secondary battery
The integration of a cooling plate between electrode assemblies in secondary batteries stabilizes tabs and electrode assemblies, reducing deformation and simplifying sealing and material selection, thus enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102020207326
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-12-12
- Filing Date
- 2020-06-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Secondary batteries face issues with tab and electrode assembly deformation under load, limited exterior material and sealing method selection due to tab-seal requirements, and the need for additional cooling structures, which complicates the device.
Incorporating a cooling plate between electrode assemblies to couple cathode and anode tabs, using insulating materials to seal and stabilize the tabs, and allowing for flexible exterior material selection without direct tab-seal formation.
Minimizes tab and electrode assembly deformation, eliminates the need for separate cooling arrangements, and enables free selection of exterior materials and sealing methods, enhancing operational stability and simplicity.
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery. BACKGROUND
[0002] A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a cathode and an anode, an outer material for receiving the electrode assembly, and a cathode tab and an anode tab for electrically connecting the cathode and the anode to the outside of the outer material. The tabs are easily deformed when loads are applied thereto. Moreover, the loads applied to the tabs may be transmitted to the electrode assembly to deform the electrode assembly. These problems are noticeably encountered in a pouch-type secondary battery. Furthermore, a seal must be formed between the outer material and the tabs, and due to this, a selection of the outer material or a sealing method for the outer material may be limited. Furthermore, it may be difficult to operate the secondary battery normally at high temperatures. To avoid this problem, an additional structure orA secondary battery cooling arrangement may be required for a device in which the secondary battery is mounted. However, the structure may result in the corresponding device being complex.
[0003] From US 2013 / 0 323 563 A1, a secondary battery is known, comprising: a first electrode assembly having a first cathode and a first anode; a second electrode assembly arranged to oppose the first electrode assembly, the second electrode assembly comprising a second cathode and a second anode; a cooling plate arranged between the first and second electrode assemblies for cooling the first and second electrode assemblies; an outer material in which the first and second electrode assemblies are arranged; a cathode tab electrically connected to the first and second cathodes and exposed outside the outer material; and an anode tab electrically connected to the first and second anodes and exposed outside the outer material, at least one of the cathode tab and the anode tab being coupled to the cooling plate.
[0004] US 2011 / 0 256 436 A1 further discloses a secondary battery having an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a casing accommodating the electrode assembly; a heat dissipation member including a heat collecting portion inserted into the electrode assembly and a heat dissipation portion protruding from the casing; and a sealing member between the heat dissipation member and the casing, wherein the sealing member includes a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer having a melting point lower than the melting point of the first polymer layer.
[0005] The information disclosed in the above Background section is intended to facilitate understanding of the background of the present disclosure and should not be considered as an acknowledgment that this information forms part of the prior art. OVERVIEW
[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems encountered in the prior art while retaining advantages achieved by the prior art.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a secondary battery for preventing deformation of tabs or deformation of electrode assemblies even though loads are applied to the tabs.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a secondary battery for enabling free selection of an outer material or a sealing method thereof by eliminating a seal between the outer material and the tabs.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a secondary battery having a dedicated assembly capable of cooling the secondary battery.
[0010] These objects are achieved by a secondary battery having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments can be found in the subclaims. The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned problems, and all other technical problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood from the following description by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a secondary battery comprises a first electrode assembly having a first cathode and a first anode, a second electrode assembly arranged to oppose the first electrode assembly and comprising a second cathode and a second anode, a cooling plate arranged between the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly for cooling the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly, an outer material in which the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly are arranged, a cathode tab electrically connected to the first cathode and the second cathode and exposed outside the outer material, and an anode tab electrically connected to the first anode and the second anode and exposed outside the outer material,wherein at least one of the cathode tab and the anode tab is coupled to the cooling plate. The cooling plate comprises a first cooling plate in contact with a surface of the first electrode assembly, the surface of the first electrode assembly facing the second electrode assembly; and a second cooling plate arranged such that it faces the first cooling plate and is in contact with a surface of the second electrode assembly, the surface of the second electrode assembly facing the first electrode assembly, and the cathode tab and the anode tab are arranged between the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate.
