Secondary battery, battery module, and battery pack

Abstract

This invention relates to secondary batteries, battery modules, and battery packs. A secondary battery according to an embodiment includes: a first electrode contact; a second electrode contact; a current collector assembly comprising a current collector holder formed of an insulating material, a first current collector connected to an upper portion of one side of the current collector holder and having a first connection terminal, and a second current collector connected to an upper portion of the remaining side of the current collector holder and having a second connection terminal; and a cover assembly comprising a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the first current collector and the second current collector, respectively. The first electrode contact is connected to a side surface of the first current collector, and the second electrode contact is connected to a side surface of the second current collector. According to the technical solution of this invention, the assemblability between the current collector and the cover assembly can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0010081, filed on January 23, 2025, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0006517, filed on January 13, 2026, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to secondary batteries and battery modules and battery packs including the secondary batteries. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic devices such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones, and the positive impetus for the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc., high-performance rechargeable batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged have been extensively studied.

[0004] In secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, a lithium secondary battery includes: a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate on which the positive and negative electrode active materials are respectively applied; an electrode assembly in which the positive and negative electrode plates are positioned and separated by a separator; and an outer casing that seals and houses the electrode assembly and the electrolyte together.

[0005] Lithium-ion secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of their casing into can-type secondary batteries where the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and bag-type secondary batteries where the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch formed of aluminum laminates. Can-type secondary batteries can also be classified according to the shape of the metal can into cylindrical secondary batteries and prismatic secondary batteries.

[0006] In the manufacture of secondary batteries, a process is performed to weld multiple electrode contacts, which are connected to electrode plates, to current collectors. The current collectors to which the electrode contacts are welded are then connected to the terminals of the cover assembly.

[0007] The positive and negative current collectors, each connected to the electrode contacts, are individually connected to the cover assembly. However, connection to the terminals becomes difficult when any of the current collectors is not aligned with the connection position on the cover assembly. Here, because the current collectors are already soldered to the electrode contacts, it is difficult to adjust their position, resulting in reduced assemblability with the cover assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, depending on the location of the multiple electrode contacts connected to the current collector, the distance between the electrode assembly and the current collector increases, thereby reducing the energy density of the secondary battery. Additionally, increasing the length of the electrode contacts increases the resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a secondary battery and battery modules and battery packs including the secondary battery, wherein the current collector has an integral structure, which improves the assemblability with the cover assembly.

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a secondary battery and a battery module and battery pack including the secondary battery, wherein the length of the electrode contacts is reduced, thereby reducing the resistance of the current.

[0012] A third objective of this disclosure is to provide a secondary battery and a battery module and battery pack including the secondary battery, wherein the distance between the electrode assembly and the current collector can be reduced.

[0013] Technical solutions

[0014] A secondary battery according to one aspect of this disclosure may include: a casing; an electrode assembly housed within the casing and including a first electrode and a second electrode; a first electrode tab connected to the first electrode; a second electrode tab connected to the second electrode; a current collector assembly including a current collector holder formed of an insulating material, a first current collector connected to an upper portion of one side of the current collector holder and provided with a first connection terminal, and a second current collector connected to an upper portion of the remaining side of the current collector holder and provided with a second connection terminal; and a cover assembly sealing the casing and including a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the first current collector and the second current collector, respectively. The first electrode tab may be connected to a side surface of the first current collector, and the second electrode tab may be connected to a side surface of the second current collector.

[0015] The first electrode contact can be configured as multiple first electrode contacts, and / or the second electrode contact can be configured as multiple second electrode contacts.

[0016] Multiple first electrode contacts can be connected to opposite side surfaces in the width direction of the first current collector, and / or multiple second electrode contacts can be connected to opposite side surfaces in the width direction of the second current collector.

[0017] Multiple first electrode contacts can be arranged in the same column, and / or multiple second electrode contacts can be arranged in the same column.

[0018] At least one of the plurality of first electrode contacts may have an end perpendicular to the upper surface of the first current collector, and / or at least one of the plurality of second electrode contacts may have an end perpendicular to the upper surface of the second current collector.

[0019] Multiple first electrode contacts can be arranged in different columns, and / or multiple second electrode contacts can be arranged in different columns.

[0020] The side surface of the current collector holder may have an inclined cross-section.

[0021] The side and bottom surfaces of the current collector holder can form a single curved surface.

[0022] The first current collector may have a first cut, which is formed by cutting the side surface of the first current collector in the width direction, and / or the second current collector may have a second cut, which is formed by cutting the side surface of the second current collector in the width direction.

[0023] The first cut can be configured as multiple first cuts, which can be located on opposite sides in the width direction of the first current collector, and / or the second cut can be configured as multiple second cuts, which can be located on opposite sides in the width direction of the second current collector.

