Battery cell and insulator applied thereto, and battery pack and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery cell and an insulator applied thereto, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising same, the battery cell comprising: a battery can which is provided with a side wall member, a bottom member connected to one axial end portion of the side wall member, and an opening provided at the other axial end portion of the side wall member; an electrode assembly which is received through the opening of the battery can, and in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding axis; a cap which covers the opening of the battery can; and an insulator which is interposed between one end portion of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, and has a variable portion provided so as to be recessed inwardly in the central axis direction along the circumferential direction in the radially inner side than the outer circumferential surface in the central axis direction.

Description

Battery cells and insulators applied thereto, and battery packs including the same and automobiles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell and an insulator applied thereto, and a battery pack and an automobile including the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a battery cell and an insulator applied thereto that can prevent deformation or damage to parts and maximize manufacturing efficiency, and a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0011562 filed on January 24, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, as a component of the battery cell, an insulator for electrical insulation may be interposed between one electrode of the electrode assembly and the battery can. In this case, during the battery cell manufacturing process, the insulator is generally inserted into the battery can while it is inverted so that the opening faces downward. During this insertion process, the insulator must be accurately positioned inside the battery can and stably fixed so that its position does not change during subsequent processes. If the insulator is not properly secured, there is a possibility that it will lead to an increased defect rate during manufacturing, degradation of secondary battery performance, and safety issues with the battery cell.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a secondary battery that can be stably secured after an insulator is inserted inside the battery can.

[0007] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell and an insulator applied thereto, which can be stably fixed between parts during battery cell assembly, and a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0008] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell and an insulator applied thereto that maintain an insulating function and prevent damage or deformation, and a battery pack including the same and an automobile.

[0009] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell having easy assembly in the manufacturing process, an insulator applied thereto, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell and an insulator applied thereto, capable of ensuring the stability and durability of the battery cell, as well as a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0012] To solve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery cell characterized by comprising: a battery can having a side wall member, a bottom member connected to one axial end of the side wall member, and an opening provided at the other axial end of the side wall member; an electrode assembly received through the opening of the battery can, wherein a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis; a cap covering the opening of the battery can; and an insulator interposed between one axial end of the electrode assembly and the bottom member, and having a variable portion that is recessed inward along the circumferential direction from the radially inner side surrounding the central axis.

[0013] For example, the length of the above variable part in the radial direction may decrease as it moves inward toward the central axis.

[0014] For example, the variable member may have an inner surface provided radially inward along the circumferential direction; and an outer surface connected to the inner surface and provided radially outward along the circumferential direction, wherein the inner surface is formed along the central axis direction of the insulator, and the outer surface may be formed radially outward while being inclined with the inner surface.

[0015] For example, the outer surface may be formed with the same slope as the outer surface in the direction of the central axis with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

[0016] For example, the insulator may include a main body portion having at least a portion provided as an insulating member, a first end portion in contact with the bottom member and the variable portion formed therein, and a second end portion in contact with one end portion in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly; and an edge region formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion.

[0017] For example, the outer diameter of the first end of the main body may be smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.

[0018] For example, the second end may be manufactured to be larger than the inner diameter of the battery can, so that the outer surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner surface of the side wall member and can be deformed to a length corresponding to the inner diameter of the battery can.

[0019] For example, the insulator may be fixed such that at least the outer surface of the second end of the main body is in close contact with the axial inner surface of the side wall member.

[0020] For example, the edge region may have a constant thickness radially inward along the central axis direction of the insulator.

[0021] For example, the insulator is inserted through the opening of the battery can, and as the outer surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner surface of the side wall member, the edge region can be elastically deformed radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable part.

[0022] For example, the insulator may further comprise at least one slit formed inwardly in the direction of the central axis in the edge region.

[0023] For example, the slit portion is configured to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction, and the length may be deformed along the circumferential direction as the outer surface of the insulator contacts the inner surface in the axial direction of the side wall member.

