BATTERY CELL COMPRISING STRENGHTENING AREA AND BATTERY DEVICE COMPRISING THE SAME

A battery cell including an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly is provided. The case includes a support region surrounding at least a portion of the electrode assembly and a reinforcing region disposed on the support region.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a battery cell including a reinforcing region and a battery device including the same. More specifically, the present document relates to a battery cell including a reinforcing region and a battery device, having improved strength and stability of the battery cell.

A battery cell includes an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly.When external impacts (e.g., from a vehicle collision) is transmitted to the battery cell, a short circuit may occur in the battery cell, and additional events may occur due to the short circuit. In order to prevent a short circuit of a battery cell due to an external impact, a structure of the battery cell for enhancing durability of the battery cell has been studied.

SUMMARY

A battery cell may include an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly. The case is made of a can, to protect the electrode assembly from external impacts.Strength and weight of the caseare trade-offs. As the case is formed to be thinner to reduce the weight of the battery cell, the strength of the case may be reduced. An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a battery cell including a reinforcing region and a battery device, capable of efficiently improving the strength of a can.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell includes an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly. The case includes a support region surrounding at least a portion of the electrode assembly and a reinforcing region disposed on the support region.

According to an embodiment, the support region may include a plurality of ironing regions formed using an ironing process.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing region may include at least one support rod disposed on the support region.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing region may be disposed on the support region, and include a reinforcing cover having a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves.

According to an embodiment, the case may include a wide surface, a narrow surface, and a corner portion positioned between the wide surface and the narrow surface. The reinforcing region may be disposed on at least one of the wide surface, the narrow surface, and the corner portion. The reinforcing region may be disposed on at least one of the wide surface, the narrow surface, and the corner portion.

According to an embodiment of the present document, a battery case includes a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells, and a housing accommodating the cell assembly. Each of the plurality of battery cells may include an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly. The case may include a support region surrounding at least a portion of the electrode assembly and a reinforcing region disposed on the support region. The cell assembly may include a heat dissipation space located between a support region of each of the plurality of battery cells.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the support region may include an ironing region formed using an ironing process. A first thickness of the ironing region may be less than a second thickness of the reinforcing region.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the reinforcing region may include at least one support rod connected to the support region.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the reinforcing region may be connected to the support region, and may include a reinforcing cover having a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the battery device may further include a heat dissipation member attached to the support region and located within the heat dissipation space.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the battery device may further include a thermal adhesive connecting the cell assembly and the housing.

According to an embodiment of the present document, the reinforcing region may include a first protrusion extending from an outer surface of the support region in a first direction, and a second protrusion extending in the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing region may include a third protrusion extending from a first end of a first outer surface of the support region in a first direction, and a fourth protrusion extending from a second end of a second outer surface of the support region in a second direction,opposite to the first direction. The third protrusion may be located at a first end of the case, and the fourth protrusion may be located at a second end of the case, opposite to the first end.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing region may includea plurality of fifth protrusions extending from a first outer surface of the support region in a first direction and a plurality of sixth protrusions extending from a second outer surface of the support regionina second direction, opposite to the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing region may include a seventh protrusion including an insertion portion and an eighth protrusion in which a groove for accommodating the insertion portion is formed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like symbols indicate like elements throughout the drawings, and embodiments are shown. However, embodiments of the claims may be implemented in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. The examples given herein are non-limiting and only examples among other possible examples.

