Battery and battery pack including battery

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery and a battery pack. A battery includes: a case; an electrode assembly accommodated in the case and including an electrode; a tab member connected to the electrode and extending from the electrode assembly; a cap assembly facing the electrode assembly and including a terminal; a connection member disposed between the electrode assembly and the cap assembly and connected to the terminal and the tab member; and an electrode protection member provided between the connection member and the electrode assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0156905, filed on November 7, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure relate to batteries and battery packs including batteries. Background Technology

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power batteries to drive motors in vehicles such as hybrid or electric cars. Such secondary batteries include electrodes containing positive and / or negative electrodes, electrode assemblies including the electrodes, a housing containing the electrode assemblies, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assemblies.

[0005] With technological advancements, there is a need for high-capacity rechargeable batteries. Therefore, multiple rechargeable batteries can be electrically connected and used. For example, rechargeable batteries can be applied to electronic devices in the form of battery modules comprising multiple rechargeable batteries and / or battery packs comprising multiple rechargeable battery modules. According to one embodiment, a rechargeable battery pack can also be configured with multiple rechargeable batteries. In this case, the electronic device requires high power and / or high capacity, and may include, for example, electric vehicles.

[0006] A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are arranged alternately. The electrode assembly is housed within a casing. Multiple positive and negative electrodes (referred to herein as “electrodes”) constituting the electrode assembly are electrically connected to the outside via positive and negative electrode tabs (referred to herein as “electrode tabs”). In this case, the positive and negative electrode tabs are electrically connected to positive and negative electrode terminals (referred to herein as “electrode terminals”) mounted on a cover plate, respectively, and one or more connecting members may be provided between the electrode tabs and the electrode terminals.

[0007] Typically, electrode terminals are physically connected to connecting members using metal-to-metal joining methods such as welding. For this purpose, welding is performed between the electrode terminals and the connecting members to which the electrode assembly is connected, while the electrode assembly is being inserted into the housing. Welding processes such as thermal welding and laser welding are widely used. However, due to the nature of welding processes that use high-energy heat sources or laser light sources, surrounding components, especially the electrode assembly, are easily damaged during the welding process.

[0008] The information disclosed in the background section of this invention is provided to improve the understanding of the background of this invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related technology. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery and a battery pack including the battery are provided, wherein damage to the electrode assembly is prevented or substantially prevented during welding of the electrode terminals and connecting members.

[0010] However, the aspects and problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other aspects and problems not mentioned.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery includes: a housing; an electrode assembly housed in the housing and including electrodes; a terminal piece member connected to and extending from the electrodes; a cover assembly facing the electrode assembly and including terminals; a connecting member disposed between the electrode assembly and the cover assembly and connected to the terminals and the terminal piece member; and an electrode protection member disposed between the connecting member and the electrode assembly.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode protection member may include a material configured to block welding energy. In one embodiment, the welding energy may be a laser beam, and the electrode protection member may include a plastic material.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode protection member may be coupled to the connecting member. In one embodiment, the electrode protection member may include a fastening portion coupled to the connecting member. The fastening portion may include a coupling hook, and the connecting member may include an opening into which the coupling hook is inserted and coupled.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode protection member may include: a blocking member coupled to the connecting member and configured to block welding energy; and a heat dissipation layer disposed on at least one surface of the blocking member. For example, the heat dissipation layer may include a thermal interface material. The thermal interface material may be any one of silicone resin, epoxy resin, and polyimide.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery includes: a housing having a cuboid shape with an opening; an electrode assembly housed in the housing and including electrodes; a terminal piece member connected to and extending from the electrodes; a cover assembly having a plate shape, including terminals, and disposed in the opening to face the electrode assembly; a connecting member between the electrode assembly and the cover assembly, and including a first portion joined to the terminals by welding and a second portion different from the first portion and connected to the terminal piece member; and an electrode protection member disposed below the first portion and between the connecting member and the electrode assembly.

[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode protection member may be formed of a material configured to block welding energy applied during the welding of the first portion. In one embodiment, the welding energy may be a laser beam, and the electrode protection member may comprise a plastic material.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode protection member may include: a blocking member coupled to a connecting member and configured to block welding energy; and a heat dissipation layer disposed on at least one surface of the blocking member. For example, the blocking member may be coupled to the connecting member. In one embodiment, the heat dissipation layer may include a thermal interface material. In one embodiment, the thermal interface material may be any one of silicone resin, epoxy resin, and polyimide.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the blocking member may include: a protective portion corresponding to the position of the first portion; and a fastening portion engaged with the connecting member. In one embodiment, the fastening portion may include a connecting hook, and the connecting member may include an opening formed in the second portion, wherein the connecting hook is inserted into and engaged in the opening.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a battery pack includes: a housing; and a plurality of batteries housed in the housing, wherein each of the plurality of batteries includes: a casing having a cuboid shape with an opening; an electrode assembly housed in the casing and including electrodes; a terminal piece member connected to and extending from the electrode assembly; a cover assembly having a plate shape, including terminals, and disposed in the opening to face the electrode assembly; a connecting member disposed between the electrode assembly and the cover assembly, and including a first portion joined to the terminals by welding and a second portion different from the first portion and connected to the terminal piece member; and an electrode protection member disposed below the first portion and between the connecting member and the electrode assembly.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the electrode protection member may include: a blocking member coupled to the connecting member and including a material configured to block applied welding energy during the welding process of the first part; and a heat dissipation layer disposed on at least one surface of the blocking member. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The following drawings included in this specification are intended to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and the spirit of the invention will be more clearly understood from the accompanying drawings and the following description of the invention; however, the illustrations in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 For illustrative purposes only Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the secondary battery configuration;

[0025] Figure 4 For illustrative purposes only. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of the secondary battery;

[0026] Figure 5 A view illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 For along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the secondary battery taken from line VI-VI';

[0028] Figure 7 A perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode protection member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 An exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the electrode protection member and the connecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0030] Figure 9 The following is a perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode protection component being connected to a connecting component. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In this document, some exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be understood to have meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define concepts and terms to best interpret the inventor's invention. Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are some exemplary embodiments and do not necessarily represent the full technical spirit of the invention. Thus, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made at the time of filing this application.

[0032] Furthermore, when used in this specification, "comprise / include / comprising / including" may indicate the presence of a described shape, quantity, step, operation, component, element, and / or group thereof, but may not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups.

[0033] Furthermore, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings are not illustrated to scale. Instead, the dimensions of some components may be enlarged. Additionally, in different embodiments, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components.

[0034] The description of two objects being compared as "identical" can mean that they are identical or substantially identical. Therefore, stating "identical" or "substantially identical" can include cases with what is considered a low degree of deviation, such as within 5%. Additionally, the description of a parameter being identical in a certain region can mean that the parameter is identical from an average perspective.

