Secondary battery

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a secondary battery whose electrode tab can be reduced in length. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case for insertion of the electrode assembly therein, a cover plate coupled to the case, a terminal mounted on the cover plate, and a current collector member configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly and the terminal, wherein the current collector member includes a connection protrusion protruding therefrom, a positive electrode tab protruding from the positive electrode is fixed to the connection protrusion, and the connection protrusion is spaced apart from a side end portion of the current collector member.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0057732, filed on April 30, 2025, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to secondary batteries designed for discharging and recharging, and more specifically, to secondary batteries whose electrode contacts can be reduced in length. 2. Related Technologies

[0003] In recent years, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras and mobile phones, and with the full-scale development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites, etc., high-performance rechargeable and rechargeable batteries are being actively researched.

[0004] Currently available commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention due to their ability to be freely charged and discharged compared to nickel-based batteries, and their very low self-discharge rate and high energy density resulting from virtually no memory effect.

[0005] These lithium-ion batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, each lithium-ion battery includes an electrode assembly and external components. In the electrode assembly, positive and negative electrode plates, on which positive and negative electrode active materials are respectively applied, are arranged with a separator between them. The external components seal and store the electrode assembly together with the electrolyte.

[0006] Meanwhile, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into can-type and pouch-type secondary batteries based on the shape of their battery casing. In can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is built into a metal can, while in pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is built into a pouch made of aluminum laminate. Can-type secondary batteries can also be classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries based on the shape of their metal can.

[0007] For each prismatic cell in a prismatic battery, electrode tabs protruding from the electrode assembly are connected to the terminals via a current collector plate. In this case, the length of the electrode tabs needs to be reduced to lower costs. Furthermore, if the contact between the current collector plate and the electrode tabs deteriorates, it can lead to increased resistance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a secondary battery in which the length of its electrode contacts can be reduced.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a secondary battery that can prevent an increase in internal resistance while facilitating easy connection between the current collector and the electrode plates.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a secondary battery is provided, comprising: an electrode assembly having a plurality of protruding electrode tabs; a housing for inserting the electrode assembly therein; a cover plate coupled to the housing; terminals mounted on the cover plate; and a current collector configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly and the terminals, wherein the current collector includes a protruding connection protrusion to which the plurality of electrode tabs are fixed, and the connection protrusion is spaced apart from a side end portion in the width direction of the current collector.

[0011] The connecting protrusion can protrude in the direction toward the electrode assembly.

[0012] A portion of the plurality of electrode tabs may be bonded to a first surface of the connecting protrusion, and the remainder of the plurality of electrode tabs may be bonded to a second surface of the connecting protrusion opposite to the first surface.

[0013] The current collector may include a base and a riveting post that protrudes from the base and is inserted into a terminal, and the connecting protrusion may protrude from the base toward the bottom of the box.

[0014] The connecting protrusion can protrude from the center of the base in the width direction.

[0015] The connecting protrusion can have a thickness greater than that of the base.

[0016] The thickness of the connecting protrusion can be 2% to 20% of the width of the base.

[0017] The connecting protrusion can be in the form of a flat plate extending longitudinally along the base.

[0018] The current collector may include a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0019] The electrode assembly may include a first electrode tab bundle and a second electrode tab bundle, the first electrode tab bundle and the second electrode tab bundle having the same polarity and being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The first electrode tab bundle may be fixed to the first connecting protrusion, and the second electrode tab bundle may be fixed to the second connecting protrusion.

[0020] The first distance between the first connecting protrusion and one side end of the base in the width direction may be different from the second distance between the second connecting protrusion and that side end.

[0021] The first connecting protrusion may be offset in one direction relative to a reference line passing through the center of the width direction of the base, and the second connecting protrusion may be offset in the opposite direction relative to the reference line.

[0022] The connecting protrusion can be in the form of a plate that bends from the base.

[0023] The base may have a cutting groove formed on the outside of the connecting protrusion, and the cutting groove may extend to the side end of the base in the width direction.

[0024] The electrode assembly may include a positive electrode with a protruding positive electrode contact and a negative electrode with a protruding negative electrode contact. The current collector includes a first current collector and a second current collector. The positive electrode contact may be connected to the first current collector, and the negative electrode contact may be connected to the second current collector. The first current collector and the second current collector may each have connecting protrusions spaced at different intervals from one end of the cover plate in the width direction.

[0025] The current collector may include a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base, and the first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion may be spaced apart from the side ends of the base in the width direction at different intervals.

