Battery cell, battery pack, and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery cell according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly wound around the central axis of a winding center hole with a separator interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode; a can housing accommodating the electrode assembly and having an opening formed at one end thereof; and a can lid having at least one electrode coupling portion coupled to the electrode assembly, the can lid being coupled to one end of the can housing, wherein the thickness of the electrode coupling portion is relatively thinner than the thickness of the remaining portion of the can lid.

Description

Battery cells, battery packs, and automobiles including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, and more specifically, to a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same in which weldability and rigidity are simultaneously improved.

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0011793 filed on January 24, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Additionally, the lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Meanwhile, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into pouch-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch, and can-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. Furthermore, can-type rechargeable batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can. These lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are utilized as battery modules or battery packs, in which multiple battery cells are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking them to provide high voltage and high current, and then electrically connected.

[0007] A battery cell may include an electrode assembly provided by being wound with a separator interposed between the electrodes, and a can housing that accommodates the electrode assembly. Additionally, the conventional battery cell may have a beading section and a crimping section. The beading section was formed in an indented shape on the side of the opening of the can housing to secure the electrode assembly and adjust the form factor of the battery cell, and the crimping section was a bent and extended section to seal the opening.

[0008] Meanwhile, recently, in order to improve space efficiency and energy density and increase productivity, battery cells that do not have parts such as the beading and crimping sections mentioned above (hereinafter referred to as conventional battery cells) are being developed. Such conventional battery cells could include a component such as a can lid that is coupled to the end of the opening of the can housing.

[0009] The above can lid may be configured to be welded to the electrode assembly. However, it was very difficult to simultaneously improve the rigidity and weldability of the can lid of a conventional battery cell.

[0010] Specifically, when the thickness of the can lid is increased to improve the rigidity of the can lid, the likelihood of under-welding or over-welding between the can lid and the electrode assembly increases, resulting in reduced weldability of the can lid. Conversely, when the thickness of the can lid is reduced to improve weldability, the rigidity of the can lid decreases. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a battery cell containing a can lid that simultaneously improves weldability and rigidity.

[0011] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the aforementioned technical background and has one objective of providing a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, with simultaneously improved rigidity and weldability.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A battery cell according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly provided by being wound around the central axis of a winding center hole with a separator interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode; a can housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and has an opening formed at one end; and a can lid that is coupled to one end of the can housing and has at least one electrode coupling part coupled to the electrode assembly, wherein the thickness of the electrode coupling part is formed to be relatively thinner than the thickness of the other part of the can lid.

[0014] The electrode coupling portion can be formed to have a strength higher than that of the rest of the can lid.

[0015] The above can lid may include a metal material.

[0016] The above electrode coupling part can be processed through a forging process.

[0017] The electrode assembly is welded and joined to the bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion, and the bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion can be formed in a flat shape.

[0018] The above electrode coupling portion can be formed with a uniform thickness at each location.

[0019] The above electrode coupling part may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0020] The above can lid can be provided with a non-venting structure as it is not notched.

[0021] The above can housing has a closure formed at the other end, and the closure may have a vent notch formed by notching.

[0022] The above can lid is further provided with an edge portion formed at the edge so that it can be deformed in a direction parallel to the radial direction and can be fitted into the can housing, and the edge portion may be configured to be welded and joined to one end of the can housing while fitted into one end of the can housing.

[0023] The can lid may further have a butt portion formed at an edge so as to be placed on one end of the can housing, and the butt portion may be configured to be welded and joined to one end of the can housing while placed on one end of the can housing.

[0024] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one battery cell according to the present invention.

[0025] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include a cooling member disposed on one side of the battery cell.

[0026] The battery pack according to the present invention may further include thermal grease filled in at least a portion between one end of the battery cell and the cooling member.

[0027] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0028] According to the present invention, a battery cell with improved weldability, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0029] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell with improved rigidity, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell with improved energy density, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0031] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell with improved productivity, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0032] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell with improved quality, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0033] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell with reduced electrical resistance, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0034] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell with improved heat dissipation performance, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0035] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell capable of applying effective bottom cooling, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided.