[0035] Ordinal terms, such as "first" and "second," can be used to describe various components, but components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. Unless specifically described as the opposite, a first component may also be a second component.

[0036] Throughout the instruction manual, unless otherwise specifically described, each component may be provided in the singular or plural.

[0037] The arrangement of any configuration on the “upper part (or lower part)” or on the “above (or below)” of a component may mean not only that any configuration may be set to contact the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that another configuration may be between the component and any configuration disposed on the component.

[0038] Additionally, when describing a component as “connected,” “linked,” or “accessed” to another component, these components may be directly connected, linked, or accessed to each other, or one or more other components may be “between” these components, or these components may be “connected,” “linked,” or “accessed” through one or more other components.

[0039] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” refers to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. When preceding / following a list of elements, the terms “one or more” and “at least one” modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements within the list.

[0040] Throughout the instruction manual, the expression “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated otherwise; the expression “C to D” means C or more and D or fewer, unless otherwise indicated.

[0041] When phrases such as “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “at least one of the groups of A, B and C” or “at least one of A, B and C” are used to label 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 and B and C.

[0042] As used herein, the term “use / using / used” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize / utilizing / utilized”. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, areas, layers, or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or section from another. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above,” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, when the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” other elements will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations.

[0045] The terminology used in this specification is intended to describe embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] refer to Figure 1The battery pack may include a housing 10, a secondary battery 2, and a busbar 3.

[0048] The housing 10 forms the overall exterior of the battery pack and provides space to accommodate multiple secondary batteries 2. The housing 10 may include a housing body 11 and a cover 12.

[0049] In one embodiment, the housing body 11 may be formed in a box shape, having an empty interior and an open surface. However, the cross-sectional shape of the housing body 11 is not limited to such a shape. Figure 1 The quadrilateral shape shown in the figure can be varied into any shape with various shapes, such as polygonal shapes, circular shapes, and elliptical shapes.

[0050] The cover 12 can be attached to the housing body 11 and can enclose the internal space of the housing body 11. In one example, the cover 12 can be formed with a generally plate shape and can be configured as an open surface facing the housing body 11. The cover 12 can be secured to the housing body 11 by any of a variety of connection methods such as bolting, welding and assembly.

[0051] The secondary battery 2 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in a battery pack. Figure 2 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 For illustrative purposes only Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the configuration of the secondary battery; and Figure 4 For illustrative purposes only Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the configuration of the secondary battery.

[0052] In this document, the case of a lithium-ion secondary battery having a prismatic shape will be described as an example. However, the invention is not limited to this; for example, the secondary battery may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0053] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The secondary battery 2 includes a housing 100, an electrode assembly 200, a first terminal piece 301 and a second terminal piece 302, a cover assembly 400, a first connecting member 500 and a second connecting member 600, and a first electrode protection member 700 and a second electrode protection member 800.

[0054] The housing 100 typically forms the exterior of the secondary battery 2 and may house the electrode assembly 200 therein. The housing 100 may include a bottom portion 110, a front surface portion 120, a rear surface portion 130, a first side surface portion 140, and a second side surface portion 150.

[0055] The bottom portion 110 may form the lower outer portion of the housing 100 (based on...) Figure 3In one embodiment, the bottom portion 110 may have a rectangular plate shape. The bottom portion 110 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing body 11.

[0056] The front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150 may form the peripheral exterior of the housing 100. The front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150 may have an upward extension from the edge of the bottom portion 110 (based on...). Figure 3 The plate is in the form of a plate. The front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150 may be configured to surround the upper space of the bottom portion 110. In one embodiment, the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150 may be configured to form a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0057] The front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 may be configured to face each other along the length of the housing 10. In one embodiment, the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 may be configured to be parallel to each other. In another embodiment, the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 may have the same area.

[0058] The first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may be configured to face each other in the width direction of the housing 10. In one embodiment, the first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may be configured to be parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may have the same area. The first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may each have a smaller area than each of the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130.

[0059] The housing 100 may further include an opening 160. The opening 160 may refer to the space surrounded by the upper portions of the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150. The opening 160 connects the internal and external spaces of the housing 100. Therefore, in one embodiment, the housing 100 may have a cuboid shape with an open upper side.

[0060] As described in this article, the first direction may refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The direction parallel to the Z-axis and the direction from the bottom portion 110 toward the opening 160. The second direction may refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The direction parallel to the Y-axis and the direction from the first side surface portion 140 toward the second side surface portion 150. The third direction may refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The direction parallel to the X-axis and the direction from the front surface portion 120 toward the rear surface portion 130.

[0061] The electrode assembly 200 can be used as a unit structure for performing charging and discharging operations in a secondary battery. The electrode assembly 200 can be housed within the housing 100.

[0062] Figure 5 A view illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The electrode assembly 200 may include a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, and a diaphragm 230 disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. In one embodiment, the first electrode 210, the diaphragm 230, and the second electrode 220 may each be provided as multiples.

[0063] In this document, an example will be described where the electrode assembly 200 has a stacked configuration in which a plurality of first electrodes 210, a plurality of diaphragms 230, and a plurality of second electrodes 220 are stacked sequentially in a third direction. However, the electrode assembly 200 is not limited to the above configuration and may also be configured such that the first electrodes 210, diaphragms 230, and second electrodes 220 are stacked and then wound around a winding shaft in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0064] The first electrode 210 can be used as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 200. In this document, the case in which the first electrode 210 is the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 200 will be described as an example. However, the first electrode 210 is not limited to this and can also be used as the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200.

[0065] The first electrode 210 can be formed in the form of a foil comprising a metallic material (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). There are no particular limitations on the type, size, and shape of the first electrode 210, as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. However, the cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 210 can be changed to, except as described above. Figure 5 Various shapes other than the rectangular shape shown.

[0066] In one embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes 210 may be provided. The plurality of first electrodes 210 may be arranged in a third-direction orientation between the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 of the housing 100. The number of first electrodes 210 may vary depending on the charging capacity of the secondary battery 2, etc.

[0067] The first active material layer 211 may be formed on at least a part of the first electrode 210. The first active material layer 211 may be formed on two or opposite surfaces of the first electrode 210, or may be formed on only one surface of the first electrode 210. In one embodiment, the first electrode 210 serves as a positive electrode, and the first active material layer 211 may include a positive electrode active material.

[0068] The positive electrode active material may include a compound capable of reversibly inserting and extracting lithium (lithiated insertion compound). In one embodiment, the positive electrode active material may include a composite oxide of lithium and one or more metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and combinations thereof.

[0069] For example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, NCM). Here, the conditions of 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 may be satisfied. The positive electrode active material may include one of LiFePO4, LiMnFePO4, and LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, and may include two or all of LiFeO4, LiMnFePO4, and LiNi x O y Mn z O2.

[0070] The first active material layer 211 may further include a positive electrode conductive material.