[0026] A stepped portion that protrudes along the thickness direction of the connecting protrusion may be formed between the connecting protrusion and the base.

[0027] The connecting protrusion may include a first and a second connector spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the connecting protrusion, and a separation groove may be formed between the first and second connectors.

[0028] The connecting protrusion can have a thickness that gradually decreases downwards.

[0029] The connecting protrusion may have a side that protrudes in an arc shape. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 It is a diagram. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the configuration of a secondary battery in the image;

[0033] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken from line III-III;

[0034] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection between the current collector and the electrode contacts;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a bottom view illustrating a current collector component according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a bottom view illustrating the connection of the fluid collector to the cover plate according to the second embodiment of this disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the third embodiment of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of a current collector component according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 20 This is a view illustrating the electrode assembly and current collector component according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure;

[0051] Figure 21 This is a perspective view illustrating a current collector component according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0052] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the current collector and the first electrode contact according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] Various modifications and different embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement this disclosure. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to specific embodiments, but rather includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. In this disclosure, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or “having / containing” should be interpreted as specifying the presence of such features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or combinations thereof, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more of other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0056] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the various drawings and exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, detailed descriptions of functions and configurations well-known in the art may be omitted to avoid obscuring the understanding of the invention by those skilled in the art. For the same reason, some components may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated in the drawings.

[0057] The secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a diagram. Figure 1 An exploded three-dimensional view of a portion of the configuration of a secondary battery. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken from line III-III. Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection between the current collector and the electrode contacts. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the current collector and the first electrode contact according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The secondary battery denoted by reference numeral 1000 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can be a prismatic battery with a housing, serving as a lithium-ion secondary battery. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the secondary battery 1000 can be various types of batteries that perform charging and discharging, such as all-solid-state batteries, sodium batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium-sulfur batteries.

[0060] The secondary battery 1000 may include an electrode assembly 1200, a housing 1100 for containing the electrode assembly 1200, and a cover assembly 1400 connected to the housing 1100. The electrode assembly 1200 includes a positive electrode 1211 and a negative electrode 1212.

[0061] Electrode assembly 1200 may include a positive electrode 1211, a negative electrode 1212, and a spacer 1213 inserted between the positive electrode 1211 and the negative electrode 1212. The positive electrode 1211, spacer 1213, and negative electrode 1212 may have a stacked structure or a wound structure. Alternatively, electrode assembly 1200 may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes are alternately inserted between spacers bent in a zigzag pattern. Furthermore, electrode assembly 1200 may be in various forms, such as an all-solid-state type.

[0062] The positive electrode 1211 and the negative electrode 1212 may include coated portions and corresponding positive electrode contacts 1220 and 1230 without active material applied, the coated portions being areas where active material is applied to the metal foil. The positive electrode contact 1220 may protrude from the upper end of the positive electrode 1211 toward the cover plate 1410, and the negative electrode contact 1230 may protrude from the upper end of the negative electrode 1212 toward the cover plate 1410.

[0063] The separator 1213 is disposed between the positive electrode 1211 and the negative electrode 1212, and serves to prevent short circuits between the positive electrode 1211 and the negative electrode 1212, while allowing ions to migrate between the positive electrode 1211 and the negative electrode 1212. If the secondary battery 1000 is an all-solid-state battery, the solid electrolyte can be positioned between the positive electrode 1211 and the negative electrode 1212, replacing the separator 1213.

[0064] The positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cover plate 1410. The positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 can be stacked in the thickness direction (x-axis direction) of the box 1100.

[0065] Electrode assembly 1200 may include two positive electrode contact arrays having the same polarity, which may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction (y-axis direction) of electrode assembly 1200. Each positive electrode contact array is formed by stacking positive electrode contacts 1220. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, electrode assembly 1200 may include only one positive electrode contact array and one negative electrode contact array.

[0066] In the example, two positive terminals can be formed on one positive plate. Alternatively, one positive terminal can be formed on one positive plate, and the positive terminals can protrude at different locations to form two terminal arrays.

[0067] In addition, the electrode assembly 1200 may include two negative electrode contact arrays having the same polarity, which may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction (y-axis direction) of the electrode assembly 1200.

[0068] In one example, two negative terminals can be formed on one negative electrode plate. Alternatively, one negative terminal can be formed on one negative electrode plate, and the negative terminal can protrude at different locations to form two terminal arrays.

[0069] Additionally, the positive terminal 1220 can be connected to the first terminal 1420 via the first current collector 1500, and the negative terminal 1230 can be connected to the second terminal 1430 via the second current collector 1600.