[0024] Multiple first cuts may be formed at locations where they overlap when viewed along the width direction of the first current collector, and / or multiple second cuts may be formed at locations where they overlap when viewed along the width direction of the second current collector.

[0025] Multiple first cuts may be formed at staggered positions when viewed along the width direction of the first current collector, and / or multiple second cuts may be formed at staggered positions when viewed along the width direction of the second current collector.

[0026] The side end of at least one of the first and second current collectors can be bent to cover the side surface of the current collector holder.

[0027] The width of at least one of the first current collector and the second current collector may be smaller than the width of the electrode assembly.

[0028] The cover assembly may also include a cover plate having a first terminal hole and a second terminal hole, wherein a first connecting terminal is inserted into the first terminal hole and a second connecting terminal is inserted into the second terminal hole.

[0029] The distance between the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal is equal to the distance between the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole.

[0030] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the battery module may include a secondary battery.

[0031] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery pack may include a battery module.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the current collector can have an integral structure, thereby improving its assemblability with the cover assembly.

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the length of the electrode contacts can be reduced, thereby reducing the resistance of the current.

[0035] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the distance between the electrode assembly and the current collector can be reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the secondary battery. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 It's a diagram. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram showing the partially disassembled configuration of a secondary battery.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a 3D diagram illustrating the connection status of the electrode contacts.

[0039] Figure 4a It is a plan view of the electrode assembly.

[0040] Figure 4b This is a plan view of the electrode assembly and current collector assembly.

[0041] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection state of the electrode contacts.

[0042] Figure 6a The diagram shows Figure 4a Example of modifying electrode contacts.

[0043] Figure 6b The diagram illustrates the connection to the current collector. Figure 6a A plan view of the electrode contacts.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the current collector assembly of a secondary battery according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 8 The diagram shows Figure 7 Example of modifying the stream aggregation component.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a plan view of a current collector assembly for a secondary battery according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 10 The diagram shows the connection to Figure 9 A plan view of the electrode contacts of the current collector assembly.

[0048] Figure 11The diagram shows Figure 10 Examples of modifications to electrode contacts and current collector components.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 13 The diagram includes Figure 1 A 3D view of the battery module of a secondary battery.

[0051] Figure 14 The diagram includes Figure 13 A 3D view of the battery module and battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Because this disclosure can be modified in various forms and has various implementations, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit this disclosure to a particular mode of practice, and it should be understood that all variations, equivalents, and alternatives without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are included in this disclosure.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. In this disclosure, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “having,” etc., as used in this specification are intended to specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0054] In this specification, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to Figure 2 In the ±x direction, the term "width direction" refers to... Figure 2 The ±y direction, and the term "height direction" refers to Figure 2 The ±z direction in the middle.

[0055] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the drawings. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of the disclosure, details of well-known configurations and functions may be omitted. For the same reason, some elements are enlarged, omitted, or depicted schematically in the drawings.

[0056] The secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0057] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It's a diagram. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram showing the partially disassembled configuration of a secondary battery. Figure 3 It is a 3D diagram illustrating the connection status of the electrode contacts.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 3 According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary battery 10 includes an electrode assembly 300 in which a separator 350 is inserted between a first electrode 310 and a second electrode 330, a current collector 500 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 300, a housing 100 therein housing the electrode assembly 300, and a cover assembly 700 for sealing the housing 100.

[0059] The electrode assembly 300 can be configured such that a spacer 350 is inserted between alternately arranged first electrodes 310 and second electrodes 330. In other words, the electrode assembly 300 can be formed by alternately stacking the first electrode 310, spacer 350, second electrode 330, and spacer 350 in a listed order, wherein the spacer 350 is positioned between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330. Here, as electrodes with opposite polarities, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 can be positive and negative electrodes, respectively, or conversely, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 can be negative and positive electrodes, respectively.

[0060] The first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 may include corresponding first electrode active portions 311 and second electrode active portions 331, as well as corresponding first electrode tabs 313 and second electrode tabs 333 (including second electrode tabs 333a and 333b). The first electrode active portions 311 and second electrode active portions 331 are regions in which active material is applied to a thin plate formed of metal foil, and the first electrode tabs 313 and second electrode tabs 333 are regions in which no active material is applied.

[0061] The first electrode active portion 311 can be formed by applying an active material such as a transition metal oxide to a metal foil such as an aluminum foil. The second electrode active portion 331 can be formed by applying an active material such as graphite or carbon to a metal foil such as a copper foil or a nickel foil.

[0062] The first electrode tab 313 may protrude from one side of the first electrode active portion 311. The second electrode tab 333 may protrude from one side of the second electrode active portion 331. Here, the first electrode tab 313 and the second electrode tab 333 may protrude parallel to the cover assembly 700. Alternatively, the first electrode tab 313 and the second electrode tab 333 may protrude in different directions.