[0036] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0037] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cross- section of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a can lid according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of region A1 of FIG. 2, and is a side cross-sectional view showing the AA' section of FIG. 3 together.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view conceptually illustrating the process of processing a can lid through a forging process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of area A2 of Figure 2.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a can lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 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, and 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.

[0049] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0050] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis and Y-axis directions may be left-right and front-back directions, or front-back and left-right directions, respectively, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane may be up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0051]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cross- section of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (100), a can housing (200), and a can lid (300).

[0054] The electrode assembly (100) may include an electrode (110) and a separator (120). The electrode (110) may include electrodes (110) of different polarities. Specifically, the electrode (110) may include a first electrode (110a) and a second electrode (110b). The first electrode (110a) may have a first polarity, and the second electrode (110b) may have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be a positive electrode and the second polarity may be a negative electrode. The separator (120) may be interposed between electrodes (110) of different polarities. The separator (120) may be interposed between the first electrode (110a) and the second electrode (110b). The separator (120) may be an insulator.

[0055] The electrode assembly (100) may have a jelly-roll structure. That is, the electrode assembly (100) may be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by stacking at least once with a separator (120) interposed between a sheet-shaped first electrode (110a) and a second electrode (110b) around the central axis of a winding center hole (C). Any jelly-roll structure known in the art may be applied to the present invention without limitation.

[0056] The can housing (200) can accommodate the electrode assembly (100). The can housing (200) may be provided in a hollow cylindrical shape to accommodate the electrode assembly (100), for example. An opening (210) may be provided on one side of the can housing (200) (for example, the side in the +Z direction to the upper side). A closing part (220) may be formed on the other side of the can housing (200) (for example, the side in the -Z direction to the lower side).

[0057] The can lid (300) can be attached to the opening (210). The can lid (300) can be welded to the opening (210). The edge of the can lid (300) can be welded to the end of the can housing (200) forming the opening (210). The can lid (300) can cover the opening (210) of the can housing (200).

[0058] Meanwhile, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include an electrode terminal (400). The electrode terminal (400) may be electrically connected to an electrode assembly (100). For example, the electrode terminal (400) may be electrically connected to a first electrode (110a). The electrode terminal (400) may be disposed through a closed portion (220). The electrode terminal (400) may be formed such that at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the can housing (200) and another portion protrudes into the inside of the can housing (200). The electrode terminal (400) may be provided in the form of a rivet.

[0059]

[0060] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a can lid according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the AA' cross-section of FIG. 3, enlarged from the A1 area of ​​FIG. 2.

[0061] Hereinafter, a battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4.

[0062] The can lid (300) may be provided with an electrode coupling portion (310). The electrode coupling portion (310) may be coupled to an electrode assembly (100). The electrode assembly (100) may be welded to the electrode assembly (100). The can lid (300) may be provided with at least one electrode coupling portion (310).

[0063] The thickness of the electrode coupling portion (310) may be formed to be relatively thinner than the thickness of the remaining part of the can lid (300). Specifically, the thickness of the electrode coupling portion (310) is formed as a first thickness (t1), and the thickness of the remaining part of the can lid (300) is formed as a second thickness (t2), and the first thickness (t1) may be smaller than the second thickness (t2). Here, the remaining part of the can lid (300) may be, for example, the spaced-out portion (320) and the flat portion (350) described later, excluding the electrode coupling portion (310).

[0064] A battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a can lid (300) configured as described above, so that weldability and rigidity can be improved simultaneously.

[0065] Specifically, the thickness of the electrode coupling portion (310) is formed to be relatively thin so that welding control can be facilitated, and as a result, the possibility of the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) being under-welded or over-welded can be reduced, and thus the weldability of the can lid (300) can be improved.