FIG.1is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, a battery cell100may be a prismatic cell. Prismatic cells are widely used in powertrains of electric vehicles. The prismatic cells may be stacked together in a rectangular shape, allowing more efficient use of space. Prismatic cells are generally rectangular and have a higher power density than cylindrical cells. Prismatic cells also provide better performance in cold weather and less damage from vibration. However, prismatic cells may be more expensive to manufacture than cylindrical cells. In addition, prismatic cells are less likely to fail due to vibration or movement. Prismatic cells may deliver more power than cylindrical battery cells due to spatial optimization of the rectangular shape thereof. The prismatic battery cell100includes a rectangular can104that may be formed of steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, plastic, or other metals having sufficient structural strength. The can104may be manufactured according to various different methods including deep draw or impact extrusion. The method for manufacturing the can104may be combined with wall ironing to achieve the final geometry, thickness and tolerances. The can104may be wrapped with cell cover tape. A jelly roll106includes a stacked anode, cathode and separator. A jelly roll106type electrode assembly configured to have a structure of a long sheet type cathode and a long sheet type anode to which an active material is applied is wound. At the same time, the stacked-type electrode assembly has a structure in which a separator is disposed between a cathode and an anode or has a structure in which a plurality of cathodes and anodes having a predetermined size are sequentially stacked and a separator is disposed between each of the cathodes and the anode. The jelly roll-type electrode assembly is easy to manufacture and has high unit mass and energy density, compared to a sheet-type electrode assembly. In some batteries, one or more jelly rolls106are inserted into can104. Each jelly roll106electrode assembly is included inside a polymer jelly roll bag108sealed inside the can104. Each jelly roll106includes a cathode foil112formed of aluminum. The aluminum foil is coated with the electrode slurry. A first operation of electrode manufacturing is a slurry mixing process in which an active raw material is combined with a binder, a solvent and an additive. This mixing process should be performed separately for anode and cathode slurries. Viscosity, density, solids content and other measurable properties of the slurry affect battery quality and electrode uniformity. For example, a slurry having a faster drying rate, a higher solids content, a lower rate capability, and a low viscosity is generated as a solvent content is higher. Thereafter, the cathode slurry is applied to an aluminum foil and dried. A slot die coater is a method of coating a foil in which a slurry is spread through slot gaps on the moving foil receiving tension over rollers. In some embodiments, this may be performed simultaneously on both sides of the foil. This production method enables high speed, while achieving precision in coating thickness. A drying process may be incorporated into a continuous coating. The drying process should achieve three objectives: diffusion of the binder, sedimentation of particles, and evaporation of the solvent. Air floatation is a method of drying the slurry on the foil. Uniformity of the electrode coating and drying process affects the safety, consistency and life cycle of the prismatic battery cell100. The electrode should go through a calendaring process in which electrode porosity and twist are controlled by compressing the coated electrode sheet to a uniform thickness and density. Each jelly roll106includes an anode foil110formed of copper foil. The anode foil110is provided similarly to a cathode foil112. Each jelly roll106may include a cathode connector (not shown) that makes an electrical connection between the inner end portion of the cathode foil112and the cathode terminal128. Each jelly roll106may include an anode connector (not shown) that makes an electrical connection between the inner end portion of the anode foil110and an anode terminal126. Each jelly roll106may include a cathode connector mask (e.g., a cathode connector mask118inFIG.3C).

Each prismatic battery cell100may have an upper cap assembly120welded or otherwise bonded to the top of the can104. The upper cap assembly120may include a base plate122attached to the can104. The base plate122isolates the inside and outside of the cell by welding with the can104. The base plate122may serve as a rigid support structure for elements within the upper cap assembly120. The upper cap assembly120may include a plurality of upper insulators124to insulate the base plate122. The upper insulator124may prevent leakage of an electrolyte from the prismatic battery cell100. Additionally, the upper insulator124may isolate the can104from the cathode foil112and prevent penetration of moisture and gases from the outside of the cell. A portion of the upper insulator124may protect a current interrupting device. The upper cap assembly120includes a cathode terminal128electrically connecting the inside and outside of the prismatic battery cell100. The upper cap assembly120includes an anode terminal126electrically connecting the inside and outside of the prismatic battery cell100.

The upper cap assembly120may include a vent130allowing exhaust gases from the prismatic battery cell100to be discharged in a controlled direction and at a controlled pressure. The upper cap assembly120may include a vent guard132protecting the vent130from the inside of the prismatic battery cell100in order to prevent the vent130from malfunctioning. The upper cap assembly120may include an overcharge safety device134preventing an external current from being introduced using an internal gas pressure of the prismatic battery cell100. The upper insulator124may be multi-component. In some embodiments, side portions of the upper insulator124may be mounted on the edges of the can104and the upper cap assembly120. An electrolyte cap138may seal an electrolyte solution inside the prismatic battery cell100.

The battery cell100may include an insulator136located between the upper cap assembly120and the can104.

In this document, the electrode assembly of the battery cell100is described as the jelly roll106, but the electrode assembly of the battery cell100is not limited to the jelly roll106. For example, the jelly roll106may be replaced with a stack type electrode assembly or a Z-folding type electrode assembly. According to an embodiment, the jelly roll106described herein may refer to an electrode assembly.

In this document, the can104may be referred to as a case or housing.

FIGS.2A,2B and2Cshow a configuration and component functions of the upper cap assembly120. For example,FIG.2Ais an exploded perspective view of the upper cap assembly120according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2Bis a rear perspective view of the upper cap assembly120according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of the upper cap assembly120ofFIG.1may be applied to the upper cap assembly120ofFIGS.2A,2B and2C.

The upper cap assembly120serving as a cover for the prismatic battery cell100is a complex assembly including a plurality of welded components. Adhesives may be used instead of welding specific components.

The prismatic battery cell100may include the vent130. The vent130provides overpressure alleviation when temperature and corresponding pressure increase in the prismatic battery cell100. For example, the vent130may be activated in a pressure range of10to15bar. The vent130may be laser-welded to the upper cap assembly120.