[0070] The box 1100 may be in the form of a container having internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly 1200. The box 1100 may be in various forms, such as a prismatic or cylindrical shape. In the example, one or more electrode assemblies may be inserted into the box 1100.

[0071] The electrolyte can be contained together with the electrode assembly 1200 within a housing 1100. The electrolyte can be in a liquid, solid, or gel phase.

[0072] The cover assembly 1400 may include a cover plate 1410 connected to the housing 1100, terminals 1420 and 1430 mounted on the cover plate 1410, current collectors 1500 and 1600 for connecting the terminals 1420 and 1430 and the electrode assembly 1200, and an upper insulating member 1460 disposed between the cover plate 1410 and the electrode assembly 1200.

[0073] The cover plate 1410 may be a plate that covers the opening of the box 1100 and may have a shape corresponding to the opening of the box 1100. The cover plate 1410 may be fixed to the box 1100 by welding.

[0074] The cover plate 1410 may have a sealing plug 1412 for blocking the electrolyte injection port and a venting member 1411 that opens under a preset pressure, both of which are formed on the cover plate 1410.

[0075] An upper insulating member 1460 is installed between the cover plate 1410 and the electrode assembly 1200 to insulate the cover plate 1410 and the electrode assembly 1200. The upper insulating member 1460 may have a shape corresponding to the cover plate 1410 and may be in the form of a long rectangular plate. The upper insulating member 1460 may be arranged parallel to the cover plate 1410 and facing the cover plate 1410.

[0076] The upper insulating member 1460 may include a substrate 1461 in the form of a rectangular plate and two support protrusions 1462 that protrude downward from the two longitudinal (y-axis direction) ends of the substrate 1461 toward the bottom of the box 1100.

[0077] The substrate 1461 may have a first hole 1463 formed therein for inserting the lower end of the washer 1425 of the first terminal 1420 and a second hole 1464 formed therein for inserting the lower end of the washer 1435 of the second terminal 1430.

[0078] The upper insulating member 1460 may also include a guide hole 1467 located below the electrolyte injection port and an exhaust portion 1465 located below the venting member 1411.

[0079] Terminals 1420 and 1430 can be connected to the outer surface of cover 1410, and one or both terminals 1420 and 1430 can be mounted on cover 1410. If both terminals 1420 and 1430 are mounted on cover 1410, the first terminal 1420 can be the positive terminal, and the second terminal 1430 can be the negative terminal. If only one terminal is mounted on cover 1410, the housing 1100 can carry a negative charge.

[0080] The first terminal 1420 and the second terminal 1430 may have a plate shape. The first terminal 1420 may have a terminal hole 1421 formed therein for insertion of a first current collector 1500, and the second terminal 1430 may have a terminal hole 1431 formed therein for insertion of a second current collector 1600.

[0081] Washer 1425 can be installed between the first terminal 1420 and the cover plate 1410 for insulation between the first terminal 1420 and the cover plate 1410, and washer 1435 can be installed between the second terminal 1430 and the cover plate 1410 for insulation between the second terminal 1430 and the cover plate 1410. Washers 1425 and 1435 can extend downward and be positioned between the current collectors 1500, 1600 and the cover plate 1410. Washers 1425 and 1435 can be combined into a single component or can be divided into multiple parts.

[0082] The first terminal 1420 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal 1220 via the first current collector 1500, and the second terminal 1430 can be electrically connected to the negative terminal 1230 via the second current collector 1600.

[0083] The first manifold member 1500 may include a base 1510, a connecting protrusion 1530 protruding from the base 1510, and a riveting post 1520 protruding from the base 1510 toward the cover plate 1410. The base 1510, the connecting protrusion 1530, and the riveting post 1520 may be formed into a single body. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the riveting post 1520 may be fixed to the base 1510 by welding.

[0084] The base 1510 may be in the form of a plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 1410. The base 1510 may be in the form of a flat plate, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the base 1510 may be in various forms, such as a curved plate or a plate with a longitudinal central protrusion. The base 1510 may be disposed parallel to the cover plate 1410 below the cover plate 1410.

[0085] The connecting protrusion 1530 may protrude from the center of the base 1510 in the width direction toward the bottom of the box 1100 (in the -z axis direction). The connecting protrusion 1530 may protrude vertically from the base 1510 and may be in the form of a plate. The connecting protrusion 1530 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the base 1510. The connecting protrusion 1530 may be positioned parallel to the widest front portion of the box 1100.

