Current collectors, battery cells, battery packs, and automobiles including the same.

Abstract

The current collector according to the present invention includes a first coupling portion coupled to a first terminal, a second coupling portion coupled to an electrode assembly, a plurality of legs connecting the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, and a plurality of melting guide portions provided for each of the plurality of legs and covering at least a portion of the area of ​​the leg.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, and more specifically, to a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which include a fusing induction part, can easily and accurately adjust the position where fusing occurs, can prevent the generation of foreign matters during fusing, and can prevent the reconnection of current even after fusing.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0103450 filed on August 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0103868 filed on August 5, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of the applications are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly applicable to a group of products and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental consideration and improving energy efficiency because they have not only the main advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of generating no by-products due to energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of a single rechargeable battery cell is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the required charge and discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and / or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, if an event occurs in a battery cell and a current exceeding the allowable current flows, the temperature of the battery cell may rise abnormally, potentially leading to disassembly and explosion of the battery cell. To prevent this, battery cells can have a so-called fusing function that cuts off the high current when a current exceeding the allowable current flows. Conventional battery cells sometimes had a fusing section on the current collector to perform such a fusing function.

[0006] However, conventional battery cells have a fused section that is difficult to position precisely during the manufacturing process of the current collector. This results in significant positional fluctuations of the fused section, making it difficult for the fused section to properly perform its function. Furthermore, it is difficult to prevent the generation of foreign matter during fusion, and it is also difficult to prevent the reconnection of current after fusion. In addition, conventional current collectors have a low current tolerance at the fused section, making them unsuitable for high-output battery cells.

[0007] On the other hand, various experiments, such as external short-circuit tests, can be performed to confirm the safety of battery cells, especially cylindrical battery cells. One of the important criteria in this process is whether or not the battery cell explodes. Conventional battery cells could limit the application of current by melting using the CID method. However, recently, instead of the CID method, current collectors can have a melting section, and when performing the safety confirmation experiments described above, it is especially important to position the melting section precisely to prevent the generation of foreign matter and the reconnection of current.

[0008] On the other hand, safety verification experiments, such as external short-circuit tests, are important tests not only for international certification but also in the safety evaluation criteria of each major customer. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and one objective is to provide a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which can easily and accurately adjust the position where melting occurs.

[0010] Another objective is to provide a current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and an automobile containing the same that can effectively prevent the generation of foreign matter during cutting.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and an automobile containing the same that can prevent the reconnection of the current even after it has been cut.

[0012] Another objective is to provide current collectors, battery cells, battery packs, and automobiles including them that are suitable for high output while ensuring smooth cutting functionality.

[0013] Another objective is to provide current collectors, battery cells, battery packs, and automobiles incorporating them, with improved productivity.

[0014] However, the technical problems that this invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The current collector according to the present invention includes a first coupling portion coupled to a first terminal, a second coupling portion coupled to an electrode assembly, a plurality of legs connecting the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, and a plurality of melting guide portions provided for each of the plurality of legs and covering at least a portion of the area of ​​the leg.

[0016] The aforementioned cutting induction section may have thermal insulation properties.

[0017] The cutting guide portion may be provided as a tape surrounding the leg portion.

[0018] The cutting induction portion may be positioned closer to the center of the current collector than to the outer circumference of the current collector.

[0019] The cutting induction portion may be positioned closer to the center of the current collector, with reference to the midpoint between the outer circumference of the current collector and the center of the current collector.

[0020] The cutting guide portion may be positioned at the end of the leg portion on the side of the first joint portion.

[0021] The leg portion may be formed such that its width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the first joint portion is constant in the direction toward the first joint portion.

[0022] The leg portion can be formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross section, with reference to the direction toward the first joint, is constant in the direction toward the first joint.

[0023] The fuse-inducing part has a first fuse-inducing part arranged at a position relatively close to the first coupling part and a second fuse-inducing part arranged at a position relatively far from the first coupling part, and the thickness of the first fuse-inducing part can be provided to be thicker than the thickness of the second fuse-inducing part.

[0024] The fuse-inducing part has a first fuse-inducing part arranged at a position relatively close to the first coupling part and a second fuse-inducing part arranged at a position relatively far from the first coupling part, and the first fuse-inducing part and the second fuse-inducing part are each provided in the form of a tape surrounding the periphery of the leg part, and the first fuse-inducing part can be provided in a form in which a larger number of the tapes overlap than the second fuse-inducing part.