The prismatic battery cell100may include the can104. The can104may generally be formed of deep-drawn aluminum or stainless steel to prevent moisture from entering the cell, while providing diffusion resistance to organic solvents, such as liquid electrolytes. The most important reason the can104is typically formed of deep-drawn aluminum alloy or stainless steel is to reduce a welding point to improve the mechanical strength of the can104. The prismatic battery cell100may be filled with an electrolyte. After electrolyte filling, the electrolyte cap138may be welded to the upper cap assembly120or a locking ball (not shown) may be forced into an opening of the electrolyte cap138. The cell may have an overcharge safety device134that may disconnect current flow when high internal pressure is reached in the prismatic battery cell100. A rise in pressure is usually a result of high temperatures.

According to an embodiment, the cathode terminal128may be provided in plural. For example, the cathode terminal128may include a first cathode terminal128ain which at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the battery cell100and a second cathode terminal128bconnected to a cathode foil (e.g., the cathode foil112ofFIG.1). The second cathode terminal128bmay be electrically connected to the first cathode terminal128a. For example, a portion of the second cathode terminal128bmay contact the first cathode terminal128a.

According to an embodiment, the anode terminal126may be provided in plural. For example, the anode terminal126may include a first anode terminal126ain which at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the battery cell100and a second anode terminal126bconnected to an anode foil (e.g., the anode foil110ofFIG.1). The second anode terminal126bmay be electrically connected to the first anode terminal126a. For example, a portion of the second anode terminal126bmay contact the first anode terminal126.

FIGS.3A to3Fare a view illustrating an assembly process of an upper cap assembly and an electrode assembly according to an embodiment. A battery cell manufacturing process300may include an assembly process of the upper cap assembly120and the jelly roll106.

Referring toFIG.3A, a sealing tape106amay be attached to the jelly roll106. According to an embodiment, the sealing tape106acan cover at least a portion of the jelly roll106. According to an embodiment, the sealing tape106amay seal a portion of the jelly roll106.

Referring toFIG.3B, the jelly roll106may be connected to the upper cap assembly120. For example, a connection component for connecting the jelly roll106and the upper cap assembly120may be prepared. The upper cap assembly120may be closely attached to the jelly roll106using the connection component. For example, the cathode terminal128of the upper cap assembly120may be connected to the cathode foil112of the jelly roll106, and the anode terminal126of the upper cap assembly120may be connected to the jelly roll106. The cathode terminal128may be welded to the cathode foil112and the anode terminal126may be welded (e.g., ultrasonic-welded) to the anode foil110.

Referring toFIG.3C, at least a portion of the cathode terminal128may be masked. For example, the cathode connector mask118may be disposed to cover a portion of the cathode terminal128. The cathode connector mask118may protect the cathode terminal128. Although not shown, the description of the masking of the cathode terminal128may be applied to the anode terminal126as well.

Referring toFIG.3Dand/orFIG.3E, tape may be attached to at least a portion of the cathode terminal128and the anode terminal126. For example, the battery cell100may include welding tapes118a,118b,118c, and118dattached to at least a portion of the cathode terminal128, the anode terminal126, the cathode foil112, and/or the anode foil110. According to an embodiment, the welding tapes118a,118b,118c,118dmay be attached to at least a portion of a joint portion of the cathode terminal128, the anode terminal126, the cathode foil112, and/or the anode foil110. As the joint portion is covered with the welding tapes118a,118b,118c, and118d, the cathode terminal128and the anode terminal126may be protected.

Referring toFIG.3F, the anode foil110connected to the anode terminal126may be folded. For example, when the upper cap assembly120is disposed on the jelly roll106, at least a portion of the anode foil110may be folded. Although not shown, when the upper cap assembly120is placed on the jelly roll106, the cathode foil112may also be folded.

FIGS.4A to4Fare a view illustrating an assembly process of an electrode assembly, a jelly roll bag, and a can. A battery cell manufacturing process400may include an assembly process of the jelly roll106, the jelly roll bag108, and the can104.

Referring toFIG.4A, an insulator136may be installed on the battery cell100. For example, the insulator136may be disposed between the can104and the cap assembly120.

Referring toFIG.4B, the jelly roll bag108may be prepared. The jelly roll bag108may cover at least a portion (e.g., a side surface) of the jelly roll106. The jelly roll106may be surrounded by the jelly roll bag108. The jelly roll bag108may protect the jelly roll106from external impact. InFIG.4B, a structure in which the jelly roll bag108is disposed on two side surfaces of the jelly roll106is shown, but the structure of the jelly roll bag108is not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the jelly roll bag108may be formed to cover four side surfaces of the jelly roll106.

Referring toFIG.4C, an insulator108amay be attached to the jelly roll106. According to an embodiment, in a state in which the jelly roll bag108is unfolded, the insulator108amay be attached to a lower portion of the jelly roll106. The insulator108amay be referred to as a lower insulator.

