Current collector, battery cell, battery pack and vehicle comprising battery pack

Abstract

A current collector according to the present invention comprises: a first coupling unit coupled to a first terminal; a second coupling unit coupled to the electrode assembly; a plurality of leg units connecting the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit; and a plurality of fusing induction units provided for each of the plurality of leg units and covering at least a partial area of the leg unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a current collector, a battery cell, and a battery pack that include a fuse-inducing portion and are capable of easily and accurately adjusting the position where fuse occurs, preventing foreign substances from appearing during fusing, and preventing reconnection of current after fusing, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0002] This application is based on and claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0103450, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0103868, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 5, 2024. The disclosures of these Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries are easily applicable according to product groups and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, and are generally used in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric drive sources and portable devices. These secondary batteries have attracted much attention as new energy sources for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because of the main advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels and another advantage of not generating by-products generated during energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such unit secondary battery cells (that is, unit battery cells) is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when an output voltage higher than this operating voltage is required, a battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series. In addition, according to the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a battery pack can be configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways according to the required output voltage or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] In addition, if an event occurs and a high current exceeding the allowable current flows in the battery cell, the temperature of the battery cell may rise irregularly, which may lead to disassembling and explosion of the battery cell. To prevent this, the battery cell may have a so-called fuse function of blocking a high current by inducing an open circuit when a high current exceeding the allowable current flows. In existing battery cells, the current collector is equipped with a fuse portion to perform this fuse function.

[0006] However, during the manufacturing process of the current collector, it is difficult to accurately position the fuse portion provided in a conventional battery cell. As a result, due to a large variation in the position of the fuse portion, it is difficult for the fuse portion to correctly perform the fusing function, and it is also difficult to prevent foreign matter from appearing during fusing and to prevent the reconnection of current after fusing. In addition, conventional current collectors have a problem of low allowable current of the fuse portion, which is not suitable for high-output battery cells.

[0007] In addition, various experiments such as an external short-circuit test can be performed to check the safety of a battery cell (especially a cylindrical battery cell). In this case, one of the important criteria is whether the battery cell explodes, and a conventional battery cell performs fusing by the CID method to limit the supply of current. On the other hand, recently, a current collector has adopted a fuse portion instead of the CID method. When performing the above safety inspection experiment, it is very important to place the fuse portion in the correct position and to prevent the appearance of foreign matter and the reconnection of current.

[0008] In addition, safety inspection experiments such as an external short-circuit test are one of the important tests in major customer safety evaluations and international certifications. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical Problem

[0010] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the prior art. Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that can easily and accurately adjust the position where fusing occurs.

[0011] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that can effectively prevent foreign matter from appearing during fusing.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that can prevent the reconnection of current even after fusing.

[0013] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that is suitable for high output and effectively ensures the fusing function.

[0014] In addition, the present disclosure also provides a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that has improved productivity.

[0015] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned above from the description of the present invention described below.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a current collector is provided, which includes: a first coupling portion that is coupled to a first terminal; a second coupling portion that is coupled to an electrode assembly; a plurality of bridging portions configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion; and a plurality of fuse-inducing portions provided in each of the plurality of bridging portions and configured to cover at least a partial area of the bridging portion.

[0018] The fuse-inducing portion may have heat insulation properties.

[0019] The fuse-inducing portion may be configured as a tape wound around the periphery of the bridging portion.

[0020] The fuse-inducing portion may be provided at a position closer to the center of the current collector than the outer peripheral portion of the current collector.

[0021] Based on the intermediate position between the outer peripheral portion of the current collector and the center of the current collector, the fuse-inducing portion may be provided at a position closer to the center of the current collector.

[0022] The fuse-inducing portion may be provided at an end portion of the bridging portion on the side of the first coupling portion.

[0023] The bridging portion may be configured such that its width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the first coupling portion is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion.

[0024] The bridging portion may be configured such that its cross-sectional area based on the direction toward the first coupling portion is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion.