[0012] In one embodiment, the cooling plate may further comprise an adhesive layer disposed between the first and second cooling plates and connecting the first and second cooling plates to each other.
[0013] In one embodiment, the secondary battery may include a first insulating material surrounding a portion of the cathode tab to insulate the cathode tab from the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, wherein the portion of the cathode tab overlaps the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate in a stacking direction of the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly, and a second insulating material surrounding a portion of the anode tab to insulate the anode tab from the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate, wherein the portion of the anode tab overlaps the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate in the stacking direction.
[0014] In one embodiment, the first insulating material and the second insulating material may extend outside the first cooling plate and the second cooling plate to be exposed.
[0015] In one embodiment, the cooling plate may further comprise a first cathode opening formed by a first region of the first cooling plate and exposing the cathode tab outside the first cooling plate, wherein the first region of the cooling plate overlaps the cathode tab in the stacking direction, a first anode opening formed by a second region of the first cooling plate and exposing the anode tab outside the first cooling plate, wherein the second region of the first cooling plate overlaps the anode tab in the stacking direction, a second cathode opening formed by a first region of the second cooling plate and exposing the cathode tab outside the second cooling plate, wherein the first region of the second cooling plate overlaps the cathode tab in the stacking direction, and a second anode opening,which is formed by a second region of the second cooling plate and which exposes the anode tab outside the second cooling plate, wherein the second region of the second cooling plate overlaps the anode tab in the stacking direction.,
[0016] In one embodiment, the first electrode assembly may further comprise a first cathode lead extending from the first cathode and connected to the cathode tab through the first cathode opening, and a first anode lead extending from the first anode and connected to the anode tab through the first anode opening, and the second electrode assembly may further comprise a second cathode lead extending from the second cathode and connected to the cathode tab through the second cathode opening, and a second anode lead extending from the second anode and connected to the anode tab through the second anode opening.
[0017] In one embodiment, the secondary battery may further comprise third insulating materials disposed along inner surfaces of the first cooling plate that form or define the first cathode opening and the first anode opening, and fourth insulating materials disposed along inner surfaces of the second cooling plate that form or define the second cathode opening and the second anode opening.
[0018] In one embodiment, the outer material may comprise an upper outer material and a lower outer material, wherein a receiving space in which the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly are arranged is formed or defined between the upper outer material and the lower outer material, and the cooling plate may be formed such that a periphery of the cooling plate is exposed outside the upper outer material and the lower outer material.
[0019] In one embodiment, the secondary battery may further comprise an upper sealing layer hermetically sealing the upper outer material to an upper surface of the cooling plate, and a lower sealing layer hermetically sealing the lower outer material to a lower surface of the cooling plate.
[0020] In one embodiment, the cooling plate may further comprise an adhesive layer disposed between the first and second cooling plates and connecting the first and second cooling plates, and a sensor insertion opening formed in the adhesive layer to allow insertion of a temperature sensor and extending from a portion of the adhesive layer exposed outside the upper and lower outer materials to another portion of the adhesive layer where the first and second electrode assemblies are located.
[0021] In one embodiment, the cooling plate and the outer material may have through holes formed through the cooling plate and the outer material in corresponding positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the secondary battery of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a section A of the secondary battery of Fig. 2; Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the secondary battery along the line XX of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the secondary battery of Fig. 1; Fig. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a first modified example of the secondary battery of Fig. 1 represents; Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the secondary battery of Fig. 1; and Fig. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the secondary battery of Fig. 1 represents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the identical or equivalent component is designated by the reference numeral even if it is indicated in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure, a detailed description of well-known features or functions is omitted in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.
[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a perspective exploded view of the secondary battery of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a section A of the secondary battery of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the secondary battery along the line XX of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the secondary battery of Fig. 1. As in Fig. 1 to 5, the secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first electrode assembly 110, a second electrode assembly 120, a cooling plate 160, an outer material 170, a cathode tab 181, and an anode tab 182.
[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first electrode assembly 110 includes a first cathode 111a and a first anode 111b. The first cathode 111a and the first anode 111b may be a general cathode and anode used in a lithium-ion secondary battery. This is also the case with a second cathode 121a and a second anode 121b, which will be described below.
