Secondary battery

Abstract

A secondary battery is disclosed. The secondary battery according to the present disclosure includes: an outer material; an electrode assembly housed inside the outer material, in which a separator is interposed between first electrodes and second electrodes, which are alternately and repeatedly arranged; and a heat distribution channel provided in one or more of the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and configured to connect the first electrode or the second electrode provided in an inner side region of the electrode assembly with the first electrode or the second electrode provided in an opposite outer side region. The secondary battery according to the present disclosure can alleviate thermal deviation caused by electrode positions, improve performance or lifespan, and improve stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] A secondary battery is an energy storage device that can be charged and discharged through an electrochemical reaction. Secondary batteries are being used in various fields that utilize electrical energy. For example, they are widely used in mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, and their applications are being explored in transportation equipment such as automobiles, airplanes, and ships. Furthermore, the demand for secondary batteries in Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that utilize excess electricity is also increasing.

[0003] In some secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, temperature can have a significant impact on performance, lifespan, and safety. Therefore, such secondary batteries require appropriate thermal management. Known methods include, for example, maintaining the secondary battery within a suitable temperature range using a predetermined temperature control system within the battery pack unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Some embodiments of this disclosure may provide secondary batteries.

[0006] In addition, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that can mitigate thermal deviations caused by electrode positions.

[0007] In addition, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that can improve performance or lifespan.

[0008] In addition, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that can improve stability.

[0009] Some embodiments of this disclosure can be widely applied to green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery may be provided, comprising: an outer casing material; an electrode assembly housed within the outer casing material, formed by alternating and repeatedly placing a separator between a first electrode and a second electrode; and a heat distribution channel disposed on one or more of the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to connect a first electrode or a second electrode disposed in an inner region of the electrode assembly to a first electrode or a second electrode disposed in a relatively outer region.

[0012] In some embodiments, the aforementioned outer material may be configured as a flexible thin film material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly is configured as a rectangle having a short side and a long side, and the heat distribution channel may be disposed on the long side and extended along the long side.

[0014] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may include a first heat distribution channel disposed on the first electrode, connecting the first electrode disposed in the inner region to the first electrode disposed in the outer region.

[0015] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may include a second heat distribution channel disposed on the second electrode, connecting the second electrode disposed in the inner region to the second electrode disposed in the outer region.

[0016] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel described above may be configured such that at least a portion is made of a thermally conductive material.

[0017] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may be configured to transfer heat from the inner region to the outer region, thereby mitigating the thermal deviation between the inner region and the outer region.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may have multiple channel joints that are joined to the first electrode or the second electrode at different positions along the inner and outer directions of the inner and outer regions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may have a channel connection portion that connects the plurality of channel joint portions and provides a heat transfer path between the plurality of channel joint portions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of channel joints and the channel connection portions described above may be configured as a single unit.

[0021] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel described above may be configured as a flexible sheet.

[0022] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel described above may be configured to have an insulating coating on its outer surface.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channels described above may include one or more of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and boron nitride as materials.

[0024] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may be configured to be bonded to the outer surface of the first electrode or the second electrode by means of a thermally conductive adhesive.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel described above may be configured as a mesh structure formed by multiple wires.

[0026] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be configured to be wound into a cylindrical shape, and the heat distribution channel may be configured to extend in a radial direction along the central axis of the cylindrical shape, providing a heat transfer path between the inner region and the outer region along the radial direction.

[0027] In some embodiments, a plurality of the aforementioned heat distribution channels may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction on one of the aforementioned surfaces.

[0028] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel may include: a first heat distribution channel disposed on a first surface along the central axis direction, connecting a first electrode disposed in the inner region to a first electrode disposed in the outer region; and a second heat distribution channel disposed on a second surface opposite to the first surface, connecting a second electrode disposed in the inner region to a second electrode disposed in the outer region.

[0029] Technical effect

[0030] Some embodiments of this disclosure may provide secondary batteries.

[0031] In addition, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that can mitigate thermal deviations caused by electrode positions.

[0032] In addition, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that can improve performance or lifespan.

