigidity, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0015] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0016] A battery cell according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are laminated along a lamination direction; a cell case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; and an insulating member comprising an insulating material, which is disposed on one side of the cell case except for both side surfaces of the electrode assembly in the lamination direction, and wherein the cell case is provided with a contact portion formed at a different position from the position where the insulating member is disposed and which comes into contact with a cooling member.

[0017] The above insulating material may have a predetermined thickness.

[0018] The above insulating member may be placed on the upper side of the cell case.

[0019] The above contact portion may be provided on the lower side of the cell case.

[0020] The above insulating member may be placed on the lower side of the cell case.

[0021] The above contact portion may be provided on the upper side of the cell case.

[0022] The above insulating material can be placed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case.

[0023] The above contact portion may be provided on at least one side surface among the two side surfaces of the electrode assembly of the cell case in the stacking direction.

[0024] The above insulating material may be placed on the inside of the cell case.

[0025] The above insulating material may be placed on the outside of the cell case.

[0026] The above insulating material may be provided in the form of a tape.

[0027] The above insulating material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of mica, aerogel, and silicone.

[0028] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one battery cell according to the present invention.

[0029] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are stacked along a stacking direction; and at least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell including a cell case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, wherein only one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell is disposed on one side of the cell case except for both sides in the stacking direction, and includes an insulating member comprising an insulating material, and wherein the cell case of one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell may be provided with a contact portion formed at a different position from a position where the insulating member is disposed, and which is in contact with a cooling member.

[0030] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are stacked along a stacking direction; a cell case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; and at least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell, each including an insulating member including an insulating material and disposed on one side of the cell case except for both sides in the stacking direction, wherein the insulating member of the first battery cell and the insulating member of the second battery cell are disposed at different positions, and a contact portion formed at a different position from a position where the insulating member is disposed and in which a cooling member comes into contact may be provided in each of the cell cases of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0031] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0032] According to the present invention, a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided, which can minimize the surface area of ​​an electrode assembly exposed to high temperatures by an insulating member.

[0033] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided, which can minimize the time until the electrode assembly is exposed to high temperatures by an insulating member.

[0034] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided in which a heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented by an insulating member.

[0035] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided in which cooling performance can be maintained by placing the battery cell on one side of the cell case except for both side surfaces of the cell case in an insulating material.

[0036] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided in which a cooling member is positioned at a different position from an insulating member to maintain cooling performance.

[0037] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided, which can secure more reliable insulation performance by means of an insulating member.

[0038] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, having improved durability and rigidity due to the insulating material can be provided.

[0039] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to the present invention without an insulating member.

[0042] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cooling member arranged on the lower side of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cooling member arranged on the upper side of a battery cell according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cooling member arranged on a side surface of a battery cell according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an insulating member formed on the inside of a cell case in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery cell according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention in which an insulating member is provided in the form of a tape.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an insulating member being placed in close contact with the folding portion of a cell case in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0056] Accordingly, 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 ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to the present invention without an insulating member, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cooling member arranged on the lower side of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Hereinafter, a battery cell (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. A battery cell (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly, a cell case (110), and an insulating member (200).

[0059] The electrode assembly may be configured with a stacked anode, cathode, and separator. The anode, cathode, and separator may be stacked along the stacking direction. For example, the anode, cathode, and separator may be stacked in the Y-axis direction, and may be sequentially and repeatedly stacked.

[0060] The cell case (110) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may be accommodated inside the cell case (110). The cell case (110) may include a storage portion (111).

[0061] An electrode assembly can be accommodated in the storage unit (111). The storage unit (111) can be provided in a three-dimensional shape having a predetermined length, width, and height in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The storage unit (111) can include a lower portion (111a), an upper portion (111b), and a side portion (111c). The lower portion (111a) can be a -Z-side portion of the storage unit (111). The upper portion (111b) can be a +Z-side portion of the storage unit (111). The side portion (111c) can be formed on both sides of the cell case (110) in the stacking direction. Specifically, the side portions (111c) can be formed on both sides in the same direction as the stacking direction of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator of the electrode assembly in the cell case (110). For example, the side portion (111c) may be the -Y side portion and the +Y side portion of the storage portion (111).

