Battery cell, battery pack, and vehicle comprising same

Abstract

A battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly; a battery housing accommodating the electrode assembly through an opening provided on one side thereof and having a ceramic coating provided on at least a partial region of a closed portion located on a side opposite the opening; a terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a through-hole provided in the closed portion of the battery housing; and a gasket interposed between the terminal and the battery housing and configured to prevent an electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing.

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.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0014729 filed on February 5, 2025 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0026579 filed on February 28, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of said applications 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, as they possess not only the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of generating 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 and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, in conventional cylindrical battery cells, the positive terminal is generally designed to form a riveting structure on the bottom of the battery can, and the positive and negative terminals are insulated by a gasket.

[0006] In this case, in a module structure where battery cells are connected in parallel, if the gasket melts upon ignition of a battery cell, the positive terminal comes into contact with the battery can, forming a current path. Consequently, adjacent battery cells become short-circuited, posing a risk of chain ignition.

[0007] One objective of the present invention is to ensure insulation characteristics even when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention has another objective of preventing thermal events from propagating to adjacent battery cells when a battery cell ignites.

[0009] 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.

[0010] A battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: an electrode assembly; a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening provided on one side and has a ceramic coating provided on at least a portion of a closed portion located opposite to the opening; a terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a through hole provided in the closed portion of the battery housing; and a gasket interposed between the terminal and the battery housing and configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, a ceramic coating may be included in the peripheral area of ​​the through hole provided in the closure portion.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the closing portion of the battery housing may include an outer surface facing the outside of the battery housing; an inner surface facing the inside of the battery housing; and an intermediate surface located between the outer surface and the inner surface and constituting an inner cross-section of the through hole.

[0013] Preferably, the ceramic coating may be provided on at least one of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the intermediate surface.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell characterized in that the ceramic coating is a ceramic coating formed by at least one of CVD, PVD, and sputtering.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the ceramic coating may comprise at least one of Al2O3, TiO2, AlF3, and ZrF4.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the gasket may include: a first gasket portion exposed to the outside of the battery cell with respect to the closed portion of the battery housing; a second gasket portion located inside the battery cell with respect to the closed portion of the battery housing; and a gasket bending portion connecting the first gasket portion and the second gasket portion.

[0017] Preferably, the ceramic coating is provided on the outer surface of the closure portion and is provided in a first region that is extended radially outward by a first length with respect to the through hole, and the first region may be extended radially outward further than the first gasket portion.

[0018] Preferably, the ceramic coating is provided on the inner surface of the closure portion and is provided in a second region that is extended radially outward by a second length with respect to the through hole, and the second region may be extended radially outward further than the second gasket portion.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the terminal may include a ceramic coating on at least one surface of the terminal.

[0020] Preferably, the terminal may include a ceramic coating on the surface facing the battery housing.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the terminal comprises: an electrical connection portion configured to be electrically coupled with the electrode assembly within the battery housing; an inner flange portion riveted to have a curved shape extending from the outer periphery of the electrical connection portion toward the inner surface of the closure portion of the battery housing; a second terminal portion exposed to the outside of the battery housing; and a third terminal portion interposed between the inner flange portion and the second terminal portion.

[0022] It may include.

[0023] Preferably, the terminal may include a ceramic coating on at least one of the lower surface of the second terminal portion, the upper surface of the inner flange portion, and the surface of the third terminal portion.

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

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

[0026] According to the present invention, insulation characteristics can be secured even when a thermal event occurs in a battery cell.

[0027] Specifically, according to the present invention, even if the gasket melts and the terminal comes into contact with the battery housing when a battery cell ignites, the ceramic coating layer around the hole provided at the bottom of the battery housing maintains its insulating properties, so it does not lead to a short circuit of an adjacent battery cell.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a part of the longitudinal section of Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminals and gasket separated from the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area around the terminals to illustrate a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a ceramic coating provided on a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing for illustrating a ceramic coating provided on a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing for illustrating a ceramic coating provided on a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the state in which a gasket is melted due to a thermal event occurring in the battery cell of Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the state in which a gasket is melted due to a thermal event occurring in the battery cell of Figure 6.

[0039] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the state in which a gasket is melted due to a thermal event occurring in the battery cell of Figure 7.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing for illustrating a ceramic coating provided on a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack including a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 12.