[0033] In addition, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries that can improve stability. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 To show Figure 1An internal 3D view of the electrode assembly inside a secondary battery;

[0036] Figure 3 To be Figure 2 An exploded three-dimensional view showing the separation of heat distribution channels;

[0037] Figure 4 For along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by the C1-C1' line shown in the figure;

[0038] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a heat distribution channel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0039] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view illustrating a heat distribution channel according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0042] 100: Secondary battery

[0043] 110: Exterior materials

[0044] 121, 122: First electrode lead, second electrode lead

[0045] 130: Electrode assembly

[0046] 140: Heat Distribution Channel Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the above description is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] For ease of description, the following will be based on Figure 1 In the coordinate axes shown, the X-axis is called the left-right direction, the Y-axis is called the front-back direction, and the Z-axis is called the up-down direction.

[0050] Reference Figure 1In some embodiments, a secondary battery 100 may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary battery 100 is exemplified as having an electrode assembly 130 housed within an outer casing material 110 of a flexible thin-film material. Such a secondary battery 100 is commonly referred to in the art as a pouch battery, pouch cell, etc. However, in the embodiments of this disclosure, the form factor of the secondary battery 100 is not necessarily limited to that shown in the example. Embodiments of this disclosure, within the scope of the following technical ideas, may be suitably implemented or applied to secondary batteries of cylindrical, prismatic, coin-shaped, and other non-standard shapes. It should be noted that, in the following… Figure 7 The example provided illustrates the application of cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0051] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the secondary battery 100 may have an outer casing material 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing material 110 is exemplified as a flexible thin film material. Focusing on the illustrated embodiment, the outer casing material 110 may be configured in a generally rectangular shape in a plane. Furthermore, the outer casing material 110 may have short sides 111 extending in the left-right direction at both the front and rear ends, and long sides 112 extending in the front-back direction on both the left and right sides. For ease of description, the directions of the short sides 111 and long sides 112 of the outer casing material 110 are also applied to the electrode assembly 130 and the like described below.

[0052] In some embodiments, the outer casing material 110 may be configured as a laminated sheet formed by bonding multiple films, sheets, etc. For example, the outer casing material 110 may be configured by bonding polymer resin layers to the inner and outer surfaces of a metal sheet formed of aluminum or the like. The polymer resin layer disposed on the outer surface of the metal sheet may be appropriately selected after considering tensile strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, etc., and may include materials such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Similarly, the polymer resin layer disposed on the inner surface of the metal sheet may be appropriately selected after considering the thermal adhesion and chemical resistance required for sealing, and may include materials such as polyolefin resins, polyurethane resins, or polyimide resins. Such an outer casing material 110 can be manufactured in various ways. For example, the outer casing material 110 may be manufactured by laminating polymer resin layers on the inner and outer surfaces of a metal sheet and bonding the laminated polymer resin layers using methods such as dry lamination or extrusion lamination.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer casing 110 may be configured to provide an edge-fitting 'pre-processing outer casing' of a flexible thin film material. For example, the outer casing 110 may be configured to be formed by folding a thin film material in half and joining its edges. Alternatively, the outer casing 110 may be configured to be formed by joining two thin film materials together and joining their edges. Such an outer casing 110 may be configured to form a joining region 113 along its edges, with an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly 130.

[0054] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the secondary battery 100 may have a first electrode lead 121 and a second electrode lead 122. The first electrode lead 121 may be configured as a positive or negative electrode lead, and the second electrode lead 122 may be configured as a corresponding negative or positive electrode lead. For ease of description, in this description, it is assumed that the first electrode lead 121 is a positive electrode lead and the second electrode lead 122 is a negative electrode lead.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first electrode lead 121 and the second electrode lead 122 may be configured such that at least a portion is exposed outside the outer casing material 110. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first electrode lead 121 and the second electrode lead 122 may be located at the edge of the secondary battery 100. For example, as shown in the figure, the first electrode lead 121 may be located at the short side 111 at the front end of the secondary battery 100, and the second electrode lead 122 may be located at the other short side 111 at the rear end of the secondary battery 100. However, the arrangement of the first electrode lead 121 and the second electrode lead 122 can be varied according to requirements and is not necessarily limited to the examples shown. For example, any one or more of the first electrode lead 121 and the second electrode lead 122 may be located at the long side 112, or the first electrode lead 121 and the second electrode lead 122 may be adjacent to each other at one short side 111 or long side 112.