[0062] An insulating member (200) may be placed in the cell case (110). The insulating member (200) may be placed on one side of the cell case (110) except for both side surfaces (111c). Specifically, the insulating member (200) may be placed on at least one side of the storage portion (111) except for both side surfaces (111c).

[0063] The insulating member (200) may be arranged in the cell case in various ways or forms. For example, it may be provided separately from the cell case (110) and arranged in combination with the cell case, or it may be arranged in a manner in which it is formed integrally with the cell case (110) and is part of the cell case.

[0064] High temperature heat can be insulated by the insulating member (200). The insulating member (200) may include an insulating material for insulation. The insulating material may have insulating properties.

[0065] A cell case (110) of a battery cell (100) according to the present invention may be provided with a contact portion. The contact portion may be understood as a portion of the cell case (110) with which the cooling member (300) comes into contact. For example, when the cooling member (300) is arranged to come into contact with the storage portion (111) of the battery cell, the contact portion may be understood as a specific portion of the storage portion (111) with which the cooling member (300) comes into contact. The cooling member (300) may cool the battery cell (100). A cooling medium may flow within the cooling member (300).

[0066] The contact portion may be formed at a different location from the location where the insulating member (200) is positioned. Specifically, the contact portion may be positioned at a location that overlaps or does not overlap the insulating member (200).

[0067] Conventional battery cells consisted of a cell case that simply encapsulated the electrode assembly. While these conventional battery cells performed well under normal conditions, such as during the production process and when installed in vehicles, in the event of a thermal event, such as a battery cell fire, the electrode assembly within the cell case was exposed to high temperatures, making it difficult to delay or prevent thermal transfer.

[0068] However, the battery cell (100) according to the present invention can minimize the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly exposed to high temperature by the insulating member (200) even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), and can minimize the time until the electrode assembly is exposed to high temperature, so that the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented.

[0069] In addition, the battery cell (100) according to the present invention may be provided with a contact portion in which an insulating member (200) is disposed on a portion of the cell case (110) except for both side surfaces (111c), and a cooling member (300) comes into contact with the cell case (110) at a position different from the position where the insulating member (200) is disposed, so that under normal conditions, the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be maintained at a level almost similar to that of a conventional battery cell.

[0070] As a result, the battery cell (100) according to the present invention has a remarkable effect in that the cooling performance by the cooling member (300) can be maintained under normal conditions, and when a thermal event occurs, the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented.

[0071]

[0072] The insulating member (200) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of mica, aerogel, and silicone. Specifically, the insulating material of the insulating member (200) may include at least one material selected from the materials listed above.

[0073] Mica, aerogel or silicone materials are materials with excellent fire resistance and insulation properties. If the insulating member (200) includes at least one such material, the insulating performance of the insulating member (200) can be further enhanced.

[0074]

[0075] The insulating member (200) may have a predetermined thickness. That is, the insulating member (200) may be provided as a separate member having a predetermined thickness. For example, the insulating member (200) may be provided in a plate shape having a thickness. The insulating member (200) may be attached and coupled to, for example, the storage portion (111) of the cell case (110), and the coupling method between the insulating member (200) and the storage portion (111) or the structure related to the coupling are not limited to a specific method or structure.

[0076] In this way, when the insulating member (200) is provided as a separate member having a predetermined thickness, more reliable insulating performance of the battery cell (100) can be secured, and improvement in durability and rigidity of the battery cell (100) can also be expected.

[0077]

[0078] Meanwhile, the lower portion (111a) of the storage portion (111) may be provided with a bridge (112). The storage portion (111) may be folded and assembled to accommodate the electrode assembly after the electrode assembly is stored and aligned in an unfolded state, and the storage portion (111) may be folded at the bridge (112) (see FIG. 13).

