Current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and vehicle containing the same.

Description

1 / 26 Current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and vehicle that includes the same technical field.

[0001] The present description refers to a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack and a vehicle that includes the same and, more specifically, refers to a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack that include a fusion induction portion and are capable of easily and precisely adjusting to a position where fusion occurs, preventing the occurrence of foreign substances during fusion and preventing current reconnection after fusion, and to a vehicle that includes the same.

[0002] This request is based on and claims priority from the Request of Korean Patent Number 10-2023-0103450, filed on August 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application Number 10-20240103868, filed on August 5, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply depending on the product group and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density and the like, are commonly used in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are powered by an electric drive source, as well as in portable devices. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source to improve sustainability and energy efficiency due to the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels and another advantage of not generating byproducts resulting from energy use.

[0004] Current widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, batteries of Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 8 / 60 2 / 26 nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and similar batteries. The operating voltage of this unitary secondary battery cell, i.e., the unitary battery cell, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage than this is required, a battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. Furthermore, a battery pack can be configured by connecting multiple battery cells in parallel, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack. Consequently, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be defined in various ways, depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, if an event occurs and a high current exceeding the permissible current flows in a battery cell, the temperature of the battery cell may rise irregularly, which can cause the battery cell to disintegrate and explode. To prevent this, the battery cell may have a so-called fusion function, blocking the high current by inducing short circuits when a high current exceeding the permissible current flows. In existing battery cells, the current collector is equipped with a fusion portion to perform such a fusion function.

[0006] However, it is difficult to precisely position the provided fusion portion in the conventional battery cell during the current collector manufacturing process. As a result, it is difficult for the fusion portion to properly perform the fusion function due to a large difference in the fusion portion's position, and it is also difficult to avoid the occurrence of foreign substances during fusion and to prevent current reconnection after fusion. Furthermore, the conventional current collector has a problem with a low permissible current of the fusion portion, which is not suitable for cells of Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 9 / 60 3 / 26 high-performance battery.

[0007] Meanwhile, several experiments, such as external short-circuit tests, can be conducted to verify the safety of battery cells, especially cylindrical battery cells. In this case, one of the important criteria is whether the battery cell explodes, and conventional battery cells restrict the current supply by fusing through a CID method. On the other hand, recently, the current collector has employed a fusing portion instead of the CID method, and when conducting the above experiments for safety checks, it is very important to place the fusing portion in the correct position and avoid the occurrence of foreign substances and current reconnection.

[0008] Meanwhile, the experiment for safety checks, such as the external short-circuit test, is one of the important tests in the safety assessment items of large clients, as well as in international certification. DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0009] The present description is designed to solve the problems of the relevant art and, therefore, the present description is directed to providing a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack capable of easily and precisely adjusting the position where fusion occurs, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0010] In addition, the present description is also to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack capable of effectively preventing the occurrence of foreign substances during fusion, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0011] In addition, the present description is also to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack capable of preventing current reconnection even after fusion, and a Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 10 / 60 4 / 26 vehicle which includes the same.

[0012] In addition, the present description is also to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack suitable for high performance, while effectively ensuring the fusion function, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0013] In addition, the present description is also to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack with improved productivity, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0014] However, the technical problems that the present description seeks to solve are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art of the invention described below. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] In one aspect of the present description, a current collector is provided that includes: a first coupling portion coupled to a first terminal; a second coupling portion coupled to an electrode assembly; a plurality of bridge portions configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion; and a plurality of fusion induction portions provided in the respective bridge portions and configured to cover at least one portion of the bridge portion.

[0016] The fusion induction portion may have an insulating performance.

[0017] The fusion induction portion can be configured as a ribbon wrapped around an outer surface of the bridging portion.

[0018] The fusion induction portion can be arranged in a position closer to the center of the current collector than to an outer circumferential portion of the current collector. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 11 / 60 5 / 26

[0019] The fusion induction portion can be arranged in a position closer to the center of the current collector, based on an intermediate position between the outer circumferential portion of the current collector and the center of the current collector.

[0020] The fusion induction portion can be arranged at one end of the bridging portion on one side of the first coupling portion.

[0021] The bridge portion can be configured so that its width in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards the first coupling portion is formed to be constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion.

[0022] The bridge portion can be configured so that its cross-sectional area, based on the direction towards the first coupling portion, is formed to be constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion.

