Secondary battery, battery module including secondary battery, battery pack including battery module, and vehicle including battery pack

Abstract

Disclosed are a secondary battery capable of making a battery module and / or a battery pack more compact than in the prior art, a battery module including the same, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the battery pack. The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a case configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and having a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width and a height greater than the width; a cap plate coupled to the housing; a first terminal on the cap plate and electrically connected to the first electrode plate; and a second terminal on the cap plate and electrically connected to the second electrode plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a secondary battery, a battery module including the secondary battery, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle including the battery pack. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., home and / or utility-scale electricity storage). Secondary batteries typically include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a casing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] As the demand for high-capacity secondary batteries in a limited space increases, secondary batteries having a compact structure are required.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to various embodiments of a secondary battery that enables a battery module and / or a battery pack to be designed to be compact compared to the related art, a battery module including the secondary battery, a battery pack including the battery module, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] A secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a shell configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and having a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width and a height greater than the width; a cover plate coupled to the shell; a first terminal on the cover plate and electrically connected to the first electrode plate; and a second terminal on the cover plate and electrically connected to the second electrode plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the height of the housing can be approximately 1.5 times to approximately 2.5 times the width of the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab protruding from one side of the electrode assembly, and the first electrode tab may have a size corresponding to approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

[0010] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include a first current collector, the first current collector including a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, the first vertical portion contacting the first electrode tab, the first horizontal portion including one end connected to the upper end of the first vertical portion and the other end connected to the lower portion of the first terminal, and the first vertical portion may have a size substantially corresponding to a size of the first electrode tab.

[0011] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include a first current collector, the first current collector including a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, the first vertical portion contacting the first electrode tab, the first horizontal portion including one end connected to the upper end of the first vertical portion and the other end connected to the lower portion of the first terminal, and the first vertical portion may have a size corresponding to approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second electrode plate may include second electrode tabs protruding from opposite sides of the electrode assembly, and the second electrode tabs may have a size corresponding to approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

[0013] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include a second current collector, the second current collector including a second vertical portion and a second horizontal portion, the second vertical portion contacting the second electrode tab, the second horizontal portion including one end connected to the upper end of the second vertical portion and the other end connected to the lower portion of the second terminal, and the second vertical portion may have a size substantially corresponding to the size of the second electrode tab.

[0014] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include a second current collector, the second current collector including a second vertical portion and a second horizontal portion, the second vertical portion contacting the second electrode tab, the second horizontal portion including one end connected to the upper end of the second vertical portion and the other end connected to the lower portion of the second terminal, and the second vertical portion may have a size corresponding to approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab may include a first electrode tab portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second electrode tab may include a second electrode tab portion.

[0017] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include an insulating member configured to insulate the electrode assembly and the cap plate from each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include a separation member configured to insulate the electrode assembly and the case from each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab may include a first electrode tab portion, and the first vertical portion may have a size covering the entirety of the first electrode tab portion of the first electrode tab.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second electrode tab may include a second electrode tab portion, and the second vertical portion may have a size covering the entirety of the second electrode tab portion of the second electrode tab.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab portions of the first electrode tab may be spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the case, and a region between the first electrode tab portions of the first electrode tab may be coupled to a side surface of the electrode assembly.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second electrode tab portions of the second electrode tab may be spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the case, and a region between the second electrode tab portions of the second electrode tab may be coupled to a side surface of the electrode assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cover plate may include a vent portion.

[0024] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes secondary batteries each configured as described above, connection tabs configured to connect the secondary batteries to each other, and a case configured to accommodate the secondary batteries in which the secondary batteries are arranged in one layer in a height direction.

[0025] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes battery modules each configured as described above, bus bars configured to connect the battery modules to each other, and a case configured to accommodate the battery modules in which the battery modules are arranged in one layer in a height direction.

[0026] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the battery pack configured as described above and a vehicle body in which the battery pack is mounted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the secondary battery taken along line II-II in FIG. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims are not to be restrictively interpreted as ordinary meanings or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can, as his / her own lexicographer, appropriately define the concept of the term to best describe his / her invention.

[0029] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical spirits, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein when filing this application.