[0026] For example, the first cathode 111a may be formed by applying an active cathode material to opposing surfaces of a cathode current collector, and the first anode 111b may be formed by applying an active anode material to opposing surfaces of an anode current collector. A first cathode lead 113a, described below, may be a portion of the cathode current collector where the active cathode material is not applied, and a first anode lead 113b, described below, may be a portion of the anode current collector where the active anode material is not applied. The first electrode assembly 110 may be a general wound electrode assembly (jelly-roll type electrode assembly) or a general stacked electrode assembly. The first electrode assembly 110 further includes a separator 112.
[0027] As in Fig. 4, the second electrode assembly 120 includes the second cathode 121a and the second anode 121b. The second electrode assembly 120 may be a general wound electrode assembly (jelly-roll type electrode assembly) or a general stacked electrode assembly. The second electrode assembly 120 further includes a separator 122. As shown in Fig. 2, the second electrode arrangement 120 may be arranged such that it is opposite the first electrode arrangement 110. For example, the second electrode arrangement 120 may be arranged such that an upper surface of the second electrode arrangement 120 corresponds to a lower surface of the first electrode arrangement 110 with respect to Fig. 2 is facing.
[0028] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cooling plate 160 for cooling the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120 is arranged between the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120. The cooling plate 160 can absorb heat generated by the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120 and dissipate the heat to the outside of the secondary battery, thereby dissipating the heat from the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120. The secondary battery of this embodiment includes the cooling plate 160. Therefore, a separate cooling assembly need not necessarily be used, or the use of the separate cooling assembly can be reduced. The cooling plate 160 can be used not only for cooling the electrode assemblies 110 and 120, but also for heating the electrode assemblies 110 and 120.
[0029] The outer material 170 accommodates the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120. For this purpose, the outer material 170 may have a receiving space S therein (see Fig. 2). The outer material 170 may be a general aluminum bag.
[0030] The cathode tab 181 is electrically connected to the first and second cathodes 111a and 121a. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cathode tab 181 may be electrically connected to the first and second cathodes 111a and 121a through the first and second cathode leads 113a and 123a by connecting to the first and second cathode leads 113a and 123a, which are connected to the first and second cathodes 111a and 121a, respectively. The cathode tab 181 extends in a first direction of the secondary battery and is exposed in the first direction outside the outer material 170.
[0031] The anode tab 182 is electrically connected to the first and second anodes 111b and 121b. For example, the anode tab 182 may be electrically connected to the first and second anodes 111b and 121b through the first and second anode leads 113b and 123b, by being connected to the first and second anode leads 113b and 123b, which are connected to the first and second anodes 111b and 121b, respectively. The anode tab 182 extends in the first direction and is exposed in the first direction outside the outer material 170. The cathode tab 181 and the anode tab 182 may be arranged on opposite sides of the secondary battery in the first direction.
[0032] At least one of the cathode tab 181 and the anode tab 182 is coupled to the cooling plate 160. For example, the cathode tab 181 and the anode tab 182 may be coupled to the cooling plate 160 by being inserted between the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140. The coupling may be performed by an adhesive layer 150, which is described below. Fig. 2 shows by way of example that both the cathode tab 181 and the anode tab 182 are coupled to the cooling plate 160.
[0033] In the prior art, the tabs are easily deformed when loads are applied thereto. Moreover, the loads applied to the tabs may be transmitted to electrode assemblies to deform the electrode assemblies. These problems are notably encountered in a pouch-type secondary battery. To overcome these problems, the tabs 181 and 182 are coupled to the cooling plate 160 in the secondary battery of this embodiment. In the secondary battery of this embodiment, the tabs 181 and 182 are fixed to the cooling plate 160 by being coupled to the cooling plate. Consequently, deformation of the tabs 181 and 182 can be minimized even though loads are applied to the tabs 181 and 182 in a manufacturing process.Furthermore, due to the cooling plate 160, the loads applied to the tabs 181 and 182 are not directly transmitted to the electrode assemblies 110 and 120, and thus deformation of the electrode assemblies 110 and 120 can be minimized even when the loads are applied to the tabs 181 and 182 in the manufacturing process.