[0071] The positive electrode conductive material imparts conductivity to the first active material layer 211, and any suitable conductive material that does not cause chemical changes in the battery may be used. Examples of the positive electrode conductive material may include: carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon nanotube; metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as poly(phenylene) derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0072] The first active material layer 211 may further include a positive electrode binder.

[0073] The positive electrode binder adheres the particles constituting the positive electrode active material to each other well and adheres the positive electrode active material to the first electrode 210 well. Examples of the positive electrode binder may include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0074] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Waterborne adhesives can be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0076] If the aqueous binder is used as the positive electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. In one embodiment, Na, K, or Li may be used as the alkali metal.

[0077] Dry adhesives are polymeric materials capable of being fibrous, and may be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0078] The first electrode 210 may include a first uncoated portion 212 thereon on which the first active material layer 211 is not formed. In one embodiment, the first uncoated portion 212 may be disposed in the upper region of the first electrode 210, the upper region being configured to face the opening 160 from the inside of the housing 100. However, the first uncoated portion 212 is not limited to this form, and in one embodiment, it may be formed across the entire edge region of the first electrode 210.

[0079] The second electrode 220 can be used as another of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 200. In this document, the case where the second electrode 220 is the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200 will be described as an example. However, the second electrode 220 is not limited to this and can also be used as the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 200.

[0080] In one embodiment, a plurality of second electrodes 220 may be provided. The plurality of second electrodes 220 may be arranged in a third-party direction between the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 of the housing 100. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 may be alternately arranged in a third-party direction. The second electrode 220 may be configured to be spaced a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the first electrode 210 in a third-party direction.

[0081] The second electrode 220 may be formed in the form of a foil made of a metallic material such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy. As long as the second electrode 220 has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery, the type, size, and shape of the second electrode 200 are not particularly limited. However, the cross-sectional shape of the second electrode 220 may be changed to various shapes other than a rectangle as shown in Figure 5 the figure.

[0082] The second active material layer 221 may be formed on at least a part of the second electrode 220. The second active material layer 221 may be formed on two or opposite surfaces of the second electrode 220, or may be formed only on one surface of the second electrode 220.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second electrode 220 serves as a negative electrode, and the second active material layer 221 may include a negative electrode active material.

[0084] The negative electrode active material may be a material that can reversibly intercalate / deintercalate lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0085] The material capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions is a carbon-based negative electrode active material, and may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as amorphous, plate-like, flaky, spherical, or fibrous natural graphite or artificial graphite. Examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide products, and calcined coke, etc.

[0086] In one embodiment, the lithium metal alloy may be an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn.

[0087] Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials may be used as materials capable of doping and dedoping lithium. Si-based negative electrode active materials may include silicon, silicon-carbon composites, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), Si-Q alloys (where Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements (excluding Si), Group 15 elements, Group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or combinations thereof. Sn-based negative electrode active materials may include Sn, SnO x (0 < x ≤ 2, for example, SnO2), Sn-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0088] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are aggregated, and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) located on the surface of the secondary particles. In one embodiment, the amorphous carbon may be located between the primary silicon particles, such that, for example, the primary silicon particles are coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0089] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0090] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used by mixing them with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0091] The second active material layer 221 may further include a negative electrode conductive material and a negative electrode binder.

[0092] The negative electrode conductive material imparts conductivity to the second active material layer 221, and any suitable conductive material that will not cause chemical changes in the battery can be used. Examples of negative electrode conductive materials may include: carbon-based materials, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metallic materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0093] The negative electrode binder ensures that the particles constituting the negative electrode active material adhere well to each other and also ensures that the negative electrode active material adheres well to the second electrode 220.

[0094] Examples of negative electrode adhesives may include non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0095] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0096] Waterborne adhesives can be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0097] If the aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. In one embodiment, Na, K, or Li may be used as the alkali metal.

[0098] Dry adhesives are polymeric materials capable of being fibrous, and may be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0099] The second electrode 220 may include a second uncoated portion 222 on which no second active material layer 221 is formed. The second uncoated portion 222 may be disposed in the upper region of the second electrode 220, which is configured to face the opening 160 from the inside of the housing 100. However, the second uncoated portion 222 is not limited to this form, and in one embodiment, it may be formed across the entire edge region of the second electrode 220.

[0100] A diaphragm 230 may be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. The diaphragm 230 can prevent or substantially prevent short circuits between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220, while allowing lithium ions to move between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 230.

[0101] In one embodiment, the diaphragm 230 may be configured to cover the entire surface area of ​​the electrode assembly 200. Therefore, the diaphragm 230 can prevent or substantially prevent the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 from being directly exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 200.

[0102] In one embodiment, the diaphragm 230 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer membrane of two or more layers thereof, and may also be made of mixed multilayer membranes, such as a polyethylene / polypropylene bilayer diaphragm, a polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene trilayer diaphragm, and a polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene trilayer diaphragm.

[0103] The diaphragm 230 may include a porous substrate and a coating on one or both or opposite surfaces of the porous substrate, comprising organic materials, inorganic materials or combinations thereof.

[0104] The porous substrate may be a polymer film formed from a polymer selected from polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), or a mixture of two or more polymers.

[0105] Organic materials may include polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0106] In one embodiment, 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 the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0107] Organic and inorganic materials can exist by mixing them in a single coating, or by stacking coatings that may include organic materials and coatings that include inorganic materials.

[0108] The first connecting tab member 301 is connected to the first electrode 210 and can protrude outward from the electrode assembly 200. In one embodiment, the first electrode 210 is used as a positive electrode, and the first connecting tab member 301 can be used as a positive electrode connecting tab of the secondary battery 2. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and if the first electrode 210 is a negative electrode, the first connecting tab member 301 can be used as a negative electrode connecting tab of the secondary battery 2.

[0109] The first contact member 301 may extend from the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction. That is, the first contact member 301 may extend from the interior of the housing 100 toward the opening 160.

[0110] The first terminal block component 301 may include one or more terminal block components. As an example, the first terminal block component 301 may include a first inner terminal block component 310 and a first outer terminal block component 320. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the first terminal block component 301 may include one terminal block component or three or more terminal block components.

[0111] The first inner connector member 310 and the first outer connector member 320 may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. As an example, the first outer connector member 320 and the first inner connector member 310 may be sequentially arranged in the second direction. That is, the first outer connector member 320 may be arranged in a direction opposite to the second direction at a position spaced a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the first inner connector member 310. The first outer connector member 320 may be arranged at a position relatively closer to the first side surface portion 140 than the first inner connector member 310.

[0112] The first inner contact component 310 may include a first inner contact 311. The first inner contact 311 may be in the form of a foil extending from the first uncoated portion 212 of the first electrode 210 in a first direction. In one embodiment, the first inner contact 311 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the first inner contact 311 is not limited thereto and may be varied in various ways.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first inner terminal piece 311 may be integrally formed with the first electrode 210. For example, the first inner terminal piece 311 may be the remaining area of ​​the first uncoated portion 212 after a portion of the first uncoated portion 212 has been cut or removed by a process such as grooving. In another embodiment, the first inner terminal piece 311 may be manufactured separately from the first electrode 210 and then connected to the first uncoated portion 212 by welding or the like. In one embodiment, the material of the first inner terminal piece 311 may be the same as the material of the first electrode 210.

