Patent Description:
As technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are of great interest as energy sources not only for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, notebooks and wearable devices, but also for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

Depending on the shape of a battery case, these secondary batteries are classified into a cylindrical battery and a prismatic battery in which an electrode assembly is included in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and a pouch-type battery in which the electrode assembly is included in a pouch-type case of an aluminum laminate sheet. Here, the electrode assembly included in the battery case is a power element including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and capable of charging and discharging, and is classified into a jelly-roll type in which long sheet-type positive and negative electrodes coated with an active material are wound with a separator being interposed therebetween, and a stack type in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes are sequentially stacked with a separator being interposed therebetween.

Among them, in particular, a pouch-type battery in which a stack-type or stack/folding-type electrode assembly is included in a pouch-type battery case made of an aluminum laminate sheet is being used more and more due to low manufacturing cost, small weight, and easy modification.

<FIG> is a top view showing a conventional battery cell. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view, taken along the axis a-a' of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, a conventional battery cell <NUM> includes a battery case <NUM> having an accommodation portion <NUM> in which an electrode assembly <NUM> is mounted, and a sealing portion <NUM> formed by sealing an outer periphery thereof. Here, the battery cell <NUM> includes an electrode lead <NUM> protruding out of the battery case <NUM> through the sealing portion <NUM>, and a lead film <NUM> is located between upper and lower portions of the electrode lead <NUM> and the sealing portion <NUM>.

However, as the energy density of the battery cell increases in recent years, there is a problem that the amount of gas generated inside the battery cell also increases. In the case of the conventional battery cell <NUM>, a component capable of discharging the gas generated inside the battery cell is not included, so a venting phenomenon may occur in the battery cell due to gas generation. In addition, moisture may penetrate into the battery cell damaged by the venting, which may cause side reactions, and there is a problem that battery performance deteriorates and additional gas is generated. Accordingly, there is an increasing need to develop a battery cell with improved external emission of gas generated inside the battery cell.

Conventional battery cells including gas discharging structures are known from patent applications <CIT> and <CIT>.

The present disclosure is directed to providing a battery cell with an improved external discharge amount of gas generated in the battery cell, and a battery module including the same.

The object to be solved by the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned object, and the objects not mentioned here may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, as defined in claim <NUM>, there is provided a battery cell, comprising a battery case having an accommodation portion in which an electrode assembly is mounted, and a sealing portion formed by sealing an outer periphery thereof; an electrode lead electrically connected to an electrode tab included in the electrode assembly and protruding out of the battery case through the sealing portion; and a lead film located at a portion corresponding to the sealing portion in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the electrode lead, wherein the lead film has a dented portion recessed in an outer direction of the battery case, the dented portion is open toward the inside of the battery case, the sealing portion located on a gas discharge portion of the dented portion has an indented sealing portion recessed inward at an outer side of the battery case, and the indented sealing portion does not overlap with at least a part of the gas discharge portion on a plane.

The gas discharge portion of the dented portion may be exposed to the outside of the battery case.

The dented portion may include a first dented portion and a second dented portion, the first dented portion may extend along a protruding direction of the electrode lead, and the second dented portion may extend along a longitudinal direction of the sealing portion.

One end of the first dented portion may be open toward the inside of the battery case, and the other end of the first dented portion may communicate with the second dented portion.

The indented sealing portion may be located on the second dented portion.

The indented sealing portion may extend along the longitudinal direction of the second dented portion.

The length of the indented sealing portion may be equal to or greater than the length of the second dented portion.

The width of the indented sealing portion may be equal to or greater than the width of the second dented portion.

The lead film may have gas permeability of <NUM> Barrer to <NUM> Barrer at <NUM>.

The lead film may have a moisture penetration amount of <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> years at <NUM>, <NUM> %RH.

The lead film may include a polyolefin-based material.

A ventilation layer may be inserted into the dented portion, and the ventilation layer may include a material with higher air permeability than the lead film.

The ventilation layer may have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The ventilation layer may have gas permeability of <NUM> e<NUM> Barrer to <NUM> e<NUM> Barrer.

The ventilation layer may include a polyolefin-based resin, a fluorine-based resin, a natural material, a glass fiber, a ceramic fiber, a metal fiber, or two or more thereof.

The battery cell may further comprise an inner layer configured to cover at least one of inner surfaces of the dented portion of the lead film.