[0023] The fusion induction portion may include: a first fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion, and a thickness of the first fusion induction portion may be configured to be greater than a thickness of the second fusion induction portion.

[0024] The fusion induction portion may include: a first fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion, and the first fusion induction portion and the second fusion induction portion may be configured as a ribbon wrapped around an outer circumferential portion of the bridge portion, respectively, and the first fusion induction portion of Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 12 / 60 6 / 26 fusion can be configured with a greater number of ribbons wrapped around it than the second portion of fusion induction.

[0025] The fusion induction portion may include: a first fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion, and the first fusion induction portion and the second fusion induction portion have an insulation performance, respectively, and the insulation performance of the first fusion induction portion may be superior to the insulation performance of the second fusion induction portion.

[0026] The current collector may include a slot configured to form the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion and the bridge portion, and the fusion induction portion may be provided on at least one of both sides of the current collector.

[0027] A battery cell according to the present description includes a current collector according to the present description.

[0028] A battery pack according to the present description includes at least one battery cell according to the present description.

[0029] A vehicle according to the present description includes at least one set of batteries according to the present description. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

[0030] According to the present description, it is possible to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack capable of easily and precisely adjusting the position where fusion occurs, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0031] In addition, it is possible to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack capable of effectively Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 13 / 60 7 / 26 to prevent the occurrence of foreign substances during fusion, and a vehicle that includes them.

[0032] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack capable of preventing current reconnection even after fusion, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0033] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack suitable for high performance, while effectively ensuring the fusion function, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0034] In addition, it is possible to provide a current collector, a battery cell and a battery pack with improved productivity, and a vehicle that includes the same.

[0035] However, the effects obtainable with the present description are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art of the invention described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present description and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical idea of ​​the present description and, therefore, the present description is not to be interpreted as being limited to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 14 / 60 8 / 26

[0040] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a current collector according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present description.

[0042] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a first width and a second width in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0043] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0044] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged, according to another embodiment of the present description.

[0045] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged, according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present description.

[0046] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged, according to another modified example of another embodiment of the present description.

[0047] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged, according to another embodiment of the present description.

[0048] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0049] Figure 13 is a drawing that illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present description. BEST WAY Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 15 / 60 9 / 26

[0050] Hereafter, preferred embodiments of the present description will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and appended claims are not to be interpreted as limited to general and dictionary meanings, but interpreted based on the meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical aspects of the present description, based on the principle that the inventor is permitted to define the terms appropriately for the best explanation.

[0051] Therefore, the configurations proposed in the embodiments and drawings of this specification indicate only the most preferable embodiment of the present description and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present description; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made to this at the time of filing the application.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present description, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present description, and Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0053] Hereafter, a current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present description will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present description may include a first coupling portion 61, a second coupling portion 62, a bridge portion 63 and a fusion induction portion 64.

[0054] The first coupling portion 61 can be coupled to a first terminal 40. The first coupling portion 61 can be Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 16 / 60 10 / 26 electrically connected to the first terminal 40. The first terminal 40 may have a first polarity. The first terminal 40 will be described in more detail later.

[0055] The second coupling portion 62 can be coupled to an electrode assembly 10. The second coupling portion 62 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10. The electrode assembly 10 will be described in more detail later.

[0056] The bridge portion 63 can connect the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. The bridge portion 63 can electrically connect the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. The bridge portion 63 can be integrally formed with the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. The bridge portion 63 can be arranged between the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. In the current collector 60, the first coupling portion 61 can be arranged relatively in the inner center, and the second coupling portion 62 can be arranged on the outer side of the first coupling portion 61.

[0057] A plurality of 63 bridge portions can be provided. For example, as shown in the drawing, four bridge portions 63 may be provided in a current collector 60. However, unlike what is shown in the drawing, two, three, or five or more bridge portions 63 may be provided in a current collector 60.

[0058] The fusion induction portion 64 may cover at least one portion of the bridge portion 63. The fusion induction portion 64 may enclose at least one portion of the bridge portion 63. The fusion induction portion 64 may be provided for each of the plurality of bridge portions 63. That is, the fusion induction portion 64 may be provided to correspond to each bridge portion 63. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 17 / 60 11 / 26

[0059] The fusion induction portion 64 can prevent the heat generated due to the high current in the bridge portion 63 enclosed and covered by the fusion induction portion 64 from dissipating outwards. Therefore, when a high current is generated in the bridge portion 63, the portion of the bridge portion 63 covered by the fusion induction portion 64 can be induced to melt.