[0066] At the same time, the thickness of the remaining parts, excluding the electrode coupling part (310), is formed to be relatively thick, so that the rigidity of the can lid (300) can be improved. When the rigidity of the can lid (300) is improved, the so-called bulging phenomenon, in which the can lid (300) swells up, can be prevented.

[0067] In addition, as described above, if weldability is improved, the quality of the battery cell (10) can also be improved, and since the welding area between the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) can be secured, the electrical resistance of the battery cell (10) can be reduced.

[0068] In addition, if the thickness of the electrode coupling portion (310) is formed to be relatively thin, the distance of the heat transfer path may be reduced, and the heat dissipation performance of the can lid (300) may be improved.

[0069] In addition, if the thickness of the electrode coupling portion (310) is formed to be relatively thin, the can lid (300) and the battery cell (10) can be made lighter.

[0070] In addition, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention does not have a part such as a conventional beading part, so the space efficiency inside the battery cell (10) is improved and the energy density can be improved, and since a separate beading process or crimping process is not required, the productivity of the battery cell (10) can be improved.

[0071]

[0072] Meanwhile, a can lid (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise at least one spacing portion (320). The spacing portion (320) may be spaced apart from the electrode assembly (100). When a plurality of electrode coupling portions (310) are provided, the spacing portion (320) may be provided between each electrode coupling portion (310).

[0073] Meanwhile, a can lid (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an injection port (330) and a flat portion (350). The injection port (330) may be open toward the interior of the can housing (200), and an electrolyte may be injected into the interior of the can housing (200) through the injection port (330). A plug (340) capable of covering the injection port (330) may be coupled to the injection port (330). The plug (340) may be coupled to the injection port (330) in various forms and ways, for example, by welding to the injection port (330). The flat portion (350) may surround the injection port (330) and may surround the injection port (330) approximately along the circumferential direction. The flat portion (350) may be provided with a shape in which at least a portion is flat. The flat portion (350) can be spaced apart from the electrode assembly (100).

[0074] Meanwhile, the plug (340) may be provided with a protrusion (341) and an extension (342). The protrusion (341) may protrude vertically toward the inside of the can housing (200), and the extension (342) may extend horizontally from the protrusion (341). The can lid (300) may further be provided with a seating portion (331). The seating portion (331) may be a portion on which the extension (342) is seated. The upper surface of the seating portion (331) may be formed by being recessed toward the inside of the can housing (200) so as to be formed at a lower height than the upper surface of the flat portion (350).

[0075]

[0076] The electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed to have a higher strength than the strength of the rest of the can lid (300). Specifically, the electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed to have a thinner thickness than the rest of the can lid (300), but a higher strength.

[0077] When the can lid (300) is configured in this way, the rigidity of the can lid (300) can be further improved.

[0078]

[0079] The can lid (300) may include a metal material. For example, the can lid (300) may include nickel-plated steel (NPS) material or SUS material.

[0080] When the can lid (300) is configured in this way, the rigidity of the can lid (300) can be secured, and high heat dissipation performance can also be secured due to high thermal conductivity.

[0081]

[0082] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view conceptually illustrating the process of processing a can lid through a forging process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, a battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail. The can lid (300) of the battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be processed through a forging process.

[0084] A forging process may be a process of producing a product with a desired shape and mechanical properties through plastic deformation by applying an external force to a workpiece. This forging process can effectively improve the strength, durability, and ductility of the product by densifying the crystal structure of the workpiece. The forging process can be carried out using forging equipment (P) capable of providing an external force.

[0085] FIG. 5 (a) shows a cross-section of a can lid (300) before processing through a forging process is completed. Referring to FIG. 5 (a), before the forging process is completed, the thickness (t1) of the electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed to be the same as the thickness (t2) of the rest of the can lid (300).

[0086] FIG. 5 (b) shows a cross-section of a can lid (300) after processing through a forging process is completed. Referring to FIG. 5 (b), after the forging process is completed, the thickness (t1) of the electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed to be thinner than the thickness (t2) of the remaining part of the can lid (300).