The material of the inner layer may have a higher melting point than the material of the lead film and may not react with an electrolyte.

The inner layer may include at least one material among polyolefin-based, fluorine-based, and porous ceramic-based materials.

Based on a protruding direction of the electrode lead, the width of the lead film covering a front surface of the dented portion may be <NUM> or more.

The thickness of the lead film covering an upper surface of the dented portion may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery module, comprising the battery cell described above.

According to embodiments, the present disclosure provides a battery cell including an electrode lead to which a lead film having a dented portion that is recessed in the outer direction of the battery case and is open toward the inside of the battery case is attached, and a battery module including such a battery cell, so an external discharge amount of gas generated inside the battery cell may be improved.

In addition, according to the embodiments, in the present disclosure, the sealing portion located on the gas discharge portion of the dented portion includes an indented sealing portion that is recessed inward at the outer side of the battery case and does not overlap with at least a part of the gas discharge portion on a plane, so the external discharge amount of gas generated inside the battery cell may be improved.

The effect of the present disclosure is not limited to the above effects, and the effects not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so as to be easily implemented by those skilled in the art. The present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In order to clearly explain the present disclosure, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and identical or similar components are endowed with the same reference signs throughout the specification.

In addition, since the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily expressed for convenience of description, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the drawings. In order to clearly express various layers and regions in the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged. Also, in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated.

In addition, when a part of as a layer, a film, a region, a plate, or the like is explained to be "above" or "on" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly on" another part, but also the case where still another part is interposed therebetween. Conversely, when a part is explained to be "directly on" another part, it means that there is no other part therebetween. In addition, when a part is explained to be "above" or "on" a reference part, it means that the part is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that the part is located "above" or "on" the reference part in a direction opposite to the gravity.

In addition, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, it means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise stated.

In addition, throughout the specification, when referring to "top view", it means that the target part is viewed from above, and when referring to "cross-sectional view", it means that a vertically-cut section of the target part is viewed from a side.

Hereinafter, a pouch battery cell <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. However, here, the description will be made based on one of both sides of the pouch battery cell <NUM>, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the same or similar contents may be described in the case of the other side.

<FIG> is a top view showing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a battery cell <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery case <NUM>, an electrode lead <NUM>, and a lead film <NUM>.

The battery case <NUM> includes an accommodation portion <NUM> in which an electrode assembly <NUM> is accommodated, and a sealing portion <NUM> formed by sealing an outer periphery thereof. The sealing portion <NUM> may be sealed by heat or laser. The battery case <NUM> may be a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer. More specifically, the battery case <NUM> may be made of a laminate sheet, and may include an outer resin layer forming the outermost layer, a barrier metal layer preventing penetration of materials, and an inner resin layer for sealing.

In addition, the electrode assembly <NUM> may have a structure of a jelly-roll type (winding type), a stack type (lamination type), or a composite type (stack/folding type). More specifically, the electrode assembly <NUM> may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed therebetween.

Hereinafter, the electrode lead <NUM> and the lead film <NUM> will be mainly described.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an electrode lead included in the battery cell of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electrode lead <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrode tab (not shown) included in the electrode assembly <NUM>, and protrudes out of the battery case <NUM> through the sealing portion <NUM>. In addition, the lead film <NUM> is located at a portion corresponding to the sealing portion <NUM> in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the electrode lead <NUM>. Accordingly, the lead film <NUM> may improve the sealing properties of the sealing portion <NUM> and the electrode lead <NUM> while preventing a short circuit from occurring in the electrode lead <NUM> during sealing.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view, taken along the c-c' axis of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view, taken along the d-d' axis of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lead film <NUM> has a dented portion <NUM> recessed in the outer direction of the battery case <NUM>, and the dented portion <NUM> is open toward the inside of the battery case <NUM>. In addition, the inner surface of the dented portion <NUM> may be closed based on the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>.

Also, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the lead film <NUM> may further include an inner layer <NUM> covering at least one of inner surfaces of the dented portion <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, within the dented portion <NUM>, the inner layer <NUM> may cover the entire surface of the lead film <NUM>. That is, the inner layer <NUM> may be formed on the entire inner surface of the dented portion <NUM> except for the open surface.

Accordingly, even if the lead film <NUM> is sealed together with the sealing portion <NUM> in a state of being located on at least one of the upper and lower portions of the electrode lead <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be preserved in an unsealed state by the inner layer <NUM>.

