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 positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator are stacked in a stacking direction; a cell case for accommodating the electrode assembly; and an insulation coating layer which is formed by being coated on the remaining portion of the cell case except for both side surface portions in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly, 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 coating layer is formed, 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. 10-2024-0109043, filed August 14, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[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 with improved weight reduction and energy density, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 coating layer formed by coating a portion of the cell case except for both side surfaces of the electrode assembly in the lamination direction, the remaining portion including an insulating material, wherein the cell case is provided with a contact portion formed at a position different from a position where the insulating coating layer is formed and in which a cooling member comes into contact.

[0016] The above insulating coating layer can be formed on the upper side of the cell case.

[0017] The above contact portion may be provided on the lower side of the cell case.

[0018] The above insulating coating layer can be formed on the lower side of the cell case.

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

[0020] The above insulating coating layer can be formed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The electrode assembly is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and further includes at least one electrode lead protruding outward from the cell case, the cell case has a terrace portion surrounding the electrode lead, and the insulating coating layer may not be formed on the terrace portion.

[0023] The above insulating coating layer can be formed on the outside of the cell case.

[0024] The above insulating coating layer can be formed on the inside of the cell case.

[0025] The above cell case has a folding portion formed by bending one side, and the insulating coating layer can be formed on the inner and outer sides of the folding portion.

[0026] The above insulating coating layer may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of mica, aerogel, and silicone.

[0027] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one battery cell according to the present invention.

[0028] 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 includes an insulating coating layer formed on a portion of the cell case other than both sides in the stacking direction and including 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 position different from a position where the insulating coating layer is formed and in which a cooling member comes into contact.

[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 laminated along a 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, each of which includes an insulating coating layer formed on a portion of the cell case other than both sides in the lamination direction and including an insulating material, wherein the insulating coating layer of the first battery cell and the insulating coating layer of the second battery cell are formed at different positions, and a contact portion formed at a position different from a position where the insulating coating layer is formed and in which a cooling member comes into contact may be provided on each of the cell cases of the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0030] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0031] According to the present invention, a battery cell, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same can be provided, which can minimize the surface area of ​​an electrode assembly exposed to high temperatures by an insulating coating layer.

[0032] 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 coating layer.

[0033] 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 coating layer.

[0034] In addition, a battery cell, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided in which an insulating coating layer is coated on a portion of the cell case except for both side surfaces, thereby maintaining cooling performance.

[0035] 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 coating layer to maintain cooling performance.

[0036] In addition, a battery cell with improved weight and energy density, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle can be provided by the insulating coating layer.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to the present invention without an insulating coating layer.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an insulating coating layer formed on the inside of a cell case in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view showing an insulating coating layer formed on a folding portion of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery cell according to the present invention without an insulating coating layer, 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.

[0055] 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 coating layer (200).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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).

[0059] The insulating coating layer (200) may be formed by coating on the cell case (110). The insulating coating layer (200) may be formed by coating on a portion of the cell case (110) other than both side surfaces (111c). Specifically, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed by coating on at least a portion of the portion other than both side surfaces (111c) of the storage portion (111).

[0060] High temperature heat can be insulated by the insulating coating layer (200). To insulate the insulating coating layer (200), the insulating coating layer (200) may include an insulating material. The insulating material may have insulating properties. The thickness of the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed very thinly, so that the thickness of the insulating coating layer (200) may not be measurable with the naked eye.

[0061] 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).

[0062] The contact portion may be formed at a different location from the location where the insulating coating layer (200) is formed. Specifically, the contact portion may be positioned at a location that overlaps or does not overlap the insulating coating layer (200).

[0063] 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.

[0064] However, even if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly exposed to high temperature can be minimized by the insulating coating layer (200), and the time until the electrode assembly is exposed to high temperature can be minimized, so that the heat transfer phenomenon can be effectively delayed and prevented.

[0065] In addition, the battery cell (100) according to the present invention may be provided with a contact portion in which an insulating coating layer (200) is coated 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 coating layer (200) is formed, 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.

[0066] In addition, since the insulating coating layer (200) is formed by being thinly coated on the battery cell (100), the volume occupied by the insulating coating layer (200) is very small, so weight reduction and improvement in energy density of the battery cell (100) can also be expected.

[0067] As a result, the battery cell (100) according to the present invention can have the remarkable effect of maintaining cooling performance by the cooling member (300) under normal conditions, and effectively delaying and preventing heat transfer when a thermal event occurs. Furthermore, this can provide a battery cell (100) that is lightweight and has improved energy density.

[0068]

[0069] The insulating coating layer (200) may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of mica, aerogel, and silicone. Specifically, the insulating material of the insulating coating layer (200) may include at least one material selected from the materials listed above.

[0070] Mica, aerogel or silicone materials are materials with excellent fire resistance and insulation properties. Therefore, when the insulation coating layer (200) includes at least one such material, the insulation performance of the insulation coating layer (200) can be further enhanced.

[0071]

[0072] 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. 12).

[0073] 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.