[0063] The first electrode tab 313 and the second electrode tab 333 are formed by cutting metal foil to protrude from the metal foil, and thus can be integrally formed with the metal foil of the first electrode active portion 311 and the metal foil of the second electrode active portion 331, respectively.

[0064] The first electrode contact 313 and the second electrode contact 333 can have different polarities and can be spaced apart from each other.

[0065] Each of the first electrode contact 313 and the second electrode contact 333 can be formed by overlapping multiple thin films, and the thin films can be connected to each other by ultrasonic welding, laser welding, etc., so as to facilitate the flow of current.

[0066] A separator 350 is disposed between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330, and more specifically between the active portion 311 of the first electrode and the active portion 331 of the second electrode, to prevent short circuits between the electrodes and allow ion movement. For example, the separator 350 can be made of various materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or composite films thereof.

[0067] The electrode assembly 300 may be wrapped with an insulating film or insulating tape and may be insulated from the housing 100. The insulating film or insulating tape may be made of a material that has excellent insulation properties even at high temperatures, such as polypropylene or polyimide.

[0068] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly 300 can be formed by winding the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 (winding type), or by overlapping the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 parallel to each other (stacked type).

[0069] In this embodiment, one electrode assembly 300 can be housed in one housing 100. That is, each electrode assembly 300 can be housed in a corresponding housing 100. Therefore, each electrode assembly 300 is individually protected, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit with another electrode assembly 300 and reducing heat buildup, thus preventing the risk of thermal runaway. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and multiple electrode assemblies 300 can be housed in one housing 100.

[0070] The current collector assembly 500 includes a current collector holder 550 formed of an insulating material, a first current collector 510 coupled to an upper portion of a first side of the current collector holder 550, and a second current collector 530 coupled to an upper portion of a second side of the current collector holder 550. The current collector assembly 500 is configured such that the separate first current collector 510 and second current collector 530 are connected together via the current collector holder 550 and used as a single current collector component.

[0071] The current collector 550 can be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction (x direction). The current collector 550 can be manufactured into a rectangular shape with a length (x direction) greater than its width (y direction). The length (x direction) of the current collector 550 can be equal to or less than the length (x direction) of the electrode assembly 300.

[0072] The current collector 550 can be formed from an insulating material, such as plastic or silicone rubber. The current collector 550 can be formed by processing the insulating material or by injection molding using a mold.

[0073] The current collector retainer 550 with insulating properties can connect separate first current collectors 510 and second current collectors 530 with different polarities such that the separate first current collectors 510 and second current collectors 530 are kept at a predetermined interval, and can prevent short circuits between different first electrodes 310 and second electrodes 330 in the integrated current collector assembly 500.

[0074] The first manifold 510 is attached to the upper portion of a first side of the manifold retainer 550 in the longitudinal direction (x-direction), and the second manifold 530 is attached to the upper portion of a second side of the manifold retainer 550 in the longitudinal direction (x-direction). Each of the first manifold 510 and the second manifold 530 can be attached to the manifold retainer 550 by means of adhesive, adhesive tape, etc. Alternatively, each of the first manifold 510 and the second manifold 530 can be integrally formed with the manifold retainer 550 by insert injection molding.

[0075] The first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (x direction) on the upper portion of the current collector holder 550. Each of the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 can be formed into a rectangular shape with a width (y direction) equal to or greater than the width (y direction) of the current collector holder 550.

[0076] Unlike the current collector holder 550, which is connected to the lower portions of the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530, the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 can be formed of a conductive material. Therefore, the first current collector 510 can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 710 exposed on the outside of the cover assembly 700 to the first electrode contact 313. The second current collector 530 can electrically connect the second electrode terminal 730 exposed on the outside of the cover assembly 700 to the second electrode contact 333.

[0077] The first electrode contact 313 is connected to the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510, and the second electrode contact 333 is connected to the side surface 531 of the second current collector 530. The first electrode contact 313 and the second electrode contact 333 can be connected to the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 respectively by welding. Welding can be performed by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0078] In some cases, insulating tape or film can cover the welded portions. Therefore, the first electrode tab 313 welded to the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 and the second electrode tab 333 welded to the side surface 531 of the second current collector 530 can be insulated from the cover assembly 700. That is, as described below, the first electrode tab 313 and the second electrode tab 333 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730 respectively via the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530, and direct contact between the first electrode tab 313 and the second electrode tab 333 and the cover assembly 700 can be prevented. In this case, the insulating tape or film can be made of a material with excellent insulation properties even at high temperatures, such as polypropylene or polyimide.