[0043] 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. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The statement that two subjects of comparison are identical means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0046] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0047] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0048] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0051] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction following the length direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10) wound in a jelly roll shape is referred to as the axial direction. The direction surrounding the winding axis is referred to as the circumferential direction or the periphery direction. The direction approaching the winding axis or moving away from the winding axis is referred to as the radial direction. In particular, the direction approaching the winding axis is referred to as the centripetal direction, and the direction moving away from the winding axis is referred to as the centrifugal direction.

[0052]

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the internal structure of a battery cell (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a part of a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the terminal (30) and gasket (40) separated from the battery cell (1) of FIG. 1.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), a terminal (30), and a gasket (40). In addition to the components described above, the battery cell (1) may additionally include a current collector (60) and / or an insulator (70). The present invention is not limited by the shape of the battery and is applicable to batteries of other shapes, such as prismatic batteries. The battery cell (1) may be a secondary battery.

[0056] The electrode assembly (10) may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode. The electrode assembly (10) may be, for example, a jellyroll type electrode assembly formed by winding a laminate comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator.

[0057] The electrode assembly (10) comprises a first uncoated portion (11) and a second uncoated portion (12). More specifically, the electrode assembly (10) has a structure in which the first electrode and the second electrode and the separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis with a separator interposed between them, thereby defining a core and an outer surface. That is, the electrode assembly (10) applied to the present invention may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly (10). In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly (10) to provide insulation from the battery housing (20). The electrode assembly (10) may have a winding structure well known in the art without limitation. Meanwhile, in the present invention, 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.

[0058]

[0059] The battery housing (20) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (10) through an opening provided on one side. The battery housing (20) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). An electrolyte may be accommodated together with the electrode assembly (10) within the battery housing (20).

[0060] The battery housing (20) is a roughly cylindrical receptacle with an opening formed at the bottom and is made of a conductive material, such as metal. For example, steel, stainless steel, or nickel-plated steel may be used as the material for the battery housing (20). The upper surface located opposite the opening is referred to as the closed portion. The side wall and the closed portion of the battery housing (20) may be formed integrally. Alternatively, the side wall and the closed portion of the battery housing (20) may be provided separately from each other and joined together by welding or the like. The upper surface of the battery housing (20) (a surface parallel to the XY plane), that is, the outer surface (20a) of the closed portion, may have a roughly flat shape. The battery housing (20) can accommodate an electrode assembly (E) through the opening formed at the bottom.

[0061]

[0062] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area around the terminal (30) to explain a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a drawing to explain a ceramic coating (C) provided on a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a ceramic coating (C) may be provided in at least a portion of the closed portion. Preferably, the ceramic coating (C) may be provided in the area surrounding a through hole provided in the closed portion. The terminal (30) may pass through the battery housing (20) through the through hole. That is, the terminal (30) is inserted into the through hole.

[0064] Specifically, the closed portion of the battery housing (20) may include an outer surface (20a) facing the outside of the battery housing (20); an inner surface (20b) facing the inside of the battery housing (20); and an intermediate surface (20c) located between the outer surface (20a) and the inner surface (20b) and constituting an inner cross-section of the through hole. In this case, the ceramic coating (C) may be provided on at least one of the outer surface (20a), the inner surface (20b), and the intermediate surface (20c). For example, referring to FIG. 5, the ceramic coating (C) is provided on each of the outer surface (20a), the inner surface (20b), and the intermediate surface (20c).

[0065] According to the configuration of the present invention, since a ceramic coating (C) is partially provided around the through hole of the closed portion of the battery housing (20), insulation properties can be secured even when a thermal event, such as ignition, occurs in the battery cell (1). Specifically, when the battery cell (1) ignites, the gasket (40) may melt due to the flame. In this case, since the gasket (40) interposed between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) melts and flows down, the likelihood of the terminal (30) coming into contact with the battery housing (20) increases. However, according to the present invention, since a ceramic coating (C) that maintains insulation properties is provided around the through hole of the closed portion, a short circuit of the battery cell (1) does not occur. Therefore, the propagation of a thermal event to an adjacent battery cell (1) can be effectively prevented.

[0066]

[0067] In another aspect of the present invention, the ceramic coating (C) may be formed by at least one of CVD, PVD, and sputtering. However, the method of forming the ceramic coating (C) is not limited to the above methods.