[0056] Figure 2 To show Figure 1 An internal 3D view of the electrode assembly inside a secondary battery. Figure 3 To be Figure 2 Calories The exploded 3D view is shown with the channel separation.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the secondary battery 100 may include: an outer casing 110; an electrode assembly 130 housed within the outer casing 110, formed by alternating and repeatedly placing a separator 133 between a first electrode 131 and a second electrode 132; and a heat distribution channel 140 disposed on one or more of the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132, and configured to connect the first electrode 131 or the second electrode 132 disposed in the inner region of the electrode assembly 130 to the first electrode 131 or the second electrode 132 disposed in the relatively outer region.

[0058] Specifically, in some embodiments, the secondary battery 100 may have an outer casing 110. The outer casing 110 may be configured as described above.

[0059] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the secondary battery 100 may have an electrode assembly 130. The electrode assembly 130 may be contained within the outer casing 110 along with an electrolyte or the like. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 130 may have a first electrode 131 and a second electrode 132 disposed with a separator 133 positioned in the middle. The first electrode 131 may be configured as a positive or negative electrode, and the second electrode 132 may be configured as a corresponding negative or positive electrode. For ease of description, in this description, it is assumed that the first electrode 131 is the positive electrode corresponding to the first electrode lead 121, and the second electrode 132 is the negative electrode corresponding to the second electrode lead 122.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first electrode 131 may include a positive current collector 131a and a positive electrode flux layer 131b. For example, the positive current collector 131a may include aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, alloys thereof, etc. The positive electrode flux layer 131b may be disposed on at least one side of the positive current collector 131a. The positive electrode flux layer 131b may include a positive electrode active material, which may include a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. For example, the positive electrode active material may include a lithium-nickel metal oxide, and depending on the situation, the lithium-nickel metal oxide may also include cobalt, manganese, aluminum, etc.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second electrode 132 may include a negative electrode current collector 132a and a negative electrode additive layer 132b. For example, the negative electrode current collector 132a may include copper, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, alloys thereof, etc. The negative electrode additive layer 132b may be disposed on at least one side of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode additive layer 132b may include a negative electrode active material, which may include a compound capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium ions. For example, the negative electrode active material may include carbon-based materials such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, carbon composites, and carbon fibers. Alternatively, the negative electrode active material may include lithium metal, lithium alloys, silicon-containing materials, tin-containing materials, etc.

[0062] A diaphragm 133 may be disposed between the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132. The diaphragm 133 may be configured to restrict an electrical short circuit between the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 and to allow ion flow. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 133 may comprise a porous polymer film, a porous nonwoven fabric, or the like. For example, the porous polymer film may comprise a polyolefin-based polymer, such as an ethylene polymer, a propylene polymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, or the like. Additionally, the porous nonwoven fabric may comprise high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, or the like.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 130 may be configured such that a first electrode 131 and a second electrode 132 are repeatedly arranged with a diaphragm 133 placed in between. That is, the electrode assembly 130 may be configured to repeatedly arrange the above structure in the order of first electrode 131, diaphragm 133, second electrode 132, diaphragm 133, and first electrode 131. The number of first electrode 131, second electrode 132, and diaphragm 133 may be increased or decreased as needed, and is not particularly limited to the number shown in the figure.