[0114] In one embodiment, a plurality of first inner terminals 311 may be provided. The number of first inner terminals 311 may be the same as the number of first electrodes 210. The first inner terminals 311 may extend individually from the first uncoated portions 212 of different first electrodes 210. Adjacent first inner terminals 311 may be configured to face each other in a third-order direction. Adjacent first inner terminals 311 may be configured to be parallel to each other. The first inner terminal assembly 310 may be an assembly of a plurality of first inner terminals 311 stacked in a third-order direction. Adjacent first inner terminals 311 may contact each other and may be spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the diaphragm 230.

[0115] The first external lead member 320 may include a first external lead 321. The first external lead 321 may be in the form of a foil extending from the first uncoated portion 212 of the first electrode 210 in a first direction. The first external lead 321 may be disposed at a position spaced apart from the first internal lead 311 by a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) in a direction opposite to the second direction. In one embodiment, the first external lead 321 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the first external lead 321 is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first external connecting piece 321 may be integrally formed with the first electrode 210. For example, after a portion of the first uncoated portion 212 is cut or removed by a process such as grooving, the first external connecting piece 321 may be the area that excludes the first internal connecting piece 311 from the remaining area of ​​the first uncoated portion 212. In another embodiment, the first external connecting piece 321 may be manufactured separately from the first electrode 210 and then connected to the first uncoated portion 212 by welding or the like. In one embodiment, the material of the first external connecting piece 321 may be the same as the material of the first electrode 210.

[0117] In one embodiment, a plurality of first external leads 321 may be provided. The number of first external leads 321 may be the same as the number of first electrodes 210. The first external leads 321 may extend individually from the first uncoated portions 212 of different first electrodes 210. Adjacent first external leads 321 may be configured to face each other in a third-party direction. Adjacent first external leads 321 may be configured to be parallel to each other. Thus, the first external lead assembly 320 may be an assembly of a plurality of first external leads 321 stacked in a third-party direction. Adjacent first external leads 321 may contact each other and may be spaced apart from each other by the thickness of the diaphragm 230.

[0118] The secondary battery 2 may further include a second terminal member 302. The second terminal member 302 is connected to the second electrode 220 and may protrude outward from the electrode assembly 200. In one embodiment, the second electrode 220 serves as a negative electrode, and the second terminal member 302 may serve as a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery 2. However, the second terminal member 302 is not limited thereto, and if the second electrode 220 is a positive electrode, the second terminal member 302 may serve as a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery 2.

[0119] The second contact member 302 may extend from the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction. That is, the second contact member 302 may extend from the interior of the housing 100 toward the opening 160.

[0120] The second connector member 302 may include one or more connector members. As an example, the second connector member 302 may include a second inner connector member 330 and a second outer connector member 340. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the second connector member 302 may include one connector member or three or more connector members.

[0121] The second inner connector member 330 and the second outer connector member 340 may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction. In one example, the second inner connector member 330 and the second outer connector member 340 may be sequentially arranged in the second direction. That is, the second outer connector member 340 may be arranged in the second direction at a position spaced a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the second inner connector member 330. The second outer connector member 340 may be arranged at a position relatively closer to the second side surface portion 150 than the second inner connector member 330.

[0122] The second inner contact component 330 may include a second inner contact 331. The second inner contact 331 may be in the form of a foil extending from the second uncoated portion 222 of the second electrode 220 in a first direction. In one embodiment, the second inner contact 331 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the second inner contact 331 is not limited thereto and may be varied in various ways.

[0123] In one embodiment, the second inner terminal 331 may be integrally formed with the second electrode 220. For example, the second inner terminal 331 may be the remaining area of ​​the second uncoated portion 222 after a portion of the second uncoated portion 222 has been cut or removed by a process such as grooving. In another embodiment, the second inner terminal 331 may be manufactured separately from the second electrode 220 and then connected to the second uncoated portion 222 by welding or the like. In one embodiment, the material of the second inner terminal 331 may be the same as the material of the second electrode 220.

[0124] In one embodiment, a plurality of second inner terminals 331 may be provided. The number of second inner terminals 331 may be the same as the number of second electrodes 220. Each second inner terminal 331 may extend individually from a second uncoated portion 222 of a different second electrode 220. Adjacent second inner terminals 331 may be configured to face each other in a third-party direction. Adjacent second inner terminals 331 may be configured to be parallel to each other. Therefore, the second inner terminal assembly 330 may be an assembly of a plurality of second inner terminals 331 stacked in a third-party direction. Adjacent second inner terminals 331 may contact each other and may be spaced apart by the thickness of the diaphragm 230.

[0125] The second external lead member 340 may include a second external lead 341. The second external lead 341 may be in the form of a foil extending in a first direction from the second uncoated portion 222 of the second electrode 220. The second external lead 341 may be positioned in a second direction at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the second internal lead 331. In one embodiment, the second external lead 341 may have a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the second external lead 341 is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways.

[0126] In one embodiment, the second external lead 341 may be integrally formed with the second electrode 220. For example, after a portion of the second uncoated portion 222 is cut or removed by a process such as grooving, the second external lead 341 may be the area that excludes the second internal lead 331 from the remaining area of ​​the second uncoated portion 222. In another embodiment, the second external lead 341 may be manufactured separately from the second electrode 220 and then connected to the second uncoated portion 222 by welding or the like. In one embodiment, the material of the second external lead 341 may be the same as the material of the second electrode 220.

[0127] In one embodiment, a plurality of second external leads 341 may be provided. The number of second external leads 341 may be the same as the number of second electrodes 220. Each second external lead 341 may extend individually from a second uncoated portion 222 of a different second electrode 220. Adjacent second external leads 341 may be configured to face each other in a third-party direction. Adjacent second external leads 341 may be configured to be parallel to each other. Therefore, the second external lead assembly 340 may be an assembly of a plurality of second external leads 341 stacked in a third-party direction. Adjacent second external leads 341 may contact each other and may be spaced apart by the thickness of the diaphragm 230.

[0128] The cover assembly 400 can be coupled to the housing 100 and can seal the housing 100. The cover assembly 400 can be configured to face the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction. The cover assembly 400 may include a cover plate 410, a first terminal 420, and a second terminal 430.

[0129] The cover plate 410 forms the overall exterior of the cover assembly 400 and supports (e.g., fully supports) the first terminal 420 and the second terminal 430. The cover plate 410 may be formed in a flat plate shape. The cover plate 410 may be disposed in an opening 160 of the housing 100. The cover plate 410 may be positioned facing the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction. That is, the cover plate 410 may be positioned in the first direction at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the electrode assembly 200. The cover plate 410 may be positioned parallel to the bottom portion 110 of the housing 100.