[0060] In the case of the fusion portion having a fusion function provided in the conventional current collector of the battery cell, it is difficult to precisely position the fusion portion during the manufacturing process of the current collector. As a result, it is difficult for the fusion portion to properly perform the fusion function due to a large difference in the position of the fusion portion, and it is also difficult to avoid the occurrence of foreign substances during fusion and to avoid current reconnection after fusion. Furthermore, the conventional current collector has a problem with a low permissible current of the fusion portion, which is not suitable for high-efficiency battery cells.

[0061] However, the current collector 60, according to the present description, can easily and precisely adjust the position where fusion occurs, by the aforementioned configuration. As a result, the current collector 60 according to the present description can effectively prevent the occurrence of foreign substances during fusion and can effectively prevent current reconnection after fusion. Furthermore, as the current collector 60 according to the present description includes a plurality of bridge portions 63 and a plurality of fusion induction portions 64 provided in the respective bridge portions 63, the current path between the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62 can be extended and, at the same time, the permissible current of the fusion induction portion 64 can be increased. Consequently, the collector of Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 18 / 60 The 12 / 26 current 60, according to the present description, has the advantage of being suitable for high output while effectively ensuring the melting function.

[0062] The fusion induction portion 64 may have insulation performance. The fusion induction portion 64 may include an insulating material. In the case where the fusion induction portion 64 includes an insulating material, the fusion induction portion 64 may more effectively prevent the heat generated in the bridge portion 63 from dissipating to the outside, so that fusion may be more effectively induced in the fusion induction portion 64.

[0063] The fusion induction portion 64 can be supplied in the form of a tape. The fusion induction portion 64 can be supplied as a tape having insulating performance. The fusion induction portion 64 can be supplied as a tape that includes an insulating material. In the case where the fusion induction portion 64 is provided as a tape, the fusion induction portion 64 can be easily fixed to the precise position of the bridge portion 63. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that the width or thickness of the fusion induction portion 64 can be easily changed and, in some cases, tapes of various shapes or materials can be applied to the fusion induction portion 64, and the fusion induction portion 64 can be easily removed or changed.

[0064] Meanwhile, in the case where the fusion induction portion is provided as a ribbon, it can be attached to the bridge portion 63 so as to encompass the entire outer surface of the bridge portion 63 or, alternatively, it can be attached to only a portion of the outer surface of the bridge portion 63.

[0065] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0066] Hereafter, a current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present description will be described in more detail. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 19 / 60 13 / 26 with reference to Figure 4.

[0067] The fusion induction portion 64 can be arranged in a position closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than to the outer circumferential portion of the current collector 60. Here, the center O of the current collector 60 can be understood as the center of gravity of the current collector 60 when the current collector 60 is viewed from above or in the geometric axis Z direction. Furthermore, the position of the fusion induction portion 64 can be understood as the center of gravity of the fusion induction portion 64 when the current collector 60 is viewed from above or in the geometric axis Z direction.

[0068] When a high current flows through the current collector 60, the center O of the current collector 60 located closer to the core C of the electrode assembly 10, which will be described below, or the first coupling portion 61 can heat up faster than the outer circumferential portion of the current collector 60. Therefore, as described above, if the fusion induction portion 64 is arranged in a position closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than the outer circumferential portion of the current collector 60, the time until the fusion function is performed on the current collector 60 can be shortened, so that the fusion function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively.

[0069] The fusion induction portion 64 can be arranged in a position closer to the center O of the current collector 60, based on the intermediate position between the outer circumference of the current collector 60 and the center O of the current collector 60. Here, the intermediate position indicates a position that corresponds to the intermediate line M, and the intermediate line M can be understood as a line connecting the intermediate points between the center O of the current collector 60 and the outer circumference of the current collector 60 along the circumferential direction. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 20 / 60 14 / 26

[0070] That is, the fusion induction portion 64 can be arranged inside the intermediate line M, so as to be closer to the center O of the current collector 60. In the case where the fusion induction portion 64 is arranged as described above, the fusion induction portion 64 can be safely arranged closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than the outer circumferential portion of the current collector 60, thereby further improving the fusion function of the current collector 60.