Referring toFIG.4D, at least some of the components of the battery cell100may be taped. For example, the battery cell100may include the upper cap assembly120, the can104, and/or at least one first tape108battached onto insulator136, and/or a second tape108cattached to a lower portion of the jelly roll bag108along a side portion of the insulator136.

Referring toFIG.4E, the jelly roll106may be inserted into the can104. The jelly roll106and/or the jelly roll bag108may be inserted into the can104.

According to an embodiment, the battery cell manufacturing process400may include a wetting process of the jelly roll106. For example, the jelly roll106may be initially wetted by an electrolyte delivered through an electrolyte injection port. For example, partial vacuum may be formed in the prismatic battery cell100, and a predetermined amount of electrolyte may be injected through the electrolyte injection port. The partial vacuum may improve the distribution and wetting of all layers within the jelly roll106. Wetting of all layers within the jelly roll106may require a rolling or spinning protocol to enhance wetting.

According to an embodiment, the battery cell manufacturing process400may include a quality check process for the initial wetting process, such as checking a weight of the prismatic battery cell100immediately after charging. For example, a second electrolyte charging operation in which an electrolyte is charged to achieve a desired weight may be applied to the battery cell. According to an embodiment, the battery cell manufacturing process400may include a pre-formation process of charging the prismatic battery cell100and discharging gas.

Referring toFIG.4F, the electrolyte injection port may be sealed. For example, the electrolyte cap138may be inserted into the electrolyte injection port.

FIGS.5A and5Bare diagrams for illustrating a crush test of a prismatic cell battery.

For example,FIG.5Aillustrates a battery cell100and a vertical crush test tool500. The vertical crush test tool500illustrated inFIG.5Amay be selectively applied, as an example.FIG.5Aillustrates a positional relationship between a prismatic cell battery100and a vertical crush test tool500during a vertical crush test.

FIG.5Billustrates a first crush test direction (e.g., vertical crush test direction)502, a second crush test direction504(e.g., narrow vertical crush test direction), and a third crush test direction506(e.g., horizontal crush test direction), in which battery cells100may be evaluated for their crush strength in relation to various standards).

In an embodiment, the battery cell100may receive pressure or force in a first crush test direction502, a second vertical crush test direction504, and/or a third crush test direction506using the vertical crush test tool500, and crush strength thereof may be evaluated. For example, “UL Standard For Safety Batteries for Use In Electric Vehicles, UL 2580, 3rd Edition, Apr. 1, 2020” discloses requirements for crush strength as follows. “These standards evaluate the ability of electrical energy storage assemblies to safely withstand simulated abuse conditions and prevent exposure of persons to harm as a result of abuse.” UN ECE R100 Rev2 is an important European requirement of the United Nations (UN). This regulation specifies all tests that should be performed on lithium batteries installed in four-wheeled electric vehicles to transport people or goods in category M and N road vehicles with electric traction. Two of the standards include a mechanical integrity test that verify resistance of a Rechargeable Energy Storage System (REESS) under contact loads that may occur in a vehicle crash. A mechanical impact test of 100 KN crush using a 75 mm radius crush platen and 80 ms up to 28 G depending on a vehicle class in a positive or negative direction or both directions. The mechanical impact test is generally performed on a sled test machine.

FIG.6is a view for illustrating an impact extrusion process for forming a case of a prismatic cell battery according to an embodiment. For example,FIG.6illustrates five stages of an impact extrusion manufacturing process for converting an aluminum slug600into a can104for a prismatic cell battery100.

A first phase is an aluminum slug600. The aluminum slug600may be extruded and transformed into a first workpiece602.

The first workpiece602may be drawn into a second workpiece604through ironing. At least a portion of a second workpiece604may be cut and transformed into a third workpiece606. The third workpiece606may be trimmed and polished to a final state of the can104. For example, an unintended protrusion formed on a surface of the third workpiece606may be removed. The first workpiece602, the second workpiece604, and the third workpiece606may be formed during processing of the aluminum slug600into the can104. In an embodiment, the first workpiece602, second workpiece604, and third workpiece606may be referred to as a first level, a second level, and a third level, respectively.

InFIG.6, the can104made of aluminum is described, but a material of the can104is not limited thereto. For example, the can104may include the other metal (e.g., titanium).

FIGS.7A and7Bare views for illustrating an impact extrusion process according to an embodiment. For example,FIGS.7A and7Billustrate two cross-sections of an impact extrusion process. An aluminum slug600may be disposed between a mandrel700and a driving slug702. The driving slug702may be moved in a direction of an arrow until reaching a position illustrated inFIG.7B, typically using a pneumatic or hydraulic press. When the driving slug702reaches the position illustrated inFIG.7B, the aluminum slug600may be formed as a workpiece (e.g., the first workpiece602ofFIG.6) for producing a can104for a prismatic cell battery100. A size and shape of mandrel700and/or driving slug702can be selectively designed. For example, a length of the mandrel700may be changed according to a final shape of the prismatic cell battery100.