[0068] For example, the ceramic coating (C) may be formed to include at least one of Al2O3, TiO2, AlF3, and ZrF4 by at least one of CVD, PVD, and sputtering.

[0069] According to the above configuration, economic efficiency can be secured while high-temperature insulation can be secured. That is, since the ceramic maintains its structure even at high temperatures and simultaneously possesses insulation properties, direct contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be effectively prevented even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery cell (1). In addition, according to the above configuration, the uniformity and adhesion of the coating are improved, thereby ensuring insulation performance. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, an environmentally friendly and high-quality coating can be obtained.

[0070]

[0071] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the terminal (30) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) through a closed portion provided on the opposite side of the opening of the battery housing (20). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal (30) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the battery housing (20) through the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The terminal (30) may be electrically connected, for example, to the first unoccupied portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10).

[0072] In one aspect of the present invention, the terminal (30) may include a first terminal portion (31), a second terminal portion (32), and a third terminal portion (33) connecting the first terminal portion (31) and the second terminal portion (32).

[0073] The first terminal portion (31) may be configured to be electrically coupled with the electrode assembly (10) within the battery housing (20). The first terminal portion (31) may be configured to be fixed to the battery housing (20). The first terminal portion (31) may be provided, for example, at a position corresponding to a winding center hole formed in the core of the electrode assembly (10).

[0074] The first terminal portion (31) may include an electrical connection portion (31a) and an inner flange portion (31b). The electrical connection portion (31a) may be electrically connected, for example, to the first non-electrical portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The electrical connection portion (31a) may be electrically connected, for example, to a current collector (60). The inner flange portion (31b) may be provided on the outside of the electrical connection portion (31a). The inner flange portion (31b) may be riveted to have a curved shape extending from the outer perimeter of the electrical connection portion (31a) toward the inner surface (20b) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). By this shape deformation of the inner flange portion (31b), the terminal (30) may be fixed on the inner surface (20b) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20).

[0075] The second terminal portion (32) may be exposed to the outside of the battery housing (20). The second terminal portion (32) may be configured to have a diameter (or width) larger than the hole formed in the closed portion of the battery housing (20) for inserting the terminal (30). For example, an outer flange portion (F) may be provided around the edge of the second terminal portion (32). The terminal (30) may be fixed to the battery housing (20) by the inner flange portion (31b) and the outer flange portion (F).

[0076]

[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the gasket (40) may be interposed between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may be configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may include a material having electrical insulation properties. The terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) may have opposite polarities, and in this case, the gasket (40) may be configured to prevent a short circuit resulting from contact between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may include a material having electrical insulation properties and chemical resistance to the electrolyte.

[0078] For example, the gasket (40) may include a polymer. The gasket (40) may include, for example, an engineering plastic. Examples of the engineering plastics include PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), PP (Polypropylene), PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), PPA (Polyphthalamide), PFA (Perfluoroalkoxy), PEEK (Polyther Etherketone), PA (Polyamide), PS (Polystyrene), etc.

[0079]

[0080] In another aspect of the present invention, the gasket (40) may be deformed together with the terminal (30) during riveting inside the battery housing (20). The gasket (40) may be interposed between the inner surface (20b) of the closure of the battery housing (20) and the terminal (30) according to this deformation.

[0081] Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the gasket (40) may include a first gasket part (41), a second gasket part (42), and a gasket bending part (43).

[0082] The first gasket portion (41) may be interposed between the second terminal portion (32) and the outer surface (20a) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The first gasket portion (41) may be exposed to the outside of the battery cell (1) based on the closed portion of the battery housing (20). More specifically, the first gasket portion (41) may include an exposed area exposed to the outside of the terminal (30) from the outside of the battery housing (20). The first gasket portion (41) may be interposed between the outer flange portion (F) of the second terminal portion (32) and the battery housing (20).

[0083] The second gasket portion (42) may be interposed between the inner flange portion (31b) of the first terminal portion (31) and the inner surface (20b) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The second gasket portion (42) may be located on the inside of the battery cell (1) relative to the closed portion of the battery housing (20). More specifically, the second gasket portion (42) may include an exposed area that is exposed from the inside of the battery housing (20) to the inside of the terminal (30). For example, the second gasket portion (42) of the gasket (40) may be exposed at least partially to the outside of the inner flange portion (31b) of the first terminal portion (31).