[0030] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled to” or “connected to” a second element, the first element can be directly coupled to or directly coupled to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled to or indirectly coupled to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0031] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. Identical reference numerals represent identical elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Phrases such as "at least one of..." and "any of...", when following a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, not the individual elements in that list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," are used to designate a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations (or subsets) of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C. As used herein, the term "use" and variations thereof may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and variations thereof, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0032] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0033] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “under,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on” may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “on” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “under” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, the description indicates the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0035] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and including the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to explicitly describe any subranges contained within the range explicitly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification so that modifications to explicitly describe any such subranges will meet the requirements.

[0036] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include variations that are considered low in the art, for example, 5% or less. Additionally, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, it may be referred to as being uniform with respect to the average value.

[0037] Throughout the specification, unless stated otherwise, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0038] Arranging an arbitrary element “on (or below)” or “on (under)” another element may mean that the arbitrary element may be disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and another element may also be placed between the element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the element.

[0039] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, the components may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other or another component may be “interposed” between the components.

[0040] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the multiple listed items. When "C to D" is stated, unless otherwise stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 sectional view of the secondary battery 100 taken along line II-II in FIG.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , the secondary battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, a first current collector (or referred to as "first electrode current collector") 120, a first electrode terminal 130, a second current collector (or referred to as "second electrode current collector") 140, a second electrode terminal 150, a case 160 and a cap assembly 170.

[0043] The electrode assembly 110 can be formed by winding or stacking a stack of a first electrode plate 111, a separator 112, and a second electrode plate 113 formed into a thin plate or film. When the electrode assembly 110 is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the width direction of the housing 160. In other embodiments, the electrode assembly 110 can be a stacked type instead of a wound type, and the shape of the electrode assembly 110 is not limited in the present disclosure. In addition, the electrode assembly 110 can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 113 are inserted into both sides of the separator 112 and then bent into a Z-stack. In addition, one or more electrode assemblies 110 can be stacked so that the long sides of the electrode assemblies 110 are adjacent to each other and accommodated in the housing 160, and the number of electrode assemblies 110 in the housing is not limited in the present disclosure. The first electrode plate 111 of the electrode assembly 110 can act as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 113 can act as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0044] The first electrode plate 111 can be formed by applying a first electrode active material (such as graphite or carbon) to a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil (such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy). The first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab (e.g., a first uncoated portion) 111a, which is a region not coated with the first electrode active material. The first electrode tab 111a may serve as a current flow path between the first electrode plate 111 and the first current collector 120. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate 111, the first electrode tab 111a may be pre-cut so as to protrude toward one side of the electrode assembly 110, or the first electrode tab 111a may protrude further toward the side of the electrode assembly 110 than the separator 112 (or the first electrode tab 111a may protrude beyond the separator 112 toward the side of the electrode assembly 110) without requiring separate cutting.

[0045] The second electrode plate 113 can be formed by coating a second electrode active material (such as a transition metal oxide) on a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The second electrode plate 113 may include a second electrode tab (e.g., a second uncoated portion) 113a, which is an area not coated with the second electrode active material. The second electrode tab 113a may serve as a current flow path between the second electrode plate 113 and the second current collector 140. In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 113a may be pre-cut during the manufacture of the second electrode plate 113 so that it protrudes toward the other side (e.g., the opposite side) of the electrode assembly 110. Alternatively, the second electrode tab 113a may protrude further toward the other side of the electrode assembly 110 than the separator 112 (or the second electrode tab 113a may protrude beyond the separator 112 toward the other side of the electrode assembly 110), without requiring a separate cut.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 111a may be positioned on the left side of the electrode assembly 110, and the second electrode tab 113a may be positioned on the right side of the electrode assembly 110. In other embodiments, the first electrode tab 111a and the second electrode tab 113a may be positioned on one side of the electrode assembly 110 in the same direction. Figure 2 The left and right sides are defined by the secondary battery 100 oriented in the middle, and when the secondary battery 100 is rotated left and right or up and down, its position may change.

[0047] The first electrode tab 111a of the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode tab 113a of the second electrode plate 113 may be located at both ends (e.g., opposite ends) of the electrode assembly 110. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 110 may be housed in the case 160 together with the electrolyte. Furthermore, in the electrode assembly 110, the first current collector 120 and the second current collector 140 may be welded and connected to the first electrode tab 111a of the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode tab 113a of the second electrode plate 113, which are exposed on both sides, and then located there.