[0086] The riveting post 1520 may be cylindrical, protruding toward the cover plate 1410 so as to be inserted into the first terminal 1420. The riveting post 1520 may protrude vertically from the base 1510 and may be welded to the first terminal 1420. The connecting protrusion 1530 may have a greater thickness than the base 1510 and the pre-bonded positive electrode contact.

[0087] like Figure 7 As illustrated, the thickness W11 of the connecting protrusion 1530 can be 1.3 to 20 times the thickness of the base 1510. Furthermore, the thickness W11 of the connecting protrusion 1530 can be 2% to 30% of the width W12 of the base 1510. For example, the thickness W11 of the connecting protrusion 1530 can be 2% to 20% of the width W12 of the base 1510.

[0088] The positive electrode contact 1220 can be attached to the connection protrusion 1530. The positive electrode contact 1220 can be spot-welded first, which can be performed by ultrasonic welding. The positive electrode contacts 1220 can be separately arranged on both sides of the electrode assembly 1200 in the thickness direction to form a first positive electrode contact bundle 1221 and a second positive electrode contact bundle 1222, and the first positive electrode contact bundle 1221 and the second positive electrode contact bundle 1222 can each be spot-welded.

[0089] A first positive electrode contact bundle 1221 disposed on one side of the electrode assembly 1200 can be fixed to a first surface 1531 of the connecting protrusion 1530, and a second positive electrode contact bundle 1222 disposed on the other side of the electrode assembly 1200 can be fixed to a second surface 1532 of the connecting protrusion 1530 opposite to the first surface 1531. Therefore, by arranging the positive electrode contacts 1220 separately, the number of positive electrode contacts attached to one side of the first current collector 1500 is reduced. Therefore, even if the thickness of the electrode assembly 1200 increases, the positive electrode contacts 1220 can be easily soldered to the first current collector 1500.

[0090] The positive electrode contact 1220 can be fixed to the connection protrusion 1530 by laser welding. In this case, the positive electrode contact 1220 can be attached to the surface of the connection protrusion 1530 that is perpendicular to the base 1510.

[0091] Laser irradiation can be performed in the width direction (x-axis direction) of the cover plate 1410, and the laser welding line can extend along the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cover plate 1410.

[0092] Meanwhile, the second manifold member 1600 may include a base 1610, a connecting protrusion 1630 protruding from the base 1610, and a riveting post 1620 protruding from the base 1610 toward the cover plate 1410. The base 1610, the connecting protrusion 1630, and the riveting post 1620 may be formed into a single body.

[0093] The base 1610 may be in the form of a plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 1410. The base 1610 may be in the form of a flat plate, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the base 1610 may be in various forms, such as a curved plate or a plate with a longitudinal central protrusion. The base 1610 may be disposed parallel to the cover plate 1410 below the cover plate 1410.

[0094] The connecting protrusion 1630 may protrude from the side end of the base 1610 in a direction toward the bottom of the housing 1100 (in the -z axis direction). The connecting protrusion 1630 may protrude vertically from the base 1610 and may be in the form of a plate.

[0095] The connecting protrusion 1630 can protrude downward from the center of the base 1610 in the width direction and can extend along the longitudinal direction of the base 1610. The connecting protrusion 1630 can be positioned parallel to the widest front portion of the box 1100.

[0096] The rivet post 1620 may be cylindrical and protrude toward the cover plate 1410 so that it is inserted into the second terminal 1430. The rivet post 1620 may protrude vertically from the base 1610 and may be welded to the second terminal 1430.

[0097] The negative electrode tab 1230 can be attached to the connecting protrusion 1630. Each bundle of negative electrode tabs can be spot-welded first, which can be performed by ultrasonic welding. The negative electrode tabs 1230 can be arranged separately in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly and fixed to the two surfaces of the connecting protrusion 1630 by laser welding. In this case, the laser welding line can extend along the longitudinal direction (y-axis direction) of the cover plate 1410.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, since the positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 are fixed to the corresponding protruding connection protrusions 1530 and 1630, the positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 can be fixed upright without folding, thereby minimizing the length of the positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230. Furthermore, the positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 can be stably fixed to the first current collector 1500 and the second current collector 1600, respectively. Moreover, since laser irradiation is performed in the width direction of the cover plate 1410, the risk of laser damage to the electrode assembly 1200 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 are arranged upright in the direction toward the cover plate 1410 without bending, damage to the positive electrode contact 1220 and the negative electrode contact 1230 due to bending portions can be prevented in the event of impact or vibration.