[0064] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 130 can be configured as a winding type, a stacking type, a zigzag folding type, a stack-folding type, etc. The winding type can be configured such that the first electrode 131, the second electrode 132, and the diaphragm 133 are wound into a cylindrical shape, or the wound cylindrical shape is flattened. The stacking type can be configured such that the first electrode 131, the second electrode 132, and the diaphragm 133, respectively provided in sheet form, are stacked together. Additionally, the zigzag folding type can be configured such that the diaphragm 133, in the form of a continuous sheet, is folded in a zigzag shape, and the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 are alternately inserted at each fold position. The stack-folding type can be configured such that the first electrode 131 and the second electrode 132 are wound together in the form of a continuous sheet of diaphragm 133 stacked in predetermined units. It should be noted that the illustrated embodiment exemplifies a zigzag folding type electrode assembly 130. However, the stacked structure of the electrode assembly 130 can be modified in various ways as needed and is not necessarily limited to the example shown. For example, in the following Figure 7 The example provided illustrates an application of an electrode assembly configured as a wound type.

[0065] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 130 may be configured as a rectangular shape having a short side and a long side. The short side and long side of the electrode assembly 130 correspond in direction to the short side 111 and long side 112 of the aforementioned outer material 110. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the front end and rear end of the electrode assembly 130 may each have a short side extending in the left-right direction, and the left side and right side may each have a long side extending in the front-back direction. In addition, the electrode assembly 130 may be configured as a rectangular shape including such short and long sides on a plane.

[0066] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 130 may have a first electrode tab 131c and a second electrode tab 132c. The first electrode tab 131c may be configured to extend from the first electrode 131, and the second electrode tab 132c may be configured to extend from the second electrode 132. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first electrode tab 131c may be configured to extend from the positive current collector 131a but omitting the portion of the positive electrode binder layer 131b, and the second electrode tab 132c may be configured to extend from the negative current collector 132a but omitting the portion of the negative electrode binder layer 132b.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 131c and the second electrode tab 132c may be disposed on the short side of the electrode assembly 130. That is, the first electrode tab 131c may be disposed on the short side located at the front end of the electrode assembly 130, and the second electrode tab 132c may be disposed on the other short side located at the rear end of the electrode assembly 130. This placement of the first electrode tab 131c and the second electrode tab 132c is related to the placement of the heat distribution channel 140 described below. That is, in some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be disposed in the edge region where the first electrode tab 131c and the second electrode tab 132c are not disposed. This placement of the heat distribution channel 140 can avoid interference with the first electrode tab 131c and the second electrode tab 132c, and helps to expand the area of ​​the heat transfer path described below.

[0068] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be disposed on the long side of the electrode assembly 130 as described above. Alternatively, the heat distribution channel 140 may extend along the long side of the electrode assembly 130. In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be formed extending from the front end to the rear end of the electrode assembly 130 along its long side. Such a heat distribution channel 140 can help increase the area of ​​the heat transfer path described below.

[0069] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the secondary battery 100 may have a heat distribution channel 140. The heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to connect a first electrode 131 disposed in an inner region of the electrode assembly 130 to a first electrode 131 disposed in a relatively outer region. Alternatively, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to connect a second electrode 132 disposed in an inner region of the electrode assembly 130 to a second electrode 132 disposed in a relatively outer region. Such a heat distribution channel 140 provides a heat transfer path between the first electrode 131 or second electrode 132 disposed in the inner region and the first electrode 131 or second electrode 132 disposed in the outer region. Furthermore, the heat distribution channel 140 can perform heat transfer and distribution functions between the first electrode 131 or second electrode 132 disposed in the inner region and the first electrode 131 or second electrode 132 disposed in the outer region.

[0070] Specifically, in some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may include a first heat distribution channel 141. A portion of the first heat distribution channel 141 may be connected to the first electrode 131 disposed in the inner region. Additionally, another portion of the first heat distribution channel 141 may be connected to the first electrode 131 disposed in the outer region. That is, the first heat distribution channel 141 may be configured to interconnect the first electrode 131 disposed in the inner region and the first electrode 131 disposed in the outer region.