[0048] As the positive electrode active material, a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium (eg, a lithiated intercalation compound) can be used. For example, at least one composite oxide of lithium and a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0049] The composite oxide may be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples of the positive electrode active material may include lithium nickel-based oxides, lithium cobalt-based oxides, lithium manganese-based oxides, lithium iron phosphate-based compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese-based oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0050] As an example, a compound represented by any one of the following formulae can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L1 d G eO2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0051] In the above formula: A is Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare earth element or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V or a combination thereof; and L1 is Mn, Al or a combination thereof.

[0052] A positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0053] The content of the positive electrode active material is in the range of about 90 wt % to about 99.5 wt % based on 100 wt % of the positive electrode active material layer, and the content of the binder and the conductive material are respectively in the range of about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt % based on 100 wt % of the positive electrode active material layer.

[0054] The current collector may be aluminum (Al), but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of being doped and undoped with lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0056] Materials capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions may be carbonaceous negative electrode active materials that may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite (such as natural graphite or artificial graphite), and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, sintered coke, etc.

[0057] Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials may be used as materials capable of doping and undoping lithium. Si-based negative electrode active materials may be silicon, silicon-carbon composites, SiO x (0 < x < 2), Si-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0058] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0059] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating layer on the surface of the core.

[0060] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0061] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0062] A non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof may be used as the binder. In the case of using an aqueous binder as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included.

[0063] As the negative electrode current collector, one selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0064] The electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery may include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0065] The non-aqueous organic solvent serves as a medium through which ions involved in the electrochemical reaction of the battery can move.

[0066] The non-aqueous organic solvent may be a carbonate solvent, an ester solvent, an ether solvent, a ketone solvent, an alcohol solvent, an aprotic solvent, and may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0067] In addition, when a carbonate-based solvent is used, a mixture of a cyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate may be used.

[0068] Depending on the type of lithium secondary battery, a separator may be present between the first electrode plate (e.g., the negative electrode) and the second electrode plate (e.g., the positive electrode). As the separator, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer film of two or more layers thereof may be used.

[0069] The separator may include a porous substrate and a coating layer including an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0070] The organic material may include a polyvinylidene fluoride-based polymer or a (meth)acrylic polymer.

[0071] The inorganic material may include inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite, and combinations thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The organic material and the inorganic material may be mixed in one coating layer or may be in the form of a coating layer containing an organic material and a coating layer containing an inorganic material stacked on each other.

[0073] The case 160 may form the overall appearance of the secondary battery 100 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the case 160 may provide a space in which the electrode assembly 110 is accommodated.

[0074] The cap assembly 170 may include a cap plate 171 covering the opening in the housing 160, and the housing 160 and the cap plate 171 may be made of a conductive material. The first electrode terminal 130 and the second electrode terminal 150, which are electrically connected to the first electrode plate 111 and the second electrode plate 113, respectively, may be installed to penetrate (or extend through) the cap plate 171 and protrude outward through the cap plate 171.

[0075] In addition, outer peripheral surfaces (eg, circumferential surfaces) of upper pillars of the first and second electrode terminals 130 and 150 protruding outward from the cap plate 171 may have threads and may be fixed to the cap plate 171 by using nuts.

[0076] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first and second electrode terminals 130 and 150 may have a rivet structure and be riveted or welded to the cap plate 171 .

[0077] In addition, the cover plate 171 can be made of a thin plate and can be coupled to the opening in the housing 160, and the electrolyte injection port 173 into which the sealing stopper 172 can be installed can be positioned (e.g., formed) in the cover plate 171, and the exhaust port portion 175 having a recess 174 can be installed.

[0078] The first and second electrode terminals 130 and 150 may be electrically connected to the current collectors (including the first and second current collectors 120 and 140 ) by being joined or coupled (eg, by welding) to the first and second electrode non-coating portions 111 a and 113 a , respectively.

[0079] For example, the first electrode terminal 130 and the second electrode terminal 150 may be combined by being welded to the first electrode current collector 120 and the second electrode current collector 140, respectively. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in one or more embodiments, the first electrode terminal 130 and the first electrode current collector 120, and the second electrode terminal 150 and the second electrode current collector 140 may be integrally formed.