[0024] For example, the above slit portions may be provided in multiple numbers and may be symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

[0025] For example, the above slit portion is provided in multiple numbers, and the edge region may form an arc along the circumferential direction.

[0026] For example, the slit portion may be formed to be recessed to a depth smaller than or equal to the recessed depth of the variable portion with respect to the central axis direction of the insulator.

[0027] In addition, the present invention provides an insulator interposed between one end of an electrode assembly in the direction of the winding axis, in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis, and a bottom member of a battery can accommodating said electrode assembly for electrical insulation, the insulator comprising: a main body portion having at least a portion provided as an insulating member; and a variable portion configured to be recessed inward in the direction of the central axis along the circumferential direction from the outer surface surrounding the central axis of said insulator in the radial direction inward, and configured to be deformed inward in the radial direction by pressure applied to the outer surface of said insulator.

[0028] For example, the variable part may have an inner surface provided radially inward along the circumferential direction; and an outer surface connected to the inner surface and provided radially outward along the circumferential direction.

[0029] For example, the inner surface may be formed along the direction of the central axis of the insulator, and the outer surface may be formed radially outward with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

[0030] For example, the insulator may be configured such that an edge region formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable part is elastically deformed radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable part.

[0031] For example, the insulator may further include at least one slit portion formed to be recessed inward in the direction of the central axis to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction in the edge region, and configured so that the length along the circumferential direction is deformed by pressure applied to the outer surface of the insulator.

[0032] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery cell of the present invention.

[0033] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack of the present invention.

[0034] A battery cell and an insulator applied thereto according to various embodiments of the present invention, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, have the effect of maintaining an insulation function and preventing deformation or damage during the movement and / or storage of parts.

[0035] In addition, the battery cell according to various embodiments, the insulator applied thereto, and the battery pack and automobile including the same have the effect of enabling stable fixation during battery cell assembly.

[0036] In addition, the battery cell according to various embodiments, the insulator applied thereto, and the battery pack and automobile including the same have the effect of extending the lifespan of the battery cell by ensuring the stability and durability of the battery cell.

[0037] In addition, the battery cell according to various embodiments, the insulator applied thereto, and the battery pack and automobile including the same have the effect of being able to have easy assembly in the manufacturing process.

[0038] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are schematic diagrams showing the state before and after lamination of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator for fabricating the electrode assembly of the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode assembly fabricated by winding the laminate of Figure 3 into a jelly-roll shape.

[0042] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery cell of Figure 1.

[0043] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are a top view and a side view schematically showing an insulator applied to the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the insulator of FIG. 6.

[0045] Figure 9 is a diagram comparing the dimensions of each component of the insulator in Figure 6 and the battery can of the battery cell in Figure 1.

[0046] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are drawings illustrating an exemplary appearance in which the outer diameter of the insulator of FIG. 6 is changed as it is inserted into the battery can of the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an insulator of another embodiment applied to the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 13 is a drawing to explain the state in which the outer diameter is changed as the insulator of FIG. 12 is inserted into the battery can of the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including a battery cell of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle including a battery pack of the present invention.

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0052] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0053] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0054] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0056] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0057] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0058] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is used, it may mean A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0059] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains that they may vary depending on the position or arrangement, rotation, or position of the observer of the object in question.

[0060] The present invention may be implemented in the following embodiments, each independently. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented in combination of two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments may not only be implemented independently but may also be freely combined with one another.

[0061] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction following the length direction of the winding axis of an electrode assembly wound in a jelly roll shape is referred to as the winding axis direction. The direction surrounding the winding axis of the electrode assembly is referred to as the circumferential direction, and the direction in which the electrode assembly is wound along the winding axis is referred to as the winding direction. Furthermore, the direction moving away from or closer to the winding axis of the electrode assembly is referred to as the radial direction.

[0062]

[0063] First, a schematic structure of a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are schematic diagrams showing the state before and after lamination of the first electrode (21), the second electrode (22), and the separator (28) for manufacturing the electrode assembly (20) of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an electrode assembly (20) manufactured by winding the laminate of FIG. 3 into a jelly-roll shape, FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1.