[0099] The secondary battery according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0100] Figure 8 This is a bottom view illustrating the connection of the current collector component to the cover plate according to the second embodiment of this disclosure.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 Since the secondary battery according to the second embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment except for the first current collector 1500 and the second current collector 1600, its redundant description will be omitted.

[0102] The first current collector 1500 includes a connection protrusion 1530 protruding toward the electrode assembly, and the second current collector 1600 includes a connection protrusion 1630 protruding toward the electrode assembly. The connection protrusion 1530 of the first current collector 1500 can be coupled to a positive electrode contact, and the connection protrusion 1630 of the second current collector 1600 can be coupled to a negative electrode contact.

[0103] The connecting protrusion 1530 of the first manifold collector 1500 and the connecting protrusion 1630 of the second manifold collector 1600 can be positioned at different locations in the width direction of the cover plate 1410. The connecting protrusion 1530 of the first manifold collector 1500 can be offset in one direction relative to a reference line L11 passing through the center of the width direction of the cover plate 1410, and the connecting protrusion 1630 of the second manifold collector 1600 can be offset in the opposite direction.

[0104] Therefore, the first distance D11 from one end of the cover plate 1410 in the width direction to the connecting protrusion 1530 of the first fluid collector 1500 can be less than the second distance D12 from that end of the cover plate 1410 to the connecting protrusion 1630. The first distance D11 can be 0.5 to 0.9 times the second distance D12.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the connecting protrusion 1530 of the first current collector 1500 and the connecting protrusion 1630 of the second current collector 1600 are offset in different directions, the position to which the electrode contacts are attached can change, thereby increasing the design freedom and improving the structural strength through impact dispersion.

[0106] The secondary battery according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a bottom view of a current collector component according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Figures 9 to 11 Since the secondary battery according to the third embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment, except for the first current collector 2100 and the second current collector, redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, since the first current collector 2100 and the second current collector have the same structure, only the first current collector 2100 will be described below, replacing the description of the second current collector.

[0109] The first manifold member 2100 may include a base 2110, a first connecting protrusion 2160 and a second connecting protrusion 2170 protruding from the base 2110, and a riveting post 2120 protruding from the base 2110 toward the cover plate. The base 2110, the first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may be formed into a single body, and the riveting post 2120 may be welded to the base 2110.

[0110] The base 2110 may be in the form of a flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The riveting post 2120 may be in the form of a cylinder that can protrude vertically from the base 2110.

[0111] The first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base 2110, and may protrude from the side end of the base 2110 in the direction toward the bottom of the box (in the -z axis direction). The first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may protrude vertically from the base 2110, and may each be in the form of a plate.

[0112] The first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may be positioned at different locations along the width of the base 2110. The first connecting protrusion 2160 may be offset in one direction relative to a reference line passing through the center of the width of the base 2110, and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may be offset in the opposite direction.

[0113] Therefore, the first connecting protrusion 2160 can be disposed near one end of the base 2110 in the width direction, and the second connecting protrusion 2170 can be disposed near the other end of the base 2110 in the width direction.

[0114] The first distance D21 from one end of the base 2110 in the width direction to the first connecting protrusion 2160 can be greater than the second distance D22 from that end of the base 2110 to the second connecting protrusion 2170. The second distance D22 can be 0.5 to 0.9 times the first distance D21.

[0115] Meanwhile, the first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may have overlapping portions in the width direction of the base 2110. Here, the overlapping portion refers to the portion where the first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 appear to overlap when viewed from the longitudinal side end of the base 2110.

[0116] The first thickness D23 of the overlapping portion of the first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 may be less than the second thickness D24 of the non-overlapping portion of the first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170. The first thickness D23 may be 0.1 to 0.95 times the second thickness D24.

[0117] In this embodiment, offsetting the first connecting protrusion 2160 and the second connecting protrusion 2170 in different directions can increase the design freedom and provide the optimal welding position based on the position of the protrusion of the electrode tab.

[0118] The secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0119] Figure 12This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the current collector and the first electrode contact according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0120] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 Since the secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment, except for the first current collector 2200 and the second current collector, redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, since the first current collector 2200 and the second current collector have the same structure, only the first current collector 2200 will be described below, replacing the description of the second current collector.

[0121] The first manifold member 2200 may include a base 2210, a first connecting protrusion 2260 and a second connecting protrusion 2270 protruding from the base 2210, and a riveting post 2220 protruding from the base 2210 toward the cover plate. The base 2210, the first connecting protrusion 2260, the second connecting protrusion 2270 and the riveting post 2220 may be formed into a single body.