[0080] In addition, an insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 110 and the cap plate 171. The insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 181 and a second lower insulating member 182, the first lower insulating member 181 may have a portion positioned between the case 160 and the first electrode terminal 130, the second lower insulating member 182 may have a portion positioned between the case 160 and the second electrode terminal 150, and each of the first lower insulating member 181 and the second lower insulating member 182 may also have a portion positioned between the electrode assembly 110 and the cap plate 171.

[0081] In addition, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the separation member may face one side of the electrode assembly 110 , and the other end of the separation member may be installed between the insulation member and the first electrode terminal 130 or the second electrode terminal 150 .

[0082] In one or more embodiments, the separation member may include a first separation member 191 and a second separation member 192 .

[0083] In such an embodiment, the first end of the first separating member 191 and the first end of the second separating member 192 installed to face one side of the electrode assembly 110 may be installed between the first lower insulating member 181 and the first electrode terminal 130 and between the second lower insulating member 182 and the second electrode terminal 150, respectively.

[0084] Thus, the first and second electrode terminals 130 and 150 , which may be respectively coupled to the first and second electrode collectors 120 and 140 by welding, may be respectively coupled to the first ends of the first and second separating members 191 and 182 and 192 .

[0085] The electrode assembly 110 , the first and second current collectors 120 and 140 , and the case 160 may be insulated from one another by the first and second separation members 191 and 192 .

[0086] In the secondary battery 100 according to the present disclosure, the housing 160 may have a prismatic shape, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The height H of the housing 160 may be greater than the width W of the housing 160. For example, the height H of the housing 160 may be 1.5 to 2.5 times the width W of the housing 160. In one or more embodiments, the height H of the housing 160 may be approximately 200 mm or greater.

[0087] From the upper end of the electrode assembly 110, the first electrode tab 111a may have a size corresponding to approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly 110 and may protrude from one side of the electrode assembly 110. Because the first electrode tab 111a has a size of approximately 1 / 4 or more of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, sufficient current flow can be achieved. Because the first electrode tab 111a has a size of approximately 1 / 2 or less of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, an unnecessary increase in the size of the first electrode tab 111a can be prevented, and thus, an increase in its weight and cost and a reduction in internal space caused thereby can be prevented.

[0088] The first electrode tab 111a may be divided into a plurality of parts. Figure 2 1 is shown as being divided into two parts vertically spaced apart from each other (e.g., a certain gap), but in one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab 111a may be divided into three or more parts. In one or more embodiments, the bonding with the side surface of the electrode assembly 110 may be performed in the area between the divided parts of the first electrode tab 111a. In other words, the area between the divided parts of the first electrode tab 111a may be bonded to the side surface of the electrode assembly 110.

[0089] From the upper end of the electrode assembly 110, the second electrode tab 113a may have a size corresponding to approximately 1 / 4 to approximately 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, and may protrude from the side of the electrode assembly 110 opposite the first electrode tab 111a. Because the second electrode tab 113a has a size of approximately 1 / 4 or more of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, sufficient current flow can be achieved. Because the second electrode tab 113a has a size of approximately 1 / 2 or less of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, an unnecessary increase in the size of the second electrode tab 113a can be prevented, and thus, an increase in its weight and cost and a reduction in internal space caused thereby can be prevented.

[0090] The second electrode tab 113a may be divided into a plurality of parts. Figure 2 1 is shown as being divided into two parts vertically spaced apart from each other (e.g., a certain gap), but the second electrode tab 113a may be divided into three or more parts. In one or more embodiments, the bonding with the side surface of the electrode assembly 110 may be performed in the area between the divided parts of the second electrode tab 113a. In other words, the area between the divided parts of the second electrode tab 113a may be bonded to the side surface of the electrode assembly 110.

[0091] The first current collector 120 may include a first vertical portion 121 and a first horizontal portion 122. Figure 2 The orientation of the secondary battery 100 in the embodiment is substantially vertically and horizontally oriented, so the terms "vertical portion" and "horizontal portion" are used herein to facilitate the description of the disclosure. It should be understood that such terms do not represent absolute orientations. If the secondary battery 100 is oriented substantially vertically and horizontally, the terms "vertical portion" and "horizontal portion" are used herein to facilitate the description of the disclosure. Figure 2 If the upright state shown in FIG is rotated 90° to a horizontal state, the first vertical portion 121 may be oriented horizontally (or substantially horizontally), and the first horizontal portion 122 may be oriented vertically (or substantially vertically).