[0084] The gasket bending portion (43) may be provided between the first gasket (40) portion and the second gasket (40) portion. The gasket bending portion (43) may be configured to connect the first gasket (40) portion and the second gasket (40) portion. The gasket bending portion (43) may be configured to bend at a point between the first gasket (40) portion and the second gasket (40) portion.

[0085]

[0086] In one aspect of the present invention, the ceramic coating (C) may be provided on the outer surface (20a) of the closure portion and may be provided in a first region that extends radially outward by a first length (D1) with respect to the through hole. In this case, the first region may extend further radially outward than the first gasket (40) portion.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, the first region may be extended outwardly in the radial direction by a first length (D1) based on the cross-sectional point of the through hole of the battery housing (20). Meanwhile, the first gasket (40) portion may be extended outwardly in the radial direction by a first radius (R1) based on the cross-sectional point of the through hole of the battery housing (20). At this time, the first length (D1) may be configured to be greater than or equal to the first radius (R1).

[0088] According to this configuration, even if the gasket (40) melts, the insulation between the battery housing (20) and the terminal (30) can be reliably maintained. Specifically, the first gasket (40) portion can be configured to have a structure that protrudes further outward in the radial direction than the second terminal portion (32) of the terminal (30). In this case, according to the structure in which the first region extends further outward in the radial direction than the first gasket (40) portion, the ceramic coating (C) has a structure that protrudes further outward in the radial direction than the second terminal portion (32) of the terminal (30). Therefore, the short circuit between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) is primarily secured by the gasket (40), and even if the gasket (40) melts, it can be secondarily secured by the ceramic coating (C). That is, according to the configuration of the present invention, the insulation performance between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be improved.

[0089]

[0090] In another aspect of the present invention, the ceramic coating (C) may be provided on the inner surface (20b) of the closure portion and in a second region that is extended radially outward by a second length (D2) with respect to the through hole. In this case, the second region may be extended radially outward further than the second gasket (40) portion.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 5, the second region may be extended outwardly in the radial direction by a second length (D2) based on the cross-sectional point of the through hole of the battery housing (20). Meanwhile, the second gasket (40) portion may be extended outwardly in the radial direction by a second radius (R2) based on the cross-sectional point of the through hole of the battery housing (20). At this time, the second length (D2) may be configured to be greater than or equal to the second radius (R2).

[0092] According to this configuration, even if the gasket (40) melts, the insulation between the battery housing (20) and the terminal (30) can be reliably maintained. Specifically, the second gasket (40) portion can be configured to have a structure that protrudes further outward in the radial direction than the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30). In this case, according to the structure in which the second region extends further outward in the radial direction than the second gasket (40) portion, the ceramic coating (C) has a structure that protrudes further outward in the radial direction than the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30). Therefore, the short circuit between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) is primarily secured by the gasket (40), and even if the gasket (40) melts, it can be secondarily secured by the ceramic coating (C). That is, according to the configuration of the present invention, the insulation performance between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be improved.

[0093]

[0094] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a ceramic coating (C) provided on a battery cell (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a ceramic coating (C) provided on a battery cell (1) according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Since the battery housing (20) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery housing (20) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment are omitted, and the following description focuses on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, the ceramic coating (C) may be provided on the outer surface (20a) and the intermediate surface (20c), respectively. At this time, the ceramic coating (C) provided on the outer surface (20a) and the coating provided on the intermediate surface (20c) may have a structure connected to each other.

[0097] Meanwhile, as another embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, the ceramic coating (C) may be provided on the inner surface (20b) and the intermediate surface (20c), respectively. In this case, the ceramic coating (C) provided on the inner surface (20b) and the coating provided on the intermediate surface (20c) may have a structure connected to each other.