[0025] The fuse-inducing part has a first fuse-inducing part arranged at a position relatively close to the first coupling part and a second fuse-inducing part arranged at a position relatively far from the first coupling part, and the first fuse-inducing part and the second fuse-inducing part each have heat insulation performance, and the heat insulation performance of the first fuse-inducing part can be higher than the heat insulation performance of the second fuse-inducing part.

[0026] The current collector has slits for forming the first coupling part, the second coupling part, and the leg part, and the fuse-inducing part can be provided on at least one of the two surfaces of the current collector.

[0027] The battery cell according to the present invention includes the current collector according to the present invention.

[0028] The battery pack according to the present invention includes at least one battery cell according to the present invention.

[0029] The automobile according to the present invention includes at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a current collector, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which include a melting induction section and allow for easy and accurate adjustment of the position where melting occurs.

[0031] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and an automobile including a cutting guide section that can effectively prevent the generation of foreign matter during cutting.

[0032] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and an automobile including a melting induction section that can prevent the reconnection of the current even after melting.

[0033] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and automobile including a cutting induction section that are suitable for high output while ensuring smooth cutting functionality.

[0034] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a current collector, battery cell, battery pack, and an automobile including a cutting induction section, which have improved productivity.

[0035] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further illustrate the technical idea of ​​the invention; therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the overall external shape of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a current collector relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a current collector according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing the first and second widths of a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the first and second cross-sectional areas of a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present invention, which has been cut open and enlarged. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present invention, which has been cut open and enlarged. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to another modification of another embodiment of the present invention, which has been cut open and enlarged. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, with the body cut open. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims shall not be interpreted in their usual and dictionary sense, but rather in a sense and concept appropriate to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself may appropriately define the concept of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0039] Therefore, it should be understood that the configurations shown in the embodiments described herein represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention, and that there are various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of filing this application.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall external shape of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first coupling portion 61, a second coupling portion 62, a leg portion 63, and a cutting guide portion 64.

[0042] The first coupling portion 61 can be coupled to the first terminal 40. The first coupling portion 61 can be electrically connected to the first terminal 40. The first terminal 40 may have a first polarity. A detailed description of the first terminal 40 will be given later.

[0043] The second coupling portion 62 can be coupled to the electrode assembly 10. The second coupling portion 62 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10. A detailed description of the electrode assembly 10 will be given later.

[0044] The leg portion 63 can connect the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. The leg portion 63 can electrically connect the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. The leg portion 63 can be formed integrally with the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. The leg portion 63 can be positioned between the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62. In the current collector 60, the first coupling portion 61 may be positioned relatively inward and in the center, and the second coupling portion 62 may be positioned outside the first coupling portion 61.

[0045] Multiple legs 63 may be provided. For example, as shown in the drawing, four legs 63 may be provided on one current collector 60. However, contrary to the illustration, two, three, or five or more legs 63 may be provided on one current collector 60.

[0046] The cutting guide section 64 can cover at least a portion of the area of ​​the leg portion 63. The cutting guide section 64 can surround at least a portion of the area of ​​the leg portion 63. The cutting guide section 64 can be provided for each of the multiple leg portions 63. That is, the cutting guide section 64 can be provided to correspond to each leg portion 63.

[0047] In a portion of the leg portion 63 covered by the cutting induction section 64, heat generated by the high current is surrounded by the cutting induction section 64 and prevented from dissipating to the outside. Therefore, if a high current is generated in the leg portion 63, cutting can be induced in a portion of the leg portion 63 covered by the cutting induction section 64.

[0048] Conventional battery cells equipped with current collectors that have a fusing section have a problem in that it is difficult to accurately position the fusing section during the manufacturing process of such current collectors. As a result, conventional current collectors have problems such as large positional fluctuations of the fusing section, making it difficult for the fusing section to properly perform its fusing function, difficulty in preventing the generation of foreign matter during fusing, and difficulty in preventing the reconnection of current after fusing. In addition, conventional current collectors have the problem that the allowable current of the fusing section is low and they are not suitable for high-power battery cells.

[0049] However, the current collector 60 according to the present invention, with the above-described configuration, can easily and accurately adjust the position where melting occurs. As a result, the current collector 60 according to the present invention can effectively prevent the generation of foreign matter during melting and can effectively prevent the reconnection of current after melting. Furthermore, the current collector 60 according to the present invention includes a plurality of legs 63 and a plurality of melting induction parts 64 provided for each of the plurality of legs 63, which can expand the current path between the first coupling part 61 and the second coupling part 62, and can also increase the allowable current of the melting induction part 64. Thus, the current collector 60 according to the present invention has the advantage of smoothly ensuring the melting function and being suitable for high output.