[0025] The fuse-inducing portion may include: a first fuse-inducing portion provided at a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fuse-inducing portion provided at a position relatively far from the first coupling portion, and the thickness of the first fuse-inducing portion may be configured to be greater than the thickness of the second fuse-inducing portion.

[0026] The fuse-inducing portion may include: a first fuse-inducing portion provided at a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fuse-inducing portion provided at a position relatively far from the first coupling portion, and the first fuse-inducing portion and the second fuse-inducing portion may be respectively configured as tapes wound around the periphery of the bridging portion, and the first fuse-inducing portion may be configured to wind around the periphery of the bridging portion a greater number of times than the second fuse-inducing portion.

[0027] The fuse-inducing portion may include: a first fuse-inducing portion disposed relatively close to the first connection portion; and a second fuse-inducing portion disposed relatively far from the first connection portion, and the first fuse-inducing portion and the second fuse-inducing portion may each have heat insulation properties, and the heat insulation property of the first fuse-inducing portion may be higher than that of the second fuse-inducing portion.

[0028] The current collector may include slits configured to form the first connection portion, the second connection portion, and the bridging portion, and the fuse-inducing portion may be disposed on at least one of the two surfaces of the current collector.

[0029] A battery cell according to the present disclosure includes a current collector according to the present disclosure.

[0030] A battery pack according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery cell according to the present disclosure.

[0031] A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Advantageous Effects

[0033] According to the present disclosure, a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that can easily and accurately adjust the position where fusing occurs can be provided.

[0034] In addition, a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that can effectively prevent foreign matter from appearing during fusing can be provided.

[0035] In addition, a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that can prevent reconnection of current even after fusing can be provided.

[0036] In addition, a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack that are applicable to high output while effectively ensuring the fusing function can be provided.

[0037] In addition, a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the battery pack having improved productivity can be provided.

[0038] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned above from the following description of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are used together with the detailed description of the present invention to provide a further understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 is a plan view of a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified example of a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a first width and a second width in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 is a view showing a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut and enlarged part of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut and enlarged part of a modified example of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut and enlarged part of another modified example of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut part of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 13 is a view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0053] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure 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 the appended claims should not be construed as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms, according to the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] Therefore, the configurations presented in the embodiments and the drawings of this specification only indicate the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made thereto when submitting the application.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Hereinafter, the current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 3 The current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connection portion 61, a second connection portion 62, a bridging portion 63, and a fuse-inducing portion 64.

[0057] The first connection portion 61 may be connected to the first terminal 40. The first connection portion 61 may be 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.

[0058] The second connection portion 62 may be connected to the electrode assembly 10. The second connection portion 62 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10. The electrode assembly 10 will be described in more detail later.

[0059] The bridging portion 63 may connect the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. The bridging portion 63 may electrically connect the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. The bridging portion 63 may be integrally formed with the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. The bridging portion 63 may be disposed between the first connection portion 61 and the second connection portion 62. In the current collector 60, the first connection portion 61 may be relatively disposed at the inner center, and the second connection portion 62 may be disposed outside the first connection portion 61.

[0060] A plurality of bridging portions 63 may be provided. For example, as shown in the figure, four bridging portions 63 may be provided in one current collector 60. However, different from that shown in the figure, two, three, or five or more bridging portions 63 may be provided in one current collector 60.

[0061] The fuse-inducing portion 64 may cover at least a portion of the bridging portion 63. The fuse-inducing portion 64 may wind around at least a portion of the bridging portion 63. The fuse-inducing portion 64 may be provided for each of the plurality of bridging portions 63. That is, the fuse-inducing portion 64 may be provided to correspond to each bridging portion 63.

[0062] The fuse-inducing portion 64 may prevent heat generated by a high current in the portion of the bridging portion 63 wound and covered by the fuse-inducing portion 64 from dissipating to the outside. Accordingly, when a high current is generated in the bridging portion 63, the portion of the bridging portion 63 covered by the fuse-inducing portion 64 may be induced to fuse.