[0071] Meanwhile, at least a portion of the fusion induction portion 64 may be disposed within the core C described below. Specifically, when viewed in the top-down direction or in the geometric Z-axis direction, at least a portion of the fusion induction portion 64 may be disposed within the core C described below. In this case, the size of the first coupling portion 61 may be configured to be smaller than the cross-sectional size of core C. For example, core C may have a cross-section that approximately corresponds to the midline M shown in Figure 4.If the current collector 60 is configured as described above, even if the bridge portion 63 is cut due to fusion occurring in the fusion induction portion 64, the cut portions or fragments of the bridge portion 63 can be guided to the empty space of the core C, instead of reaching the electrode assembly 10, thereby effectively avoiding a short circuit due to fusion.

[0072] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a current collector according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present description.

[0073] Hereafter, a current collector 60 according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present description will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5. An induction portion Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 21 / 60 15 / 26 of the fusion 64 of the current collector 60 according to a modified example of the present description, can be disposed at one end of the bridge portion 63 on the side of the first coupling portion 61. In this case, the fusion induction portion 64 can be disposed closer to the first coupling portion 61.

[0074] If the fusion induction portion 64 is arranged as described above, the fusion induction portion 64 can be arranged closer to the center O of the current collector 60, thereby maximizing the fusion function of the current collector 60.

[0075] Figure 6 is a plan view illustrating a first width and a second width in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0076] Hereafter, a current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present description will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 6. The width of the bridge portion 63 of the current collector 60 can be formed to be constant along the direction towards the first coupling portion 61. The bridge portion 63 of the current collector 60 can have a constant width in a portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is disposed and a constant width in a portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is not disposed.

[0077] Specifically, the width of the bridge portion 63 can be a width in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction towards the first coupling portion 61. For example, the width of the bridge portion 63 can be a width in the direction towards the second coupling portions 62 on both sides, as shown in Figure 6. The bridge portion 63 can have a first width W1 in a portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is located. The first width W1 can be the width of a portion of the bridge portion 63, which is covered by the induction portion of Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 22 / 60 16 / 26 fusion 64, another width that includes the fusion induction portion 64. The bridge portion 63 may have a second width W2 in a portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is not located. The first width W1 and the second width W2 may be the same.

[0078] Meanwhile, for example, the bridge portion 63 may have a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and the width of the bridge portion 63 may be understood as a width in the thickness direction, unlike what is shown in Figure 6. In this case, the first width W1 may be the thickness of a portion of the bridge portion 63 where the fusion induction portion 64 is located, and the second width W2 may be understood as the thickness of a portion of the bridge portion 63 where the fusion induction portion 64 is not located.

[0079] As described above, if the width of the bridge portion 63 is formed constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion 61, such as when the first width W1 and the second width W2 of the bridge portion 63 are formed to be the same, the width of the bridge portion 63 is not reduced, so that the current passage of the bridge portion 63 can be effectively ensured. As a result, the current collector 60 can be suitable for high efficiency while effectively ensuring the fusion function.

[0080] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0081] Hereafter, the current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present description will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 7. In the current collector 60, the cross-sectional area of ​​the bridge portion 63 can be configured to be constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion 61. A Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 23 / 60 17 / 26 bridge portion 63 of current collector 60 may have a constant cross-sectional area in the portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is disposed and in the portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is not disposed.

[0082] Specifically, the cross-section of the bridge portion 63 can be understood as a cross-section based on the direction of the bridge portion 63 towards the first coupling portion 61. The bridge portion 63 may have a first cross-sectional area A1 in the portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is located. The first cross-sectional area A1 may be a cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the bridge portion 63 covered by the fusion induction portion 64, excluding the fusion induction portion 64. The bridge portion 63 may have a second cross-sectional area A2 in the portion where the fusion induction portion 64 is not located. The first cross-sectional area A1 and the second cross-sectional area A2 may be the same.

[0083] As described above, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the bridge portion 63 is configured to be constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion 61, such as when the first cross-sectional area A1 and the second cross-sectional area A2 of the bridge portion 63 are the same, the cross-sectional area of ​​the current passage of the bridge portion 63 will not be reduced, so that the current passage of the bridge portion 63 can be effectively ensured. As a result, the current collector 60 can be suitable for high efficiency while effectively ensuring the fusion function.

[0084] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged according to another embodiment of the present description; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 24 / 60 Figure 18 / 26 is a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present description, and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged according to another modified example of another embodiment of the present description.