[0074]

[0075] The insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the upper side of the cell case (110). Specifically, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed by coating the upper portion (111b) of the storage portion (111).

[0076] 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).

[0077]

[0078] As described above, when the insulating coating layer (200) is formed 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.

[0079] In this case, even if the insulating coating layer (200) is formed on the upper side of the cell case (110), the cooling member (300) is positioned at a position opposite to the position where the insulating coating layer (200) is formed, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be effectively maintained under normal conditions.

[0080]

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In a battery cell (100) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, an insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the lower side of the cell case (110). Specifically, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed by coating the lower portion (111a) of the storage portion (111).

[0084] 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).

[0085]

[0086] As described above, when the insulating coating layer (200) is formed 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).

[0087] In this case, even if the insulating coating layer (200) is formed on the lower side of the cell case (110), the cooling member (300) is positioned at a position opposite to the position where the insulating coating layer (200) is formed, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be effectively maintained under normal conditions.

[0088]

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In a battery cell (100) according to another modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, an insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case (110). Specifically, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed by coating the upper portion (111b) and the lower portion (111a) of the storage portion (111), respectively.

[0092] 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).

[0093]

[0094] As described above, when the insulating coating layer (200) is formed 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.

[0095] In the above case, even if the insulating coating layer (200) is formed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case (110), the cooling member (300) is positioned on the side (111c) of the cell case (110) at a position different from the position where the insulating coating layer (200) is formed, so that the cooling performance of the battery cell (100) by the cooling member (300) can be effectively maintained under normal conditions.

[0096]

[0097] Again, referring to FIGS. 2, 4 and 6, in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the insulating coating layer (200) may not be formed on the terrace portion (113).

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] The insulating coating layer (200) may not be formed on the terrace portion (113). In order to form the insulating coating layer (200) on the upper and / or lower side of the cell case (110), a coating component including an insulating material may be sprayed toward the cell case (110) in the upper and / or lower direction (Z direction). Since the terrace portion (113) may be formed to have a thin thickness (e.g., Y direction thickness), when the coating component is sprayed in the upper and / or lower direction as described above, the insulating coating layer (200) may not be formed on the terrace portion (113). Therefore, in order to form the insulating coating layer (200) on the terrace portion (113), the coating component needs to be sprayed in a direction different from the upper and / or lower direction, and thus an additional process may be required to form the insulating coating layer (200). However, if the insulating coating layer (200) is not formed on the terrace portion (113), the additional process as described above is unnecessary, so the productivity of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0101]

[0102] Again, referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the outside of the cell case (110). For example, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the outside of the upper portion (111b) and / or the outside of the lower portion (111a) of the cell case (110).

[0103] In this way, when the insulating coating layer (200) is formed 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 outside portion of the battery cell (100) and the time until exposure to high temperatures can be minimized.

[0104]

[0105] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an insulating coating layer formed on the inside of a cell case in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 8, in the battery cell (100) according to the present invention, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the inside of the cell case (110). For example, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed 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 coating layer (200) may also be formed on the inside of the lower portion (111a) of the cell case (110).

[0107] In this case, during the process of assembling the battery cell (100), before the electrode assembly is accommodated in the cell case (110), the insulating coating layer (200) can be formed by being coated in advance on the inside of the cell case (110).

[0108] In this way, when the insulating coating layer (200) is formed on the inside of the cell case (110), there is an advantage in that the surface area exposed to high temperature and the time until exposure to high temperature of the inner part of the battery cell (100) can be minimized.

[0109]

[0110] Meanwhile, unlike the above, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed 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.

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view showing an insulating coating layer formed on a folding portion of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 9, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the inner and outer sides of the folding portion (114). As described above, the folding portion (114) may be provided in a partially folded manner. Specifically, the folding portion (114) may be formed by folding the cell case (110) so that either end of the unfolded cell case (110) faces each other to form the upper end (111b) of the cell case (110), and a portion of the upper end (111b) is folded and folded. The inner and outer sides of the folding portion (114) may be understood as the inner and outer sides of the folded portion of the folding portion (114), and the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the inner and outer sides of this folding portion (114).

[0114] Meanwhile, the folding portion (114) can be folded twice. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the folding portion (114) can have a first folded portion (114a) and a second folded portion (114b). The insulating coating layer (200) can be formed on both the inner side (inner circumference portion) and the outer side (outer circumference portion) of the first folded portion (114a). The insulating coating layer (200) can be formed on both the inner side (inner circumference portion) and the outer side (outer circumference portion) of the second folded portion (114b).

[0115] In this way, when the insulating coating layer (200) is formed on both the inner and outer sides of the folding portion (114), the insulating coating layer (200) can cover the entire upper portion (111b) of the cell case (110) including the folding portion (114), and in particular, the heat transfer shape can be delayed and prevented more effectively in the upper portion of the battery cell (100).

[0116]

[0117] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] 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.

[0119]

[0120] 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).

[0121] Meanwhile, the battery pack (10) according to the present invention may further include the cooling member (300) described above.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124]

[0125] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, 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).