[0079] When the first electrode contact 313 and the second electrode contact 333 are respectively connected to the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 can be electrically connected to the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 respectively.

[0080] The first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730, respectively. When the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 are respectively connected to the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730, the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 can be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730, respectively.

[0081] The first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 can be connected to the first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730 respectively through the first connection terminal 513 and the second connection terminal 533.

[0082] A first connecting terminal 513 may be formed on the upper surface of the first current collector 510. The first connecting terminal 513 may be positioned approximately at the center of the first current collector 510, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first connecting terminal 513 may be positioned biased toward a side portion in the width direction (y-direction) of the first current collector 510. The first connecting terminal 513 may be integrally formed with the first current collector 510 in a columnar shape, or may be coupled to the first current collector 510. The first connecting terminal 513 may be inserted into the first terminal hole 711 to electrically connect the first current collector 510 and the first electrode terminal 710. When the first current collector 510 and the first electrode terminal 710 are electrically connected, the first electrode 310 and the first electrode terminal 710 may also be electrically connected.

[0083] The second connection terminal 533 may be formed on the upper surface of the second current collector 530. The second connection terminal 533 may be positioned approximately at the center of the second current collector 530, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second connection terminal 533 may be positioned biased toward a side portion in the width direction (y-direction) of the second current collector 530. The second connection terminal 533 may be integrally formed with the second current collector 530 in a columnar shape, or may be coupled to the second current collector 530. The second connection terminal 533 may be inserted into the second terminal hole 731 to electrically connect the second current collector 530 and the second electrode terminal 730. When the second current collector 530 and the second electrode terminal 730 are electrically connected, the second electrode 330 and the second electrode terminal 730 may also be electrically connected.

[0084] The distance D1 between the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533 can be equal to the distance D2 between the first terminal hole 711 and the second terminal hole 731. Since the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533 are integral with the current collector assembly 500 and are constrained in position, when the first connecting terminal 513 is aligned with the first terminal hole 711, the second connecting terminal 533 can also be easily aligned with the second terminal hole 731.

[0085] Therefore, the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 can be connected to the cover assembly 700 by aligning only one of the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533 with the corresponding terminal hole, without needing to adjust the respective positions of the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533 separately. Thus, the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533 can be simultaneously aligned with the corresponding first terminal hole 711 and the second terminal hole 731. Therefore, the assembly efficiency of the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 with the cover assembly 700 can be improved.

[0086] Further details about the structure of the collector component 500 will be described later.

[0087] The cover assembly 700 can seal the opening of the housing 100 in which the electrode assembly 300 is housed, and may include a cover plate 750, a first electrode terminal 710, and a second electrode terminal 730.

[0088] The cover plate 750 may have a plate-like shape that covers the opening of the shell 100. The cover plate 750 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening of the shell 100. The cover plate 750 may be formed of the same material as the shell 100. The cover plate 750 may be fixed to the shell 100 by laser welding.

[0089] The cover plate 750 may have an electrolyte injection hole 770 for injecting electrolyte, a first terminal hole 711 into which a first connecting terminal 513 is inserted, a second terminal hole 731 into which a second connecting terminal 533 is inserted, and a vent hole 740 that opens when the pressure inside the housing 100 exceeds a predetermined pressure value. However, the location of the vent hole 740 is not limited to this, and the vent hole 740 may be formed on a side of the housing 100, for example, on the side surface or bottom surface of the housing 100.

[0090] The first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730 may be formed to protrude from the cover plate 750. The first electrode terminal 710 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 310 via the first current collector 510, and the second electrode terminal 730 may be electrically connected to the second electrode 330 via the second current collector 530.

[0091] The first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730 may each have a circular or rectangular plate shape. The first electrode terminal 710 and the second electrode terminal 730 may be connected to a busbar, etc.

[0092] A first terminal insulator (not shown) may be provided between the first electrode terminal 710 and the cover plate 750 to electrically insulate the first electrode terminal 710 from the cover plate 750. Additionally, a second terminal insulator (not shown) may be provided between the second electrode terminal 730 and the cover plate 750 to electrically insulate the second electrode terminal 730 from the cover plate 750.

[0093] The cover assembly 700 may also include a top insulator 790 disposed between the current collector assembly 500 and the cover plate 750. The top insulator 790 is a component separate from the current collector assembly 500 and may be attached to the lower surface of the cover plate 750.

[0094] The current collector assembly 500 can be positioned at the lower side relative to the top insulator 790, and the cover plate 750 can be positioned at the upper side. More specifically, the top insulator 790 can be positioned between the cover plate 750 and the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530. The current collector holder 550 can be positioned at the lower side of the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 relative to the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530, and the top insulator 790 can be disposed at the upper side of the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530. The top insulator 790 electrically insulates the cover plate 750 from the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530.