[0065] The battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery cell. For example, the battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery cell in which the ratio of the form factor (defined as the ratio of the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell to the height, i.e., the ratio of the diameter to the height) is greater than approximately 0.4.

[0066] Here, the form factor may refer to a value representing the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. The cylindrical battery cell may be a 46110 cell, a 48750 cell, a 48110 cell, a 48800 cell, or a 46800 cell by applying the numerical value representing the form factor. Here, the first two digits represent the diameter of the cell, the next two digits represent the height of the cell, and the last digit 0 indicates that the cross-section of the cell is circular.

[0067] Additionally, the battery cell (1) may be a cylindrical battery cell, for example, having a form factor ratio (ratio of diameter along the radial direction to height along the core axis direction) greater than approximately 0.4. For example, the diameter of the battery cell (1) may be 40 mm to 50 mm, and the height may be 60 mm to 130 mm. The form factor of the battery cell (1) may be, for example, 46110, 4875, 48110, 4880, or 4680.

[0068] However, the shape of the battery cell (1) according to the present invention is not limited by the above and can be applied to batteries of other shapes. For example, it can be applied to prismatic batteries.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the battery cell (1) according to the present embodiment mainly comprises a battery can (10), an electrode assembly (20), a cap (40), and an insulator (50).

[0070] The battery can (10) may be a cylindrical structure for a cylindrical battery cell. In this case, a side wall member (11) may form the side of the cylinder of the battery can (10), and a bottom member (12) may be connected to the side wall member (11) to form one end of the cylinder. That is, the bottom member (12) may be a closed part of the battery can (10), and the other end of the battery can (10) facing the bottom member (12) may be open to form an opening.

[0071] The bottom member (12) may be in the shape of a disc with a through hole formed in the center, and the side wall member (11) may be in the shape of a cylinder surrounding the bottom member (12) and having a constant radius along the circumferential direction. The battery can (10) including the bottom member (12) and the side wall member (11) may be a member formed by a deep drawing process of a metal sheet having nickel plated on the surface of steel. Of course, the materials of the bottom member (12) and the side wall member (11) are not limited to this.

[0072] As an example, a through hole may be formed in the bottom member (12), and an electrode terminal (13) may be fitted into it. The electrode terminal (13) may be riveted and fixed to the bottom member (12) with a terminal gasket (14) interposed therein. The terminal gasket (14) is interposed between the electrode terminal (13) and the bottom member (12) to seal the inside of the battery can (10) to prevent leakage of the electrolyte and to electrically insulate the electrode terminal (13) and the bottom member (12).

[0073] However, the method of connecting the electrode terminal (13) and the bottom member (12) is not limited to this. For example, if there is a structure that can seal the space between the electrode terminal (13) and the bottom member (12) and electrically insulate the electrode terminal (13) and the bottom member (12), various other fixing methods, such as a bolt-nut connection method, a glass seal method, or a chrome coating & PP-MAH heat bonding method, can also be applied.

[0074] The battery cell (1) can accommodate an electrode assembly (20) inside the battery can (10) through an opening of the battery can (10).

[0075] The electrode assembly (20) may be configured such that the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) and the separator (28) interposed between them are wound around a winding axis.

[0076] The electrode assembly (20) after winding is completed may be in the form of a jelly-roll. The outer shape of the electrode assembly (20) along the circumferential direction may be circular. However, the structure of the electrode assembly (20) is not limited by the embodiment and may have a winding structure well known in the art.

[0077] The first electrode (21), the second electrode (22), and the separator (28) may each have a predetermined width along the winding axis direction and be formed to extend a predetermined length along the winding direction. The first electrode (21) may be an anode plate, and the second electrode (22) may be a cathode plate. Of course, the opposite may also be true.

[0078] The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be manufactured in the form of a sheet. The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be configured such that an active material layer (25) is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the metal foil (23). The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may have a retaining portion (24) region where the active material layer (25) is applied and a non-retaining portion (26) region where the active material layer (25) is not applied.