[0130] The cover plate 410 may be disposed on the upper portion of the housing 100, and in one embodiment, it may be disposed on the upper portions of the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150. The cover plate 410 may be attached to the housing 100 by any of a variety of connection methods such as welding, bolting, and assembly.

[0131] The first terminal 420 can be inserted into the cover plate 410. The first terminal 420 can be electrically connected to the first electrode 210. In one embodiment, the first electrode 210 is used as a positive electrode, and the first terminal 420 can be the positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery 2. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the first terminal 420 can protrude outward from the cover plate 410 in a first direction.

[0132] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the first terminal 420 is illustrated as having a rectangular planar shape, but the planar shape of the first terminal 420 is not limited to this and can have any shape such as a circle, an ellipse or a polygon. The first terminal 420 can be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, copper or the like.

[0133] The first gasket 421 may be installed between the cover plate 410 and the first terminal 420. The first gasket 421 can electrically insulate the cover plate 410 from the first terminal 420 and can prevent or substantially prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering between the cover plate 410 and the first terminal 420.

[0134] The first gasket 421 may be formed of an insulating material, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber. The first gasket 421 may be fixed between the cover plate 410 and the first terminal 420 by compression fitting, injection molding, or bonding.

[0135] The second terminal 430 can be inserted into the cover plate 410. The second terminal 430 can be electrically connected to the second electrode 220. In one embodiment, the second electrode 220 is used as a negative electrode, and the second terminal 430 can be the negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery 2. In one embodiment, the upper portion of the second terminal 430 can protrude outward from the cover plate 410 in a first direction.

[0136] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the second terminal 430 is illustrated as having a rectangular planar shape, but the planar shape of the second terminal 430 is not limited to this and can have any shape such as a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. The second terminal 430 can be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, or copper.

[0137] The second gasket 431 may be installed between the cover plate 410 and the second terminal 430. The second gasket 431 can electrically insulate the cover plate 410 from the second terminal 430 and prevent or substantially prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering between the cover plate 410 and the second terminal 430.

[0138] The second gasket 431 may be formed of an insulating material, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber. The second gasket 431 may be fixed between the cover plate 410 and the second terminal 430 by compression fitting, injection molding, bonding, or other methods.

[0139] In one embodiment, the cover assembly 400 may further include a vent 440 and a vent 450. The vent 440 may be formed as a hole having two or opposite surfaces of the cover plate 410 perpendicularly through a first direction. In the event of thermal runaway of the secondary battery 2 due to overcurrent or the like, the vent 440 may provide a path for flames, gases, smoke, etc., formed inside the housing 100 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 100. In one embodiment, the vent 440 may be disposed between the first terminal 420 and the second terminal 430. The cross-sectional shape of the vent 440 may have any of a variety of shapes, such as an elliptical shape, a circular shape, and a polygonal shape.

[0140] The vent 450 is installed in the vent 440 and can be opened and closed in response to changes in the internal pressure of the housing 100. That is, during normal operation of the secondary battery 2, the vent 450 can close the vent 440 to prevent or substantially prevent the leakage of electrolytes or the like from inside the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100, or to prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering the housing 100. The vent 450 can open the vent 440 during thermal runaway of the secondary battery 2 to guide flames, gases or smoke formed inside the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0141] The vent 450 may have a generally plate-like shape. The vent 450 may be fixed to the cover plate 410 by any of a variety of connection methods such as welding, bolting, and assembly. The vent 450 may be disposed inside the vent hole 440, or may be disposed on the upper or lower side of the cover plate 410 so as to face the vent hole 440 in a first direction.

[0142] In one embodiment, the thickness of the vent 450 in the first direction may be less than the thickness of the cover plate 410. Therefore, if the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases, the vent 450 may easily rupture or break. In one embodiment, the vent 450 may include a notch formed to be recessed inward in the vent 450 so as to preferentially break when the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases.

[0143] The cover assembly 400 may further include an electrolyte injection port 460 formed through the cover plate 410, wherein a sealing cover may be installed. The electrolyte injection port 460 may be positioned at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from the vent port 440 in a second direction or in a direction opposite to the second direction. In one embodiment, the electrolyte injection port 460 may be located between the first terminal 420 and the second terminal 430.

[0144] The cover assembly 400 may further include an insulating plate 470. The insulating plate 470 may be disposed between the cover plate 410 and the electrode assembly 200. The insulating plate 470 insulates the cover plate 410 from the electrode assembly 200 by preventing or substantially preventing direct contact between the cover plate 410 and the electrode assembly 200. The insulating plate 470 may fix the position of the electrode assembly 200 within the housing 100. If the cover plate 410 deforms toward the interior of the housing 100 due to external impacts, etc., the insulating plate 470 may prevent or substantially prevent the electrode assembly 200 from breaking.

[0145] An insulating plate 470 may be disposed inside the housing 100 to face the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction. That is, the electrode assembly 200, the insulating plate 470, and the cover plate 410 may be arranged sequentially in the first direction. The insulating plate 470 may be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 100 by any of various types of connection methods such as assembly, welding, bolting, and bonding. The insulating plate 470 may be in contact with the surface of the electrode assembly 200 from which the first terminal member 301 and the second terminal member 302 extend. The insulating plate 470 may be formed of an insulating material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or rubber.

[0146] A first connecting member 500 may be disposed between the electrode assembly 200 and the cover assembly 400. The first connecting member 500 may be connected to the first terminal 420 and the first contact member 301. The first connecting member 500 may electrically connect the first terminal 420 and the first contact member 301. The first connecting member 500 may be formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the first connecting member 500 may be formed of the same material as the first terminal 420. In one embodiment, the first connecting member 500 may include a first portion joined to the first terminal 420 by welding and a second portion different from the first portion and connected to the first contact member 301.

[0147] The first connecting member 500 can be implemented in various ways depending on the type of secondary battery, the shape or arrangement of the first terminal piece 301, and the shape or arrangement of the first terminal 420.

[0148] As an example, such as Figure 3As shown, the first connecting member 500 may include a first current collector 510 and a first current collector plate 520. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first current collector 510 and the first current collector plate 520 are illustrated as separate components, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first current collector 510 and the first current collector plate 520 may be formed as an integral component. The first current collector 510 may be connected to the first terminal 420.

[0149] The first current collector 510 may include a first body 511 and a first boss 512. The first body 511 may form an external side of the first current collector 510 and support the first boss 512. The first body 511 and the first boss 512 may be manufactured as separate components and then joined together, or they may be formed as an integral component.