[0079] Meanwhile, the storage unit (111) may further include sealing portions (113, 114). The sealing portions (113, 114) may be portions in which at least a portion of the edge of the storage unit (111) is sealed. For example, the sealing portions (113, 114) may be provided at both ends of the X-axis and the +Z-side portion of the storage unit (111), excluding the lower portion (111a) of the storage unit (111). The sealing portions (113, 114) may include a terrace portion (113) and a folding portion (114). The terrace portion (113) may be configured to seal a portion where an electrode lead (120) described below is arranged. The folding portion (114) may be configured to seal an upper portion (111b) of the storage unit (111). The folding portion (114) may be provided in a partially folded form.

[0080]

[0081] The insulating member (200) may be placed on the upper side of the cell case (110). Specifically, the insulating member (200) may be placed on the upper portion (111b) of the storage portion (111). The insulating member (200) may be coupled to the upper portion (111b) of the storage portion (111).

[0082] In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the surface area exposed to the high temperature of the upper portion of the electrode assembly and the time until exposure to the high temperature can be minimized, so that, in particular, the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented in the upper portion of the battery cell (100).

[0083]

[0084] As described above, when the insulating member (200) is placed on the upper side of the cell case (110), the contact portion may be provided on the lower side of the cell case (110). That is, the cooling member (300) may be in contact with the lower part (111a) of the cell case (110).

[0085] In this case, even if the insulating member (200) is placed on the upper side of the cell case (110), the cooling member (300) is placed at a position opposite to the position where the insulating member (200) is placed, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be effectively maintained under normal conditions.

[0086]

[0087] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a cooling member arranged on the upper side of a battery cell according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, a battery cell (100) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0089] In a battery cell (100) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, an insulating member (200) may be placed on the lower side of a cell case (110). Specifically, the insulating member (200) may be placed on the lower end (111a) of the receiving portion (111). The insulating member (200) may be coupled to the lower end (111a) of the receiving portion (111).

[0090] In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the surface area exposed to the high temperature of the lower portion of the electrode assembly and the time until exposure to the high temperature can be minimized, so that, in particular, the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented in the lower portion of the battery cell (100).

[0091]

[0092] As described above, when the insulation member (200) is placed on the lower side of the cell case (110), the contact portion may be provided on the upper side of the cell case (110). That is, the cooling member (300) may be in contact with the upper portion (111b) of the cell case (110).

[0093] In this case, even if the insulation member (200) is placed on the lower side of the cell case (110), the cooling member (300) is placed at a position opposite to the position where the insulation member (200) is placed, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be effectively maintained under normal conditions.

[0094]

[0095] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cooling member arranged on a side surface of a battery cell according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Below, with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, a battery cell (100) according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0097] In a battery cell (100) according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, an insulating member (200) may be placed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case (110). Specifically, the insulating member (200) may be placed on the upper portion (111b) and the lower portion (111a) of the receiving portion (111), respectively. The insulating member (200) may be coupled to the upper portion (111b) and the lower portion (111a) of the receiving portion (111), respectively.

[0098] In this case, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100), the surface area exposed to high temperature and the time until exposure to high temperature of each of the upper and lower portions of the electrode assembly can be minimized, so that, in particular, the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented in the upper and lower portions of the battery cell (100).

[0099]

[0100] As described above, when the insulating member (200) is arranged on the upper and lower sides of the cell case (110), the contact portion may be provided on at least one side portion (111c) among the two side portions (111c) of the cell case (110). That is, the cooling member (300) may be in contact with one side portion (111c) of the cell case (110). Specifically, the cooling member (300) may be arranged on at least one side among the two side portions (111c) in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly in the cell case (110). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the cooling member (300) may be disposed on both side surfaces (111c) of the battery cell (100), or, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 7, the cooling member (300) may be disposed on only one of the side surfaces (111c) of the battery cell (100) (for example, one cooling member (300) may be provided for every two battery cells (100). The side surfaces (111c) of the battery cell (100) and the cooling member (300) may be in surface contact with each other.