[0122] The base 2210 may be in the form of a flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The riveting post 2220 may be in the form of a cylinder that can protrude vertically from the base 2210.

[0123] The first connecting protrusion 2260 and the second connecting protrusion 2270 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base 2210, and may protrude from below the base 2210 in the direction toward the bottom of the box (in the -z axis direction). The first connecting protrusion 2260 and the second connecting protrusion 2270 may protrude vertically downward from the base 2210, and may each be in the form of a plate.

[0124] The first connecting protrusion 2260 and the second connecting protrusion 2270 can be bent from the base 2210 and protrude from below the base 2210 toward the bottom of the box.

[0125] The base 2210 may have a first cutting groove 2212, which is formed by bending the first connecting protrusion 2260 and is located outside the first connecting protrusion. The base 2210 may also have a second cutting groove 2213, which is formed by bending the second connecting protrusion 2270 and is located outside the second connecting protrusion 2270.

[0126] The first cutting groove 2212 may extend to one end of the base 2210 in the width direction, and the second cutting groove 2213 may extend to the other end of the base 2210 opposite to that end.

[0127] The positive electrode contact 1220 can be coupled to the first connecting protrusion 2260 and the second connecting protrusion 2270. The positive electrode contact 1220 can first be spot welded, which can be performed by ultrasonic welding.

[0128] The positive electrode tabs 1220 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the base 2210 can be arranged separately on both sides based on an imaginary line passing through the center of the electrode assembly in its thickness direction. Therefore, the positive electrode tab bundle disposed on one side of the electrode assembly along the longitudinal direction of the base 2210 can be welded to the two surfaces of the first connecting protrusion 2260, and the positive electrode tab bundle disposed on the other side of the electrode assembly can be welded to the two surfaces of the second connecting protrusion 2270.

[0129] The secondary battery according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure will be described below.

[0130] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 Since the secondary battery according to the fifth embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment, except for the first current collector 2300 and the second current collector, redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, since the first current collector 2300 and the second current collector have the same structure, only the first current collector 2300 will be described below, replacing the description of the second current collector.

[0132] The first manifold member 2300 may include a base 2310, a connecting protrusion 2330 protruding from the base 2310, and a riveting post 2320 protruding from the base 2310 toward the cover plate. The base 2310, the connecting protrusion 2330, and the riveting post 2320 may be formed into a single body.

[0133] The base 2310 may be in the form of a flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The riveting post 2320 may be in the form of a cylinder that can protrude vertically from the base 2310.

[0134] The connecting protrusion 2330 may protrude downward from the center of the base 2310 in the width direction and may extend along the longitudinal direction of the base 2310. The connecting protrusion 2330 may be in the form of a plate.

[0135] A stepped portion 2340 is formed between the connecting protrusion 2330 and the base 2310, protruding from the upper end of the connecting protrusion 2330 along the thickness direction of the connecting protrusion 2330. The stepped portion 2340 protrudes on both sides of the connecting protrusion 2330 in its thickness direction and is fixed to the lower part of the base 2310.

[0136] The stepped portion 2340 contacts the upper end of the positive terminal 1220 to position them and prevent the connection protrusion 2330 from changing or breaking.

[0137] The secondary battery according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0138] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0139] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 Since the secondary battery according to the sixth embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment, except for the first current collector 2400 and the second current collector, redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, since the first current collector 2400 and the second current collector have the same structure, only the first current collector 2400 will be described below, replacing the description of the second current collector.

[0140] The first fluid collector component 2400 may include a base 2410, a connecting protrusion 2430 protruding from the base 2410, and a riveting post 2420 protruding from the base 2410 toward the cover plate. The base 2410, the connecting protrusion 2430, and the riveting post 2420 may be formed into a single body.

[0141] The base 2410 may be in the form of a flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The riveting post 2420 may be in the form of a cylinder that can protrude vertically from the base 2410.

[0142] The connecting protrusion 2430 can protrude downward from the center of the base 2410 in the width direction. In addition, the connecting protrusion 2430 can be provided in a direction perpendicular to the base 2410 and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the base 2410.

[0143] The connecting protrusion 2430 may include a downwardly projecting first engagement member 2431 and a second engagement member 2432 spaced apart from the first engagement member 2431 in the thickness direction of the connecting protrusion 2430, wherein the first engagement member 2431 and the second engagement member 2432 may protrude toward the electrode assembly.