[0034] The cooling plate 160 is formed to have a larger area than the tabs 181 and 182. Furthermore, the cooling plate 160 can be formed of a material with higher rigidity than the tabs 181 and 182. Therefore, the cooling plate 160 can have higher rigidity than the tabs 181 and 182 and thus can more effectively prevent deformation.
[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling plate 160 may include the first cooling plate 130 and the second cooling plate 140 arranged to oppose the first cooling plate 130. The first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 may be flat plates made of aluminum, copper, nickel, stainless steel, or the like. The first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 may be formed to have a thickness of 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm.
[0036] The first cooling plate 130 may be arranged to make contact with the surface of the first electrode arrangement 110 that faces the second electrode arrangement 120, and the second cooling plate 140 may be arranged to make contact with the surface of the second electrode arrangement 120 that faces the first electrode arrangement 110. For example, with respect to Fig. 3, the first cooling plate 130 may be arranged to make contact with the lower surface of the first electrode assembly 110, and the second cooling plate 140 may be arranged to make contact with the surface of the second electrode assembly 120. When the cooling plate 160 makes direct contact with the electrode assemblies 110 and 120, the heat transfer efficiency can be improved. As a result, the electrode assemblies 110 and 120 can be quickly cooled or heated.
[0037] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cooling plate 160 may further include the adhesive layer 150, which is disposed between the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 and which connects the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140. The adhesive layer 150 may be formed of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or the like. The adhesive layer 150 may be formed to have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. When the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 are connected by the adhesive layer 150, the tabs 181 and 182 disposed between the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 can be more stably attached. For example, the adhesive layer 150 may distribute the pressure exerted on the secondary battery from top to bottom or from bottom to top with respect to Fig. 2. The adhesive layer 150 can form a seal between the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140.
[0038] As in Fig. 3, the secondary battery of this embodiment may further include a first insulating material 191 for insulating the cathode tab 181 from the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140, and a second insulating material 192 for insulating the anode tab 182 from the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140. The first insulating material 191 may surround the portion of the cathode tab 181 that overlaps the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140. The second insulating material 192 may surround the portion of the anode tab 182 that overlaps the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140. The first and second insulating materials 191 and 192 may be formed of polypropylene (PP). The first and second insulating materials 191 and 192 may be provided separately from the adhesive layer 150, but may be provided as shown in Fig. 3 shown integrated into the adhesive layer 150.
[0039] The first and second insulating materials 191 and 192 can connect the tabs 181 and 182 and the cooling plates 130 and 140, and can form a seal between the cooling plates 130 and 140 and insulate the tabs 181 and 182. Since the tabs 181 and 182 are sealed by the first and second insulating materials 191 and 192 between the cooling plates 130 and 140, a separate process for forming a seal between the tabs 181 and 182 and the outer material 170 can be omitted. Accordingly, in the case of manufacturing the secondary battery of this embodiment, a seal between the tabs 181 and 182 and the outer material 170 need not be considered, and thus the outer material 170 or a sealing method for the outer material 170 can be selected more freely.
[0040] As in Fig. 4, the first and second insulating materials 191 and 192 may extend such that they are exposed outside the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140. That is, the first and second insulating materials 191 and 192 may form portions 191a and 192a disposed on the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140, as shown in Fig. 3, and portions 191b and 192b exposed outside the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140, as shown in Fig. 4. Accordingly, short circuits between the tabs 181 and 182 and the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 or short circuits between the tabs 181 and 182 and the outer material 170 can be prevented.
[0041] As in Fig. 3, the cooling plate 160 may further include first and second cathode openings 131a and 141a for electrical connection between the cathodes 111a and 121a and the cathode tab 181. The cooling plate 160 may further include first and second anode openings 131b and 141b for electrical connection between the anodes 111b and 121b and the anode tab 182. A more detailed description of these is provided below.
[0042] To expose the cathode tab 181 outside the first plate 130, the first cathode opening 131a is formed by the portion of the first cooling plate 130 that overlaps the cathode tab 181. To expose the anode tab 182 outside the first cooling plate 130, the first anode opening 131b is formed by the portion of the first cooling plate 130 that overlaps the anode tab 182. To expose the cathode tab 181 outside the second cooling plate 140, the second cathode opening 141a is formed by the portion of the second cooling plate 140 that overlaps the cathode tab 181. In order to expose the anode tab 182 outside the second cooling plate 140, the second anode opening 141b is formed by the portion of the second cooling plate 140 that overlaps the anode tab 182.