[0085] Hereafter, a current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present description will be described in detail with reference to Figures 8 to 10. In the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present description, a fusion induction portion 64 may include a first fusion induction portion 64a and a second fusion induction portion 64b.

[0086] The first fusion induction portion 64a can be configured to be arranged in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion 61. The second fusion induction portion 64b can be configured to be arranged in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion 61. That is, if a plurality of fusion induction portions 64 is provided, the first fusion induction portion 64a can be configured to be arranged further inward, so as to be close to the first coupling portion 61 of the current collector 60, and the second fusion induction portion 64b can be configured to be arranged further outward, so as to be distant from the second coupling portion 62 of the current collector 60.

[0087] Meanwhile, the fusion induction portion 64 may still include at least one fusion induction portion between the first fusion induction portion 64a and the second fusion induction portion 64b.

[0088] Specifically, referring to Figure 8, in the current collector Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 25 / 60 19 / 26 60, according to another embodiment of the present description, the thickness of the first fusion induction portion 64a can be configured to be greater than the thickness of the second fusion induction portion 64b. That is, in the bridge portion 63, the thickness of the fusion induction portion 64 can increase as it approaches the center O of the current collector 60 or the first coupling portion 61.

[0089] In the case where the fusion induction portion 64 is configured as described above, the thickness of the fusion induction portion 64 gradually increases as it approaches the center O of the current collector 60, which heats up more rapidly, thereby avoiding heat dissipation more effectively. As a result, the time until the fusion function is performed on the current collector 60 can be further reduced, and the fusion function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively.

[0090] Specifically, referring to Figure 9, in the current collector 60, according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present description, the first fusion induction portion 64a and the second fusion induction portion 64b can be configured in the form of a ribbon that wraps around the outer surface of the bridge portion 63, respectively. Furthermore, the first fusion induction portion 64a can be configured as a greater number of ribbons wrapping around it than the second fusion induction portion 64b. That is, in the bridge portion 63, the fusion induction portion 64 can be configured as a greater number of ribbons wrapping around it, as it approaches the center O of the current collector 60 or the first coupling portion 61.

[0091] In the case where the fusion induction portion 64 is configured as described above, as the fusion induction portion 64 is configured with a greater number of wound strips as it approaches the center O of the current collector 60, which heats up more rapidly, Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 26 / 60 20 / 26 heat dissipation can be avoided more effectively. As a result, the time until the current collector 60 fusion function is exercised can be further reduced, and the current collector 60 fusion function can be performed more effectively.

[0092] Specifically, referring to Figure 10, in the current collector 60, according to another modified example of another embodiment of the present description, the first fusion induction portion 64a and the second fusion induction portion 64b can each have an insulation performance. Furthermore, the insulation performance of the first fusion induction portion 64a can be superior to that of the second fusion induction portion 64b. Specifically, the first fusion induction portion 64a and the second fusion induction portion 64b may each include an insulating material that has an insulating property, such that the first fusion induction portion 64a includes a greater amount of insulating material than that of the second fusion induction portion 64b, or such that the insulating material of the first fusion induction portion 64a has a superior insulating property to that of the second fusion induction portion 64b.Consequently, in the bridge portion 63, the fusion induction portion 64 may have higher insulation performance, since it is closer to the center O of the current collector 60 or the first coupling portion 61.

[0093] If the fusion induction portion 64 is configured as described above, the insulation performance of the fusion induction portion 64 can be enhanced towards the center O of the current collector 60, which heats up more quickly, so that the heat dissipation prevention effect can increase. As a result, the time until the fusion function of the current collector 60 is exerted can be further reduced, and the fusion function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 27 / 60 21 / 26

[0094] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a portion of a current collector, which is cut and enlarged, according to another embodiment of the present description.

[0095] Hereafter, a current collector 60, according to another embodiment of the present description, will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11. According to another embodiment of the present description, the current collector 60 may have a slot. Specifically, the current collector 60 may have slots to form a first coupling portion 61, a second coupling portion 62, and a bridge portion 63. Here, the slot may be understood as a narrow gap formed between the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62 in the current collector 60 to separate them from each other, and a narrow gap formed between the bridge portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 to separate them from each other (see Figure 11). This slot may be formed as a cut line or an incision line.

[0096] If the current collector 60 is provided as described above, the current collector 60 can be approximately manufactured by processing only slots, such as cutting lines or incision lines in a plate member, so that the productivity of the current collector 60 can be improved. Furthermore, as the clearance between any two of the first coupling portion 61, the second coupling portion 62 and the bridge portion 63 can be minimized by the slots, the current passage of the current collector 60 can be improved.