[0050] The cutting guide section 64 may have thermal insulation properties. The cutting guide section 64 may include thermal insulation material. When the cutting guide section 64 includes thermal insulation material, the cutting guide section 64 can more effectively prevent heat generated at the leg section 63 from escaping to the outside, thereby more effectively guiding the cutting in the cutting guide section 64.

[0051] The cutting guide section 64 may be provided in the form of a tape. The cutting guide section 64 may be provided in the form of a tape having thermal insulation properties. The cutting guide section 64 may be provided in the form of a tape containing thermal insulation material. When the cutting guide section 64 is provided in the form of a tape, there is the advantage that the cutting guide section 64 can be easily attached to the precise position of the leg section 63. There is also the advantage that the width and thickness of the cutting guide section 64 can be easily changed, and depending on the case, tapes of various shapes and materials can be applied to the cutting guide section 64, and there is also the advantage that the cutting guide section 64 can be easily removed or changed.

[0052] On the other hand, if the cutting guide portion 64 is provided as a tape, it can be attached so as to surround the entire leg portion 63, or, conversely, it can be attached to only a portion of the leg portion 63.

[0053] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 4.

[0055] The cutting guide portion 64 may be positioned closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than to the outer circumference of the current collector 60. Here, the center O of the current collector 60 can be understood as the center of gravity of the current collector 60, based on the current collector 60 being viewed from above or from the Z-axis direction. The position of the cutting guide portion 64 can also be understood as the position of the center of gravity of the cutting guide portion 64, based on the current collector 60 being viewed from above or from the Z-axis direction.

[0056] When a high current flows through the current collector 60, the central O side of the current collector 60, which is located closer to the core C or the first coupling portion 61 of the electrode assembly 10 (described later), may heat up faster than the outer periphery side of the current collector 60. Therefore, as described above, if the melting induction portion 64 is positioned closer to the central O of the current collector 60 than to the outer periphery side of the current collector 60, the time until the melting function is activated in the current collector 60 is shortened, and the melting function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively.

[0057] The cutting guide section 64 may be positioned closer to the center O of the current collector 60, with reference to the midpoint between the outer circumference of the current collector 60 and the center O of the current collector 60. Here, the midpoint refers to the position corresponding to the center line M, which can be understood as a line connecting the midpoint between the center O of the current collector 60 and the outer circumference of the current collector 60 in the circumferential direction.

[0058] In other words, the fuse-cutting guide portion 64 can be positioned inside the center line M, closer to the center O of the current collector 60. When the fuse-cutting guide portion 64 is positioned in this way, it can be more reliably positioned closer to the center O of the current collector 60 than on the outer circumference of the current collector 60, thereby improving the fuse-cutting function of the current collector 60.

[0059] On the other hand, at least a portion of the fuse-cutting guide portion 64 may be positioned inside the core C, which will be described later. Specifically, when viewed from the vertical or Z-axis direction, at least a portion of the fuse-cutting guide portion 64 may be positioned inside the core C, which will be described later. In this case, the size of the first coupling portion 61 may be formed to be smaller than the size of the cross-section of the core C. For example, the core C may have a cross-section that substantially corresponds to the center line M shown in Figure 4. When the current collector 60 is configured in this way, even if fuse-cutting occurs in the fuse-cutting guide portion 64 and the leg portion 63 is severed, the severed portion or fragments of the leg portion 63 do not reach the electrode assembly 10 but are guided into the empty space of the core C, thereby effectively preventing a short circuit due to fuse-cutting.

[0060] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a modified current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 5, a modified current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The melting guide portion 64 of the current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be located at the end of the leg portion 63 on the first coupling portion 61 side. In this case, the melting guide portion 64 may be located closest to the first coupling portion 61.

[0062] When the cutting guide section 64 is arranged as described above, it can be positioned as close as possible to the center O of the current collector 60, thereby maximizing the cutting function of the current collector 60.

[0063] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the first and second widths of a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6. The width of the legs 63 of the current collector 60 may be formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion 61. The width of the legs 63 of the current collector 60 may be formed to be constant between the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is located and the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is not located.

[0065] Specifically, the width of the leg portion 63 may be in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the first joint portion 61. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the width of the leg portion 63 may be in the direction toward the adjacent second joint portions 62 on both sides. The leg portion 63 may have a first width W1 in the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is located. The first width W1 may be the width of the portion of the leg portion 63 covered by the cutting guide portion 64, rather than the width including the cutting guide portion 64. The leg portion 63 may have a second width W2 in the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is not located. The first width W1 and the second width W2 may be the same.