[0101] In the above case, even if the insulating member (200) is placed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case (110), the cooling member (300) is placed on the side (111c) of the cell case (110) at a position different from the position where the insulating member (200) is placed, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be effectively maintained under normal conditions.

[0102]

[0103] Again, referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the insulating member (200) may not be placed on the terrace portion (113) side.

[0104] The battery cell (100) may further include an electrode lead (120). The electrode lead (120) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The electrode lead (120) may constitute a terminal of the battery cell (100) and may have a first polarity or a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The electrode lead (120) may protrude outward from the cell case (110) and at least one may be provided. The electrode lead (120) may be provided in two pieces. One of the two electrode leads (120) may have the first polarity and the other may have the second polarity.

[0105] The cell case (110) may have a terrace portion (113). The terrace portion (113) may be configured to seal a portion where the electrode lead (120) of the sealing portion (113, 114) described above is arranged. The terrace portion (113) may be provided on the electrode lead (120) side of the cell case (110). For example, when the electrode lead (120) protrudes from the -X direction side and the +X direction side of the cell case (110), the terrace portion (113) may be provided on the -X direction side and the +X direction side of the cell case (110). The terrace portion (113) may surround the electrode lead (120). The terrace portion (113) may seal the electrode lead (120).

[0106] The insulating member (200) may not be placed on the terrace portion (113) side as described above.

[0107]

[0108] Again, referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the insulating member (200) may be placed on the outside of the cell case (110). For example, the insulating member (200) may be placed on the outside of the upper portion (111b) and / or the outside of the lower portion (111a) of the cell case (110). In this case, the insulating member (200) may be coupled to the outside of the cell case (110).

[0109] In this way, when the insulating material (200) is placed on the outside of the cell case (110), there is an advantage in that, in particular, the surface area exposed to high temperatures of the outer portion of the battery cell (100) and the time until exposure to high temperatures can be minimized.

[0110]

[0111] The insulating member (200) may seal the cell case (110) from the outside. Specifically, the insulating member (200) may be arranged on the outside of the cell case (110) to seal the cell case (110). In this case, the insulating member (200) may be arranged in close contact with the outside of the cell case (110). For example, the insulating member (200) may be arranged in close contact with the outside of the upper portion (111b) and / or the outside of the lower portion (111a) of the cell case (110). In this case, the shape of at least a portion of the insulating member (200) may correspond to the shape of the outside of the cell case (110).

[0112] In this way, when the insulating member (200) is configured to seal the cell case (110) from the outside, there is an advantage in that the surface area of ​​the battery cell (100) exposed to high temperatures and the time until exposure to high temperatures can be further minimized.

[0113]

[0114] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an insulating member formed on the inside of a cell case in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the insulating member (200) may be disposed on the inside of the cell case (110). For example, the insulating member (200) may be disposed on the inside of the upper portion (111b) of the cell case (110), as illustrated in FIG. 8. In addition, although not illustrated in the drawing, the present invention does not exclude the possibility that the insulating member (200) may also be disposed on the inside of the lower portion (111a) of the cell case (110).

[0116] The battery cell (100) can be assembled through a process of accommodating and aligning the electrode assembly in the unfolded cell case (110) and then folding and sealing the cell case (110). In the above case, the insulating member (200) can be placed in advance inside the cell case (110) before the process of folding and sealing the cell case (110).

[0117] In this way, when the insulating member (200) is placed inside the cell case (110), there is an advantage in that, in particular, the surface area exposed to high temperatures of the inner portion of the battery cell (100) and the time until exposure to high temperatures can be minimized. In addition, since the battery cell (100) may be compressed during the process of manufacturing the battery cell (100), when the insulating member (200) is placed inside the cell case (110), there is also an advantage in that the insulating member (200) can be easily adhered and fixed between the cell case (110) and the electrode assembly.