[0095] The top insulator 790 may have a shape that covers the entire lower surface of the cover plate 750; however, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the top insulator 790 may be divided into two parts that are formed in shapes that correspond to the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530, respectively.

[0096] The casing 100 can form the external shape of the secondary battery 10, and an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly 300 can be formed inside the casing 100, wherein an opening is formed on one side of the casing. The casing 100 can have a cuboid shape and can be made of a rigid material capable of protecting the electrode assembly 300 housed therein. For example, the casing 100 can be made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0097] The electrolyte can be housed together with the electrode assembly 300 within the casing 100. The electrolyte can be formed from a lithium salt, such as LiPF6 or LiBF4, dissolved in an organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The electrolyte can be in a liquid, solid, or gel state.

[0098] Battery module M can be configured to include a plurality of secondary batteries 10 according to this embodiment (see Figure 13 Multiple secondary batteries 10 can be interconnected via busbars B, etc., to form a battery module M. Alternatively, the battery pack P can be configured to include multiple battery modules M (see [reference needed]). Figure 14The battery pack P can be constructed by housing multiple battery modules M inside the upper housing VC and the lower housing LC that constitute the housing C. Furthermore, the battery pack P can be installed in a vehicle that transports goods or people or moves during operation. Such a vehicle can include bicycles, heavy equipment, agricultural or fishing equipment, automobiles, buses, or aircraft. Here, the automobile can be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile can include a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle can operate by receiving power from the battery pack P.

[0099] Figure 4a It is a plan view of the electrode assembly. Figure 4b This is a plan view of the electrode assembly and current collector assembly. Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection state of the electrode contacts.

[0100] In this embodiment, the structure of the first electrode contact 313 and the first current collector 510 can be similarly applied to the second electrode contact 333 and the second current collector 530. Hereinafter, the structure of the first electrode contact 313, the current collector holder 550, and the first current collector 510 will be described as an example, and redundant descriptions of the second electrode contact 333 and the second current collector 530 will be omitted.

[0101] like Figure 4a As illustrated, multiple first electrode contacts 313 can be arranged in a straight line. All of the multiple first electrode contacts 313 can be arranged in the same column. That is, when viewed along the width direction (y-direction), the positions of the multiple first electrode contacts 313 in the longitudinal direction (x-direction) can overlap.

[0102] Reference Figure 4b The current collector 500 can be disposed on the upper portion of the electrode assembly 300. In this case, a plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b are connected to the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510.

[0103] More specifically, a plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b may be connected to opposite side surfaces 511 in the width direction (y direction) of the first current collector 510. For example, some of the first electrode contacts 313a may be connected to the side surface 511 in the +y direction of the first current collector 510, and the remaining first electrode contacts 313b may be connected to the side surface 511 in the -y direction of the first current collector 510.

[0104] Multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be symmetrically connected to opposite side surfaces 511 of the first current collector 510. In other words, when viewed along the width direction (y direction), the positions of the multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b connected to opposite side surfaces 511 can overlap in the longitudinal direction (x direction).

[0105] Reference Figure 5 Multiple first electrode contacts 313 can be bent when pressed by the current collector assembly 500 positioned above the first electrode contacts 313. The bent first electrode contacts 313 can bypass the current collector assembly 500 in the width direction (y direction), so that the end portion of the first electrode contacts 313 can face the +z direction.

[0106] Although not shown, the edges of each side surface 551 of the current collector 550 that meet the lower surface of the current collector 550 can be rounded. The plurality of first electrode tabs 313 can be smoothly bent along the edges of the current collector 550. Therefore, the risk of the first electrode tabs 313 becoming disconnected can be reduced, thereby improving the electrical stability of the secondary battery 10.

[0107] The ends of the plurality of first electrode tabs 313 can be formed at approximately the same height. For example, although not shown, when the current collector assembly 500 is installed, the portions of the plurality of first electrode tabs 313 protruding above the first current collector 510 can be cut. That is, the plurality of first electrode tabs 313 can bypass the first current collector 510 and be cut at a height similar to the upper surface of the first current collector 510. Therefore, the ends of the plurality of first electrode tabs 313 can be positioned at the same height as the upper surface of the first current collector 510.

[0108] In this state, multiple first electrode tabs 313 can be welded to opposite side surfaces 511 in the width direction (y direction) of the first current collector 510. Among the multiple first electrode tabs 313, some first electrode tabs 313a can be welded to the corresponding side surface 511 in the +y direction of the first current collector 510, and the remaining first electrode tabs 313b can be welded to the corresponding side surface 511 in the -y direction of the first current collector 510.