[0063] In the case of a fuse portion having a fusing function provided in a conventional current collector of a battery cell, it is difficult to accurately position the fuse portion during the manufacture of the current collector. As a result, due to a large difference in the position of the fuse portion, it is difficult for the fuse portion to correctly perform the fusing function, and it is also difficult to prevent foreign matter from occurring during fusing and to prevent reconnection of current after fusing. In addition, the conventional current collector has a problem in that the allowable current of the fuse portion is low, which is not suitable for a high-output battery cell.

[0064] However, the current collector 60 according to the present disclosure can easily and accurately adjust the position where fusing occurs through the above configuration. As a result, the current collector 60 according to the present disclosure can effectively prevent foreign matter from occurring during fusing, and can effectively prevent reconnection of current after fusing. In addition, since the current collector 60 according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of bridging portions 63 and a plurality of fuse-inducing portions 64 provided in each bridging portion 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 allowable current of the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be increased. Accordingly, the current collector 60 according to the present disclosure has the advantage of being suitable for high output while effectively ensuring the fusing function.

[0065] The fuse-inducing portion 64 may have heat insulation properties. The fuse-inducing portion 64 may include a heat insulating material. In the case where the fuse-inducing portion 64 includes a heat insulating material, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can more effectively prevent heat generated in the bridging portion 63 from dissipating to the outside, so that fusing can be more effectively induced in the fuse-inducing portion 64.

[0066] The fuse-inducing portion 64 can be configured in the form of a tape. The fuse-inducing portion 64 can be configured as a tape having heat-insulating properties. The fuse-inducing portion 64 can be configured as a tape including a heat-insulating material. When the fuse-inducing portion 64 is configured as a tape, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be easily attached to an exact position of the bridging portion 63. Additionally, there is an advantage that the width or thickness of the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be easily changed, and in some cases, tapes of various shapes or materials can be applied to the fuse-inducing portion 64, and the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be easily removed or replaced.

[0067] In addition, when the fuse-inducing portion 64 is configured as a tape, it can be attached to the bridging portion 63 so as to wind around the entire outer surface of the bridging portion 63, or alternatively, it can be attached only to a part of the outer surface of the bridging portion 63.

[0068] Figure 4 is a plan view of a current collector illustrating an embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0069] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 4 the current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0070] The fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed at a position closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than the outer peripheral 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 Z-axis direction. Additionally, when the current collector 60 is viewed from above or in the Z-axis direction, the position of the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be understood as the center of gravity of the fuse-inducing portion 64.

[0071] When a high current flows through the current collector 60, the center O or the first coupling portion 61 of the current collector 60 positioned closer to the core C (to be described below) of the electrode assembly 10 can be heated faster than the outer peripheral portion of the current collector 60. Thus, as described above, if the fuse-inducing portion 64 is disposed at a position closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than the outer peripheral portion of the current collector 60, the time before the fuse function is exerted in the current collector 60 can be shortened, and thus the fuse function of the current collector 60 can be more effectively performed.

[0072] Based on an intermediate position between the outer periphery of the current collector 60 and the center O of the current collector 60, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed at a position closer to the center O of the current collector 60. Here, the intermediate position indicates a position corresponding to the median line M, and the median line M can be understood as a line connecting the center O of the current collector 60 and the midpoint between the outer periphery of the current collector 60 along the circumferential direction.

[0073] That is to say, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed inward from the center line M so as to be closer to the center O of the current collector 60. In the case where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is disposed as described above, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can surely be disposed closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than the outer peripheral portion of the current collector 60, thereby further improving the fusing function of the current collector 60.