[0071] In the above description, the 'inner region' can refer to a region that is relatively far from the outer surface of the electrode assembly 130 and close to the interior of the electrode assembly 130. Similarly, the 'outer region' can refer to a region that is relatively close to the outer surface of the electrode assembly 130. That is, focusing on the illustrated embodiment, the electrode assembly 130 can be configured such that a first electrode 131, a second electrode 132, etc., are stacked vertically to form a predetermined thickness. The inner region can refer to a region relatively close to the center in the thickness direction. The outer region can refer to a region relatively at the edge in the thickness direction, i.e., a region close to the upper or lower surface of the electrode assembly 130. Accordingly, the first heat distribution channel 141 can be configured to connect the first electrode 131 located near the center in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 130 to the first electrode 131 located near the upper or lower surface of the electrode assembly 130.

[0072] Additionally, in some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may include a second heat distribution channel 142. Similar to the aforementioned first heat distribution channel 141, the second heat distribution channel 142 may be configured to connect the second electrode 132 disposed in the inner region to the second electrode 132 disposed in the outer region.

[0073] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to be partially or entirely made of thermally conductive material. For example, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to have the thermally conductive material molded into a predetermined shape as shown, or to have thermally conductive material disposed inside or outside. Thus, the heat distribution channel 140 can perform the function of heat transfer and distribution between the inner and outer regions.

[0074] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may comprise one or more of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and boron nitride as the material. More preferably, the heat distribution channel 140 may comprise part or all of boron nitride as the material. Such a heat distribution channel 140, with its good thermal conductivity, stability in the electrolyte, and lightweight properties, can help further improve the heat transfer and distribution function between the inner and outer regions.

[0075] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured as a flexible sheet. For example, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured as a thermally conductive flexible sheet material processed into a predetermined shape. The flexible sheet form of the heat distribution channel 140 facilitates engagement with the electrode assembly 130 and helps the heat distribution channel 140 maintain an appropriate engagement state in response to mechanical deformation of the electrode assembly 130.

[0076] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to have an insulating coating on its outer surface. The insulating coating may function to limit electrical short circuits between the heat distribution channel 140 and the first electrode 131 or the second electrode 132.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to be bonded to the outer surface of the first electrode 131 or the second electrode 132 by means of a thermally conductive adhesive. Such a thermally conductive adhesive enables the heat distribution channel 140 to maintain a proper engagement with the first electrode 131 or the second electrode 132. Furthermore, the thermally conductive adhesive can reduce heat loss at the engagement surface between the heat distribution channel 140 and the first electrode 131 or the second electrode 132, thereby contributing to improved heat transfer and distribution functions through the heat distribution channel 140.

[0078] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may have channel joints 141a and 142a and channel connecting portions 141b and 142b. For ease of description, in this description, the channel joint 141a and the channel connecting portion 141b corresponding to the first heat distribution channel 141 are referred to as the first channel joint 141a and the first channel connecting portion 141b, respectively, and the channel joint 142a and the channel connecting portion 142b corresponding to the second heat distribution channel 142 are referred to as the second channel joint 142a and the second channel connecting portion 142b, respectively.

[0079] The description focuses on the first heat distribution channel 141, and multiple first channel joints 141a can be configured. These multiple first channel joints 141a can be disposed at different positions along the inner and outer directions of the electrode assembly 130. Furthermore, the multiple first channel joints 141a can engage with the first electrode 131 at different positions. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the multiple first channel joints 141a can be disposed at different positions along the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 130, and can engage with the corresponding first electrode 131 at each position along the thickness direction. Thus, the multiple first channel joints 141a can engage with each first electrode 131 disposed in the inner and outer regions of the electrode assembly 130.

[0080] The plurality of first channel joints 141a described above can be interconnected via first channel connecting portions 141b. In other words, each first channel joint 141a can extend from one first channel connecting portion 141b. Thus, heat transferred through each first channel joint 141a can be transferred to other first channel joints 141a via the first channel connecting portions 141b. That is, the first channel connecting portion 141b functions to provide a heat transfer path between the plurality of first channel joints 141a.

[0081] In some embodiments, the plurality of first channel junctions 141a and first channel connectors 141b described above can be configured as a single unit. For example, the plurality of first channel junctions 141a and first channel connectors 141b can be configured as a sheet material processed into a predetermined shape, or a thermally conductive material molded into a predetermined shape. Such an integrated heat distribution channel 140 can help improve assemblability with the electrode assembly 130.