[0150] The first body 511 may be disposed between the electrode assembly 200 and the first terminal 420. The first body 511 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the first terminal 420 by a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) in a direction opposite to the first direction. The first body 511 may be disposed in the insulating plate 470, and may also be disposed on the upper or lower side of the insulating plate 470. (Except as...) Figure 3 In addition to the rectangular shape illustrated, the planar shape of the first body 511 can have any shape among various shapes such as circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes.

[0151] A first boss 512 may extend from a first body 511 and may be connected to a first terminal 420. The first boss 512 may have a cylindrical shape extending from the first body 511 in a first direction. The first boss 512 may be cylindrical in shape having a certain thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness) and a hollow interior.

[0152] The upper surface of the first boss 512 can contact the lower surface of the first terminal 420. In this case, the first boss 512 can vertically penetrate the insulating plate 470 in a first direction. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the first boss 512 can be laser welded to the lower surface of the first terminal 420. In addition to... Figure 3 In addition to the circular shape illustrated, the planar shape of the first boss 512 may have any shape of various shapes, such as an elliptical shape and a polygonal shape.

[0153] The first manifold plate 520 may be fixed to the first manifold 510 and connected to the first connector member 301. In one embodiment, the first manifold plate 520 may include a first center plate 521, a first inner plate 522 and a first outer plate 523.

[0154] A first center plate 521 may form the outer central portion of the first current collector plate 520 and may be connected to the first current collector 510. The first center plate 521 may be disposed between the first body 511 and the electrode assembly 200. The first center plate 521 may contact the lower surface of the first body 511 located on the opposite side of the first boss 512. The first center plate 521 may be fixed to the lower surface of the first body 511 by any of various types of connection methods such as welding, bolting, and bonding. Two or opposite end portions of the first center plate 521 may extend from the first body 511 toward the electrode assembly 200. Two or opposite end portions of the first center plate 521 may pass through the insulating plate 470 and may be disposed below the insulating plate 470.

[0155] The first center plate 521 may have a first hole H1 formed with a certain size and shape (e.g., a predetermined size and shape). The first hole H1 may be located at a position corresponding to the first boss 512. The first hole H1 may be located below the first boss 512 in the Z-axis direction. The first hole H1 may be formed with a size and shape that allows the first blocking member 710 of the first electrode protection member 700 to be inserted therefrom. Therefore, the size and shape of the first hole H1 may correspond to the size and shape of the first blocking member 710. However, the shape of the first hole H1 is not limited to a circular shape and may have other shapes, such as elliptical or quadrilateral shapes.

[0156] The first inner plate 522 may extend from the first central plate 521 in a second direction. The first inner plate 522 may extend from an end portion of the first central plate 521 in the second direction. The first inner plate 522 may be positioned to face the first inner connector member 310 in a first direction. The first inner plate 522 may contact the end surface of the first inner connector member 310. In one embodiment, the first inner connector member 310 and the first inner plate 522 may be joined to each other by laser welding.

[0157] The first outer plate 523 may extend from the first center plate 521 in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first outer plate 523 may also extend from another end portion of the first center plate 521 in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first outer plate 523 may be positioned to face the first external connector member 320 in the first direction. The first outer plate 523 may contact the end surface of the first external connector member 320. In one embodiment, the first external connector member 320 and the first outer plate 523 may be joined together by laser welding.

[0158] The secondary battery 2 may further include a second connecting member 600. The second connecting member 600 may be disposed between the electrode assembly 200 and the cover assembly 400. The second connecting member 600 may be connected to the second terminal 430 and the second contact member 302. The second connecting member 600 may be electrically connected to the second terminal 430 and the second contact member 302. The second connecting member 600 may be formed of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the second connecting member 600 may be formed of the same material as the second terminal 430.

[0159] The second connecting member 600 can be implemented in various ways depending on the type of secondary battery, the shape or arrangement of the second terminal member 302, and the shape or arrangement of the second terminal 430.

[0160] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second connecting member 600 may include a second current collector 610 and a second current collector plate 620. Figure 3 In this illustration, the second current collector 610 and the second current collector plate 620 are shown as separate components, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second current collector 610 and the second current collector plate 620 may be formed as an integral component. The second current collector 610 may be connected to the second terminal 430.

[0161] The second current collector 610 may include a second body 611 and a second boss 612. The second body 611 may form an external side portion of the second current collector 610 and support the second boss 612. The second body 611 and the second boss 612 may be manufactured as separate components and then joined together, or they may be formed as an integral component.

[0162] The second body 611 may be disposed between the electrode assembly 200 and the second terminal 430. The second body 611 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the second terminal 430 by a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) in a direction opposite to the first direction. The second body 611 may be disposed in the insulating plate 470, and may also be disposed on the upper or lower side of the insulating plate 470. (Except as...) Figure 3 In addition to the rectangular shape illustrated, the planar shape of the second body 611 can have any shape among various shapes such as circular, elliptical, and polygonal shapes.

[0163] The second boss 612 may extend from the second body 611 and may be connected to the second terminal 430. The second boss 612 may have a cylindrical shape extending from the second body 611 in a first direction. The second boss 612 may be cylindrical in shape with a certain thickness (e.g., a predetermined thickness) and a hollow interior.

[0164] The upper surface of the second boss 612 can contact the lower surface of the second terminal 430. In this case, the second boss 612 can vertically penetrate the insulating plate 470 in the first direction. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the second boss 612 can be laser welded to the lower surface of the second terminal 430. (Except as...) Figure 3 In addition to the circular shape illustrated, the planar shape of the second boss 612 can have any shape of various shapes, such as an elliptical shape and a polygonal shape.

[0165] The second manifold plate 620 may be fixed to the second manifold 610 and connected to the second connector member 302. In one embodiment, the second manifold plate 620 may include a second center plate 621, a second inner plate 622, and a second outer plate 623.

[0166] The second center plate 621 may form the outer central portion of the second current collector plate 620 and may be connected to the second current collector 610. The second center plate 621 may be disposed between the second body 611 and the electrode assembly 200. The second center plate 621 may contact the lower surface of the second body 611 located on the opposite side of the second boss 612. The second center plate 621 may be fixed to the lower surface of the second body 611 by any of various types of connection methods such as welding, bolting, and bonding. Two or opposite end portions of the second center plate 621 may extend from the second body 611 toward the electrode assembly 200. Two or opposite end portions of the second center plate 621 may pass through the insulating plate 470 and may be disposed below the insulating plate 470.

[0167] The second center plate 621 may have a second hole H2 formed with a certain size and shape (e.g., a predetermined size and shape). The second hole H2 may be located at a position corresponding to the second boss 612. The second hole H2 may be located below the second boss 612 in the Z-axis direction. The second hole H2 may be formed with a size and shape that allows the second protective portion 810 of the second electrode protection member 800 to be inserted therefrom. Therefore, the size and shape of the second hole H2 may correspond to the size and shape of the second protective portion 810. However, the shape of the second hole H2 is not limited to a circular shape, and may have any shape of various shapes such as elliptical or quadrilateral.