As another example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner layer <NUM> may cover an upper or lower surface among the inner surfaces of the dented portion <NUM>. That is, the inner layer <NUM> may be formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the dented portion <NUM> facing each other.

Accordingly, while minimizing the inner layer <NUM> formed in the dented portion <NUM> of the lead film <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be preserved in an unsealed state by the inner layer <NUM>. In addition, the manufacturing process may be simplified and the cost may be reduced.

More specifically, the inner layer <NUM> may be made of a material with a higher melting point than the material of the lead film <NUM>. In addition, the inner layer <NUM> may be made of a material that does not react with an electrolyte included in the battery case <NUM>. Accordingly, since the inner layer <NUM> is made of the above material, the dented portion <NUM> may be preserved or kept blank without reacting separately with the electrolyte and without causing thermal fusion, thermal deformation, or the like during the sealing process. In addition, the gas generated in the battery case <NUM> may be easily discharged to the outside.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner layer <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM> or less.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas permeability of the inner layer <NUM> may be greater than or equal to <NUM> Barrer. For example, the carbon dioxide permeability of the inner layer <NUM> may satisfy the above range.

For example, the lead film <NUM> may include a polyolefin-based material, and the inner layer <NUM> may include at least one of polyolefin-based, fluorine-based, and porous ceramic-based materials. For example, the lead film <NUM> may include at least one of a polyolefin-based material, a fluorine-based material, and a porous ceramic-based material that satisfies the above gas permeability value. The polyolefin-based material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF). The fluorine-based material may include at least one material selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride. In addition, the inner layer <NUM> includes a getter material, so that gas permeability may be increased and moisture permeability may be minimized. For example, the getter material may be calcium oxide (CaO), barium oxide (BaO), lithium chloride (LiCl), silica (SiO<NUM>), or the like, without being limited thereto, and any material that reacts with water (H<NUM>O) can be used.

The inner layer <NUM> may include an adhesive material between the lead film <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM>, or may be extruded together with the lead film <NUM> to adhere to the lead film <NUM>. The adhesive material may include an acrylic type. In particular, when the inner layer <NUM> is extruded together with the lead film <NUM>, gas permeability of the inner layer <NUM> may be <NUM> Barrer or more.

Referring to <FIG>, the lead film <NUM> includes a first lead film and a second lead film, the first lead film may be located above the electrode lead <NUM>, and the second lead film may be located below the electrode lead <NUM>. At this time, the electrode lead <NUM> is sealed together with the sealing portion <NUM> in a state of being located between the first lead film and the second lead film, so that the first lead film and the second lead film may be connected to each other.

Accordingly, the lead film <NUM> may improve the sealing property of the sealing portion <NUM> and the electrode lead <NUM> while preventing the side surface of the electrode lead <NUM> from being exposed to the outside.

For example, in the lead film <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be located in at least one of the first lead film and the second lead film. More specifically, in the lead film <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be formed on the first lead film or the second lead film based on the electrode lead <NUM>, or the dented portion <NUM> may be formed on both the first lead film and the second lead film based on the electrode lead <NUM>. However, the number of dented portions <NUM> is not limited to the above, and the dented portions <NUM> may be formed in an appropriate number within the lead film <NUM>.

Accordingly, the durability and airtightness of the lead film <NUM> may be controlled by adjusting the number of dented portions <NUM> formed on the lead film <NUM>. In addition, if necessary, the number of dented portions <NUM> may be minimized to simplify the manufacturing process and reduce costs.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas permeability of the lead film <NUM> may be <NUM> Barrer to <NUM> Barrer, or <NUM> Barrer to <NUM> Barrer at <NUM>. For example, the carbon dioxide permeability of the lead film <NUM> may satisfy the above range. In addition, the gas permeability may satisfy the above range at <NUM> based on the thickness of the lead film <NUM> of <NUM>. If the gas permeability of the lead film <NUM> satisfies the above range, the gas generated inside the secondary battery may be more effectively discharged.

In this specification, the gas permeability may be measured by ASTM F2476-<NUM>.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the moisture penetration amount of the lead film <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM> for <NUM> years at <NUM>, <NUM> %RH. If the moisture penetration amount of the lead film <NUM> satisfies the above range, the penetration of moisture from the lead film <NUM> may be more effectively prevented.