[0079] The uncoated portion (26) can be exposed to the outside of the separator (28) while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the winding axis of the electrode assembly (20), and can be used as an electrode tab itself. That is, the positive plate and the negative plate may each include an uncoated portion (26) in which no active material is coated at the long side end in the direction of the winding axis. In addition, the uncoated portions (26) of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be configured to face opposite directions in the direction of the winding axis. The uncoated portion (26) of the first electrode (21) may be housed inside the battery can (10) so that it is located at one end in the direction of the winding axis, and the uncoated portion (26) of the second electrode (22) may be located at the other end in the direction of the winding axis. Here, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0080] Also, the separator (28) may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin-based polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., used alone or in a laminated form. As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc.

[0081] At least one surface of the separator (28) may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Additionally, it is possible for the separator (28) itself to be composed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure combined with a binder such that interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0082] This non-removable part (26) can itself function as an electrode tab.

[0083] The unwound portion (26) can form multiple flag-shaped notching tabs (27) by forming notches at predetermined intervals along the winding direction. The multiple notching tabs (27) may be in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid arranged along the winding direction. However, they are not limited thereto and may be in various shapes such as a semicircle, semi-ellipse, triangle, rectangle, parallelogram, etc.

[0084] Additionally, a plurality of notching tabs (27) can be flattened by bending them radially in the electrode assembly (20). Additionally, the notching tabs (27) can be bent radially inward or outward in the electrode assembly (20).

[0085] Additionally, multiple notching tabs (27) may be folded one by one during the process of forming a jelly-roll type electrode assembly (20). Alternatively, the notching tabs (27) may be folded all at once after forming the jelly-roll type electrode assembly (20).

[0086] In this way, the notching tabs (27) of the first electrode (21) and the notching tabs (27) of the second electrode (22), which are folded and stacked in the radial direction, can each provide a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the winding axis direction at both ends of the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly (20).

[0087] A current collector plate (31) made of a conductive material may be connected to at least one end in the direction of the winding axis of such an electrode assembly (20). The current collector plate (31) is electrically connected to the first electrode (21) and / or the second electrode (22) of the electrode assembly (20), respectively, so that the electrode terminal (13) is connected to the second electrode (22) to have a positive charge and the bottom member (12) is connected to the first electrode (21) to have a negative charge and functions as a negative terminal (15), and vice versa.

[0088] The cap (40) may be configured to cover the opening of the battery can (10). By doing so, the battery cell (1) is sealed, the internal electrolyte and electrode assembly (20) are protected from the external environment, and the long-term performance of the battery cell (1) can be maintained. The joint point between the opening of the battery can (10) and the cap (40) may be joined by welding. For example, the cap (40) may be joined to the battery can (10) using butt welding. However, the battery can (10) and the cap (40) may be joined by other joining methods other than welding, and the joining method is not limited to this.

[0089] The cap (40) is provided with a conductive material, and the thickness of the cap (40) can be designed to provide sufficient strength to prevent deformation in a high temperature or high pressure environment and to ensure durability to prevent leakage of the internal electrolyte.

[0090] An insulator (50) may be interposed between one end of the electrode assembly (20) in the winding axial direction and the bottom member (12) to prevent contact between the second electrode (22) and the battery can (10), for example, at one end of the electrode assembly (20) in the winding axial direction that is electrically connected to the electrode terminal (13). The insulator (50) may include an insulating material. A more detailed structure of the insulator (50) will be described below.

[0091]

[0092] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are top and side views schematically showing an insulator (50) applied to a battery cell (1) of FIG. 1.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7, the insulator (50) of the present embodiment may include a variable part (52).

[0094] The variable portion (52) may be formed in a shape that is recessed inward along the circumferential direction in the direction of the central axis (A) near the edge of the insulator (50). For example, the variable portion (52) may be provided in a shape such as a notch or groove formed as a closed curve. However, it is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if it is a structure that can secure a predetermined space that can be deformed inward in the radial direction by a certain pressure.