[0087] In a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the electrode coupling portion (310) is processed through a forging process, the electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed with a relatively thin thickness while simultaneously having relatively strong strength. In addition, the process is not complex and the portion lost during processing can be formed with minimal loss, thereby improving the manufacturability of the can lid (300).

[0088]

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the electrode assembly (100) can be welded and joined to the bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion (310). The upper portion of the electrode assembly (100) can be welded and joined to the bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion (310).

[0090] The bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed in a flat shape. When the bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion (310) is formed in this way, the flatness between the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) can be formed uniformly, and the can lid (300) can be more closely attached to the electrode assembly (100), thereby further improving the weldability of the battery cell (10).

[0091]

[0092] The electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed with a uniform thickness at each location. Specifically, the thickness (t1) of the electrode coupling portion (310) can be formed uniformly at each location.

[0093] When the electrode coupling portion (310) is formed in this manner, the same weldability and heat dissipation performance can be achieved at different locations of the electrode coupling portion (310).

[0094]

[0095] The can lid (300) may be provided with a plurality of electrode coupling portions (310). The plurality of electrode coupling portions (310) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of electrode coupling portions (310) may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction.

[0096] When the can lid (300) is provided with a plurality of electrode coupling parts (310) as described above, tilting between the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) or unevenness in flatness with the electrode assembly (100) can be effectively prevented. Accordingly, the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) can be uniformly and effectively bonded, and thus the weldability between the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) can be significantly improved.

[0097] The can lid (300) may be provided with three electrode coupling portions (310), in which case the three electrode coupling portions (310) may form a single plane. Additionally, the multiple electrode coupling portions (310) of the can lid (300) may be provided radially and rotationally symmetrically. In this case, tilting or unevenness of flatness between the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) can be prevented more effectively, and weldability can also be further improved.

[0098]

[0099] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of area A2 of Figure 2.

[0100] Hereinafter, a battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6.

[0101] A can lid (300) of a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a non-venting structure. That is, the can lid (300) may not be provided with a structure for venting. The structure for venting is a structure that can be broken by high-temperature venting gas inside the battery cell (10) when a thermal event occurs, and may be, for example, a notched structure. In the can lid (300) of a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, for example, such a structure for venting may not be notched.

[0102] When the battery cell (10) is configured as described above, so-called bottom cooling, which cools the bottom of the battery cell (10), can be effectively implemented.

[0103] Specifically, a battery cell (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be arranged such that a can lid (300) forms the bottom. At this time, if the can lid (300) is provided with a non-venting structure as described above, there is no need to provide a venting space, etc., through which venting gas flows on the bottom side of the battery cell (10), so that cooling means for cooling the battery cell (10) can be efficiently arranged on the bottom side of the battery cell (10), thereby enabling effective bottom cooling.

[0104] In addition, positive and negative terminals, such as the electrode (110) terminal and the closure (220), can be placed on opposite sides of the can lid (300), so that the electrical connection structure of the battery cell (10) can also be placed on opposite sides of the can lid (300), so that bottom cooling can be effectively implemented.

[0105] In addition, as described above, when the can lid (300) is provided with a non-venting structure, a connecting portion (370) may be provided in the area between the edge of the can lid (300) and the electrode coupling portion (310). The connecting portion (370) may connect two adjacent separation portions (320) and may be separated from the electrode assembly (100). The connecting portion (370) may be continuous with the separation portion (320). The connecting portion (370) may be provided with a constant thickness. The connecting portion (370) may be provided in a flat shape. If the can lid (300) further includes the connecting portion (370), the rigidity of the can lid (300) is further strengthened, and the cooling performance may also be further improved by securing a contact area with a cooling means, etc.