In this specification, the moisture penetration amount may be measured by adopting the ASTM F <NUM> method. At this time, the moisture penetration amount may be measured using equipment officially certified by MCOON.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lead film <NUM> may have a gas permeability of <NUM> Barrer to <NUM> Barrer at <NUM> and a moisture penetration amount of <NUM> to <NUM> at <NUM>, <NUM>%RH for <NUM> years. When the gas permeability and moisture penetration amount of the lead film <NUM> satisfy the above ranges, it may be more effective to prevent moisture penetration from the outside while discharging the gas generated inside the secondary battery.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lead film <NUM> may include a polyolefin-based resin. For example, the lead film <NUM> may include a polyolefin-based resin that satisfies the above values of gas permeability and/or moisture penetration amount. The polyolefin-based resin may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyldifluoride (PVDF). The lead film <NUM> includes polypropylene, and gas permeability of the lead film <NUM> may be <NUM> Barrer to <NUM> Barrer at <NUM>. In addition, the moisture penetration amount may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In this case, it is more effective to discharge the gas generated inside the secondary battery, and it may be easy to prevent the penetration of moisture from the outside.

In addition, since the lead film <NUM> is made of the above-described material, the lead film <NUM> may maintain the airtightness of the battery cell <NUM> and prevent leakage of the internal electrolytic solution.

<FIG> is an enlarged view showing an electrode lead portion in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an indented sealing portion <NUM> is recessed inward from at outer side of the battery case <NUM>. More specifically, the indented sealing portion <NUM> may be recessed inward at the outer side of the accommodation portion <NUM> in the sealing portion <NUM>.

Also, referring to <FIG>, the indented sealing portion <NUM> is formed on the gas discharge portion of the dented portion <NUM>.

When the gas generated in the battery case <NUM> is discharged to the outside of the battery case <NUM> through the dented portion <NUM>, if the sealing portion <NUM> contacts the gas discharge portion, the discharge of gas to the outside of the battery case <NUM> may be prevented by the sealing portion <NUM>. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the amount of gas discharged to the outside of the battery case <NUM> is greatly reduced. For example, the gas inside the dented portion <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the battery case <NUM> by gas permeation on the lead film at the upper surface of the recessed end of the dented portion <NUM> in the lead film <NUM>. Here, if the lead film <NUM> on the upper surface of the recessed end of the dented portion <NUM> contacts the sealing portion <NUM>, the discharge of gas from the dented portion <NUM> to the outside of the battery case <NUM> may be blocked by the sealing portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the indented sealing portion <NUM> is positioned on the gas discharge portion of the dented portion <NUM> so that at least a part of the gas discharge portion does not overlap with the sealing portion <NUM> on a plane. Here, that at least a part of the gas discharge portion does not overlap with the sealing portion <NUM> on a plane means that when the battery case <NUM> is viewed from above, at least a part of the gas discharge portion does not overlap with the sealing portion <NUM>. In other words, interference between the gas discharge portion of the dented portion <NUM> and the sealing portion <NUM> in the lead film <NUM> may be avoided.

Referring to <FIG>, the dented portion <NUM> may include a first dented portion <NUM> and a second dented portion <NUM>, the first dented portion <NUM> may extend along the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>, and the second dented portion <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal direction of the sealing portion <NUM>. Here, the longitudinal direction of the sealing portion <NUM> refers to a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>.

However, the shape of the dented portion <NUM> is not limited to the above, and the dented portion <NUM> may be formed in an appropriate shape within the lead film <NUM>.

Here, one end of the first dented portion <NUM> is open toward the inside of the battery case <NUM>, and the other end of the first dented portion <NUM> may communicate with the second dented portion <NUM>. More specifically, the first dented portion <NUM> and the second dented portion <NUM> may be integrated with each other. That is, the first dented portion <NUM> may serve as a gas inlet through which the gas inside the battery case <NUM> is introduced into the dented portion <NUM>, and the second dented portion <NUM> may serve as a gas outlet through which gas is discharged.

Also, referring to <FIG>, the indented sealing portion <NUM> may be positioned on the second dented portion <NUM>. As another example, the indented sealing portion <NUM> may also be positioned on the boundary line between the first dented portion <NUM> and the second dented portion <NUM>.

More specifically, the indented sealing portion <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal direction of the second dented portion <NUM>. Here, the length of the second dented portion <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between one end and the other end of the second dented portion <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>. In addition, the length of the indented sealing portion <NUM> may be equal to or greater than the length of the second dented portion <NUM>. Here, the length of the indented sealing portion <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between one end and the other end of the indented sealing portion <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>.