[0082] Similar to the first heat distribution channel 141 described above, the second heat distribution channel 142 may have a plurality of second channel joints 142a and a second channel connecting portion 142b, wherein the plurality of second channel joints 142a may be connected by the second channel connecting portion 142b. In addition, the second channel connecting portion 142b may function to provide a heat transfer path between the plurality of second channel joints 142a.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first heat distribution channel 141 and the second heat distribution channel 142 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other along the edge of the electrode assembly 130. For example, as shown in the figure, the first heat distribution channel 141 is disposed on one long side of the electrode assembly 130, and the second heat distribution channel 142 may be disposed on the opposite long side. Such a arrangement of the first heat distribution channel 141 and the second heat distribution channel 142 helps to mitigate thermal deviation in the planar direction through indirect heat transfer.

[0084] However, the arrangement of the first heat distribution channel 141 and the second heat distribution channel 142 is not limited to that shown in the example. The first heat distribution channel 141 and the second heat distribution channel 142 can be arranged in various locations besides those shown in the example, as long as they can effectively alleviate the thermal deviation between the inner and outer regions. For example, any one or more of the first heat distribution channel 141 and the second heat distribution channel 142 can be arranged on the short side of the electrode assembly 130. Alternatively, the first heat distribution channel 141 and the second heat distribution channel 142 can be arranged in the inner region of the planar electrode assembly 130, or they can be arranged in any other location that can achieve heat transfer between the inner and outer regions.

[0085] Figure 4 For along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view shown is taken from the C1-C1' line.

[0086] It should be noted that, for ease of illustration, in Figure 4 The first electrode 131, diaphragm 133, and second electrode 132 are shown in the diagram with their top and bottom slightly offset. The electrode assembly 130 can be configured such that the first electrode 131, diaphragm 133, and second electrode 132 are tightly stacked as shown in the diagram.

[0087] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to transfer heat from the inner region of the electrode assembly 130 to the outer region. Thus, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to mitigate thermal deviation between the inner and outer regions. For example, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to increase the thermal conductivity along the thickness direction of the secondary battery 100 along the inner and outer regions to 3 W / mK or more, or 5 W / mK or more, thereby mitigating thermal deviation between the inner and outer regions.

[0088] Specifically, focusing on the first heat distribution channel 141, in some operating environments, the first electrode 131-1 located in the inner region may have a different temperature distribution than the first electrode 131-2 located in the outer region. For example, during normal charging or discharging, the first electrode 131-1 in the inner region may have a higher temperature distribution compared to the first electrode 131-2 in the outer region. For instance, the first electrode 131-1 located in the center may have a temperature 10-20% higher than the first electrode 131-2 located on the outermost periphery. This is because even if each of the first electrodes 131-1 and 131-2 generates the same amount of heat, the first electrode 131-1 located in the inner region is relatively difficult to dissipate heat outwards, resulting in heat accumulation inside. Such thermal deviations can lead to differences in electrochemical behaviors such as internal resistance between the stacked bodies (first electrodes 131), and therefore may cause problems such as performance deviations and localized degradation.

[0089] Furthermore, the thermal deviation described above may occur in the opposite way at low temperatures. That is, when the outer surface of the secondary battery 100 is heated by a temperature control system or similar device installed in the battery pack at low temperatures, the stacked components located in the relatively outer region are heated first, while those located in the inner region are heated later. As a result, the resistance of the stacked components located in the inner region will increase relatively, which may cause problems such as lithium plating or dendrite formation during fast charging.

[0090] The first heat distribution channel 141 effectively helps to alleviate the thermal deviation between the inner and outer regions as described above by providing a heat transfer path between the inner and outer regions. Furthermore, the second heat distribution channel 142 performs a similar function to the first heat distribution channel 141, effectively helping to alleviate the thermal deviation between the inner and outer regions of the second electrode 132.

[0091] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a heat distribution channel according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0092] For ease of description, the following description will focus on the differences from the aforementioned embodiments.