[0118]

[0119] The insulating member (200) may also seal the space between the cell case (110) and the electrode assembly. Specifically, the insulating member (200) may be arranged on the inside of the cell case (110) to seal the space between the cell case (110) and the electrode assembly. In this case, the insulating member (200) may be arranged in close contact with the inside of the cell case (110). For example, the width (Y direction) and the length (X direction) of the insulating member (200) may be provided to be substantially identical to the inner width (Y direction) and the inner length (X direction) of the cell case (110), so that the insulating member (200) may be in close contact with the inside of the cell case (110). In contrast, for example, when the width (Y direction) or length (X direction) of the insulating member (200) is formed to be smaller than the inner width (Y direction) or inner length (X direction) of the cell case (110), a separate sealing means may be provided at the edge of the insulating member (200) so that the insulating member can be brought into close contact with the inner side of the cell case (110). In addition, the shape of at least a portion of the insulating member (200) may correspond to the inner shape of the cell case (110).

[0120] In this way, when the insulating member (200) is configured to seal the space between the cell case (110) and the electrode assembly, there is an advantage in that the surface area of ​​the battery cell (100) exposed to high temperatures and the time until exposure to high temperatures can be further minimized.

[0121]

[0122] Meanwhile, unlike the above, the insulating member (200) may be placed on the outer and inner sides of the cell case (110), respectively. In this case, there may be an advantage in that the surface area exposed to high temperatures on the outer and inner sides of the battery cell (100) and the time until exposure to high temperatures can be minimized.

[0123]

[0124] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery cell according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention in which an insulating member is provided in the form of a tape.

[0125] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, a battery cell (100) according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0126] According to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell (100) may have an insulating member (200) provided in a tape form. When the insulating member (200) is provided in a tape form, the insulating member (200) may be attached to the cell case (110) in close contact. The tape-shaped insulating member (200) may be attached to the upper end (111b) and / or the lower end (111a) of the cell case (110), and may also be attached to the outer side and / or the inner side of the cell case (110).

[0127] In this way, when the insulating member (200) is provided in the form of a tape, the insulating member (200) can be more easily and firmly placed on the cell case (110). In addition, the sealing of the cell case (110) can be strengthened by the insulating member (200). In addition, since the volume occupied by the insulating member (200) is small, the energy density of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0128]

[0129] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an insulating member being placed in close contact with the folding portion of a cell case in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to Fig. 10, the insulating member (200) may be placed in close contact with the folding member (114). The insulating member (200) may be placed so as to press the folding member (114). As described above, the folding member (114) may be provided in a partially folded manner. Specifically, the folding member (114) may be formed by folding the cell case (110) so that both ends of the unfolded cell case (110) face each other to form the upper end (111b) of the cell case (110), and a portion of the upper end (111b) may be bent and folded.

[0131] The insulating member (200) can be placed in close contact with the folding portion (114), and in this case, the insulating member (200) can pressurize the folding portion (114). As the insulating member (200) presses the folding portion (114), the sealing on the folding portion (114) side can be more effectively performed, and the volume of the insulating member (200) and the battery cell (100) can be reduced, so that the energy density of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0132]

[0133] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] The battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include at least one battery cell (100) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) according to the present invention may include a plurality of battery cells (100) according to the present invention. In the battery pack (10), the plurality of battery cells (100) may be included by configuring several battery cells (100) as module units. Alternatively, in the battery pack (10), the plurality of battery cells (100) may not be configured as module units, but may be configured in a so-called cell-to-pack structure.

[0135]

[0136] Meanwhile, in the battery pack (10) according to the present invention, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked and arranged. For example, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be stacked and arranged along the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cells (100).

[0137] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include the cooling member (300) described above.