[0097] In another embodiment of the present description, the current collector 60 may have a fusion induction portion 64 provided on at least one of both sides of the current collector 60. Here, one side of the current collector 60 may face the electrode assembly 10, Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 28 / 60 22 / 26 and the other side may face the first terminal 40. For example, the lower surface or the -Z side surface of the current collector 60 may face the electrode assembly 10, and the upper surface or the +Z side surface of the current collector 60 may face the first terminal 40.

[0098] The fusion induction portion 64 may be provided on at least one of the lower and upper surfaces of the bridge portion 63. Meanwhile, in the current collector 60, according to another embodiment of the present description, a gap may be formed between the bridge portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 by cutting, and the fusion induction portion 64 may not be disposed on the gap side.

[0099] In the case where the fusion induction portion 64 is provided as described above, there is an advantage in that the fusion induction portion 64 is able to be easily and precisely disposed in the bridge portion 63, even if the gap formed between the bridge portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 by cutting is narrow.

[0100] In the above, preferred examples of the current collector 60 according to the present description have been described. The technical idea of ​​the present description is not limited to these examples and may encompass a combination of any two or more of them.

[0101] Referring back to Figures 1 and 2, battery cell 1 according to the present description will be described in detail.

[0102] Battery cell 1 according to the present description may include current collector 60 according to the present description.

[0103] The battery cell 1, according to the present description, may include an electrode assembly 10, a cell housing 20 and a first terminal 40.

[0104] The electrode assembly 10 can be provided by winding a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 29 / 60 23 / 26 interposed between these around the central geometric axis O of the core C. The first electrode can be an electrode that has a first polarity, and the first polarity can be that of a positive electrode or a negative electrode. The second electrode can be an electrode that has a second polarity, and the second polarity can be a negative electrode or a positive electrode, which is the opposite polarity of the first polarity. For example, the first polarity can be a positive electrode and the second polarity can be a negative electrode. The separator can be an insulator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0105] The electrode assembly 10 may have a jellyroll structure. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by rolling a laminate formed by rolling a first electrode and a second electrode into a sheet at least once, with a spacer interposed between them around the core C. Any jellyroll structure known in the art may be applied to the present description without limitation.

[0106] The cell housing 20 can be configured to accommodate the electrode assembly 10. The cell housing 20 can be provided in a cylindrical form that has an internal space to accommodate, for example, the electrode assembly 10.

[0107] The first terminal 40 can be arranged on one side of the cell housing 20. The first terminal 40 can be electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode assembly 10. At least a portion of the first terminal 40 can be exposed to the outside. The first terminal 40 can be configured in the form of a rivet. The first terminal 40, as described above, can be coupled to the first coupling portion 61 of the current collector 60 and can be electrically connected to the first coupling portion 61.

[0108] The electrode assembly 10, as described above, can be Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 30 / 60 24 / 26 coupled to the second coupling portion 62 of the current collector 60. Specifically, the first electrode of the electrode assembly 10 may have a first uncoated portion 11, and the first uncoated portion 11 and the second coupling portion 62 may be coupled so as to be electrically connected to each other. Consequently, the current collector 60 may electrically connect the first terminal 40 and the electrode assembly 10 to each other. The current collector 60 may be a positive electrode current collector.

[0109] A second current collector 80 may be disposed on the other side of the cell housing 20. The second current collector 80 may be configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly 10, and specifically, the second electrode may have a second uncoated portion 12, and the second uncoated portion 12 and the second current collector 80 may be coupled so as to be electrically connected to each other. If the current collector 60 described above is designated a first current collector 60, the current collector 80 disposed on the other side of the cell housing 20 is defined as a second current collector 80. The second current collector 80 may be a negative electrode current collector.

[0110] The cell housing 20 can constitute a second terminal. The second terminal can be electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly 10. The second terminal can be electrically connected to the second current collector 80. An external surface 20a can be provided on one side of the cell housing 20. That is, both the first terminal 40 and the second terminal can be provided on one side of the cell housing 20. An insulating gasket 50 can be arranged between the first terminal 40 and the external surface 20a. An insulator 70 can be arranged between the current collector 60 and Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 31 / 60 25 / 26 the outer surface 20a and / or between the current collector 60 and the cell housing 20.