[0095] The variable part (52) imparts a certain elastic variability to the insulator (50), so that when pressure is applied radially inward, the variable part (52) deforms and the outer diameter of the insulator (50) can change. Thus, when the insulator (50) of the present embodiment is inserted into the interior of the battery can (10), an interference fit can be achieved between the inner surface of the battery can (10) and the insulator (50) due to the change in the outer diameter of the insulator (50).

[0096] This type of press-fit structure allows the insulator (50) to be stably fixed inside the battery can (10) without a separate design structure or welding, and can prevent displacement or deformation or damage caused by vibration or shock during subsequent processes.

[0097] The elastic variability formed by the variable part (52) can relieve the insertion force during the insertion process of the insulator (50) while providing sufficient fixing force after insertion.

[0098] The variable portion (52) is located radially inward from the outer surface (511) surrounding the central axis (A) and can be formed along the circumferential direction. At this time, the variable portion (52) can be designed to secure a predetermined width along the circumferential direction.

[0099] Such structural features not only prevent incomplete molding during injection molding of the variable part (52) in the manufacturing process of the insulator (50), but also reduce the risk of deformation or damage during the movement and storage of the manufactured insulator (50).

[0100] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) of the present embodiment can improve efficiency and reliability during the battery cell (1) manufacturing process by providing an insulator (50) including a variable part (52), and can ensure the performance and stability of the product by increasing the assembly completeness of the battery.

[0101] The variable portion (52) can be formed such that its radial length gradually decreases as it moves inward toward the central axis (A) of the insulator (50). This structure is designed so that the variable portion (52) has elastic deformability and can be implemented in a shape such as a V-shaped notch or a U-shaped notch. Thus, the variable portion (52) can be easily deformed by pressure or external force, while providing a proper press fit when inserted into the battery can (10), thereby ensuring stable fixation of the insulator (50).

[0102] The variable part (52) may include an inner surface (521) and an outer surface (522) formed along the circumferential direction.

[0103] The inner surface (521) may be provided on the radially inner side of the insulator (50) along the circumferential direction, and the outer surface (522) may be provided on the radially outer side along the circumferential direction while being connected to the inner surface (521).

[0104] The inner surface (521) can be formed by extending at an angle substantially equal to the direction of the central axis (A) of the insulator (50), thereby providing structural consistency aligned with respect to the central axis (A).

[0105] The outer surface (522) may be formed to face outward in a radial direction with respect to the central axis (A) of the insulator (50) and to have the same slope as the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50). Thus, the inner surface (521) and the outer surface (522) can meet and be connected inward in the direction of the central axis.

[0106] This structural design allows the variable part (52) to provide appropriate deformation and restoring force in the radial direction, and enables stable fixation by providing appropriate elastic force when the insulator (50) is inserted into the battery can (10).

[0107] In addition, the slopes of the inner surface (521) and the outer surface (522) are designed to be different so that elastic deformation can be easily performed without excessive stress concentration in the variable part (52), thereby ensuring durability against repetitive external forces or impacts occurring during the manufacturing process.

[0108] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) of the present embodiment can simultaneously satisfy ease of molding and deformation durability during the manufacturing process, thereby improving product quality and production efficiency.

[0109]

[0110] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the insulator (50) of FIG. 6, FIG. 9 is a drawing comparing the dimensions of each component of the insulator (50) of FIG. 6 and the battery can (10) of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are drawings to explain an exemplary appearance in which the outer diameter changes as the insulator (50) of FIG. 6 is inserted into the battery can (10) of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1.

[0111] First, referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the insulator (50) may have a main body (51) and an edge region (53).

[0112] The main body (51) may have a first end (512) in contact with the bottom member (12 in FIG. 10) of the battery can and a second end (513) in contact with one end in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly (20 in FIG. 10). Accordingly, at least a portion may be provided as an insulating member to insulate between the bottom member (12 in FIG. 10) of the battery can and one end in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly (20 in FIG. 10). Here, the variable part (52) is configured to be recessed inward along the central axis (A) direction from the second end (513).