[0043] As in Fig. 4, the first cathode lead 113a extending from the first cathode 111a may be connected to the cathode tab 181 through the first cathode opening 131a. The first anode lead 113b extending from the first anode 111b may be connected to the anode tab 182 through the first anode opening 131b. The second cathode lead 123a extending from the second cathode 121a may be connected to the cathode tab 181 through the second cathode opening 141a. The second anode lead 123b extending from the second anode 121b may be connected to the anode tab 182 through the second anode opening 141b. Through these connections, the cathodes 111a and 121b and the cathode tab 181 can be electrically connected to each other, and the assembly 111b and 121b and the anode tab 182 can be electrically connected to each other. The leads can be connected to the tabs by welding.
[0044] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the secondary battery of this embodiment may further include third insulating materials 193a and 193b and fourth insulating materials 194a and 194b. The third insulating materials 193a and 193b are insulating materials arranged along the inner surfaces of the first cooling plate 130, which define the first cathode opening 131a and the first anode opening 131b, respectively. The fourth insulating materials 194a and 194b are insulating materials arranged along the inner surfaces of the second cooling plate 141, which define the second cathode opening 141a and the second anode opening 141b, respectively. As shown in Fig. 3, the third insulating materials 193a and 193b and the fourth insulating materials 194a and 194b may be integrated into the adhesive layer 150.
[0045] As in Fig. 2, the outer material 170 may comprise an upper outer material 171 and a lower outer material 172. The lower outer material 172, together with the upper outer material 171, may form the receiving space S in which the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120 are accommodated. The receiving space S may be filled with an electrolyte. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the cooling plate 160 may be formed such that the periphery of the cooling plate 160 is exposed outside the upper and lower outer materials 171 and 172. The portion of the cooling plate 160 exposed outside the outer material 170 may act as a cooling fin that radiates heat.
[0046] As in Fig. 2, the secondary battery of this embodiment may further include an upper sealing layer 196 (e.g., a flange portion, etc.) that hermetically connects the upper outer material 171 to an upper surface of the cooling plate 160, and a lower sealing layer 197 that hermetically connects the lower outer material 172 to a lower surface of the cooling plate 160. For example, with respect to Fig. 2, the upper sealing layer 196 may be formed on a portion of a lower surface of the upper outer material 171 that comes into contact with an upper surface of the first cooling plate 130, and the lower sealing layer 197 may be formed on a portion of an upper surface of the lower outer material 172 that comes into contact with a lower surface of the second cooling plate 140. Accordingly, the inside of the outer material 170 may be sealed from the outside. The upper and lower sealing layers 196 and 197 may be formed by thermal melting. Alternatively, the upper and lower sealing layers 196 and 197 may be formed by a combination of thermal melting and laser welding.
[0047] As in Fig. 1, the cooling plate 160 may further include a sensor insertion opening 190 formed in the adhesive layer 150 to allow insertion of a temperature sensor. The sensor insertion opening 190 may extend from a portion (see Fig. 1) the adhesive layer 150 exposed to the outside between the upper and lower outer materials 171 and 172, to another portion (see Fig. 5) of the adhesive layer 150, where the first and second electrode assemblies 110 and 120 are located. The sensor insertion opening 190 provides a space in which the temperature sensor is mounted. Since the sensor insertion opening 190 is formed adjacent to the electrode assemblies 110 and 120, the accuracy of the measured temperatures can be improved and a time difference in temperature measurement can be reduced when the temperatures of the electrode assemblies 110 and 120 are measured by the temperature sensor inserted into the sensor insertion opening 190.
[0048] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the cooling plate 160 and the outer material 170 may have through holes 132 and 142 and through holes 173 and 174 formed through the cooling plate 160 and the outer material 170 in corresponding positions. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the upper and lower outer materials 171 and 172 may have the through holes 173 and 174 formed by corners of the upper and lower outer materials 171 and 172. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, through-holes 132 and 142 may be formed through the first cooling plate 130 and the second cooling plate 140 to correspond to through-holes 173 and 174. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 150 may have through-holes formed therein. When multiple secondary batteries are assembled into a module, the through-holes may provide spaces in which coupling rods are inserted to couple the secondary batteries.