[0109] Each side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y-direction) can have a cross-section perpendicular to the upper surface of the first current collector 510. Therefore, the ends of the plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b connected to the side surface 511 can be perpendicular to the upper surface of the first current collector 510. However, in some cases, only the ends of some of the first electrode contacts 313 adjacent to the side surface 511 can be perpendicular to the upper surface of the first current collector 510, and the ends of other first electrode contacts 313 can be oriented in an inclined direction relative to the upper surface of the first current collector 510.

[0110] The width W of the first current collector 510 can be equal to the width of the current collector holder 550. In this case, each side surface 551 of the current collector holder 550 can also have a cross-section perpendicular to the upper surface of the current collector holder 550. That is, each side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 and the corresponding side surface 551 of the current collector holder 550 can be aligned in a straight line.

[0111] However, the width W of the first current collector 510 can be smaller than the width W1 of the electrode assembly 300. For example, the width W of the first current collector 510 can be 50% or more and 90% or less of the width W1 of the electrode assembly 300. In this case, both the current collector 500 and the electrode assembly 300 can be compactly housed in the housing 100 (see [link to housing 100]). Figure 3 And it can improve the energy density of the secondary battery 10.

[0112] Figure 6a The diagram shows Figure 4a Example of modifying electrode contacts. Figure 6b The diagram illustrates the connection to the current collector. Figure 6a A plan view of the electrode contacts.

[0113] Reference Figure 6a and Figure 6b Multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be arranged in different columns.

[0114] Specifically, among the plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b, some of the first electrode contacts 313a can be arranged in a straight line, and the remaining first electrode contacts 313b can also be arranged in a straight line. Some of the first electrode contacts 313a and the remaining first electrode contacts 313b can be arranged in different columns. In other words, some of the first electrode contacts 313a and the remaining first electrode contacts 313b can be arranged in an alternating manner when viewed along the width direction (y direction).

[0115] Therefore, multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be connected to opposite side surfaces 511 of the first current collector 510 in an alternating manner. That is, when viewed along the width direction (y direction), the multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b connected to the first current collector 510 can be non-overlapping. Some first electrode contacts 313a and the remaining first electrode contacts 313b can be connected asymmetrically to opposite side surfaces 511 of the first current collector 510.

[0116] When each first electrode tab 313 is bent and connected to the upper surface of the first current collector 510, the resistance of the current may increase due to the increased length of the first electrode tab 313.

[0117] On the other hand, if the first electrode contact 313 is bent and connected to the lower surface of the first current collector 510 (assuming that the current collector holder 550 is not provided), the distance between the first current collector 510 and the electrode assembly 300 may increase due to the bending length, thereby reducing the energy density of the secondary battery 10.

[0118] According to the structure of the embodiment and modified examples, a plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be connected to the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 at the same height as the first current collector 510. Therefore, the length of the electrode contacts is shortened, thereby reducing the resistance, and the distance between the first current collector 510 and the electrode assembly 300 is relatively reduced, thereby increasing the energy density of the secondary battery 10.

[0119] The secondary battery according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0120] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the current collector assembly of a secondary battery according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The diagram shows Figure 7 Example of modifying the stream aggregation component.

[0121] Apart from the shape of the current collector holder 550, the secondary battery 10 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure has the same structure as the first embodiment and the modified example described above, and therefore redundant descriptions of the repeating configuration are omitted.

[0122] like Figure 7 As illustrated, each side surface 551 of the current collector 550 may have an inclined cross-section. For example, the side surface 551 of the current collector 550 may be inclined such that its width increases from the lower portion toward the upper portion of the current collector 550.

[0123] Each side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 can be continuously connected to the corresponding side surface 551 of the current collector holder 550. That is, the first current collector 510 can neither protrude from nor be recessed relative to the current collector holder 550 in the width direction (y direction). In other words, the width W of the first current collector 510 can be equal to the maximum value of the width of the current collector holder 550.

[0124] Although not shown, the edge where the inclined side surface 551 of the current collector 550 meets the lower surface of the current collector 550 can be rounded. Therefore, the lower surface and the side surface 551 of the current collector 550 can be smoothly continuous with each other.

[0125] Reference Figure 8 The side surface 551 and the lower surface of the current collector 550 can be formed as a single curved surface. For example, the side surface 551 and the lower surface of the current collector 550 can be formed as a downwardly convex curved surface.

[0126] In this embodiment and its modifications, the side surface 551 of the current collector 550 may be inclined, rounded, or formed together with the lower surface as a single curved surface, thereby allowing the plurality of first electrode contacts 313 (see Figure 5 The electrode bends smoothly. Therefore, the risk of the first electrode contact 313 breaking off can be reduced, and the electrical stability of the secondary battery 10 can be improved.

[0127] The secondary battery according to the third embodiment of this disclosure will be described below.