[0066] On the other hand, the leg portion 63 may have a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, for example, and the width of the leg portion 63 may be understood as the width in the thickness direction, unlike in the illustration in Figure 6. In this case, the first width W1 may be understood as the thickness of the portion of the leg portion 63 where the cutting guide portion 64 is located, and the second width W2 may be understood as the thickness of the portion of the leg portion 63 where the cutting guide portion 64 is not located.

[0067] Thus, when the width of the leg portion 63 is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first joint portion 61, such as when the first width W1 and the second width W2 of the leg portion 63 are formed to be the same, the width of the leg portion 63 does not decrease, and the current path of the leg portion 63 can be effectively secured. As a result, the current collector 60 can smoothly ensure its cutting function and become suitable for high output.

[0068] Figure 7 shows the first and second cross-sectional areas of a current collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The current collector 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 7. In the current collector 60, the cross-sectional area of ​​the leg portion 63 can be formed to be constant in the direction toward the first coupling portion 61. The leg portion 63 of the current collector 60 can be formed to have a constant cross-sectional area in the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is arranged and in the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is not arranged.

[0070] Specifically, the cross-section of the leg portion 63 can be understood as the cross-section of the leg portion 63 with respect to the direction toward the first joint portion 61. The leg portion 63 may have a first cross-sectional area A1 in the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is located. The first cross-sectional area A1 may be the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the leg portion 63 that is covered by the cutting guide portion 64, excluding the cutting guide portion 64. The leg portion 63 may have a second cross-sectional area A2 in the portion where the cutting guide portion 64 is not located. The first cross-sectional area A1 and the second cross-sectional area A2 may be the same.

[0071] Thus, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the leg portion 63 is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first joint portion 61, such as when the first cross-sectional area A1 and the second cross-sectional area A2 of the leg portion 63 are formed to be the same, the current path cross-sectional area of ​​the leg portion 63 does not decrease, and the current path of the leg portion 63 can be effectively secured. As a result, the current collector 60 can smoothly ensure its melting function and is suitable for high output.

[0072] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present invention, dissected and enlarged; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, dissected and enlarged; and Figure 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to another modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, dissected and enlarged.

[0073] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 8 to 10, a current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the fuse induction section 64 may include a first fuse induction section 64a and a second fuse induction section 64b.

[0074] The first cutting guide section 64a may be configured to be positioned relatively close to the first coupling section 61. The second cutting guide section 64b may be configured to be positioned relatively far from the first coupling section 61. That is, when multiple cutting guide sections 64 are provided, the first cutting guide section 64a may be configured to be positioned relatively inward and close to the first coupling section 61 on the current collector 60, while the second cutting guide section 64b may be configured to be positioned relatively outward and far from the second coupling section 62 on the current collector 60.

[0075] On the other hand, the cutting guide section 64 may further have at least one cutting guide section between the first cutting guide section 64a and the second cutting guide section 64b.

[0076] In particular, referring to Figure 8, in the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the first cutting guide portion 64a may be greater than the thickness of the second cutting guide portion 64b. That is, in the leg portion 63, the thickness of the cutting guide portion 64 may increase as it gets closer to the center O side of the current collector 60 or to the first coupling portion 61.

[0077] When the fuse-cutting induction section 64 is configured as described above, the thickness of the fuse-cutting induction section 64 gradually increases as it approaches the center O side of the current collector 60 where heat rises more rapidly, and heat dissipation can be prevented more effectively. As a result, the time until the fuse-cutting function is activated in the current collector 60 can be further shortened, and the fuse-cutting function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively.

[0078] Referring in particular to Figure 9, in a current collector 60 according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, the first cutting guide portion 64a and the second cutting guide portion 64b may each be provided in the form of a tape surrounding the leg portion 63. Furthermore, the first cutting guide portion 64a may also be provided in a form in which more tapes overlap than the second cutting guide portion 64b. That is, the closer the leg portion 63 is to the center O side of the current collector 60 or to the first coupling portion 61, the more overlapping cutting guide portions 64 may be provided in the form of a tape.

[0079] When the fuse induction section 64 is configured as described above, the fuse induction section 64 is provided in a greater number and overlapping manner as you move towards the center O side of the current collector 60 where the heat rises more rapidly, and heat dissipation can be prevented more effectively. As a result, the time until the fuse function of the current collector 60 is activated is further shortened, and the fuse function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively.