[0074] In addition, at least a part of the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed inside the core C described below. Specifically, when viewed in the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction, at least a part of the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed inside the core C described below. In this case, the size of the first coupling portion 61 can be configured to be smaller than the size of the cross section of the core C. For example, the core C can have a cross section substantially corresponding to Figure 4 the center line M shown in. If the current collector 60 is configured as described above, even if the bridging portion 63 is cut off due to fusing occurring in the fuse-inducing portion 64, the cut-off portion or fragments of the bridging portion 63 can be guided to the empty space of the core C instead of reaching the electrode assembly 10, thereby effectively preventing a short circuit caused by fusing.

[0075] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a current collector illustrating a modification example according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 5 The current collector 60 according to a modification example of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. The fuse-inducing portion 64 of the current collector 60 according to the modification example of the present disclosure can be disposed at an end portion of the bridging portion 63 on the side of the first coupling portion 61. In this case, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed closest to the first coupling portion 61.

[0077] If the fuse-inducing portion 64 is disposed as described above, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be disposed closest to the center O of the current collector 60, thereby maximizing the fusing function of the current collector 60.

[0078] 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 disclosure.

[0079] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 6 The current collector 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail. The width of the bridging portion 63 of the current collector 60 can be formed to be constant along the direction toward the first coupling portion 61. The bridging portion 63 of the current collector 60 can have a constant width in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is provided and a constant width in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is not provided.

[0080] Specifically, the width of the bridging portion 63 can be the width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the first coupling portion 61. For example, as Figure 6 shown, the width of the bridging portion 63 can be the width in the direction toward the second coupling portions 62 on both sides. The bridging portion 63 can have a first width W1 in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is provided. The first width W1 can be the width of the portion of the bridging portion 63 covered by the fuse-inducing portion 64, rather than the width including the fuse-inducing portion 64. The bridging portion 63 can have a second width W2 in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is not provided. The first width W1 and the second width W2 can be the same.

[0081] In addition, for example, the bridging portion 63 can have a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and the width of the bridging portion 63 can be understood as the width in the thickness direction, which is different from Figure 6 shown. In this case, the first width W1 can be the thickness of the portion of the bridging portion 63 where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is provided, and the second width W2 can be understood as the width of the portion of the bridging portion 63 where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is not provided.

[0082] As described above, if the width of the bridging portion 63 is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion 61, for example, when the first width W1 and the second width W2 of the bridging portion 63 are formed to be the same, the width of the bridging portion 63 will not decrease, so that the current path of the bridging portion 63 can be effectively ensured. As a result, the current collector 60 can be suitable for high output while effectively ensuring the fusing function.

[0083] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a first cross-sectional area and a second cross-sectional area in a current collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Hereinafter, the current collector 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 7 In the current collector 60, the cross-sectional area of the bridging portion 63 can be configured to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion 61. The bridging portion 63 of the current collector 60 can have a constant cross-sectional area in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is provided and in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is not provided.

[0085] Specifically, the cross-section of the bridging portion 63 can be understood as a cross-section based on the direction from the bridging portion 63 toward the first coupling portion 61. The bridging portion 63 can have a first cross-sectional area A1 in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is provided. The first cross-sectional area A1 can be the cross-sectional area of the portion of the bridging portion 63 covered by the fuse-inducing portion 64, excluding the fuse-inducing portion 64. The bridging portion 63 can have a second cross-sectional area A2 in the portion where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is not provided. The first cross-sectional area A1 and the second cross-sectional area A2 can be the same.

[0086] As described above, if the cross-sectional area of the bridging portion 63 is configured to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion 61, for example, when the first cross-sectional area A1 and the second cross-sectional area A2 of the bridging portion 63 are the same, the cross-sectional area of the current path of the bridging portion 63 does not decrease, so that the current path of the bridging portion 63 can be effectively ensured. As a result, the current collector 60 can be suitable for high output while effectively ensuring the fusing function.

[0087] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut and enlarged part of a current collector illustrating another embodiment according to the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut and enlarged part of a current collector illustrating a modification example of another embodiment according to the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut and enlarged part of a current collector illustrating another modification example of another embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0088] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 10 The current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. In the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can include a first fuse-inducing portion 64a and a second fuse-inducing portion 64b.