[0093] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured as a mesh structure formed by a plurality of wires 143. That is, unlike the heat distribution channel 140 of the aforementioned embodiments, which is configured as a sheet with a certain surface area, the heat distribution channel 140 of the illustrated embodiment may be configured as a mesh structure formed by a plurality of wires 143. Such a heat distribution channel 140 has the advantage of maintaining the aforementioned function of mitigating thermal deviation while not hindering the flow of electrolyte.

[0094] The mesh structure described above can be implemented in various forms. For example, the mesh structure can be configured such that the conductors 143 extend in polygonal shapes such as quadrilaterals, rhombuses, and hexagons. Alternatively, the mesh structure can be configured such that the conductors 143 extend in regular or irregular patterns. It should be noted that the illustrated embodiment demonstrates that the first heat distribution channel 141 is configured as a generally quadrilateral or grid-shaped mesh structure, and the second heat distribution channel 142 is configured as a generally hexagonal mesh structure.

[0095] Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured to have a plurality of holes for the flow of electrolyte. That is, the heat distribution channel 140 may be configured as a sheet with a certain surface area, and the outer surface of the sheet may have a plurality of holes formed thereon. Such a heat distribution channel 140 has the function of ensuring an appropriate cross-sectional area for heat transfer without hindering the flow of electrolyte.

[0096] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a heat distribution channel according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0097] Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 140 may be limited to a portion of the region near the thickness center of the electrode assembly 130. For example, as shown, the first heat distribution channel 141 is only provided between a portion of the first electrodes 131-3 located in the central region, while the remaining first electrodes 131-4 located in the outer region of the central region may be appropriately omitted. Similarly, the second heat distribution channel 142 may also be limited to a portion of the second electrodes 132-3 located in the central region. This takes into account that the thermal deviation of the first electrodes 131-4 or second electrodes 132-4 located in the outer region is relatively insignificant.

[0098] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Figure 7 The example illustrates the application of heat distribution channels 240 in a cylindrical secondary battery 200.

[0100] Reference Figure 7 In some embodiments, the secondary battery 200 may be configured as a cylindrical battery. Additionally, the electrode assembly 230 may be configured to wind a first electrode 231 and a second electrode 232 with a separator 233 positioned in the middle into a cylindrical shape. The heat distribution channel 240 may be configured to provide a heat transfer path between the inner and outer regions of the cylindrical electrode assembly 230 along the radial direction.

[0101] Specifically, focusing on the first heat distribution channel 241 disposed on the upper surface of the electrode assembly 230, the first heat distribution channel 241 can be configured to extend radially from the central axis S1 of the electrode assembly 230, connecting the first electrode 231-1 disposed in the inner region in the radial direction and the first electrode 231-2 disposed in the outer region in the radial direction. Thus, the first heat distribution channel 241 can be configured to provide a heat transfer path between the first electrode 231-1 disposed in the inner region and the first electrode 231-2 disposed in the outer region.

[0102] It should be noted that in the wound electrode assembly 230 described above, the first electrode 231-1 disposed in the inner region in the radial direction and the first electrode 231-2 disposed in the outer region in the radial direction can be substantially configured as a single first electrode 231. That is, the first electrode 231 can be provided as a sheet material that is stretched and extended along the winding direction. As such a first electrode 231 is wound around the central axis S1, the first electrode 231-1 in the inner region and the first electrode 231-2 in the outer region as described above can be configured. In other words, in this embodiment, the first electrode 231-1 in the inner region can be configured as a portion of the first electrode 231 that is relatively close to the central axis S1, and the first electrode 231-2 in the outer region can be configured as another portion of the first electrode 231 that is relatively far away from the central axis S1.

[0103] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 240 may have a predetermined width along the circumferential direction of the central axis S1. The width of the heat distribution channel 240 serves to adequately ensure the cross-sectional area for heat transfer between the inner and outer regions.