[0168] The second inner plate 622 may extend from the second center plate 621 in a direction opposite to the second direction. The second inner plate 622 may extend from an end portion of the second center plate 621 in a direction opposite to the second direction. The second inner plate 622 may be configured to face the second inner connector member 330 in a first direction. The second inner plate 622 may contact the end surface of the second inner connector member 330. In one embodiment, the second inner connector member 330 and the second inner plate 622 may be joined together by laser welding.

[0169] The second outer plate 623 may extend from the second center plate 621 in a second direction. The second outer plate 623 may also extend from the other end portion of the second center plate 621 in a second direction. The second outer plate 623 may be positioned to face the second external connector member 340 in a first direction. The second outer plate 623 may contact the end surface of the second external connector member 340. In one embodiment, the second external connector member 340 and the second outer plate 623 may be joined together by laser welding.

[0170] The secondary battery 2 may further include a first electrode protection member 700 and a second electrode protection member 800. The first electrode protection member 700 and the second electrode protection member 800 are configured to protect the electrode assembly 200 beneath them from the welding energy applied during a welding process in which the first terminal 420 and the second terminal 430 are respectively welded to the first connecting member 500 and the second connecting member 600. In one embodiment, the first connecting member 500 and the second connecting member 600 are formed as plate-like members, and during a welding process (e.g., a laser welding process) for connecting the first connecting member 500 and the second connecting member 600 to the first terminal 420 and the second terminal 430 respectively, a laser beam can penetrate each of the first connecting member 500 and the second connecting member 600 and enter their interior. As a result, the laser beam entering their interior can damage the electrode assembly 200 (such as the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 and / or the separator 230) beneath the first connecting member 500 and the second connecting member 600. According to one embodiment, each of the first electrode protection member 700 and the second electrode protection member 800 is additionally disposed on the electrode assembly 200 to prevent welding energy (e.g., laser beam) from reaching the electrode assembly 200, thereby preventing or substantially preventing damage to the electrode assembly 200.

[0171] This article will further refer to Figures 6 to 8 The first electrode protection member 700 and the second electrode protection member 800 will be described in more detail. However, to avoid unnecessary repetition, the first electrode protection member 700 will be described only by example, and further description of the second electrode protection member 800 will be omitted. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the details described below regarding the first electrode protection member 700 also apply to the second electrode protection member 800.

[0172] Figure 6 For along Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of secondary battery 2 taken from line VI-VI'.

[0173] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6The first electrode protection member 700 may be disposed between the first connecting member 500 and the electrode assembly 200. That is, the first electrode protection member 700 may be located above the electrode assembly 200 and below the first connecting member 500. The first electrode protection member 700 may be configured to have a lower surface facing the electrode assembly 200 and an upper surface facing the first connecting member 500.

[0174] In one embodiment, the first electrode protection member 700 may be located below the weld joint portion WC between the first terminal 420 and the first connecting member 500. Because the first electrode protection member 700 is located below the weld joint portion WC, even if the first connecting member 500 is damaged during the welding process that joins the first terminal 420 and the first connecting member 500 by welding, the first electrode protection member 700 can block welding energy (e.g., a laser beam) from reaching the electrode assembly 200 below it.

[0175] In one embodiment, the first electrode protection member 700 may be formed of a material capable of blocking welding energy. In one embodiment, the weld joint portion WC is formed by laser beam welding between the first terminal 420 and the first connecting member 500. In this case, the first electrode protection member 700 may be formed of any insulating material capable of blocking the laser beam. For example, the first electrode protection member 700 may be formed of a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0176] According to one example of this embodiment, the first electrode protection member 700 may be located in the Y-axis direction between the first inner plate 522 and the first outer plate 523 of the first current collector plate 520, that is, below the first center plate 521. That is, the first electrode protection member 700 may be located below the first current collector 510, and in one embodiment, at least below the first boss 512.

[0177] In one embodiment, the first electrode protection member 700 may be connected to the first connecting member 500 from below. As an example, the first electrode protection member 700 may be disposed below and connected to the first center plate 521. In one embodiment, the first electrode protection member 700 partially protrudes upward from the first center plate 521 through a first hole H1, and the protruding portion may be inserted into the inner side of the first boss 512 of the first current collector 510. In one embodiment, another portion of the first electrode protection member 700 may be connected to the first connecting member 500, for example, to the first center plate 521.

[0178] Figure 7 A perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode protection member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8An exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the electrode protection member and the connecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 The following is a perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode protection component being connected to a connecting component.

[0179] refer to Figures 6 to 9 The first electrode protection member 700 may include a first blocking member 710. The first blocking member 710 may be at least partially inserted into the first boss 512 to be positioned below the weld joint portion WC. Therefore, during laser welding of the first terminal 420 and the first boss 512, the first blocking member 710 may prevent or substantially prevent damage to the electrode assembly 200 below it by the laser beam. In one embodiment, the first blocking member 710 may include a protective portion corresponding to the position of the first portion and a fastening portion in the portion other than the protective portion and coupled to the first connecting member 500.

[0180] In one embodiment, the first blocking member 710 may be coupled to the first connecting member 500, for example, to the first center plate 521. In one embodiment, the first blocking member 710 may be coupled to the first center plate 521 and the first body 511. In one embodiment, the first blocking member 710 may include a first fastening portion 712 configured to couple the first blocking member 710 to the first center plate 521 by fastening it to the first center plate 521 and / or the first body 511.

[0181] exist Figure 9 In this embodiment, the first fastening portion 712 is exemplified as fastened to the first center plate 521 and the first body 511 of the first connecting member 500, but the invention is not limited thereto, and the first fastening portion 712 may be fastened to another portion of the first connecting member 500, such as the first inner plate 522 and / or the first outer plate 523. In this case, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the position of the first fastening portion 712 and / or the connection method of the first blocking member 710 and the first connecting member 500 may be different from those of other fastening portions. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The differences shown in the text.

[0182] The first fastening portion 712 can have any of various shapes and structures, as long as it can fasten and engage the first blocking member 710 to the first connecting member 500. For example, the first fastening portion 712 may include a connecting hook with a circular hook shape. In this case, the first connecting member 500 may have a hole or opening formed therein, into which the connecting hook of the first fastening portion 712 can be inserted and engaged. However, the shape of such a connecting hook is not limited to a circular shape, and may be a linear shape, etc., and in one embodiment, the first connecting member 500 may have a groove (e.g., a linear groove) corresponding to the shape of the hook.

[0183] There are no particular limitations on the manufacturing method of the first blocking member 710, which includes the first fastening portion 712. For example, in one embodiment, the first blocking member 710 may be formed of a plastic material, and the hook-shaped first fastening portion 712 may be manufactured using a method such as plastic injection molding.