[0089] The first fuse-inducing portion 64a can be configured to be provided at a position relatively close to the first coupling portion 61. The second fuse-inducing portion 64b can be configured to be provided at a position relatively far from the first coupling portion 61. That is, if a plurality of fuse-inducing portions 64 are provided, the first fuse-inducing portion 64a can be configured to be further inwardly provided to be close to the first coupling portion 61 of the current collector 60, and the second fuse-inducing portion 64b can be configured to be further outwardly provided to be far from the second coupling portion 62 of the current collector 60.

[0090] In addition, the fuse-inducing portion 64 can further include at least one fuse-inducing portion located between the first fuse-inducing portion 64a and the second fuse-inducing portion 64b.

[0091] Specifically, referring toFigure 8 In the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the first fuse-inducing portion 64a may be configured to be greater than the thickness of the second fuse-inducing portion 64b. That is, in the bridging portion 63, the thickness of the fuse-inducing portion 64 may increase as it gets closer to the center O of the current collector 60 or the first coupling portion 61.

[0092] In the case where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is configured as described above, the thickness of the fuse-inducing portion 64 gradually increases as it gets closer to the center O of the current collector 60 (which heats up faster), thereby more effectively preventing heat dissipation. As a result, the time before the fuse function of the current collector 60 is exerted can be further shortened, and the fuse function of the current collector 60 can be more effectively executed.

[0093] Specifically, referring to Figure 9 In a modified example of the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fuse-inducing portion 64a and the second fuse-inducing portion 64b may be respectively configured in the form of bands wound around the outer surface of the bridging portion 63. Additionally, the first fuse-inducing portion 64a may be configured to wind a greater number of bands around the outer surface of the bridging portion 63 than the second fuse-inducing portion 64b. That is, in the bridging portion 63, the fuse-inducing portion 64 may be configured to wind a greater number of bands around the outer surface of the bridging portion 63 as it gets closer to the center O of the current collector 60 or the first coupling portion 61.

[0094] In the case where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is configured as described above, since the fuse-inducing portion 64 is configured with a greater number of wound bands as it gets closer to the center O of the current collector 60 (which heats up faster), heat dissipation can be more effectively prevented. As a result, the time before the fuse function of the current collector 60 is exerted can be further shortened, and the fuse function of the current collector 60 can be more effectively executed.

[0095] Specifically, referring to Figure 10, in the current collector 60 of a modified example according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first fuse-inducing portion 64a and the second fuse-inducing portion 64b may each have heat insulation properties. Additionally, the heat insulation property of the first fuse-inducing portion 64a may be higher than that of the second fuse-inducing portion 64b. Specifically, the first fuse-inducing portion 64a and the second fuse-inducing portion 64b may each include a heat-insulating material having heat insulation properties, such that the first fuse-inducing portion 64a includes a larger amount of heat-insulating material than the second fuse-inducing portion 64b, or such that the heat-insulating material of the first fuse-inducing portion 64a has a higher heat insulation property than the heat-insulating material of the second fuse-inducing portion 64b. Thus, in the bridging portion 63, the fuse-inducing portion 64 may have a higher heat insulation property as it gets closer to the center O of the current collector 60 or the first coupling portion 61.

[0096] If the fuse-inducing portion 64 is configured as described above, the heat insulation property of the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be enhanced toward the center O of the current collector 60 (which heats up faster), thereby improving the effect of preventing heat dissipation. As a result, the time before the fusing function of the current collector 60 is exerted can be further shortened, and the fusing function of the current collector 60 can be executed more effectively.

[0097] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cut part of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Hereinafter, the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the current collector 60 may have a slit. Specifically, the current collector 60 may have a slit to form a first coupling portion 61, a second coupling portion 62, and a bridging portion 63. Here, the slit can 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 bridging portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 to separate them from each other (see Figure 11 ). The slit may be formed as a cutting line or a notch line.