[0113] The main body (51) may have an outer diameter (d1) of the first end (512) that is smaller than the outer diameter (d2) of the second end (513). Thus, the main body (51) may be provided with a tapered shape having a certain inclination with respect to the central axis (A) as a whole. Such a structure can facilitate the insertion process when inserting the insulator (50) into the interior of the battery can (10) and contribute to increasing manufacturing efficiency by reducing friction during the insertion process.

[0114] Additionally, the first end (512) may be manufactured with an outer diameter (d1) smaller than the inner diameter (d3) of the battery can (10), and the second end (513) may be manufactured with an outer diameter (d2) larger than the inner diameter (d3) of the battery can (10). Thus, when the insulator (50) is inserted into the battery can (10), the second end (513) comes into contact with the axial inner surface (111) of the side wall member (11). During this process, the second end (513) is deformed radially by the insertion pressure, so that the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50) is deformed to substantially the same size as the inner diameter (d3) of the battery can (10) and can be stably fitted.

[0115] That is, the insulator (50) can be stably fixed without a separate fixing process or welding process by having at least the outer surface (511) of the second end (513) side closely attached to the axial inner surface (111) of the side wall member (11).

[0116] This structure can provide strong fixing force to ensure that the inserted insulator (50) maintains its position even against external shocks or vibrations, and guarantees the electrical insulation performance of the insulator inside the battery can (10). In addition, the shape of the main body (51) allows for natural insertion during the insertion process, thereby improving work efficiency, and the deformation characteristics of the second end (513) prevent unnecessary stress concentration or damage to the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10) during the insertion process.

[0117] The edge region (53) can be formed between the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50) and the outer surface (522) of the variable part (52).

[0118] The edge region (53) may have a constant thickness (T1) radially inward along the central axis (A) direction of the insulator (50). This allows the edge region (53) to provide the possibility of deformation while maintaining durability. For example, the edge region (53) may be configured to be elastically deformed radially inward toward the inner surface (521) of the variable part (52).

[0119] This configuration allows the edge region (53) to effectively respond to pressure generated when inserted into the battery can (10), and supports deformation of the variable part (52) during the insertion process while simultaneously cushioning external stress to prevent structural damage. In addition, the elastic deformation characteristics of the edge region (53) partially restore to their original state after insertion, causing the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50) to come into close contact with the inner surface of the battery can (10), thereby providing a stable press fit.

[0120] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) of the present embodiment is provided with an elastically deformable edge region (53), thereby facilitating the insertion process of the insulator (50), strengthening the fixing force, and ensuring the stability and reliability of the secondary battery.

[0121] In addition, the insulator (50) of one embodiment may have a central hole (54) formed along the direction of the central axis (A), and may further have a plurality of peripheral holes (55) arranged along the radial direction around the central hole. Thus, the insulator (50) may have a path for discharging internal gas, etc. to the outside.

[0122] As described above, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11, during the battery cell manufacturing process, an insulator (50) is inserted upward through an opening of an inverted battery can (10). During this insertion process, the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50) may come into contact with the axial inner surface (111) formed on the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10).

[0123] In this process, the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50) may receive a constant pressure in the radial direction from the inner surface (111) of the side wall member (11), and the variable part (52) formed in the insulator (50) may be configured to deform according to the above description in accordance with this pressure. For example, when a constant pressure is applied to the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50) in the radial direction, the outer surface (522) of the variable part (52) may be configured to be compressed toward the inner surface (521).

[0124] Accordingly, the battery cell (1) of the present embodiment can increase work efficiency in the assembly process of the insulator (50) while preventing excessive deformation or damage, thereby ensuring the structural stability and durability of the secondary battery.

[0125]

[0126] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an insulator (50a) of another embodiment applied to the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the state in which the outer diameter of the insulator (50a) of FIG. 12 is changed as it is inserted into the battery can (10) of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1.