[0128] Figure 9 This is a plan view of a current collector assembly for a secondary battery according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The diagram shows the connection to Figure 9 A plan view of the electrode contacts of the current collector assembly. Figure 11 The diagram shows Figure 10 Examples of modifications to electrode contacts and current collector components.

[0129] Apart from the structures of the first cuts 512a and 512b and the second cuts 532a and 532b, the secondary battery 10 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure has the same structure as the first embodiment and the modified example described above, and therefore redundant descriptions of the repeating configuration are omitted.

[0130] In addition, in this embodiment, the second cuts 532a and 532b are formed with the same shape as the first cuts 512a and 512b. Therefore, the first cuts 512a and 512b are used as examples for description, and redundant descriptions of the second cuts 532a and 532b are omitted.

[0131] like Figure 9 As illustrated, the first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed in the side surface of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction).

[0132] The first cut can be formed as a single cut in a side surface of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction). Alternatively, a plurality of first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed in opposite side surfaces of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction).

[0133] For example, a first cut 512a can be formed by partially cutting the side surface of the first current collector 510 in the +y direction. Another first cut 512b can be formed by partially cutting the side surface of the first current collector 510 in the -y direction.

[0134] In this case, the first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed in the same column. That is, multiple first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed at positions where they overlap when viewed along the width direction (y-direction) of the first current collector 510. Multiple first cuts 512a and 512b can be symmetrically formed in opposite side surfaces along the width direction (y-direction) of the first current collector 510.

[0135] like Figure 10 As illustrated, when multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b are formed in the same column, the multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be inserted into the corresponding first cutouts 512a and 512b respectively.

[0136] Some of the first electrode tabs 313a can be inserted into the first notch 512a and connected to the side surface 511 in the +y direction of the first current collector 510. The remaining first electrode tabs 313b can be inserted into the first notch 512b on the side opposite to the first notch 512a and connected to the side surface 511 in the -y direction of the first current collector 510.

[0137] In other words, multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be inserted into the first notches 512a and 512b respectively and symmetrically connected to the opposite side surface 511 of the first current collector 510. The multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be connected to the opposite side surface 511 at positions where they overlap when viewed along the width direction (y direction).

[0138] Alternatively, such as Figure 11As illustrated, when multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b are formed in different columns, a current collector 500 in which first cutouts 512a and 512b are formed in different columns can be used.

[0139] Reference Figure 11 Multiple first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed in opposite side surfaces in the width direction (y direction) of the first current collector 510, and the first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed in different columns.

[0140] In other words, multiple first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed at staggered positions when viewed along the width direction (y-direction) of the first current collector 510. Multiple first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed at positions where they do not overlap when viewed along the width direction (y-direction) of the first current collector 510. Multiple first cuts 512a and 512b can be asymmetrically formed in opposite side surfaces along the width direction (y-direction) of the first current collector 510.

[0141] Multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b formed in different columns can be inserted into corresponding first notches 512a and 512b, respectively. The multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b inserted into the corresponding first notches 512a and 512b can be connected to the side surface 511 in the +y direction and the side surface 511 in the -y direction of the first current collector 510, respectively.

[0142] In this embodiment and modified example, the first cuts 512a and 512b can be formed in opposite side surfaces in the width direction (y direction) of the first current collector 510, and a plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be inserted into the corresponding first cuts 512a and 512b respectively and connected to opposite side surfaces 511 of the first current collector 510 respectively.

[0143] Therefore, the first electrode contacts 313a and 313b do not need to be excessively bent to connect to the opposite side surface 511 of the first current collector 510, thereby reducing the risk of disconnection. This improves the electrical stability of the secondary battery 10.

[0144] The secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described below.

[0145] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0146] Apart from the structure of the first current collector 510, the secondary battery 10 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure has the same structure as the first embodiment and the modified example described above, and therefore redundant descriptions of the repeating configuration are omitted.

[0147] like Figure 12 As illustrated, the width W of the first current collector 510 can be greater than the width W2 of the current collector holder 550. Therefore, the opposite ends of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction) can protrude relative to the side surface 551 in the width direction (y direction) of the current collector holder 550.

[0148] In this case, the side end of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction) can be bent.

[0149] Specifically, the side end of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction) can be bent along the -z direction. The bent side end of the first current collector 510 can cover the side surface 551 of the current collector holder 550.

[0150] The opposite side ends of the first current collector 510 in the width direction (y direction) can be bent. In this case, the bent side ends of the first current collector 510 can cover the opposite side surface 551 of the current collector holder 550 in the width direction (y direction).

[0151] Each side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 at the bent side end in the width direction (y direction) may have a cross section perpendicular to the upper surface of the first current collector 510.

[0152] As described above, multiple first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be respectively connected to opposite side surfaces 511 of the first current collector 510.