[0184] According to one example of this embodiment, the first electrode protection member 700 may further include a first heat dissipation layer 720 provided on at least a portion of the first blocking member 710. The first heat dissipation layer 720 can dissipate heat generated in the electrode assembly 200 due to current flow caused by the charging and discharging of the secondary battery 2, as well as heat generated in the first connecting member 500 and the first terminal 420 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 200.

[0185] The first heat dissipation layer 720 may be formed of a material with excellent heat dissipation properties. For example, the first heat dissipation layer 720 may be formed of a thermal interface material (TIM). In one embodiment, the thermal interface material may include silicone resin, epoxy resin, or polyimide, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0186] The first heat dissipation layer 720 may be disposed on at least a portion of the first blocking member 710. In one embodiment, for example, the first heat dissipation layer 720 may be disposed only on the upper surface of the first blocking member 710. In another embodiment, the first heat dissipation layer 720 may be coated on the entire surface of the first blocking member 710, including its side surfaces. Therefore, increasing the area on which the first heat dissipation layer 720 is disposed can increase the heat dissipation effect.

[0187] refer to Figure 1 Multiple secondary batteries 2 are provided. The multiple secondary batteries 2 can be arranged along the length of the housing 10 (based on...). Figure 1 (in the X-axis direction) and width direction (based on) Figure 1 Arranged in two or more rows in at least one direction (the Y-axis direction). Figure 1 The example shown illustrates a configuration where multiple secondary batteries 2 are arranged in six rows along the length of the housing 10. However, the arrangement of the multiple secondary batteries 2 is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways. In one embodiment, the multiple secondary batteries 2 can be arranged side by side. The number of secondary batteries 2 can be varied in various ways depending on the size or shape of the housing 10.

[0188] The first terminal 420 of one of a pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2 and the second terminal 430 of the other of the pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2 can be configured to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. That is, the front surface portion 120 of one of the adjacent secondary batteries 2 can be configured to face the rear surface portion 130 of the other of the adjacent secondary batteries 2.

[0189] Multiple secondary batteries 2 can be electrically connected via busbars 3. Busbars 3 can be disposed between the cover 12 and the secondary batteries 2. Multiple busbars 3 can be provided. Each of the busbars 3 can be connected in series or in parallel to a pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2.

[0190] In one example, the two sides or opposite sides of the busbar 3 can be connected to the first terminal 420 of one of a pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2 and the second terminal 430 of the other of the pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2, respectively. Therefore, multiple secondary batteries 2 can be connected in series with each other via the busbar 3. However, the connection form of the busbar 3 is not limited to this, and in one embodiment, the two sides or opposite sides are connected to the first terminal 420 of one of a pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2 and the second terminal 430 of the other of the pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2, respectively; or the two sides or opposite sides are connected to the second terminal 430 of one of a pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2 and the second terminal 430 of the other of the pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2, respectively.

[0191] Busbar 3 can be formed from conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, or nickel. However, the specific shape of busbar 3 is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape shown in the figure can be changed in various ways to electrically connect adjacent secondary batteries 2.

[0192] Multiple busbars 3 may be supported within the housing 10 by busbar retainers H. The busbar retainer H may be formed in a flat plate shape. The busbar retainer H may be disposed between the cover 12 and the secondary battery 2. The busbars 3 may be secured to the busbar retainer H by any of various types of connection methods such as assembly, bolting, and molding. In one embodiment, the busbar retainer H may comprise an electrically insulating polymer composite material.

[0193] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, even if the connecting member is partially damaged during welding of the electrode terminals and the connecting member, the blocking member disposed between the connecting member and the electrode assembly can prevent or substantially prevent the welding beam from reaching the electrode assembly, thereby protecting the electrodes and diaphragms from damage. Furthermore, the blocking member is coupled to and installed on the connecting member, and is made of a material with excellent heat dissipation properties, so that the heat generated in the connecting member can be effectively dissipated.

[0194] However, those skilled in the art will understand that the aspects and effects achievable through the present invention are not limited to those described herein, and that other aspects, effects, and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description.

[0195] While the invention described above has been described with reference to some exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments and is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0196] Therefore, the scope of this invention should be determined according to the claims.

Claims

1. A battery, comprising: case; An electrode assembly, housed within the housing and comprising electrodes; A terminal component, connected to the electrode and extending from the electrode assembly; A cover assembly facing the electrode assembly and including terminals; A connecting member is disposed between the electrode assembly and the cover assembly, and is connected to the terminal and the connector member; as well as An electrode protection component is disposed between the connecting component and the electrode assembly.

2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the electrode protection member comprises a material configured to block welding energy.

3. The battery according to claim 2, wherein The welding energy is a laser beam, and The electrode protection component comprises a plastic material.

4. The battery according to claim 2, wherein the electrode protection member is coupled to the connecting member.

5. The battery of claim 4, wherein the electrode protection member includes a fastening portion coupled to the connecting member.

6. The battery according to claim 5, wherein The fastening part includes a connecting hook, and The connecting member includes an opening, into which the connecting hook is inserted and engaged.

7. The battery according to claim 4, wherein the electrode protection component comprises: A blocking member is attached to the connecting member and configured to block the welding energy; as well as A heat dissipation layer is disposed on at least one surface of the blocking member.

8. The battery according to claim 7, wherein the heat dissipation layer comprises a thermal interface material.

9. The battery according to claim 8, wherein the thermal interface material comprises any one of silicone resin, epoxy resin, and polyimide.

10. A battery, comprising: The shell has a rectangular shape with an opening; An electrode assembly, housed within the housing and comprising electrodes; A terminal component, connected to the electrode and extending from the electrode assembly; A cover assembly having a plate shape, including terminals, and arranged in the opening to face the electrode assembly; A connecting member is disposed between the electrode assembly and the cover assembly, and includes a first portion joined to the terminal by welding and a second portion different from the first portion and connected to the terminal piece member; as well as An electrode protection member is disposed below the first part and between the connecting member and the electrode assembly.

11. The battery of claim 10, wherein the electrode protection member comprises a material configured to block welding energy applied during welding of the first portion.

12. The battery according to claim 11, wherein The welding energy is a laser beam, and The electrode protection component comprises a plastic material.

13. The battery according to claim 11, wherein the electrode protection member comprises: A blocking member is attached to the connecting member and configured to block the welding energy; as well as A heat dissipation layer is disposed on at least one surface of the blocking member.

14. The battery of claim 13, wherein the blocking member includes a protective portion corresponding to the position of the first portion and a fastening portion connected to the connecting member.

15. The battery according to claim 14, wherein The fastening part includes a connecting hook, and The connecting member includes an opening in the second part, and the connecting hook is inserted into and engaged in the opening.

16. The battery of claim 13, wherein the heat dissipation layer comprises a thermal interface material.

17. The battery according to claim 16, wherein the thermal interface material comprises any one of silicone resin, epoxy resin, and polyimide.

18. A battery pack, comprising: shell; as well as Multiple batteries are housed within the casing. Each of the plurality of batteries is a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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