[0080] In particular, referring to Figure 10, in a current collector 60 according to another modification of another embodiment of the present invention, the first cutting guide portion 64a and the second cutting guide portion 64b can each have thermal insulation performance. Furthermore, the thermal insulation performance of the first cutting guide portion 64a may be higher than that of the second cutting guide portion 64b. Specifically, the first cutting guide portion 64a and the second cutting guide portion 64b each contain a thermal insulation material having thermal insulation properties, and the first cutting guide portion 64a may contain a larger amount of thermal insulation material than the second cutting guide portion 64b, or the thermal insulation material of the first cutting guide portion 64a may be composed of a thermal insulation material having higher thermal insulation properties than the thermal insulation material of the second cutting guide portion 64b. As a result, in the leg portion 63, the closer it is to the center O side of the current collector 60 or to the first coupling portion 61, the higher the thermal insulation performance of the cutting guide portion 64 can be.

[0081] When the fuse induction section 64 is configured as described above, the thermal insulation performance of the fuse induction section 64 is strengthened as you move towards the center O side of the current collector 60 where heat rises more rapidly, and heat dissipation can be prevented more effectively. As a result, the time until the fuse function of the current collector 60 is activated is further shortened, and the fuse function of the current collector 60 can be performed more effectively.

[0082] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a portion of a current collector according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the body cut open.

[0083] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 11, a current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have slits. Specifically, the current collector 60 may have slits to form a first coupling portion 61, a second coupling portion 62, and a leg portion 63. Here, the slits can be understood as narrow gaps formed between the first coupling portion 61 and the second coupling portion 62 in the current collector 60, separating them from each other, and narrow gaps formed between the leg portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62, separating them from each other (see Figure 11). Such slits may be formed as cutting lines or incision lines.

[0084] When the current collector 60 is provided in this manner, the current collector 60 can be roughly manufactured by simply processing slits such as cutting lines or incision lines into a plate-shaped member, thereby improving the productivity of the current collector 60. In addition, the slits can minimize the gap between any two of the first coupling portion 61, the second coupling portion 62, and the leg portions 63, thereby improving the current path of the current collector 60.

[0085] In another embodiment of the present invention, the current collector 60 may be provided on at least one of the two surfaces of the current collector 60. Here, one surface of the current collector 60 may face the electrode assembly 10, and the other surface may face the first terminal 40. For example, the bottom surface or the -Z side surface of the current collector 60 may face the electrode assembly 10, and the top surface or the +Z side surface of the current collector 60 may face the first terminal 40.

[0086] The cutting guide portion 64 may be provided on at least one of the bottom and top surfaces of the leg portion 63. On the other hand, in the current collector 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention, a gap is formed between the leg portion 63 and the second coupling portion 62 by slitting, and the cutting guide portion 64 may not be located on the gap side.

[0087] When the cutting guide portion 64 is provided as described above, there is an advantage that the cutting guide portion 64 can be easily and accurately positioned on the leg portion 63 even if the gap formed between the leg portion 63 and the second joint portion 62 by the slitting process is narrow.

[0088] The above describes preferred examples of the current collector 60 according to the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to these examples and may include any two or more combinations thereof.

[0089] The battery cell 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail again with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0090] The battery cell 1 according to the present invention may include the current collector 60 according to the present invention.

[0091] The battery cell 1 according to the present invention may include an electrode assembly 10, a cell housing 20, and a first terminal 40.

[0092] The electrode assembly 10 may be provided by winding a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator membrane interposed between them around a core C as the central axis O. The first electrode is an electrode having a first polarity, which is either positive or negative. The second electrode is an electrode having a second polarity, which is either negative or positive, but opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be positive and the second polarity may be negative. The separator membrane may be an insulator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0093] The electrode assembly 10 may have a jelly-roll structure. That is, the electrode assembly 10 can be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by stacking a first electrode and a second electrode, which are in sheet form, at least once with a separating membrane in between, around a core C. Any jelly-roll structure known in the art can be applied to the present invention without limitation.

[0094] The cell housing 20 may be configured to house the electrode assembly 10. The cell housing 20 may be provided, for example, as a cylindrical shape with an internal cavity to accommodate the electrode assembly 10.