[0092] The first vertical portion 121 may be the portion that contacts the first electrode tab 111a and may have a size corresponding to (or substantially corresponding to) the size of the first electrode tab 111a. In embodiments where the first electrode tab 111a is divided into multiple sections, the first vertical portion 121 may have a size configured to cover all of the multiple sections of the first electrode tab 111a. In one or more embodiments, the first vertical portion 121 may have a size corresponding to approximately ¼ to approximately ½ of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, starting from the upper end. Because the first vertical portion 121 has a size of approximately ¼ or greater than the total height of the electrode assembly 110, sufficient current flow is possible. Because the first vertical portion 121 has a size of approximately ½ or less than the total height of the electrode assembly 110, an unnecessary increase in the size of the first vertical portion 121 can be prevented, thereby preventing an increase in weight and cost, as well as a reduction in internal space.

[0093] The first horizontal portion 122 may be connected at one end thereof to an upper end of the first vertical portion 121 , and may be connected at the other end thereof to a lower portion of the first electrode terminal 130 .

[0094] The first vertical portion 121 and the first horizontal portion 122 may be integral with each other (ie, a single piece).

[0095] The second current collector 140 may include a second vertical portion 141 and a second horizontal portion 142 .

[0096] The second vertical portion 141 may be the portion that contacts the second electrode tab 113a and may have a size corresponding to (or substantially corresponding to) the size of the second electrode tab 113a. In embodiments where the second electrode tab 113a is divided into multiple sections, the second vertical portion 141 may have a size configured to cover all of the multiple sections of the second electrode tab 113a. In one or more embodiments, the second vertical portion 141 may have a size corresponding to approximately ¼ to approximately ½ of the total height of the electrode assembly 110, starting from the upper end. Because the second vertical portion 141 has a size of approximately ¼ or greater than the total height of the electrode assembly 110, sufficient current flow is possible. Because the second vertical portion 141 has a size of approximately ½ or less than the total height of the electrode assembly 110, an unnecessary increase in the size of the second vertical portion 141 can be prevented, thereby preventing an increase in weight and cost, as well as a reduction in internal space.

[0097] The second horizontal portion 142 may be connected at one end thereof to the upper end of the second vertical portion 141 and may be connected at the other end thereof to the lower portion of the second electrode terminal 150 .

[0098] The second vertical portion 141 and the second horizontal portion 142 may be integral with each other (ie, a single piece).

[0099] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery module 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 A battery module 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery cells 100 arranged in a direction, a connection tab 210 connecting one battery cell 100 to an adjacent battery cell 100, and a protection circuit module 220 having one end connected to the connection tab 210. The protection circuit module 220 may include a battery management system (BMS). Furthermore, the connection tab 210 may include a main body portion 211 that contacts an electrode unit between adjacent battery cells 100, and an extension portion 212 that extends from the main body portion 211 and connects to the protection circuit module 220. The connection tab 210 may be, for example, a bus bar.

[0101] The battery cell 100 may be the aforementioned secondary battery 100 .