FIGS.8A and8Bare a diagram for illustrating an ironing process.

In an embodiment, the can104may be further formed through ironing after the impact extrusion process. For example, an ironing process may be further performed on the second workpiece604manufactured by the impact extrusion process ofFIG.7.

The ironing process may refer to a process of pressing a first workpiece (e.g., the first workpiece602ofFIG.7B) using an iron800, to deform the shape of the first workpiece602. For example, a thickness of at least a portion of the second workpieces604aand604bmay be different from a thickness of the first workpiece602.

The iron800may press the can104to draw a material in a given direction, so that a thinner, larger, and more uniform can104may be produced. In an embodiment, an internal mold806may be disposed inside the can104, and the iron800may apply pressure to the can104outside the can104. An un-ironed portion of the prismatic cell can104is illustrated in the second workpiece604b. Referring toFIG.8AandFIG.8B, the iron800may move from a lower portion of the can104to an upper portion thereof. The iron800may deform a shape of the can104by lifting a material of the second workpieces604aand604b. For example, the iron800may produce an ironed portion of the prismatic cell can104illustrated in the second workpiece604b. A thickness and/or shape of at least a portion of the can104may be deformed in an ironing process.

FIGS.9A to9Eare views for illustrating a can to which an ironing process is applied, according to various embodiments. Strength and/or rigidity of the can104of the battery cell100may be improved using an ironing (e.g., wall ironing) process. The can104ofFIGS.9A to9Emay be manufactured using the ironing process ofFIG.8AandFIG.8B. The can104may be applied to the battery cell100ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.9A to9E, the can104may include at least one of ironing regions910a,910b, and910cand reinforcing regions1010a,1010b, and1010c. Thicknesses of the ironing regions910a,910b, and910cmay be different from thicknesses of the reinforcing regions1010a,1010b, and1010c. For example, a second thickness w2of the second reinforcing region1010bmay be greater than a first thickness w1of the second ironing region910b.

Referring toFIGS.9A and9B, the can104may include a first ironing region910aformed using three irons800equally spaced in a vertical side surface of the can104. For example, the can104may include at least one ironing region910ain a vertical direction.

For example, when an iron800moves upwardly and downwardly or from a lower portion to an upper portion, the iron800may form an ironing region910aon a surface of the can104. The other portion of the can104in which the ironing region910ais not formed may be referred to as a reinforcing region1010a. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.9B), the can104may include four reinforcing regions1010aand three vertical ironing region910ahaving a thinner thickness than the reinforcing regions1010a. In an embodiment, a thickness of the vertical ironing region910amay be substantially the same as a normal thickness of a prismatic cell battery can104formed by a currently known impact extrusion process. Accordingly, the thickness of the reinforcing region (e.g., the first reinforcing region1010a) may be greater than that of the can104of the prismatic cell battery100. In an embodiment, the first reinforcing region1010amay be referred to as a vertical rail or rail portion.

According to an embodiment, the can104may include a corner portion disposed between a wide surface (e.g., the wide surface1020cofFIG.11C) and a narrow surface (e.g., the narrow surface1020dofFIG.11C). The reinforcing regions1010a,1010b, and1010cmay be disposed or formed on at least one of the wide surface1020c, the narrow surface1020d, and the corner portion.

In an embodiment, by an ironing process, a reinforcing region1010alocated at a corner portion of the can104of the prismatic cell battery100may be formed. The ironing process may provide a prismatic cell battery can104with increased structural strength with a thicker material at the corners of the can104. Since the thickness of the corner portion of the can104is increased due to the ironing process, the structural strength of the can104may be improved.

The ironing regions910a,910b, and910cmay be formed on inner and/or outer surfaces of the can104. In an embodiment, the first ironing region910amay be formed on the outer surface of the can104. For example, the first ironing region910amay be formed on the outer surface of the can104using an iron800and an internal mold (e.g., the internal mold806ofFIG.8A). According to an embodiment (not shown), the first ironing region910amay be formed on the inner surface of the can104. For example, in the ironing process, an external mold (not shown) surrounding the outer surface of the can104and an iron pressing the inner surface of the can104may be used.

At least a portion of the description of the first ironing region910aand the first reinforcing region1010amay be applied to a second ironing region910b(e.g., a horizontal ironing region), a third ironing region910c(e.g., an oblique ironing region), a horizontal support region1010b, and/or an oblique support region1010.

Referring toFIGS.9C and9D, the can104may include a second ironing region910bformed using three irons800equally spaced in a horizontal side surface of the can104. For example, when the can104moves the iron800from left to right or from a left side to a right side, three horizontal ironing region910bthat are thinner than the four horizontal support regions1010billustrated inFIGS.9C and9Dmay be created.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.9E), the can104may include an oblique ironing region910cand an oblique support region1010c. For example, when a pair of irons800move in parallel with each other, an oblique support region1010cpassing through a central portion of the can104may be formed.