[0104] In some embodiments, multiple heat distribution channels 240 may be provided on one surface of the electrode assembly 230. Additionally, the multiple heat distribution channels 240 may be spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the central axis S1. For example, as shown, three first heat distribution channels 241 may be provided on the upper surface of the electrode assembly 230, and the three first heat distribution channels 241 may be spaced equally apart along the circumferential direction. However, the number, position, etc., of the heat distribution channels 240 can be varied according to requirements and are not necessarily limited to the examples shown.

[0105] In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel 240 may include a first heat distribution channel 241 and a second heat distribution channel 242. The first heat distribution channel 241 may be configured to transfer heat between the inner and outer regions of the first electrode 231, and the second heat distribution channel 242 may be configured to transfer heat between the inner and outer regions of the second electrode 232. In some embodiments, the first heat distribution channel 241 and the second heat distribution channel 242 may be respectively disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the electrode assembly 230. That is, the first heat distribution channel 241 may be configured to be disposed on the first surface (upper surface) along the central axis S1 direction to transfer heat between the inner and outer regions of the first electrode 231, and the second heat distribution channel 242 may be configured to be disposed on the corresponding opposite second surface (lower surface) to transfer heat between the inner and outer regions of the second electrode 232.

[0106] As described above, embodiments of this disclosure can provide secondary batteries.

[0107] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure help mitigate thermal deviations caused by electrode placement. In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel is configured to connect an electrode located in the inner region of the electrode assembly to an electrode located in the outer region, thereby helping to mitigate thermal deviations between the inner and outer regions.

[0108] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can help improve the performance and lifespan of secondary batteries. In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel can function to form a uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire electrode assembly, which helps to avoid problems such as performance deviations and localized degradation caused by electrode location.

[0109] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can help improve the safety of secondary batteries. In some embodiments, the heat distribution channel can function to appropriately limit lithium deposition or dendrite formation, which helps to avoid problems such as electrode damage and short circuits caused by dendrite growth.

[0110] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and may further include other components without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, wherein, include: Exterior materials; An electrode assembly, which is housed inside the outer material, is formed by alternating and repeatedly placing a diaphragm between a first electrode and a second electrode; as well as A heat distribution channel is disposed on one or more of the first electrode and the second electrode, and is configured to connect the first electrode or the second electrode disposed in the inner region of the electrode assembly to the first electrode or the second electrode disposed in the relatively outer region.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The outer casing material is configured as a flexible thin film material.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly is configured in a rectangular shape with a short side and a long side. The heat distribution channel is located on the long side and extends along the long side.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel includes a first heat distribution channel disposed on the first electrode, connecting the first electrode disposed in the inner region to the first electrode in the outer region.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein: The heat distribution channel includes a second heat distribution channel disposed on the second electrode, connecting the second electrode disposed in the inner region to the second electrode disposed in the outer region.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel is configured such that at least a portion of it is made of thermally conductive material.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel is configured to transfer heat from the inner region to the outer region, thereby mitigating the thermal deviation between the inner and outer regions.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel has multiple channel joints that are joined to the first electrode or the second electrode at different positions along the inner and outer directions of the inner and outer regions.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein: The heat distribution channel has a channel connection portion that connects the plurality of channel joint portions and provides a heat transfer path between the plurality of channel joint portions.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of channel joints and the channel connecting parts are configured as one unit.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel is configured as a flexible sheet.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel is configured with an insulating coating on its outer surface.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channels include graphene, carbon nanotubes, and boron nitride as materials.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel is configured to be bonded to the outer surface of the first electrode or the second electrode by a thermally conductive adhesive.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The heat distribution channel is configured as a mesh structure formed by multiple wires.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly is configured to be wound into a cylindrical shape. The heat distribution channel is configured to extend radially along the central axis of the cylindrical shape, providing a heat transfer path between the inner and outer regions along the radial direction.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein: Multiple heat distribution channels are spaced apart along the circumferential direction on one surface.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein: The heat distribution channel includes: A first heat distribution channel, disposed on a first surface along the central axis, connects a first electrode disposed in the inner region to a first electrode disposed in the outer region; and The second heat distribution channel is located on the second side opposite to the first side, connecting the second electrode located in the inner region to the second electrode located in the outer region.

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