[0127] With reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, the description of the insulator (50) of the battery cell (1) described above can be applied in the same way to the insulator (50a) of the present embodiment, and redundant descriptions are omitted below.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the insulator (50a) of the present embodiment may additionally have at least one slit portion (56).

[0129] The slit portion (56) can be formed in the direction of the central axis (A) in the edge region (53) formed between the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50a) and the outer surface (522 in FIG. 11) of the variable portion (52).

[0130] A plurality of slit portions (56) may be provided, and each slit portion (56) may be configured to be symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis (A) of the insulator (50a). Through this, the slit portions (56) support uniform deformation when the insulator (50a) is inserted into the battery can (10), and can improve stability during the insertion process.

[0131] Additionally, the slit portion (56) may be formed in multiple pieces and designed so that the edge region (53) forms an arc shape along the circumferential direction. By doing so, the slit portion (56) provides the possibility of deformation in the circumferential direction, thereby alleviating stress concentration that may occur during the insertion process and contributing to the change in the outer diameter of the insulator (50a) during the insertion process.

[0132] In particular, the slit portion (56) may be formed to be recessed to a depth smaller than or equal to the recessed depth of the variable portion (52) with respect to the central axis (A) direction of the insulator (50a). By doing so, the slit portion (56) can more effectively control the deformation of the outer diameter of the insulator (50a) by assisting in the deformation of the variable portion (52) when necessary, while maintaining the structural strength of the insulator (50a).

[0133] The slit portion (56) can be configured to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction. This allows the circumferential length of the slit portion (56) to be deformed when radial pressure is applied to the outer surface (511) of the insulator (50a), and consequently, the outer diameter of the overall insulator (50a) can be changed more easily.

[0134] This allows the slit portion (56) to provide deformation allowance for the variable portion (52) during the insertion process, thereby maximizing the ease of assembly of the insulator (50a), and after insertion is complete, to provide a stable press fit with the inner surface of the battery can (10) through the restoring force.

[0135] As a result, the battery cell (1) of the present embodiment is provided with a slit portion (56) to provide variability in the outer diameter and restoring force of the insulator (50a), thereby improving fixing force and stability inside the battery can (10), increasing the efficiency of the insertion process, and contributing to minimizing stress concentration or damage that may occur during the manufacturing process.

[0136]

[0137] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack (P) equipped with a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle (V) equipped with a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] A battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pack case (C) and may further include various other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention. For example, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0139] In addition, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (P) according to the present invention. Furthermore, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle (V) in addition to the battery pack (P). For example, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), or other control devices.

[0140] In addition, the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various types of energy storage devices or power sources, and it is also possible to equip it in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the vehicle (V).

[0141]

[0142] As described above, although the present invention has been explained 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 spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0143] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0144] 1: Battery cell