The shape of the can104illustrated inFIGS.9A to9Eis exemplary. For example, in the case of a structure for improving the strength of the can104, the number and/or shape of the ironing regions910a,910b, and910cand/or the reinforcing regions1010a,1010b, and1010care not limited.

FIGS.10A to10Fare views for illustrating a can including a support rod according to various embodiments. Strength and/or rigidity of the battery cell100may be improved by support rods920a,920b, and920c.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.10A and/or10B), the can104may include four first support rods920a. The first support rod920amay be referred to as a vertical support rod. The first support rod920amay be disposed on the support region1020of the can104. Structural strength of the can104may be improved by the first support rod920a. For example, the support region1020has the shape of a general can104, and the thickness of the can104is increased by the support rod920, so that structural strength thereof can be improved. In an embodiment, the support rod920may be coupled to the support region1020of the can104using an adhesive or welding.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.10B), the can104may include a plurality of first support rods920awelded to the support region1020. The plurality of first support rods920amay be arranged substantially in parallel. The support region1020may be an aluminum sheet. In an embodiment, the support region1020may be referred to as a support plate. In the present document, the description of the first support rod920amay be applied to the second support rod920band the third support rod920c.

According to an embodiment, the support region1020to which the first support rod920ais attached may be integrally formed with the can104. According to an embodiment, the support region1020to which the first support rod920ais attached may be formed as a separate component from the can104. For example, the support region1020may be manufactured in a shape of a support plate, and welded or attached to the can104.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.10C), the can104may include a second support rod920b. The second support rod920bmay be referred to as a horizontal support rod. For example, the can104may include a plurality of second support rods920bextending parallel to each other in a horizontal direction.

According to an embodiment (not shown), the can104may include a first support rod920aand a second support rod920b. For example, the can104may include a support rod having a checkerboard pattern. The support rod having the checkerboard pattern means a support rod having a shape in which the first support rod920aand the second support rod920bare combined or integrated.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.10D to10F), the can104may include a third support rod920c. The third support rod920cmay be referred to as a cross-type support rod. The third support rod920cmay include a plurality (e.g., two rods), substantially vertically arranged. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the third support rod920cmay be disposed on a central portion of the can104.

According to an embodiment, the third support rod920cmay be coupled to a support region1020. For example, the third support rod920cmay be connected to the support region1020using welding.

In the present document, the support rod920is connected to an inner surface of the can104and/or the support region1020, but a position of the support rod920is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment not shown, the support rod920may be connected to an outer surface of the can104and/or the support region1020.

In an embodiment, the support region1020and/or support rods920a,920b, and920cmay include aluminum. For example, the support rods920a,920b,920cmay be formed of the same aluminum as the can104and/or support region1020. In an embodiment, the support rods920a,920b, and920c, the can104, and/or the support region1020may include titanium.

According to an embodiment, the support rods920a,920b,920cmay be disposed on an inner and/or outer surface of the can104.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the support rods920a,920b, and920cofFIGS.10A to10Fmay be used with at least a portion of the reinforcing regions (e.g., the reinforcing regions1010a,1010b, and1010cofFIGS.9A to9E), previously described.

FIGS.11A to11Eare views for illustrating a can including a reinforcing cover according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIGS.11A to11E, the can104may include a support region1020and a reinforcing cover1030. The description of the can104and/or the support region1020ofFIG.10Amay be applied to the can104and/or the support region1020ofFIGS.11A to11E.

The reinforcing covers930a,930b,930c, and930dmay include a plurality of protrusions and a plurality of grooves. For example, the reinforcing covers930a,930b,930c, and930dmay have a corrugated shape. According to an embodiment, the reinforcing covers930a,930b,930c, and930dmay be referred to as corrugated reinforcements. According to an embodiment, the reinforcing covers930a,930b,930c, and930dmay be manufactured using an extrusion process (e.g., the impact extrusion process ofFIGS.7A and7B).

Positions in which the reinforcing covers930a,930b,930c, and930dare formed on the can104may be selectively designed. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.11A), the can104may include a transversely arranged first reinforcing cover930a. In an embodiment, the first reinforcing cover930amay be formed on inner surfaces of plates1020aand1020bof the can104. The plates1020aand1020bof the can104may include aluminum. The reinforcing cover930may be formed by being extruded from the plates1020aand1020b. In an embodiment, the plates1020aand1020bmay be at least a portion of support region1020of the can104. For example, the plates1020aand1020bmay be a portion of the can104forming a wide surface1020cof the can104. In an embodiment, the plates1020aand1020bmay be separate parts that are attached to the support region1020of the can104. The first reinforcing cover1020aand the second reinforcing cover1020bmay be disposed between the plates1020aand1020bconnected to the can104, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing cover930may include aluminum.The reinforcing cover930may be made of the same aluminum as the can104or the plates1020aand1020b. According to an embodiment, the reinforcing cover930may be made of another material, such as titanium, to increase the strength or reduce the weight of the can104.