[0111] A crimping portion 21 and a crimping portion 22 may be provided on the other side of the cell housing 20. The crimping portion 21 may be formed by an outer circumferential surface of the cell housing 20 being recessed and may secure the electrode assembly 10. The crimping portion 21 may support components such as a cover 30. The crimping portion 22 may seal the other side of the cell housing 20. A sealing gasket 90 may be disposed between the crimping portion 22 and the cover 30.

[0112] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0113] Referring to Figure 12, the battery pack 3 according to the present description may include at least one battery cell 1 according to the present description. The battery pack 3 may include a pack box 2 that accommodates at least one battery cell 1.

[0114] Components such as a busbar for electrical connection of battery cells 1, a cooling unit, an external terminal and the like are omitted from the drawing for convenience. The structure of a plurality of battery cells 1 for the manufacture of the battery pack 3 was described above as an example.

[0115] Figure 13 is a drawing that illustrates a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0116] Referring to Figure 13, the battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present description can be applied to a vehicle 4, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle 4, according to the present description, can include the pack Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, page 32 / 60 26 / 26 of batteries 3, according to the present description. The battery pack 3 can be installed in the car body structure, under the vehicle seat, or in a trunk space. Furthermore, the vehicle 4, according to the present description, may also include various other components included in the vehicle 4, in addition to the battery pack 3. For example, the vehicle 4, according to an embodiment of the present description, may also include a body, an engine, a control device, such as an ECU (electronic control unit), or similar, in addition to the battery pack 3, according to the present description.

[0117] Furthermore, it is obvious that the battery pack 3 according to the present description can also be applied to other devices, appliances and installations, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the vehicle 4.

[0118] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, forward and backward are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0119] As described above, although the present description has been described with reference to limited embodiments and designs, the present description is not limited to this, and various modifications and variations are possible within the technical idea of ​​the present description and the scope of equivalence of the claims to be described below by those skilled in the art to which the present description refers. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 33 / 60

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Current collector, characterized in that it comprises: a first coupling portion coupled to a first terminal; a second coupling portion coupled to an electrode assembly; a plurality of bridge portions configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion; and a plurality of fusion induction portions provided in the respective bridge portions and configured to cover at least one portion of the bridge portion.

2. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusion induction portion has an insulating performance.

3. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusion induction portion is configured as a ribbon wrapped around an outer surface of the bridging portion.

4. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusion induction portion is arranged in a position closer to a center of the current collector than to an outer circumferential portion of the current collector.

5. Current collector, according to claim 4, characterized in that the fusion induction portion is arranged in a position closer to the center of the current collector based on an intermediate position between the outer circumferential portion of the current collector and the center of the current collector. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 34 / 60 2 / 4 6. Current collector, according to claim 4, characterized in that the fusion induction portion is disposed at one end of the bridge portion on one side of the first coupling portion.

7. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bridge portion is configured so that its width in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction towards the first coupling portion is formed to be constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion.

8. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the bridge portion is configured so that its cross-sectional area, based on a direction towards the first coupling portion, is formed to be constant in the direction towards the first coupling portion.

9. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusion induction portion comprises: a first fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion, wherein a thickness of the first fusion induction portion is configured to be greater than a thickness of the second fusion induction portion.

10. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusion induction portion comprises: a first fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion, wherein the first fusion induction portion and the second fusion induction portion are configured as a ribbon wrapped around an outer circumferential portion of the bridge portion, respectively, and wherein the first fusion induction portion is configured as a greater number of ribbons wrapped around it than the second fusion induction portion.

11. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fusion induction portion comprises: a first fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fusion induction portion disposed in a position relatively distant from the first coupling portion, wherein the first fusion induction portion and the second fusion induction portion have an insulation performance, respectively, and wherein the insulation performance of the first fusion induction portion is superior to the insulation performance of the second fusion induction portion.

12. Current collector, according to claim 1, characterized in that the current collector comprises a slot configured to form the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion and the bridging portion, and wherein the fusion induction portion is provided on at least one of both sides of the current collector. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, p. 36 / 60 4 / 4 13. Battery cell, characterized in that it comprises a current collector, as defined in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Battery pack, characterized in that it comprises at least one battery cell, as defined in claim 13.

15. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one set of batteries, as defined in claim 14. Petition 870250088019, dated 09 / 29 / 2025, pp. 37 / 60

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