[0145] 10: Battery can

[0146] 11: Sidewall member

[0147] 111: If you give it to me

[0148] 12: Floor member

[0149] 13: Electrode terminal

[0150] 14: Terminal gasket

[0151] 15: Negative terminal

[0152] 20: Electrode assembly

[0153] 21: First electrode

[0154] 22: Second electrode

[0155] 23: Metal foil

[0156] 24: Active material layer

[0157] 25: Maintenance Department

[0158] 26: Mujibu

[0159] 27: Electrode tab

[0160] 28: Separator

[0161] 31: Clerical panel

[0162] 40: Cap

[0163] 50, 50a: Insulator

[0164] 51: Main body

[0165] 511: Outsourcing

[0166] 512: First section

[0167] 513: Second part

[0168] 52: Variable part

[0169] 521: Inner side

[0170] 522: Outer side

[0171] 53: Edge area

[0172] 54: Central Hall

[0173] 55: Peripheral Hall

[0174] 56: Slit section

[0175] A: Central axis

[0176] C: Pack case

[0177] P: Battery pack

[0178] V: Car

Claims

1. A battery can having a side wall member, a bottom member connected to one axial end of the side wall member, and an opening provided at the other axial end of the side wall member; An electrode assembly received through the opening of the battery can, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode and the separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis; A cap covering the opening of the battery can; and A battery cell characterized by including an insulator having a variable portion interposed between one end of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction and the bottom member, and formed by being recessed inward in the direction of the central axis along the circumferential direction from the radially inner side of the outer surface surrounding the central axis.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above variable part is, A battery cell characterized by the fact that the radial length decreases as it extends inward toward the central axis of the insulator.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above variable part is, Inner surface provided radially inward along the circumferential direction; and It has an outer surface connected to the inner surface and provided on the radially outer side along the circumferential direction, and A battery cell characterized in that the inner surface is formed along the direction of the central axis of the insulator, and the outer surface is formed radially outward with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above outer surface is, A battery cell characterized by being formed with the same inclination as the outer surface of the insulator with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

5. In Paragraph 3, The above insulator is, A main body portion having at least a portion provided as an insulating member, a first end portion in contact with the bottom member and the variable portion formed therein, and a second end portion in contact with one end portion in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly; and A battery cell characterized by including an edge region formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable part.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above main body part is, A battery cell characterized in that the outer diameter of the first end is smaller than the outer diameter of the second end.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above second end is, A battery cell characterized by being manufactured to be larger than the inner diameter of the battery can, wherein the outer surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner surface of the side wall member and is deformed to a length corresponding to the inner diameter of the battery can.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above insulator is, A battery cell characterized in that at least the outer surface of the second end side of the main body is fixed in close contact with the inner surface in the axial direction of the side wall member.

9. In Paragraph 5, The above edge region is, A battery cell characterized by having a uniform thickness radially inward along the central axis direction of the insulator.

10. In Paragraph 5, The above insulator is, A battery cell characterized by being inserted through the opening of the battery can, wherein the outer surface of the insulator contacts the axial inner surface of the side wall member, and the edge region is elastically deformed radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable part.

11. In Paragraph 3, The above insulator is, A battery cell characterized by further comprising at least one slit portion formed inwardly in the direction of the central axis in an edge region formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable portion.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above slit portion is, A battery cell configured to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction, characterized in that the outer surface of the insulator contacts the inner surface in the axial direction of the side wall member, and the length is deformed along the circumferential direction.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above slit portion is, A battery cell characterized by having a plurality of insulators and being symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the insulator.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above slit portion is, A battery cell comprising a plurality of such cells, characterized in that the edge regions form an arc along the circumferential direction.

15. In Paragraph 11, The above slit portion is, A battery cell characterized by being formed to be recessed to a depth smaller than or equal to the recessed depth of the variable portion relative to the central axis direction of the insulator.

16. An insulator interposed between one end in the direction of the winding axis of an electrode assembly, in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis, and a bottom member of a battery can accommodating said electrode assembly for electrical insulation. A main body portion having at least a portion provided as an insulating member; and An insulator characterized by including a variable portion that is recessed inward along the circumferential direction from the outer surface surrounding the central axis of the insulator in the radial direction and configured to deform inwardly in the radial direction by pressure applied to the outer surface of the insulator.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above variable part is, Inner surface provided radially inward along the circumferential direction; and It has an outer surface connected to the inner surface and provided on the radially outer side along the circumferential direction, and The inner surface is formed along the direction of the central axis of the insulator, and the outer surface is formed radially outwardly at an angle to the inner surface, having the same slope as the outer circumference of the insulator. An insulator characterized by being configured such that an edge region formed between the outer surface of the insulator and the outer surface of the variable part is elastically deformed radially inward toward the inner surface of the variable part.

18. In Paragraph 17, An insulator characterized by further including at least one slit portion formed to be recessed inward in the direction of the central axis to have a predetermined length along the circumferential direction in the edge region, and configured such that the length along the circumferential direction is deformed by pressure applied to the outer surface of the insulator.

19. As a battery pack, A battery pack characterized by including a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

20. As a vehicle, A vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack according to claim 19.

Images