[0049] The secondary battery of Fig. 1 can be as in Fig. 6 shown modified. Fig. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a first modified example of the secondary battery of Fig. 1 represents. Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 3. As in Fig. 6, adhesive layers 150a and 150b that connect and insulate tabs 181 and 182 and cooling plates 160 may be formed only in areas required to seal the tabs.
[0050] The secondary battery of Fig. 1 can be as in Fig. 7 shown modified. Fig. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the secondary battery of Fig. 1. As in Fig. 7, upper and lower outer materials 171a and 172a may be formed in a mold in which portions of the upper and lower outer materials 171a and 172a corresponding to through holes of the first and second cooling plates 130 and 140 are removed.
[0051] The secondary battery of Fig. 1 can be as in Fig. 8 shown modified. Fig. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the secondary battery of Fig. 1. As in Fig. 8, one of the first and second cooling plates 130a and 140 may be formed such that it is shorter than the other. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the first cooling plate 130a may be formed to have a size corresponding to the electrode assemblies 110 and 120, and the second cooling plate 140 may be formed to be longer than the first cooling plate 130a with respect to any direction. An adhesive layer 150a may have a size corresponding to a shorter one of the first and second cooling plates 130a and 140.
[0052] According to the present disclosure, the cooling plate is disposed between the electrode assemblies and is capable of cooling the electrode assemblies. Consequently, a separate cooling assembly may not necessarily be used, or its use may be reduced.
[0053] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the tabs are coupled to the cooling plate, and thus deformation of the tabs can be minimized even when loads are applied to the tabs. Furthermore, due to the cooling plate, the loads applied to the tabs are not directly transferred to the electrode assemblies, and thus deformation of the electrode assemblies can be minimized even when the loads are applied to the tabs.
[0054] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the tabs between the cooling plates are sealed. Consequently, a separate process for forming a seal between the tabs and the outer material can be omitted, and therefore the outer material or a sealing method thereof can be selected more freely. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 110 first electrode arrangement 111a first cathode 111b first anode 112 Separator 113a first cathode line 113b first anode lead 120 second electrode arrangement 121a second cathode 121b second anode 122 Separator 123a second cathode line 123b second anode lead 131a: first cathode opening 130, 130a: first cooling plates 131b first anode opening 132 through hole 140 second cooling plate 141a: second cathode opening 141b second anode opening 142 through hole 150, 150a, 150b: Adhesive layers 160 cooling plate 170 outer material 171, 171a: upper outer materials 172, 172a: lower outer materials 173 Through hole 174 through hole 181 Cathode tab 182 anode tab 190 Sensor insertion opening 191: first insulating material 191a, 191b: Sections 192: second insulating material 192a, 192b: Sections 193a, 193b third insulating materials 194a, 194b fourth insulating materials 196 upper sealing layer 197: lower sealing layer S: Recording room A: Section
Claims
[1] Secondary battery, comprising: a first electrode arrangement (110) having a first cathode (111a) and a first anode (111b); a second electrode assembly (120) arranged to oppose the first electrode assembly (110), the second electrode assembly (120) comprising a second cathode (121a) and a second anode (121b); a cooling plate (160) arranged between the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (120) for cooling the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (120); an outer material (170) in which the first electrode arrangement (110) and the second electrode arrangement (120) are arranged; a cathode tab (181) electrically connected to the first cathode (111a) and the second cathode (121a) and exposed outside the outer material (170); and an anode tab (182) electrically connected to the first anode (111b) and the second anode (121b) and exposed outside the outer material (170), wherein at least one of the cathode tab (181) and the anode tab (182) is coupled to the cooling plate (160), wherein the cooling plate (160) comprises: a first cooling plate (130) in contact with a surface of the first electrode arrangement (110), the surface of the first electrode arrangement (110) facing the second electrode arrangement (120); and a second cooling plate (140) arranged to face the first cooling plate (130) and to be in contact with a surface of the second electrode arrangement (120), the surface of the second electrode arrangement (120) facing the first electrode arrangement (110), and wherein the cathode tab (181) and the anode tab (182) are arranged between the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140). [2] The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the cooling plate (160) further comprises: an adhesive layer (150) arranged between the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140) and configured to bond the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140) together. [3] A secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising: a first insulating material (191) surrounding a portion of the cathode tab (181) to insulate the cathode tab (181) from the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140), wherein the portion of the cathode tab (181) overlaps the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140) in a stacking direction of the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (120); and a second insulating material (192) surrounding a portion of the anode tab (182) to insulate the anode tab (182) from the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140), the portion of the anode tab (182) overlapping the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140) in the stacking direction. [4] The secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein the first insulating material (191) and the second insulating material (192) extend outside the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140) to be exposed. [5] The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the cooling plate (160) further comprises: a first cathode opening (131a) formed by a first portion of the first cooling plate (130) and configured such that the cathode tab (181) is exposed outside the first cooling plate (130), wherein the first portion of the cooling plate (130) overlaps the cathode tab (181) in the stacking direction of the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (120); a first anode opening (131b) formed by a second portion of the first cooling plate (130) and configured such that the anode tab (182) is exposed outside the first cooling plate (130), the second portion of the first cooling plate (130) overlapping the anode tab (182) in the stacking direction; a second cathode opening (141a) formed by a first portion of the second cooling plate (140) and configured such that the cathode tab (181) is exposed outside the second cooling plate (140), wherein the first portion of the second cooling plate (140) overlaps the cathode tab (181) in the stacking direction; and a second anode opening (141b) formed by a second portion of the second cooling plate (140) and configured such that the anode tab (182) is exposed outside the second cooling plate (140), wherein the second portion of the second cooling plate (140) overlaps the anode tab (182) in the stacking direction. [6] A secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein the first electrode assembly (110) further comprises: a first cathode lead (113a) extending from the first cathode (111a) and connected to the cathode tab (181) through the first cathode opening (131a); and a first anode lead (113b) extending from the first anode (111b) and connected to the anode tab (182) through the first anode opening (131b), and wherein the second electrode arrangement (120) further comprises: a second cathode lead (123a) extending from the second cathode (121a) and connected to the cathode tab (181) through the second cathode opening (141a); and a second anode lead (123b) extending from the second anode (121b) and connected to the anode tab (182) through the second anode opening (141b). [7] A secondary battery according to claim 6, further comprising: third insulating materials (193a, 193b) arranged along inner surfaces of the first cooling plate (130), the inner surfaces of the first cooling plate (130) defining the first cathode opening (131a) and the first anode opening (131b); and fourth insulating materials (194a, 194b) disposed along inner surfaces of the second cooling plate (140), the inner surfaces of the second cooling plate (140) defining the second cathode opening (141a) and the second anode opening (141b). [8] The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the outer material (170) comprises an upper outer material (171) and a lower outer material (172), wherein a receiving space (S) in which the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (120) are arranged is defined between the upper outer material (171) and the lower outer material (172), and wherein the cooling plate (160) is configured and arranged such that a periphery of the cooling plate (160) is exposed outside the upper outer material (171) and the lower outer material (172). [9] A secondary battery according to claim 8, further comprising: an upper sealing layer (196) configured and arranged such that the upper outer material (171) is hermetically bonded to an upper surface of the cooling plate (160); and a lower sealing layer (197) configured and arranged such that the lower outer material (172) is hermetically bonded to a lower surface of the cooling plate (160). [10] A secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein the cooling plate (160) further comprises: an adhesive layer (150) arranged between the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140) and arranged to connect the first cooling plate (130) and the second cooling plate (140), wherein a sensor insertion opening (190) is formed in the adhesive layer (150) to enable insertion of a temperature sensor, the sensor insertion opening (190) extending from a portion of the adhesive layer (150) exposed outside the upper outer material (171) and the lower outer material (172) to another portion of the adhesive layer (150) where the first electrode assembly (110) and the second electrode assembly (120) are located. [11] The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the cooling plate (160) and the outer material (170) have through holes (132, 142, 173, 174) formed through the cooling plate (160) and the outer material (170) in corresponding positions.
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