[0106]

[0107] The can housing (200) may be provided with a vent notch portion (230). Specifically, the closed portion (220) of the can housing (200) may be provided with a vent notch portion (230). The vent notch portion (230) may be formed by notching the closed portion (220). The vent notch portion (230) may be configured to be broken by high-temperature venting gas generated inside the battery cell (10) so as to discharge the venting gas to the outside of the battery cell (10). The vent notch portion (230) may be formed by notching along the circumferential direction in the closed portion (220).

[0108] When the can housing (200) is configured as described above, a structure for venting can be provided on the opposite side of the can lid (300) which can be configured as the bottom, so that bottom cooling of the battery cell (10) can be implemented more effectively.

[0109]

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a can lid (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an edge portion (360). The edge portion (360) may be formed on the edge of the can lid (300) so as to be coupled to the can housing (200). The edge portion (360) may be coupled to one end of the can housing (200), that is, to the end of the opening portion (210), by a snap-fit ​​method. The edge portion (360) may be configured to be deformable in a direction parallel to the radial direction.

[0111] The edge portion (360) can be configured to be welded and joined to one end of the can housing (200) while being fitted into one end of the can housing (200).

[0112] In this way, when the can lid (300) is further provided with an edge portion (360), the can lid (300) can be easily and strongly fitted to the end of the opening portion (210) of the can housing (200), and can be welded together in this state, so that the connection between the can lid (300) and the can housing (200) can be made strong and secure.

[0113] In addition, when the can lid (300) is coupled to the can housing (200), the tilting of the can lid (300) is adjustable, so that the close contact between the can lid (300) and the electrode assembly (100) can be carried out securely and easily.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of a can lid according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a battery cell (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The can lid (300) of the battery cell (10) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a butt portion (380).

[0117] The butt portion (380) may be formed on the edge of the can lid (300). The butt portion (380) may be configured to rest on one end of the can housing (200), that is, on the end of the opening (210).

[0118] The butt portion (380) may be configured, for example, such that the thickness of the cross-section becomes thinner as it extends radially outward. The butt portion (380) may be configured in various forms, such as having a stepped cross-section so that at least a portion of it can be inserted into the inner diameter of one end of the can housing (200) and simultaneously rest on one end of the can housing (200), although this is not shown in the drawing.

[0119] The butt portion (380) can be configured to be welded and joined to one end of the can housing (200) while resting on one end of the can housing (200).

[0120] In this way, if the can lid (300) is further equipped with a butt portion (380), the internal space of the battery cell (10) can be further expanded, and the manufacturing and dimensional management of the can lid (300) can be made easier.

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing one cross-section of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery pack (30) according to the present invention may include at least one battery cell (10) according to the present invention. The battery pack (30) may include a pack case (20) that accommodates at least one battery cell (10).

[0124] In the drawing, for the convenience of drawing, components such as busbars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrical connection of the battery cells (10) have been omitted. The structure of a plurality of battery cells (10) for manufacturing the battery pack (30) has been described above as an example.

[0125] Meanwhile, the battery pack (30) according to the present invention may further include various devices for controlling the charging and discharging of battery cells (10), such as a Battery Management System (BMS), a current sensor, a fuse, etc., although not shown.

[0126]

[0127] Referring to FIG. 9, a battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling member (CL). The cooling member (CL) may be a cooling means configured to cool a battery cell (10). A cooling medium may flow inside the cooling means.

[0128] A cooling means may be positioned on one side of a battery cell (10). That is, the cooling means may be positioned on the side of the can lid (300) of the battery cell (10). And, the can lid (300) may be positioned to form the bottom of the battery cell (10). As a result, the cooling means may be positioned to form the bottom of the battery pack (30), so that the battery pack (30) may be configured as a bottom cooling structure. A battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided as a structure capable of effective bottom cooling, as it includes battery cells (10) including a can lid (300) having excellent rigidity, weldability, and heat dissipation performance as described above.

[0129]

[0130] A battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include thermal grease (TG). The thermal grease (TG) may be filled in at least a portion of the space between one end of the battery cell (10) and the cooling member (CL). That is, the thermal grease (TG) may be filled in at least a portion of the space formed between the can lid (300) and the cooling member (CL). The thermal grease (TG) can increase the thermal conductivity between the battery cell (10) and the cooling member (CL) and may be provided in the form of a paste.