[0144] The first joint 2431 and the second joint 2432 may be arranged parallel to each other. A separation groove 2435 may be formed between the first joint 2431 and the second joint 2432, and the first joint 2431, the second joint 2432 and the separation groove 2435 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the base 2410.

[0145] The positive electrode tab 1220 can be coupled to the connecting protrusion 2430, wherein the positive electrode tab 1220 can be arranged separately in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly 1200. Therefore, the positive electrode tab bundle provided on one side of the electrode assembly can be welded to the first connector 2431, and the positive electrode tab bundle provided on the other side of the electrode assembly can be welded to the second connector 2432.

[0146] Thus, the first connector 2431 and the second connector 2432 included in the connecting protrusion 2430 allow the positive electrode contact 1220 to be easily soldered to the connecting protrusion 2430.

[0147] The following will describe a secondary battery according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view showing the current collector and the first electrode contact connected to each other according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.

[0149] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 Since the secondary battery according to the seventh embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment, except for the first current collector 2500 and the second current collector, redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, since the first current collector 2500 and the second current collector have the same structure, only the first current collector 2500 will be described below, replacing the description of the second current collector.

[0150] The first manifold member 2500 may include a base 2510, a connecting protrusion 2530 protruding from the base 2510, and a riveting post 2520 protruding from the base 2510 toward the cover plate. The base 2510, the connecting protrusion 2530, and the riveting post 2520 may be formed into a single body.

[0151] The base 2510 may be in the form of a flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The riveting post 2520 may be in the form of a cylinder that can protrude vertically from the base 2510.

[0152] The connecting protrusion 2530 can protrude downward from the center of the base 2510 in the width direction. In addition, the connecting protrusion 2530 can be provided in a direction perpendicular to the base 2510 and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the base 2510.

[0153] The connecting protrusion 2530 may have a thickness PW1 that gradually decreases downwards, i.e., in the direction toward the electrode assembly. Therefore, the connecting protrusion 2530 may be inclined relative to the underside of the base 2510 on both sides. The longitudinal cross-section of the connecting protrusion 2530 may be triangular or trapezoidal. The inclination angle formed by each side of the connecting protrusion 2530 and the underside of the base 2510 may be between 95 degrees and 135 degrees.

[0154] The positive electrode tab 1220 can be coupled to the connecting protrusion 2530, wherein the positive electrode tab 1220 can be arranged separately in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly. Therefore, the positive electrode tab bundle provided on one side of the electrode assembly can be welded to one side of the connecting protrusion 2530, and the positive electrode tab bundle provided on the other side of the electrode assembly can be welded to the other side of the connecting protrusion 2530.

[0155] Thus, the gradually decreasing thickness of the connecting protrusion 2530 allows the positive electrode contact 1220 to be easily connected to the connecting protrusion 2530.

[0156] The secondary battery according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0157] Figure 20 This is a view illustrating the electrode assembly and current collector component according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 21 This is a perspective view of a current collector component according to the eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection between the current collector and the first electrode contact according to the eighth embodiment of this disclosure.

[0158] Reference Figures 20 to 22 Since the secondary battery according to the eighth embodiment has the same structure as the secondary battery according to the first embodiment, except for the first current collector 2600, the second current collector 2700, and the electrode contacts, redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, since the first current collector 2600 and the second current collector 2700 have the same structure, only the first current collector 2600 will be described below, replacing the description of the second current collector.

[0159] The electrode assembly, indicated by reference numeral 1200, may include a first positive electrode contact bundle 1226 and a second positive electrode contact bundle 1227, which may be spaced apart from each other in the width and thickness directions of the electrode assembly 1200. Additionally, the electrode assembly 1200 may include a first negative electrode contact bundle 1236 and a second negative electrode contact bundle 1237, which may also be spaced apart from each other in the width and thickness directions of the electrode assembly 1200.

[0160] The first manifold member 2600 may include a base 2610, a connecting protrusion 2630 protruding from the base 2610, and a riveting post 2620 protruding from the base 2610 toward the cover plate. The base 2610, the connecting protrusion 2630, and the riveting post 2620 may be formed into a single body.

[0161] The base 2610 may be in the form of a flat plate extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate. The riveting post 2620 may be in the form of a cylinder that can protrude vertically from the base 2610.

[0162] The connecting protrusion 2630 can protrude downward from the center of the base 2610 in the width direction. In addition, the connecting protrusion 2630 can be provided in a direction perpendicular to the base 2610 and can extend in the longitudinal direction of the base 2610.