[0138] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include a pack case (400). A space capable of accommodating at least one battery cell (100) may be formed in the pack case (400). The pack case (400) may include a bottom portion (410), a side wall portion (420), and a pack cover (430). The bottom portion (410) forms the bottom of the pack case (400), the side wall portion (420) may be arranged to surround the bottom portion (410) to form a space capable of accommodating the battery cell (100), and the pack cover (430) may be coupled to the side wall portion (420) to cover the pack case (400). In addition, although not shown, a partition frame may further be included inside the pack case (400) to partition a space in which the battery cells (100) are accommodated. The pack case (400) may further include a venting device (440) provided to allow high-temperature venting gas, etc. discharged when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100) to be communicated to the outside.

[0139] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include various devices for controlling charging and discharging of battery cells (100), such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., although not shown.

[0140]

[0141] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include at least one first battery cell (100-1) and at least one second battery cell (100-2).

[0143] The first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may each include the same electrode assembly and cell case (110) as the electrode assembly and cell case (110) of the battery cell (100) according to the present invention described above. A battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a pack case (400) as illustrated in FIG. 11, and the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be accommodated inside the pack case (400).

[0144] However, the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may differ from each other in the presence or absence of the insulation member (200). Specifically, in a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention, only one of the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may include the insulation member (200).

[0145] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be alternately arranged, and an insulating member (200) may be arranged at the upper end (111b) of the first battery cell (100-1), but the insulating member (200) may not be arranged at the second battery cell (100-2). For example, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 12, the insulating member (200) may be arranged at the lower end (111a) of the first battery cell (100-1), and the insulating member (200) may not be arranged at the first battery cell (100-1) but may be arranged at the second battery cell (100-2).

[0146] In addition, a cell case (110) of one of the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) including the insulating member (200) may be provided with a contact portion formed at a position different from the position where the insulating member (200) is arranged and with which the cooling member (300) comes into contact.

[0147] However, the above are only examples, and it should be understood that a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes at least one first battery cell (100-1) and at least one second battery cell (100-2), but includes various cases in which one of the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) includes an insulating member (200) and the other does not include an insulating member (200).

[0148] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the presence or absence of the insulation member (200) can be designed differently for each battery cell (100), thereby increasing the design diversity and expandability of the battery pack (10).

[0149] Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) may further include a cooling member (300).

[0150] Meanwhile, in the battery pack (10), a partition member (P) may be further arranged between any two adjacent battery cells (100). The partition member (P) may partition any two adjacent battery cells (100). By the partition member (P), a plurality of battery cells (100) may be divided into so-called bank units. The partition member (P) may be, for example, a barrier, and the barrier may include a fire-resistant material. The partition member (P) may be, for example, a cooling member (300). The partition member (P) may be, for example, a cooling member (300) arranged on the side surface (111c) of the cell case (110) of the battery cell (100), as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0151]

[0152] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include at least one first battery cell (100-1) and at least one second battery cell (100-2). (It should be understood that the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) of the battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention are different from the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) of the battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention.)

[0154] The first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may each include the same electrode assembly, cell case (110), and insulation member (200) as the battery cell (100) according to the present invention described above, and the same electrode assembly, cell case (110), and insulation member (200). A battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a pack case (400) as illustrated in FIG. 11, and the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be accommodated inside the pack case (400).

[0155] However, the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may differ from each other in the position of the insulation member (200). Specifically, in a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the insulation member (200) of the first battery cell (100-1) and the insulation member (200) of the second battery cell (100-2) may be positioned at different positions.

[0156] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be alternately arranged, and an insulating member (200) may be arranged at the upper end (111b) of the first battery cell (100-1), and an insulating member (200) may be arranged at the lower end (111a) of the second battery cell (100-2). For example, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 13, an insulating member (200) may be arranged at the lower end (111a) of the first battery cell (100-1), and an insulating member (200) may be arranged at the upper end (111b) of the second battery cell (100-2).