[0102] A plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged in one direction (e.g., may be stacked in one direction) such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100 face each other, and the plurality of battery cells 100 may be fixed by a housing 230. The housing 230 may include a pair of end plates 231 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100, and side plates 232 and a bottom plate 233 connecting the pair of end plates 231 to each other. The side plates 232 may support the side surfaces of the battery cells 100, and the bottom plate 233 may support the bottom surfaces of the battery cells 100. In addition, the pair of end plates 231, the side plates 232, and the bottom plate 233 may be connected by bolts and / or any other suitable fastening members and methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0103] The protection circuit module 220 may have electronic components and a protection circuit mounted thereon and may be electrically connected to the connection tab 210. The protection circuit module 220 will be described in more detail later. The protection circuit module 220 includes a first protection circuit module 221 and a second protection circuit module 222 at different locations extending along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged. The first protection circuit module 221 and the second protection circuit module 222 may be spaced apart from each other at a suitable interval (e.g., a predetermined interval) and arranged parallel to each other to be electrically connected to adjacent connection tabs 210, respectively. For example, the first protection circuit module 221 extends along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged on one side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 100, and the second protection circuit module 222 extends along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged on the other side of the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells 100. The second protection circuit module 222 can be spaced apart from the first protection circuit module 221 at a suitable distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) with the vent portion 175 interposed therebetween, but can also be arranged parallel to the first protection circuit module 221. In this manner, the two protection circuit modules 221, 222 are spaced side by side along the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 100 are arranged, thereby reducing or minimizing the area of ​​the printed circuit board (PCB) comprising the protection circuit module 220. By separately configuring the protection circuit module 220 as two protection circuit modules 221, 222, unnecessary PCB area can be reduced or minimized. Furthermore, the first and second protection circuit modules 221, 222 can be connected to each other via a conductive connecting member 240. One side of the conductive connecting member 240 is connected to the first protection circuit module 221, and the other side is connected to the second protection circuit module 222, thereby electrically connecting the two protection circuit modules 221, 222.

[0104] The joining may be performed by any of brazing, resistance welding, laser welding, projection welding, and / or any other suitable joining method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0105] In addition, the connecting member 240 can be, for example, an electric wire. In addition, the connecting member 240 can be made of an elastic or flexible material. Through the connecting member 240, it can be possible to check and manage whether the voltage, temperature and / or current of multiple battery cells 100 are normal. For example, information (such as voltage, current and / or temperature) received by the first protection circuit module 221 from the connecting terminal 210 adjacent to the first protection circuit module 221 and information (such as voltage, current and / or temperature) received by the second protection circuit module 222 from the connecting terminal 210 adjacent to the second protection circuit module 222 can be integrated and managed through the connecting member 240.

[0106] In addition, when the battery cell 100 swells, shock may be absorbed by the elasticity or flexibility of the connection member 240 , thereby preventing the first and second protection circuit modules 221 and 222 from being damaged.

[0107] In addition, the shape and structure of the connecting member 240 are not limited to Figure 3 The shape and structure shown in .

[0108] As described above, because the protection circuit module 220 is set as the first protection circuit module 221 and the second protection circuit module 222, the area of ​​the PCB constituting the protection circuit module 220 can be reduced or minimized, and the space inside the battery module 200 can be ensured, which improves work efficiency by facilitating the fastening work for connecting the connecting terminal 210 and the protection circuit module 220 and the repair work if (or when) an abnormality is detected in the battery module 200.

[0109] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] The battery pack 300 may include a plurality of battery modules 200 and a housing 310 configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules 200. In one or more embodiments, the housing 310 may include an upper housing and a lower housing that are coupled to each other in a direction facing each other with the plurality of battery modules 200 between them. Figure 4 Only the lower housing (of the upper and lower housings) is shown, and the upper housing is removed to expose multiple battery modules 200. Multiple battery modules 200 can be electrically connected to each other using bus bars. Multiple battery modules 200 can be electrically connected to each other in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel to achieve a desired electrical output.

[0111] In the above-described battery module 200 and / or battery pack 300 , the battery cells are formed such that the width of the case is relatively large and the height of the case is relatively small, and thus the battery cells are vertically stacked in two or more layers.

[0112] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, because the height H of the housing 160 of the battery cell (secondary battery) 100 is, for example, approximately (approximately) twice the height of the housing of the battery cell (secondary battery) in the prior art, the battery cells 100 can be installed as a single layer in the battery module 200 and / or the battery pack 300 without being stacked vertically (i.e., in the direction of the height H). Therefore, the traditional vertical connection structure, vertical coupling structure, or vertical support structure required for vertically stacked battery cells in the prior art can be eliminated, and the battery module 200 and / or the battery pack 300 can be more compact than the battery module and / or the battery pack in the prior art.

[0113] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] The vehicle 400 may include a body 410 and various components coupled to the body 410 , such as a hood 420 positioned at the front of the vehicle and fenders 430 positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle.

[0115] The vehicle 400 may further include a vehicle floor panel as one of the vehicle body components, and the vehicle floor panel includes a battery pack frame 440 accommodating the battery pack 300 and a battery pack cover 450 .