[0098]

[0099] FIG. 8 is a drawing to explain the state in which a gasket (40) is melted due to a thermal event occurring in the battery cell (1) of FIG. 5, and FIG. 9 is a drawing to explain the state in which a gasket (40) is melted due to a thermal event occurring in the battery cell (1) of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a drawing to explain the state in which a gasket (40) is melted due to a thermal event occurring in the battery cell (1) of FIG. 7.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a thermal event may occur in the battery cell (1) due to some cause. For example, ignition may occur in the battery cell (1). In this case, the gasket (40) may melt due to the flame. At this time, the gasket (40) interposed between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) melts and flows down in the direction of gravity, so the space where the gasket (40) was previously located becomes empty. Consequently, the likelihood of the terminal (30) coming into contact with the battery housing (20) increases. Additionally, due to the thermal event in the battery cell (1), venting gas may be generated inside the battery cell (1). In this case, the battery housing (20) may be pushed up in the direction of the arrow due to the venting gas. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a ceramic coating (C) on the outer surface (20a) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). That is, as a ceramic coating (C) is provided on the outer surface (20a) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20), direct contact between the outer surface (20a) of the battery housing (20) and the second terminal portion (32) of the terminal (30) can be prevented.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 10, after the gasket (40) is melted by a flame and / or high-temperature gas, the battery housing (20) may move in the direction of the arrow under the influence of gravity. Alternatively, if the venting gas escapes outside the battery cell (1), the force pushing the battery housing (20) upward weakens, causing the battery housing (20) to move downward. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a ceramic coating (C) on the inner surface (20b) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). That is, by providing a ceramic coating (C) on the inner surface (20b) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20), direct contact between the inner surface (20b) of the battery housing (20) and the inner flange portion (31b) of the terminal (30) can be prevented.

[0102] Referring again to FIG. 8, there is a possibility that the battery cell (1) may shake from side to side due to external impact. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a ceramic coating (C) on the side surface (20c) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). That is, by providing a ceramic coating (C) on the side surface (20c) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20), direct contact between the side surface (20c) of the battery housing (20) and the third terminal portion (33) of the terminal (30) can be prevented.

[0103] Thus, according to the present invention, since a ceramic coating (C) maintaining insulating properties is provided around the through hole of the closed portion, an internal short circuit of the battery cell (1) can be prevented. Accordingly, the propagation of a thermal event to an adjacent battery cell (1) can be effectively prevented. That is, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery cell (1) and the internal temperature of the battery cell (1) rises, or the polymer is damaged or destroyed by contact with flame and / or high-temperature gas, the insulation between the terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be maintained.

[0104]

[0105] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a ceramic coating (C) provided on a battery cell (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Since the terminal (30) according to the present embodiment is similar to the terminal (30) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment are omitted, and the following description focuses on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 11, the terminal (30) may include a ceramic coating (C) on at least one surface of the terminal (30). Preferably, the terminal (30) may include a ceramic coating (C) on the surface facing the battery housing (20). Specifically, the terminal (30) may include a ceramic coating (C) on at least one of the lower surface of the second terminal (30) portion, the upper surface of the inner flange portion (31b), and the surface of the third terminal (30) portion. Referring to FIG. 11, the ceramic coating (C) is included on each of the lower surface of the second terminal (30) portion, the upper surface of the inner flange portion (31b), and the surface of the third terminal (30) portion.

[0108] According to the configuration of the present invention, since a ceramic coating (C) is partially provided on the surface of the terminal (30), additional insulation properties can be secured even if a thermal event, such as ignition, occurs in the battery cell (1). That is, according to this embodiment, a short circuit can be prevented twice by the ceramic coating (C) provided on the battery housing (20) and the ceramic coating (C) provided on the surface of the terminal (30). Therefore, according to the present invention, the propagation of a thermal event to an adjacent battery cell (1) can be effectively prevented.

[0109]

[0110] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 2, the battery cell (1) of the present invention may include a current collector (60). The current collector (60) may be provided between the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (30). The current collector (60) may be configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (30). The current collector (60) may be placed between the electrode assembly (10) and the inner surface (20b) of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The current collector (60) may be configured to electrically connect the first electrode of the electrode assembly (10) and the terminal (30).

[0111] Referring again to FIG. 2, the insulator (70) may be provided between the current collector (60) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20). The insulator (70) prevents contact between the current collector (60) and the battery housing (20). The insulator (70) may be interposed between the upper end of the outer surface of the electrode assembly (10) and the inner surface (20b) of the battery housing (20). Meanwhile, the insulator (70) may also be interposed between the first non-retaining portion (11) and the inner surface of the side wall portion of the battery housing (20). This is to prevent contact between the first non-retaining portion (11) or the current collector (60) extending toward the closed portion of the battery housing (20) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20).