Also, the width of the indented sealing portion <NUM> may be equal to or greater than the width of the second dented portion <NUM>. Here, the width of the second dented portion <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between one end and the other end of the second dented portion <NUM> in the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>. The width of the indented sealing portion <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between one end and the other end of the indented sealing portion <NUM> in the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>.

However, the size of the indented sealing portion <NUM> is not limited to the above, and the indented sealing portion <NUM> may be formed in an appropriate size within the lead film <NUM>.

Accordingly, in the lead film <NUM>, the lead film <NUM> on the second dented portion <NUM> may not come into contact with the sealing portion <NUM>. In other words, the part of the lead film <NUM> where the second dented portion <NUM> is located may avoid interference with the sealing portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the lead film <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be formed at various positions based on the electrode lead <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, in the lead film <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be positioned on the electrode lead <NUM>. More specifically, the dented portion <NUM> may be formed at a position corresponding to the center of the electrode lead <NUM>.

As another example, as shown in <FIG>, the length of the lead film <NUM> may be greater than the width of the electrode lead <NUM>, and the dented portion <NUM> may be located between the end of the electrode lead <NUM> and the end of the lead film <NUM>. Here, the length of the lead film <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between one end and the other end of the lead film <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>, and the width of the electrode lead <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between one end and the other end of the electrode lead <NUM> in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>. In other words, in the lead film <NUM>, the dented portion <NUM> may be formed at a position avoiding the electrode lead <NUM>. However, the position of the dented portion <NUM> is not limited to the above, and the dented portion <NUM> may be formed at an appropriate position within the lead film <NUM>.

Accordingly, the durability and airtightness of the lead film <NUM> may be controlled by adjusting the position of the dented portion <NUM> formed on the lead film <NUM>. In addition, if necessary, the size of the dented portion <NUM> may be adjusted according to the position of the dented portion <NUM>, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

<FIG> is an enlarged view showing an electrode lead portion in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the indented sealing portion <NUM> may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of indented sealing portions <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other. As the plurality of indented sealing portions <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, the sealing portion <NUM> of the gas discharge portion of the lead film <NUM> may be sealed in a concave-convex shape.

As the indented sealing portion <NUM> has the above structure, it may be more easy to prevent substances outside the battery, such as moisture, from penetrating from the gas discharge portion of the lead film <NUM> that does not interfere with the sealing portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view, taken along the b-b' axis of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the gas generated inside the battery cell <NUM> may be discharged to the dented portion <NUM> when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level. Here, since the dented portion <NUM> is open toward the inside, the pressure inside the dented portion <NUM> may be the same as the pressure inside the battery case <NUM>.

The pressure inside the dented portion <NUM> is higher than the pressure outside the battery cell <NUM>, and the resulting pressure difference may act as a driving force of the gas. Accordingly, the gas introduced into the dented portion <NUM> may be easily discharged to the outside. In addition, an external discharge amount of gas generated inside the battery cell <NUM> may also be increased.

At this time, the gas generated inside the battery case <NUM> may be discharged along the Z-axis direction through the dented portion <NUM> and the lead film <NUM> covering the upper surface of the dented portion.

In addition, since the dented portion <NUM> is open toward the inside and the inner surface of the dented portion <NUM> recessed toward the outside of the battery case <NUM> is closed, the airtightness and durability of the pouch may also be secured.

At this time, the recessed end of the dented portion <NUM> may serve as a gas outlet through which the gas introduced into the dented portion <NUM> is discharged to the outside, and the end of the dented portion <NUM> that is open toward the inside of the battery case <NUM> may serve as a gas inlet through which the gas generated in the battery case <NUM> is introduced.

Referring to <FIG>, the indented sealing portion <NUM> is formed on the gas discharge portion of the dented portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the lead film <NUM>, the gas discharge portion of the dented portion <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the battery case <NUM>. In this specification, the outside of the battery case <NUM> means an area of the sealing portion <NUM> located further outward than the battery case <NUM> based on the outer end of the battery case. In this case, in the lead film <NUM>, the area of the dented portion <NUM> in which the gas discharge portion is exposed to the outside of the battery case <NUM> increases, so that the gas may be discharged to the outside of the battery case <NUM> more smoothly.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second dented portion <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the battery case <NUM>. When the area of the lead film <NUM> where the second dented portion <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the battery case <NUM> is increased, the gas inside the battery case <NUM> may be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the thickness H of the lead film <NUM> covering the upper surface of the dented portion <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness H of the lead film <NUM> covering the upper surface of the dented portion <NUM> satisfies the above range, the gas inside the battery case <NUM> may be more easily discharged to the outside.