[0116] As is apparent from the above description, according to the present disclosure, the housing of a secondary battery (battery cell) can be formed so that its height is greater than its width. Therefore, in embodiments using such battery cells to manufacture a battery module and / or battery pack, the battery cells can be installed in a single layer rather than being stacked vertically. Consequently, the traditional vertical connection structure, vertical coupling structure, or vertical support structure required for vertically stacked battery cells can be eliminated, and the battery module and / or battery pack can be more compact than a battery module and / or battery pack of the prior art.

[0117] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and drawings showing aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and changes within the technical spirit of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a housing configured to accommodate the electrode assembly, the housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a width and a height greater than the width; a cover plate coupled to the housing; a first terminal on the cap plate and electrically connected to the first electrode plate; as well as A second terminal is on the cap plate and electrically connected to the second electrode plate.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The height of the housing is 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of the housing.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The first electrode plate includes a first electrode tab protruding from one side of the electrode assembly, and Here, the first electrode tab has a size corresponding to 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 3, further comprising a first current collector, the first current collector comprising a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, the first vertical portion being in contact with the first electrode tab, the first horizontal portion comprising one end connected to an upper end of the first vertical portion and the other end connected to a lower portion of the first terminal, in, The first vertical portion has a size corresponding to a size of the first electrode tab.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 3, further comprising a first current collector, the first current collector comprising a first vertical portion and a first horizontal portion, the first vertical portion being in contact with the first electrode tab, the first horizontal portion comprising one end connected to an upper end of the first vertical portion and the other end connected to a lower portion of the first terminal, in, The first vertical portion has a size corresponding to ¼ to ½ of a total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein The second electrode plate includes second electrode tabs protruding from opposite sides of the electrode assembly, and Wherein, the second electrode tab has a size corresponding to 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, further comprising a second current collector, the second current collector comprising a second vertical portion and a second horizontal portion, the second vertical portion being in contact with the second electrode tab, the second horizontal portion comprising one end connected to an upper end of the second vertical portion and the other end connected to a lower portion of the second terminal, in, The second vertical portion has a size corresponding to a size of the second electrode tab.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 6, further comprising a second current collector, the second current collector comprising a second vertical portion and a second horizontal portion, the second vertical portion being in contact with the second electrode tab, the second horizontal portion comprising one end connected to an upper end of the second vertical portion and the other end connected to a lower portion of the second terminal, in, The second vertical portion has a size corresponding to ¼ to ½ of a total height of the electrode assembly from the upper end of the electrode assembly.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein The first electrode tab includes a plurality of first electrode tab parts.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein The second electrode tab includes a plurality of second electrode tab parts. 11 . The secondary battery according to claim 1 , further comprising an insulating member configured to insulate the electrode assembly and the cap plate from each other. 12 . The secondary battery according to claim 1 , further comprising a separation member configured to insulate the electrode assembly and the case from each other.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein The first electrode tab includes a plurality of first electrode tab portions, and The first vertical portion has a size that covers all of the plurality of first electrode tab portions of the first electrode tab.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein The second electrode tab includes a plurality of second electrode tab portions, and The second vertical portion has a size that covers all of the plurality of second electrode tab portions of the second electrode tab.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein The plurality of first electrode tab portions of the first electrode tab are spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the housing, and Wherein, a region between the plurality of first electrode tab portions of the first electrode tab is coupled to a side surface of the electrode assembly.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of second electrode tab portions of the second electrode tab are spaced apart from each other in a height direction of the housing, and Wherein, a region between the plurality of second electrode tab portions of the second electrode tab is coupled to a side surface of the electrode assembly.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The cover plate includes an exhaust port portion.

18. A battery module, comprising: a plurality of secondary batteries, each of the plurality of secondary batteries being the secondary battery according to claim 1; a connecting tab configured to connect the plurality of secondary batteries to each other; as well as a housing configured to accommodate the plurality of secondary batteries, The plurality of secondary batteries are arranged as a layer in a height direction.

19. A battery pack, comprising: a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules being the battery module according to claim 18; a bus bar configured to connect the plurality of battery modules to each other; as well as a housing configured to house the plurality of battery modules, Wherein, the multiple battery modules are arranged as a layer in the height direction.

20. A vehicle, comprising: The battery pack according to claim 19; as well as A vehicle body is configured to allow the battery pack to be installed therein.

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