[0153] In this configuration, since the opposite side surfaces of the current collector assembly 500 in the width direction (y-direction) correspond to the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510, the area connected by the plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b can be increased. Therefore, this facilitates welding between the first current collector 510 and the plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b.

[0154] Although not shown, each of the opposite side surfaces 511 of the first current collector 510 may have the following characteristics: Figure 7 The inclined cross section shown in the figure may have, or may have, as Figure 8 The curved cross-section is shown in the figure. Furthermore, the structure of the first current collector 510 can be similarly applied to the second current collector 530.

[0155] In this configuration, the area of ​​the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 that connects with the plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b is further increased. Therefore, this further facilitates the welding between the first current collector 510 and the plurality of first electrode contacts 313a and 313b.

[0156] Refer again Figure 3 According to the present disclosure, the secondary battery 10 is configured such that, without individually adjusting the positions of the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533, aligning only one connecting terminal with its corresponding terminal hole will cause the remaining connecting terminals to align with their corresponding terminal holes. Therefore, the first connecting terminal 513 and the second connecting terminal 533 are simultaneously aligned with their corresponding first terminal hole 711 and second terminal hole 731. Consequently, the assembly efficiency of the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530 with the cover assembly 700 can be improved.

[0157] Furthermore, the secondary battery 10 according to this disclosure is configured such that the first electrode contact 313 and the second electrode contact 333 are respectively connected to the side surface 511 of the first current collector 510 and the side surface 531 of the second current collector 530 at the same height as the first current collector 510 and the second current collector 530. Therefore, the first electrode contact 313 and the second electrode contact 333 can be manufactured with a reduced length, thereby reducing resistance, and the overall height of the secondary battery 10 can be reduced, thereby increasing energy density.

[0158] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to this disclosure by adding, altering, or deleting components without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. It should be noted that such changes or modifications also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: shell; An electrode assembly, the electrode assembly being housed within the housing, and the electrode assembly comprising a first electrode and a second electrode; The first electrode contact is connected to the first electrode. The second electrode contact is connected to the second electrode. A current collector assembly, comprising a current collector holder formed of an insulating material, a first current collector connected to an upper portion of one side of the current collector holder and provided with a first connection terminal, and a second current collector connected to the upper portions of the remaining sides of the current collector holder and provided with a second connection terminal; as well as A cover assembly that seals the housing, and the cover assembly includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal being electrically connected to a first current collector and a second current collector, respectively. The first electrode contact is connected to the side surface of the first current collector, and the second electrode contact is connected to the side surface of the second current collector.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The first electrode contact is configured as a plurality of first electrode contacts, and / or The second electrode contact is configured as a plurality of second electrode contacts.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of first electrode contacts are connected to opposite side surfaces in the width direction of the first current collector, and / or The plurality of second electrode contacts are connected to opposite side surfaces in the width direction of the second current collector.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of first electrode contacts are arranged in the same column, and / or The plurality of second electrode contacts are arranged in the same column.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein At least one of the plurality of first electrode contacts has an end perpendicular to the upper surface of the first current collector, and / or At least one of the plurality of second electrode contacts has an end perpendicular to the upper surface of the second current collector.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein The plurality of first electrode contacts are arranged in different columns, and / or The plurality of second electrode contacts are arranged in different columns.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The side surface of the current collector holder has an inclined cross-section.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The side and bottom surfaces of the current collector holder form a single curved surface.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The first current collector has a first slit, which is formed by cutting the side surface of the first current collector in the width direction, and / or The second current collector has a second cut, which is formed by cutting the side surface of the second current collector in the width direction.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The first cut is configured as a plurality of first cuts, the plurality of first cuts being located on opposite sides of the first current collector in the width direction, and / or The second cut is configured as a plurality of second cuts, which are located on opposite sides of the second current collector in the width direction.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of first cuts are formed at locations that overlap each other when viewed along the width direction of the first current collector, and / or The plurality of second cuts are formed at locations where they overlap when viewed along the width direction of the second current collector.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of first cuts are formed at staggered positions when viewed along the width direction of the first current collector, and / or The plurality of second cuts are formed at staggered positions when viewed along the width direction of the second current collector.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The side end of at least one of the first current collector and the second current collector is bent to cover the side surface of the current collector holder.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The width of at least one of the first current collector and the second current collector is smaller than the width of the electrode assembly.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The cover assembly also includes: A cover plate having a first terminal hole and a second terminal hole, wherein the first connecting terminal is inserted into the first terminal hole and the second connecting terminal is inserted into the second terminal hole.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 15, wherein The distance between the first connecting terminal and the second connecting terminal is equal to the distance between the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole.

17. A battery module comprising a secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A battery pack comprising the battery module according to claim 17.

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