Referring to <FIG>, based on the protruding direction of the electrode lead <NUM>, the width W of the lead film <NUM> covering the front surface of the dented portion <NUM> may be <NUM> or more, or <NUM> to <NUM>. Here, the width of the lead film <NUM> surrounding the front surface of the dented portion <NUM> means a maximum value of the distance between the recessed end of the dented portion <NUM> and the outer end of the battery case <NUM> of the lead film <NUM>. When the width W of the lead film <NUM> surrounding the front surface of the dented portion <NUM> satisfies the above range, it may be more easy to prevent the lead film <NUM> from being torn in the process of discharging the gas generated inside the battery case <NUM> to the outside.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view, taken along the b-b' axis of <FIG> in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a ventilation layer <NUM> may be inserted into the dented portion <NUM>. The ventilation layer <NUM> includes a material with higher air permeability than the lead film <NUM>. Higher air permeability may mean that when a gas having a predetermined pressure is permeated in one direction, the amount of permeable gas is relatively greater. When the ventilation layer <NUM> is inserted into the dented portion <NUM>, the gas generated inside the battery case <NUM> may be introduced into the dented portion <NUM> by the ventilation layer <NUM> with high air permeability even if the pressure is not higher than a predetermined pressure, so that the gas inside the battery may be more easily discharged to the outside of the battery.

For example, the ventilation layer <NUM> may include a more porous material than the lead film <NUM>. That is, the ventilation layer <NUM> may include a material having a higher porosity per unit volume than the lead film <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas permeability of the ventilation layer <NUM> may be <NUM> e<NUM> Barrer to <NUM> e<NUM> Barrer, or <NUM> e<NUM> Barrer to <NUM> e<NUM> Barrer. For example, carbon dioxide permeability of the ventilation layer <NUM> may satisfy the above range.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ventilation layer <NUM> may include one or more selected materials selected from the group consisting of polyolefin-based resin, fluorine-based resin, natural material, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, and metal fiber. For example, the ventilation layer <NUM> may include one or more selected materials selected from the group consisting of polyolefin-based resin, fluorine-based resin, natural material, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, and metal fiber that satisfy the above gas permeability value. The polyolefin-based resin may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyldifluoride (PVDF). The fluorine-based resin may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride, and the natural material may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of cotton and wool.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ventilation layer <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. When the thickness of the ventilation layer <NUM> satisfies the above range, the gas generated inside the battery case <NUM> may be more easily introduced into the dented portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ventilation layer <NUM> may include a material that is stable in an electrolyte environment, namely does not react with the electrolyte inside the battery case <NUM>. For example, the ventilation layer <NUM> may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyvinyldifluoride (PVDF), and polytetrafluoroethylene.

A battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes the battery cell described above. Meanwhile, one or more battery modules according to this embodiment may be packaged in a pack case to form a battery pack.

The battery module described above and the battery pack including the same may be applied to various devices. These devices may be transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and the like, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the present disclosure may be applied various devices that can use a battery module and a battery pack including the same, which is also within the scope of the right of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A battery cell (<NUM>), comprising:
a battery case (<NUM>) having an accommodation portion (<NUM>) in which an electrode assembly (<NUM>) is mounted, and a sealing portion (<NUM>) formed by sealing an outer periphery thereof;
an electrode lead (<NUM>) electrically connected to an electrode tab included in the electrode assembly (<NUM>) and protruding out of the battery case (<NUM>) through the sealing portion (<NUM>); and
a lead film (<NUM>) located at a portion corresponding to the sealing portion (<NUM>) in at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the electrode lead (<NUM>),
wherein the lead film (<NUM>) has a dented portion (<NUM>) recessed in an outer direction of the battery case (<NUM>),
the dented portion (<NUM>) is open toward the inside of the battery case (<NUM>),
the sealing portion (<NUM>) located on a gas discharge portion of the dented portion (<NUM>) has an indented sealing portion (<NUM>) recessed inward at an outer side of the battery case (<NUM>), and
the indented sealing portion (<NUM>) does not overlap with at least a part of the gas discharge portion on a plane.