[0127] 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. 10, and the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be accommodated inside the pack case (400).

[0128] 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 coating layer (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 coating layer (200).

[0129] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be alternately arranged, and an insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the upper portion (111b) of the first battery cell (100-1), but the insulating coating layer (200) may not be formed on the second battery cell (100-2). For example, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 11, the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the lower portion (111a) of the first battery cell (100-1), or the insulating coating layer (200) may not be formed on the first battery cell (100-1), but the insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the second battery cell (100-2).

[0130] In addition, in the cell case (110) of either the first battery cell (100-1) or the second battery cell (100-2) including the insulating coating layer (200), a contact portion may be provided that is formed at a different position from the position where the insulating coating layer (200) is formed and that comes into contact with the cooling member (300).

[0131] 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 coating layer (200) and the other does not include an insulating coating layer (200).

[0132] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the presence or absence of the insulation coating layer (200) can be designed differently for each battery cell (100), thereby increasing the design diversity and expandability of the battery pack (10).

[0133] Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) may further include a cooling member (300).

[0134] 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.

[0135]

[0136] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 10 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). (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.)

[0138] 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 coating layer (200) as the electrode assembly, cell case (110), and insulation coating layer (200) 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. 10, and the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may be accommodated inside the pack case (400).

[0139] However, the first battery cell (100-1) and the second battery cell (100-2) may differ from each other in the formation positions of the insulating coating layer (200). Specifically, in a battery pack (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the insulating coating layer (200) of the first battery cell (100-1) and the insulating coating layer (200) of the second battery cell (100-2) may be formed at different positions.

[0140] 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 coating layer (200) may be formed on the upper portion (111b) of the first battery cell (100-1), and an insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the lower portion (111a) of the second battery cell (100-2). For example, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 12, an insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the lower portion (111a) of the first battery cell (100-1), and an insulating coating layer (200) may be formed on the upper portion (111b) of the second battery cell (100-2).

[0141] 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 coating layer (200) is disposed and with which the cooling member (300) comes into contact.

[0142] 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 insulating coating layer (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 insulating coating layer (200) of the other battery cell (100).

[0143] When the battery pack (10) is configured as described above, the position of the insulation coating layer (200) can be designed differently for each battery cell (100), thereby increasing the design diversity and expandability of the battery pack (10).

[0144] Meanwhile, it goes without saying that the battery pack (10) may further include a cooling member (300).

[0145]

[0146] 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.

[0147]

[0148] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 13, 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.

[0150] 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).

[0151]

[0152] 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.

[0153] As described above, although the present invention has been described by 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.

[0154] [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10: Battery pack

[0156] 100: Battery Cell

[0157] 110: Cell Case

[0158] 111: Storage compartment

[0159] 111a: Lower part

[0160] 111b: Top

[0161] 111c: Side

[0162] 112: Bridge

[0163] 113: Terrace

[0164] 114: Folding part

[0165] 114a: First bend

[0166] 114b: Second bend

[0167] 120: Electrode lead

[0168] 200: Insulating coating layer

[0169] 300: Cooling element

[0170] 400: Pack Case

[0171] 410: Bottom

[0172] 420: Side wall

[0173] 430: Pack Cover

[0174] 440: Venting Device

[0175] P: Partition member

[0176] 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 coating layer is formed by coating the remaining portion of the electrode assembly of the cell case except for the two side surfaces in the stacking direction, and includes an insulating coating layer including an insulating material. In the above cell case, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed at a different location from the location where the insulating coating layer is formed and has a contact portion that comes into contact with the cooling member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed on the upper side of the cell case.

3. In paragraph 2, The above contact part, A battery cell characterized in that it is provided on the lower side of the above cell case.

4. In paragraph 1, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed on the lower side of the cell case.

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

6. In paragraph 1, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed on the upper and lower sides of the cell case.

7. In paragraph 6, 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.

8. In paragraph 1, further comprising at least one electrode lead electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding outwardly from the cell case; The above cell case is, It has a terrace portion that surrounds the above electrode lead, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that the above terrace portion is not formed.

9. In paragraph 1, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed on the outside of the cell case.

10. In paragraph 1, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed on the inside of the cell case.

11. In paragraph 1, The above cell case is, It has a folding part formed by bending one side, The above insulating coating layer is, A battery cell characterized in that it is formed on the inner and outer sides of the above folding portion.

12. In paragraph 1, The above insulating coating layer 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 coating layer formed on a portion of the cell case other than both sides of the stacking direction side, and including an insulating material, In the cell case of one of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, A battery pack characterized in that a contact portion is formed at a different location from the location where the insulating coating layer is formed and a cooling member is provided.

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 formed on a portion of the cell case other than both sides of the stacking direction side, and include an insulating coating layer including an insulating material, The insulating coating layer of the first battery cell and the insulating coating layer of the second battery cell are formed at different locations. In each of the cell cases of the first battery cell and the second battery cell, A battery pack characterized in that each of the contact portions is formed at a different location from the location where the insulating coating layer is formed and 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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