The shape of the can104and/or the shape of the first reinforcing cover930amay be selectively designed. For example, according to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.9A), the first reinforcing cover930amay extend horizontally. According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.9B), the first reinforcing cover930amay extend vertically.

At least a portion of the description of the first reinforcing cover930amay be applied to the second reinforcing cover930b, the third reinforcing cover930c, and/or the fourth reinforcing cover940d.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.11C), the can104may include a second reinforcing cover930bdisposed on a wide surface1020c. The wide surface1020cmay be referred to as a relatively long side surface of the can104. The second reinforcing cover930bmay cover at least a portion of the wide surface1020cof the can104. The second reinforcing cover930bmay prevent the wide surface1020cof the can104from being bent or damaged. According to an embodiment, the second reinforcing cover930bmay be formed in a vertical direction.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.11D), the can104may include a third reinforcing cover930cdisposed on a narrow surface1020d. The narrow surface1020dmay be referred to as a relatively short side surface of the can104. The third reinforcing cover930cmay cover at least a portion of the narrow surface1020dof the can104. The third reinforcing cover930cmay prevent the narrow surface1020dof the can104from being bent or damaged. According to an embodiment, the third reinforcing cover930cmay be formed in a vertical direction.

According to an embodiment (not shown), the can104may include a reinforcing cover covering a wide surface1020cand a narrow surface1020d.

According to anembodiment (not shown), the can104may include a reinforcing cover located on a bottom plate of the can104.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.11E), the can104may include a fourth reinforcing cover930ddisposed on a wide surface1020cof the can104. The fourth reinforcing cover930dmay include a corrugated reinforcement extending obliquely with respect to an extending direction of the wide surface1020cof the can104. The fourth reinforcing cover930dmay contact not only a side surface of the can104, but also an upper portion and a lower portion thereof. Due to the oblique arrangement of the fourth reinforcing cover930d, stability of the can104may be improved.

According to an embodiment, the reinforcing covers930a,930b, and930cmay be disposed on an inner and/or outer surface of the can104.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the reinforcing covers930a,930b, and930cofFIGS.11A to11Fmay be used with at least a portion of the reinforcing regions (e.g., the reinforcing regions1010a,1010b, and1010cofFIGS.9A to9Eand/or the support rods920a,920b, and920cofFIGS.10A to10F), which are previously described.

FIG.12Ais a top view of a battery device, according to an embodiment.FIG.12Bis a cross-sectional view along line C-C′ ofFIG.12A.FIG.13is a top view of a battery device according to an embodiment.FIG.14is a top view of a battery cell, according to an embodiment.FIG.15Ais a top view of a battery cell, according to an embodiment.FIG.15Bis a perspective view of a cell assembly, according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.12A,12B and/or13, a battery device1100may include a cell assembly1101and a housing1102. The battery device1100may be referred to as a battery module, a battery pack, or a power storage device.

The cell assembly1101may include a plurality of battery cells (e.g., the battery cells100ofFIG.1). In an embodiment, the cell assembly1101may be referred to as a cell stack.

Thehousing1102may accommodate the cell assembly1101. For example, the housing1102may provide an accommodation space for accommodating the cell assembly1101. In an embodiment, housing1102may be referred to as a module case or pack case.

According to an embodiment, the housing1102may include a bottom member1102bsupporting a bottom surface of the cell assembly1101and a sidewall member1102aextending from the bottom member1102b. The shape of the housing1102may be selectively changed according to the design of the battery device1100.

According to an embodiment,the battery device1100may include a bus bar (not shown) connected to a battery cell100.

The battery cell100may include an electrode assembly (e.g., jelly roll106ofFIG.1), a cap assembly (e.g., cap assembly120ofFIG.2A), and a can104accommodating the electrode assembly.

Descriptions of the can104ofFIGS.9A to9E, the can104ofFIGS.10A to10F, and/or the can104ofFIGS.11A to11Emay be applied to the can104ofFIGS.12A to15.

For example, the reinforcing region900of the can104, the support region1000of the can104may refer to a portion of the can104having the thickness or shape of a conventional can104.

The support region1000may be ironing regions910a,910b,910cofFIGS.9A to9E, the support region1020ofFIGS.10A to10F, and/or the support region1020ofFIGS.11A to11E.