[0163] The sides 2631 and 2632 of the connecting protrusion 2630 can each be bent into an arc shape. The connecting protrusion 2630 has two sides 2631 and 2632, each of which protrudes outward and is bent into an arc shape. The connecting protrusion 2630 may include a section whose thickness gradually increases downward and a section whose thickness gradually decreases downward.

[0164] The first positive electrode connector bundle 1226 can be welded to the first side portion 2631 of the connecting protrusion 2630, and the second positive electrode connector bundle 1227 can be welded to the second side portion 2632 of the connecting protrusion 2630 opposite to the first side portion 2631.

[0165] In this way, when the sides 2631 and 2632 of the connecting protrusion 2630 are formed in an arc shape, the electrode contacts can be bent rather than folded, thereby preventing damage to the electrode contacts due to the corners of the electrode contacts.

[0166] As clearly described above, in the secondary battery according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the current collector has a connecting protrusion protruding from it and the electrode contacts are attached to the connecting protrusion, the electrode contacts and the current collector can be stably fixed by easy connection between them, thereby preventing an increase in internal resistance.

[0167] Furthermore, in the secondary battery according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, since the positive electrode contact and the negative electrode contact are arranged upright in the direction toward the cover plate without bending, damage to the positive electrode contact and the negative electrode contact due to the bending portion can be prevented in the event of impact or vibration.

[0168] Furthermore, in the secondary battery according to the embodiments of this disclosure, since laser irradiation is performed in the width direction of the cover plate, the risk of laser damage to the electrode assembly can be prevented.

[0169] Although one or more exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made by adding, altering, or removing components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims, and such changes and modifications fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: An electrode assembly having multiple protruding electrode tabs; A housing for inserting the electrode assembly therein; A cover plate, the cover plate being connected to the box; Terminals, which are mounted on the cover plate; as well as A current collector component configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly and the terminal. The current collector includes a protruding connecting protrusion, the plurality of electrode contacts are fixed to the connecting protrusion, and the connecting protrusion is spaced apart from the side end of the current collector in the width direction.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting protrusion protrudes in the direction toward the electrode assembly.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, A portion of the plurality of electrode tabs is bonded to a first surface of the connecting protrusion, and the remainder of the plurality of electrode tabs is bonded to a second surface of the connecting protrusion opposite to the first surface.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The current collector includes a base and a rivet post that protrudes from the base and is inserted into the terminal, and the connecting protrusion protrudes from the base toward the bottom of the housing.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting protrusion protrudes from the center of the base in the width direction.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting protrusion has a greater thickness than the base.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The thickness of the connecting protrusion is 2% to 20% of the width of the base.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting protrusion is in the form of a flat plate extending longitudinally along the base.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The current collector includes a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein: The electrode assembly includes a first electrode tab bundle and a second electrode tab bundle, the first electrode tab bundle and the second electrode tab bundle having the same polarity and being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate; and The first electrode tab bundle is fixed to the first connecting protrusion, and the second electrode tab bundle is fixed to the second connecting protrusion.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The first distance between the first connecting protrusion and one side end of the base in the width direction is different from the second distance between the second connecting protrusion and the one side end.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The first connecting protrusion is offset in one direction relative to a reference line passing through the center of the width direction of the base, and the second connecting protrusion is offset in the opposite direction relative to the reference line.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting protrusion is in the form of a plate bent from the base.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 13, wherein, The base has a cutting groove formed on the outside of the connecting protrusion, and the cutting groove extends to the side end of the base in the width direction.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode with a protruding positive electrode contact and a negative electrode with a protruding negative electrode contact. The current collector includes a first current collector and a second current collector. The positive electrode contact is connected to the first current collector, and the negative electrode contact is connected to the second current collector. The first and second fluid collectors each have connecting protrusions spaced apart from one side end of the cover plate at different intervals.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein: The current collector includes a first connecting protrusion and a second connecting protrusion spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the base; and The first connecting protrusion and the second connecting protrusion are spaced apart from the side end of the base in the width direction at different intervals.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, A stepped portion protruding along the thickness direction of the connecting protrusion is formed between the connecting protrusion and the base.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting protrusion includes a first engaging member and a second engaging member spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction of the connecting protrusion, and a separation groove is formed between the first engaging member and the second engaging member.

19. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting protrusion has a thickness that gradually decreases downwards.

20. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting protrusion has a side that protrudes in an arc shape.

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