[0131] A battery cell (10) included in a battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided to have excellent rigidity as described above, so that the bilging phenomenon of the can lid (300) can be effectively prevented, and thus, even if high temperature and / or high pressure is formed in the battery cell (10), thermal grease (TG) can be effectively prevented from falling off from the can lid (300). As a result, the cooling performance and reliability of the cooling performance of the battery pack (30) can be improved.

[0132]

[0133] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a vehicle (40), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle (40) according to the present invention may include a battery pack (30) according to the present invention. The battery pack (30) may be installed in a vehicle body frame or trunk space under the vehicle seat. In addition, the vehicle (40) according to the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle (40) in addition to the battery pack (30). For example, the vehicle (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (30) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0135] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (30) according to the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to a vehicle (40).

[0136]

[0137] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used; however, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0138] 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.

[0139] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0140] 10: Battery cell

[0141] 20 : Pack case

[0142] 30: Battery pack

[0143] 40 : Car

[0144] 100 : Electrode assembly

[0145] 110 : Electrode

[0146] 110a: First electrode

[0147] 110b : Second electrode

[0148] 120 : Separator

[0149] 200 : Can housing

[0150] 210 : Opening

[0151] 220 : Closure

[0152] 230 : Vent notch

[0153] 300 : Can lid

[0154] 310: Electrode coupling part

[0155] 320 : Separation

[0156] 330 : Injection port

[0157] 331 : Insert

[0158] 332 : Seating part

[0159] 340 : Plug

[0160] 341 : Protrusion

[0161] 342 : Extension

[0162] 350 : Flat section

[0163] 360: Edge

[0164] 370 : Connection part

[0165] 380 : Butt

[0166] 400 : Electrode terminal

[0167] C : Winding center hole

[0168] t1 : First thickness

[0169] t2 : Second thickness

[0170] P : Forging equipment

[0171] CL : Cooling element

[0172] TG: Thermal grease

Claims

1. An electrode assembly provided by being wound around the central axis of a winding center hole with a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; A can housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and has an opening formed at one end; and It has at least one electrode coupling part coupled to the electrode assembly and a can lid coupled to one end of the can housing, A battery cell characterized in that the thickness of the electrode coupling portion is formed to be relatively thinner than the thickness of the remaining other portion of the can lid.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode coupling part is, A battery cell characterized by being formed to have a strength higher than that of the rest of the can lid.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above can lid is, A battery cell characterized by including a metal material.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode coupling part is, A battery cell characterized by being processed through a forging process.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode assembly is, It is welded and joined to the bottom surface of the above electrode coupling part, and The bottom surface of the electrode coupling portion above is, A battery cell characterized by being formed in a flat shape.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode coupling part is, A battery cell characterized by having a uniform thickness at each location.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode coupling part is, A battery cell characterized by being provided in multiple units.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above can lid is, A battery cell characterized by not being notched and provided with a non-venting structure.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above can housing is, It has a closure formed at the other end, and The above-mentioned closure is, A battery cell characterized by having a vent notch portion formed by notching.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above can lid is, It further comprises an edge portion formed at the edge so as to be deformable in a direction parallel to the radial direction and to be fitted into the can housing, The above edge portion is, A battery cell characterized by being configured to be welded and joined to one end of the can housing while being fitted into one end of the can housing.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above can lid is, Further comprising a butt portion formed at the edge so as to be placed on one end of the can housing, and The above butt section is, A battery cell characterized by being configured to be welded and joined to one end of the can housing while resting on one end of the can housing.

12. A battery pack characterized by including at least one battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery pack characterized by further including a cooling member disposed on one side of the battery cell.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery pack characterized by further including thermal grease filled in at least a portion between one end of the battery cell and the cooling member.

15. An automobile characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 12.

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