The can104may have a different thickness for each part. For example, the can104may include a reinforcing region900and a support region1000. The reinforcing region900may be disposed on the support region1000. The reinforcing region900disposed on the support region1000may refer to a shape extended from the support region1000and/or a structure coupled to the support region1000using bonding, or the like.

The support region1000may have a first thickness W1. The reinforcing region900may have a second thickness W2, different from the first thickness W1. The second thickness W2may be greater than the first thickness W1. According to an embodiment, a thickness of the support region1000may be substantially the same as that of a conventional can104accommodating the electrode assembly. The reinforcing region900is thicker than the conventional can104, so that strength and durability of the can104can be improved.

According to an embodiment, the battery device1100may include a heat dissipation space S. The heat dissipation space S may be an empty space located between the support regions1000of the plurality of battery cells100. For example, the reinforcing region900may protrude from the support region1000. An empty space may be formed between the plurality of support regions1000due to the protrusion of the reinforcing region1000. The heat dissipation space S may provide a path through which a fluid (e.g., air) flows. In an embodiment, the heat dissipation space S may be referred to as a heat dissipation channel.

According to an embodiment, the battery device1100may include a heat dissipation member1103. The heat dissipation member1103may be attached to the can104. For example, the heat dissipation member1103may be disposed on the support region1000of the can104. In an embodiment, the heat dissipation member1103may be located in the heat dissipation space S. In an embodiment, the heat dissipation member1103may include a thermal interface material (TIM).

According to an embodiment, the battery device1100may include a thermal adhesive1104for connecting a cell assembly1101to a housing1102. The thermal adhesive1104may be positioned between the cell assembly1101and the housing1102. For example, a thermal adhesive1104may be disposed between a lower surface of the can104and a bottom member1102bof the housing1102.

A shape of the can104may be designed in various ways. For example, if the reinforcing region900may form a heat dissipation space S or improve the strength of the can104, the structure of the can104can be changed.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.12A and12B), the reinforcing region900may include a first protrusion901and a second protrusion902extending in the same direction from an external surface of the support region1000. For example, the first protrusion901may protrude from one end or an edge of one surface1000aof the support region1000in a first direction (+X direction). The second protrusion902may protrude from the other end or edge of one surface1000aof the support region1000in the first direction.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.13), the reinforcing region900may include a third protrusion903and a fourth protrusion904extending in different directions from an external surface of the support region1000.For example, the support region1000may include a first outer surface1000ain a first direction (+X direction) and a second outer surface1000bin a second direction (−X direction), opposite to the first direction (+X direction). The third protrusion903may protrude from a first end (e.g., an end thereof in a +Y direction) of the first outer surface1000ain the first direction (+X direction). The fourth protrusion904may protrude from a second end (e.g., an end thereof in a −Y direction) of the second outer surface1000bin the second direction (−Y direction). According to an embodiment, the housing1102may have a shape corresponding to the reinforcing region900. For example, the housing1102may include a protrusion1102cprotruding in a size corresponding to the protrusions903and904.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.14), the reinforcing region900may include a plurality of protrusions905aand905bprotruding from both directions of the support region1000. For example, the support region1000may include a first outer surface1000ain a first direction (+X direction) and a second outer surface1000bin a second direction (−X direction), opposite to the first direction (+X direction). The reinforcing region900may include a fifth protrusion905aprotruding from both ends of the first outer surface1000ain the first direction (+X direction) and a sixth protrusion905bprotruding from both ends of the second outer surface1000bin the second direction (−X direction).

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIGS.15A and15B), the reinforcing region900may include a plurality of protrusions906and907protruding from both directions of a support region1000. For example, the support region1000may include a first outer surface1000ain a first direction (+X direction) and a second outer surface1000bin a second direction (−Xdirection).

The reinforcing region900may include a seventh protrusion906and an eighth protrusion907which may be connected to each other. The eighth protrusion908may include a groove907afor accommodating the seventh protrusion906and a protruding member907bforming the groove907a. The seventh protrusion906may be inserted into the groove907a.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.15A), the reinforcing region900may include a seventh protrusion906protruding from a second end (an end facing −Ydirection) of the first outer surface1000aand a first end (an end facing +Y direction) of the second outer surface1000band an eighth protrusion907protruding from a first end (an end facing +Y direction)of the first outer surface1000aand a second end (an end facing −Y direction) of the second outer surface1000b.

According to an embodiment (e.g.,FIG.15B), the reinforcing region900may include a seventh protrusion906protruding in a first direction (+X direction) from both ends of the first outer surface1000aand an eighth protrusion907protruding in a second direction (−X direction) from both ends of the second outer surface1000b.

As set forth above, according to the present disclosure, the battery cell includes a case including a reinforcing region. Durability of the battery cell may be increased by the reinforcing region.

A heat dissipation space may be formed by the reinforcing region. Due to the heat dissipation space, heat dissipation performance of the battery cell may be improved.

The functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in a different order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.