[0157] In addition, each of the cell cases (110) of the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be provided with a contact portion formed at a position different from the position where the insulating member (200) is arranged and with which the cooling member (300) comes into contact.

[0158] However, the above are only examples, and it should be understood that a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes at least one first battery cell (100-1) and at least one second battery cell (100-2), but includes various cases in which the position of the insulation member (200) of one of the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) is formed differently from the position of the insulation member (200) of the other battery cell (100).

[0159] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the position of the insulation member (200) can be designed differently for each battery cell (100), thereby increasing the design diversity and expandability of the battery pack (10).

[0160] Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) may further include a cooling member (300).

[0161]

[0162] Above, preferred examples of the battery cell (100) and battery pack (10) according to the present invention have been described. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to these examples, and may also include combinations of any two or more of them.

[0163]

[0164] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 14, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (V) such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (V) according to the present invention can include the battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (10) can be installed in a body frame or a trunk space under a vehicle seat. In addition to the battery pack (10), the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include various other components included in the vehicle. For example, the vehicle (V) according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0166] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be installed in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as energy storage systems that use secondary batteries, in addition to automobiles (V).

[0167]

[0168] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but 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.

[0169] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

[0170] [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 10: Battery pack

[0172] 100: Battery cell

[0173] 110: Cell Case

[0174] 111: Storage compartment

[0175] 111a: Lower part

[0176] 111b: Top

[0177] 111c: Side

[0178] 112: Bridge

[0179] 113: Terrace

[0180] 114: Folding section

[0181] 120: Electrode lead

[0182] 200: Insulating member

[0183] 300: Cooling element

[0184] 400: Pack Case

[0185] 410: Bottom

[0186] 420: Side wall

[0187] 430: Pack Cover

[0188] 440: Venting Device

[0189] P: Partition member

[0190] V: Car

Claims

1. An electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are laminated along the lamination direction; a cell case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; and An insulating member including an insulating material is disposed on one side of the electrode assembly of the cell case except for the two side surfaces in the stacking direction, and In the above cell case, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed at a different location from the location where the insulating member is arranged and has a contact portion that makes contact with the cooling member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized by having a predetermined thickness.

3. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized in that it is arranged on the upper side of the cell case.

4. In paragraph 3, The above contact part, A battery cell characterized in that it is provided on the lower side of the above cell case.

5. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized in that it is arranged on the lower side of the cell case.

6. In paragraph 5, The above contact part, A battery cell characterized in that it is provided on the upper side of the cell case.

7. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized in that it is arranged on the upper and lower sides of the cell case.

8. In paragraph 7, The above contact part, A battery cell characterized in that it is provided on at least one side surface among the two side surfaces of the electrode assembly of the cell case in the stacking direction.

9. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized in that it is arranged inside the above cell case.

10. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized in that it is arranged on the outside of the cell case.

11. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized by being provided in tape form.

12. In paragraph 1, The above insulating material is, A battery cell characterized by comprising at least one material selected from the group consisting of mica, aerogel, and silicone.

13. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to claims 1 to 12.

14. An electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are laminated along the lamination direction; and At least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell including a cell case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, Either one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, An insulating member including an insulating material is disposed on one side of the cell case except for the two sides in the stacking direction, and In the cell case of one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, A battery pack characterized in that it is formed at a different location from the location where the insulating member is arranged and has a contact portion that makes contact with the cooling member.

15. An electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are laminated along the lamination direction; a cell case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; and At least one first battery cell and at least one second battery cell are disposed on one side of the cell case except for the two sides in the stacking direction, and include an insulating member including an insulating material. The insulating member of the first battery cell and the insulating member of the second battery cell are arranged at different positions, In each of the cell cases of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, A battery pack characterized in that the insulating member is formed at a different location from the location where the insulating member is arranged, and each contact portion is provided with a cooling member.

16. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 13.

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