[0112]

[0113] FIG. 12 is a drawing for illustrating a battery pack including a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a battery assembly in which a plurality of battery cells (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above are electrically connected, and a pack housing (2) that accommodates the same. In the drawings of the present invention, components such as a busbar for electrical connection, a cooling unit, and a power terminal are omitted for convenience of drawing. In addition, the battery pack (3) may further include various components, such as a BMS, a pack case, a relay, a current sensor, etc., components of a battery pack (3) known at the time of filing the present invention.

[0115]

[0116] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack (3) of FIG. 12.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 13, a vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and includes a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) includes four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle (5) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery cell (1) or battery pack (3). For example, the vehicle (5) according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery cell (1) according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit), or a control device.

[0118]

[0119] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0120] Although the present invention has been described above 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.

[0121]

[0122] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0123] 1: Battery cell

[0124] 2: Pack Housing

[0125] 3: Battery Pack

[0126] 5: Cars

[0127] 10: Electrode assembly

[0128] 11: 1st Department of Indefinite Use

[0129] 12: 2nd Department of Indefinite Use

[0130] 20: Battery housing

[0131] 20a: External surface

[0132] 20b: Inner surface

[0133] 20c: Between

[0134] C: Ceramic coating

[0135] 30: Terminal

[0136] 31: First terminal section

[0137] 31a: Electrical connection

[0138] 31b: Inner flange

[0139] 32: Second terminal section

[0140] F: Outer flange

[0141] 33: Third terminal section

[0142] 40: Gasket

[0143] 41: First gasket section

[0144] 42: Second gasket section

[0145] 43: Gasket bending section

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; A battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening provided on one side, and has a ceramic coating provided on at least a portion of a closed portion located on the opposite side of the opening; A terminal configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly through a through hole provided in the closure portion of the battery housing; and A gasket interposed between the terminal and the battery housing and configured to prevent electrical connection between the terminal and the battery housing. A battery cell containing 2. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell characterized by including a ceramic coating in the peripheral area of ​​a through hole provided in the above-mentioned closure.

3. In Paragraph 1, The closure portion of the battery housing above is, An outer surface facing the outside of the battery housing; An inner surface facing the interior of the battery housing; and An intermediate surface located between the outer surface and the inner surface, constituting the inner cross-section of the through hole. A battery cell characterized by including 4. In Paragraph 3, The ceramic coating above is, A battery cell characterized by having at least one of the outer surface, the inner surface, and the intermediate surface.

5. In Paragraph 1, The ceramic coating above is, A battery cell characterized by a ceramic coating formed by at least one of CVD, PVD, and sputtering.

6. In Paragraph 1, The ceramic coating above is, A battery cell characterized by comprising at least one of Al2O3, TiO2, AlF3, and ZrF4.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above gasket is, A first gasket portion exposed to the outside of the battery cell based on the closed portion of the battery housing; A second gasket portion located on the inner side of the battery cell based on the closed portion of the battery housing; and A gasket bending part connecting the first gasket part and the second gasket part. A battery cell characterized by including 8. In Paragraph 7, The ceramic coating is provided on the outer surface of the closure and is provided in a first region that is extended radially outward by a first length with respect to the through hole. A battery cell characterized in that the first region is extended further outward in the radial direction than the first gasket portion.

9. In Paragraph 7, The ceramic coating is provided on the inner surface of the closure and is provided in a second region that is extended radially outward by a second length with respect to the through hole. A battery cell characterized in that the second region is extended further outward in the radial direction than the second gasket portion.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above terminal is, A battery cell characterized by including a ceramic coating on at least one surface of the above-mentioned terminal.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above terminal is, A battery cell characterized by including a ceramic coating on the surface facing the battery housing.

12. In Paragraph 10, The above terminal is, An electrical connection portion configured to be electrically coupled with the electrode assembly within the battery housing; An inner flange portion riveted to have a curved shape extending from the outer perimeter of the electrical connection portion toward the inner surface of the closure portion of the battery housing; A second terminal portion exposed to the outside of the battery housing; and A third terminal portion interposed between the inner flange portion and the second terminal portion. A battery cell characterized by including 13. In Paragraph 12, The above terminal is, A battery cell characterized by including a ceramic coating on at least one of the lower surface of the second terminal portion, the upper surface of the inner flange portion, and the surface of the third terminal portion.

14. A battery pack characterized by comprising at least one battery cell described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An automobile characterized by comprising at least one battery pack as described in claim 14.

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