[0099] If the current collector 60 is provided as described above, the current collector 60 can be roughly manufactured only by processing a slit such as a cutting line or a notch line on a plate member, thereby improving the productivity of the current collector 60. Additionally, since the gap between any two of the first coupling portion 61, the second coupling portion 62, and the bridging portion 63 can be minimized by the slit, the current path of the current collector 60 can be improved.

[0100] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the current collector 60 may have a fuse-inducing 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, and the other side may face the first terminal 40. For example, the bottom surface or the -Z side surface of the current collector 60 may face the electrode assembly 10, and the top surface or the +Z side surface of the current collector 60 may face the first terminal 40.

[0101] The fuse-inducing portion 64 may be provided on at least one of the bottom surface and the top surface of the bridging portion 63. In addition, in the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gap may be formed between the bridging portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 by cutting, and the fuse-inducing portion 64 may not be provided on the gap side.

[0102] In the case where the fuse-inducing portion 64 is provided as described above, even if the gap formed between the bridging portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 by cutting is narrow, there is an advantage that the fuse-inducing portion 64 can be easily and accurately provided on the bridging portion 63.

[0103] Above, preferred examples of the current collector 60 according to the present disclosure have been described. The technical idea of the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and may include combinations of any two or more of them.

[0104] Return reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the battery cell 1 according to the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0105] The battery cell 1 according to the present disclosure may include the current collector 60 according to the present disclosure.

[0106] The battery cell 1 according to the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly 10, a cell housing 20, and a first terminal 40.

[0107] The electrode assembly 10 may be provided by winding a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode around a central O axis of a core C. The first electrode may be an electrode having a first polarity, and the first polarity may be one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The second electrode may be an electrode having a second polarity, and the second polarity may be a negative electrode or a positive electrode opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be a positive electrode, and the second polarity may be a negative electrode. The separator may be an insulator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0108] The electrode assembly 10 may have a wound core structure. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by winding a laminate around a core C, the laminate being formed by laminating a first electrode and a second electrode at least once in sheet form with a separator interposed therebetween. Any wound core structure known in the art may be applied to the present disclosure without limitation.

[0109] The battery cell housing 20 may be configured to accommodate the electrode assembly 10. The battery cell housing 20 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having an internal space to accommodate, for example, the electrode assembly 10.

[0110] The first terminal 40 may be provided on one side of the battery cell housing 20. The first terminal 40 may be electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode assembly 10. At least a part of the first terminal 40 may be exposed to the outside. The first terminal 40 may be configured in the form of a rivet. As described above, the first terminal 40 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 61 of the current collector 60 and may be electrically connected to the first coupling portion 61.

[0111] As described above, the electrode assembly 10 may be 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 to be electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, 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 current collector.

[0112] The second current collector 80 may be provided on the other side of the battery cell housing 20. The second current collector 80 may be configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly 10. 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 to be electrically connected to each other. If the above-described current collector 60 is referred to as the first current collector 60, the current collector 80 provided on the other side of the battery cell housing 20 is defined as the second current collector 80. The second current collector 80 may be a negative current collector.

[0113] The battery cell housing 20 may constitute a second terminal. The second terminal may be electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly 10. The second terminal may be electrically connected to the second current collector 80. An outer surface 20a may be provided on one side of the battery cell housing 20. That is, both the first terminal 40 and the second terminal may be provided on one side of the battery cell housing 20. An insulating gasket 50 may be provided between the first terminal 40 and the outer surface 20a. An insulator 70 may be provided between the current collector 60 and the outer surface 20a and / or between the current collector 60 and the battery cell housing 20.

[0114] A crimped portion 21 and a caulked portion 22 may be provided on the other side of the battery cell case 20. The crimped portion 21 may be formed by the outer circumferential surface of the recessed battery cell case 20 and may fix the electrode assembly 10. The crimped portion 21 may support components such as a cap 30. The caulked portion 22 may seal the other side of the battery cell case 20. A gasket 90 may be provided between the caulked portion 22 and the cap 30.

[0115] Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring Figure 12 , the battery pack 3 according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery cell 1 according to the present disclosure. The battery pack 3 may include a battery pack housing 2 that houses at least one battery cell 1.

[0117] For convenience, components such as a bus bar for electrical connection of the battery cell 1, a cooling unit, an external terminal, etc. are omitted in the drawings. The structures of the plurality of battery cells 1 for manufacturing the battery pack 3 have been described as examples above.

[0118] Figure 13 is a view illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring Figure 13 , the battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to a vehicle 4 such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the vehicle 4 according to the present disclosure may include the battery pack 3 according to the present disclosure. The battery pack 3 may be installed in a body frame under a vehicle seat or in a trunk space. In addition, in addition to the battery pack 3, the vehicle 4 according to the present disclosure may further include various other components included in the vehicle 4. For example, in addition to the battery pack 3 according to the present disclosure, the vehicle 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a vehicle body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc.

[0120] In addition, it is obvious that in addition to the vehicle 4, the battery pack 3 according to the present disclosure may also be applied to other devices, equipment, and facilities such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery.

[0121] In addition, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back 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 according to the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0122] As described above, although the present disclosure is described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A current collector, comprising: a first coupling portion coupled to a first terminal; a second coupling portion coupled to the electrode assembly; a plurality of bridging portions configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion; as well as A plurality of fuse induction portions are provided in each of the plurality of bridge portions and are configured to cover at least a portion of the bridge portion.

2. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The fusing inducing portion has a heat insulating property.

3. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The fuse inducing portion is configured as a tape wrapped around a periphery of the bridging portion.

4. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The fuse induction portion is disposed at a position closer to a center of the current collector than to an outer peripheral portion of the current collector.

5. The current collector according to claim 4, in, The fuse induction portion is disposed at a position closer to the center of the current collector based on an intermediate position between an outer peripheral portion of the current collector and the center of the current collector.

6. The current collector according to claim 4, in, The fuse inducing portion is provided at an end portion of the bridge portion on one side of the first coupling portion.

7. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The bridge portion is configured such that a width thereof in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction toward the first coupling portion is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion.

8. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The bridge portion is configured such that a cross-sectional area thereof based on a direction toward the first coupling portion is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion.

9. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The fuse induction part includes: a first fuse inducing portion, the first fuse inducing portion being disposed at a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fuse inducing portion, the second fuse inducing portion being disposed at a position relatively far from the first coupling portion, and Wherein, a thickness of the first fuse inducing portion is configured to be greater than a thickness of the second fuse inducing portion.

10. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The fuse induction part includes: a first fuse inducing portion, the first fuse inducing portion being disposed at a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fuse inducing portion, the second fuse inducing portion being disposed at a position relatively far from the first connecting portion, wherein the first fuse inducing portion and the second fuse inducing portion are respectively configured as a band wrapped around the periphery of the bridge portion, and The first fuse induction portion is configured to wrap a greater number of bands around the circumference of the bridge portion than the second fuse induction portion.

11. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The fuse induction part includes: a first fuse inducing portion, the first fuse inducing portion being disposed at a position relatively close to the first coupling portion; and a second fuse inducing portion, the second fuse inducing portion being disposed at a position relatively far from the first connecting portion, wherein the first fuse induction portion and the second fuse induction portion have heat insulation properties respectively, and Wherein, the thermal insulation performance of the first fuse induction portion is higher than the thermal insulation performance of the second fuse induction portion.

12. The current collector according to claim 1, in, The current collector includes a slit configured to form the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion, and the bridge portion, and Wherein, the fuse induction portion is disposed on at least one of two surfaces of the current collector.

13. A battery cell comprising the current collector according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 13.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 14.

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