[0095] A first terminal 40 may be located on one side of the cell housing 20. The first terminal 40 may be electrically connected to the first electrode of the electrode assembly 10. At least a portion of the first terminal 40 may be exposed to the outside. The first terminal 40 may be provided in the form of a rivet. As described above, the first terminal 40 may be coupled to the first coupling portion 61 of the current collector 60 and electrically connected to the first coupling portion 61.

[0096] As described above, the electrode assembly 10 can be coupled to the second coupling portion 62 of the current collector 60. Specifically, the first electrode of the electrode assembly 10 has a first blank portion 11, and the first blank portion 11 and the second coupling portion 62 can be coupled to each other and electrically connected. This allows the current collector 60 to electrically connect the first terminal 40 and the electrode assembly 10 to each other. The current collector 60 can be a positive electrode current collector.

[0097] A second current collector 80 may be located on the other side of the cell housing 20. The second current collector 80 is electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly 10. Specifically, the second electrode has a second blank portion 12, and the second blank portion 12 and the second current collector 80 can be coupled to each other and electrically connected. If the above current collector 60 is referred to as the first current collector 60, then the current collector 80 located on the other side of the cell housing 20 is defined as the second current collector 80. The second current collector 80 may be a negative electrode current collector.

[0098] The cell housing 20 can constitute a second terminal. The second terminal can be electrically connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly 10. The second terminal can be electrically connected to the second current collector 80. An outer surface 20a may be provided on one side of the cell housing 20. That is, both the first terminal 40 and the second terminal may be provided on one side of the cell housing 20. An insulating gasket 50 may be placed between the first terminal 40 and the outer surface 20a. An insulator 70 may be placed between the current collector 60 and the outer surface 20a, and / or between the current collector 60 and the cell housing 20.

[0099] A beading portion 21 and a crimping portion 22 may be provided on the other side of the cell housing 20. The beading portion 21 is formed by recessing around the outer circumference of the cell housing 20, and can fix the electrode assembly 10. The beading portion 21 can support components such as the cap 30. The crimping portion 22 can seal the other side of the cell housing 20. A seal gasket 90 may be placed between the crimping portion 22 and the cap 30.

[0100] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Figure 12, the battery pack 3 according to the present invention may include at least one battery cell 1 according to the present invention. The battery pack 3 may include a pack case 2 that houses at least one battery cell 1.

[0102] For illustrative purposes, the drawings omit illustrations of components such as busbars for the electrical connections of battery cell 1, cooling units, and external terminals. The structure of multiple battery cells 1 for the manufacture of battery pack 3 is illustrated above.

[0103] Figure 13 shows an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to Figure 13, the battery pack 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an automobile 4 such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, the automobile 4 according to the present invention can include the battery pack 3 according to the present invention. The battery pack 3 can be installed in the vehicle body frame under the vehicle seats or in the trunk space. In addition to such a battery pack 3, the automobile 4 according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the automobile 4. For example, the automobile 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention can further include, in addition to the battery pack 3 according to the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an ECU (electronic control unit) or other control devices, etc.

[0105] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the battery pack 3 according to the present invention can be installed not only in automobiles 4, but also in other devices, equipment, and facilities such as energy storage systems that use secondary batteries.

[0106] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but such terms are for explanatory convenience and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that they may change depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0107] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the claims described below by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 battery cell 2-pack case 3 Battery Packs 4. Automobile 10 Electrode assembly 11. First blank section 12. Second blank section 20-cell housing 20a outer surface 21 Beading section 22 Crimping section 30 caps 40 1st terminal 50 Insulating Gaskets 60 Current collector 60 First current collector 61 1st joint 62 2nd joint 63 Legs 64 Cutting guide section 64a First cutting guide section 64b Second cutting guide section 70 Insulators 80 Current collector 90 Seal gasket A1 1st cross-sectional area A2 2nd cross section C Core M Chuo Line O center

Claims

1. A first coupling portion coupled to the first terminal, A second coupling portion that is coupled to the electrode assembly, Multiple legs connecting the first joint and the second joint, A current collector comprising: a plurality of cutting guide portions provided for each of the plurality of legs, each covering at least a portion of the area of ​​the leg;

2. The aforementioned cutting induction section is The current collector according to claim 1, having thermal insulation properties.

3. The aforementioned cutting induction section is The current collector according to claim 1, provided as a tape surrounding the leg portion.

4. The aforementioned cutting induction section is The current collector according to claim 1, wherein the current collector is positioned closer to the center of the current collector than to the outer circumference of the current collector.

5. The aforementioned cutting induction section is The current collector according to claim 4, wherein the current collector is positioned closer to the center of the current collector, with reference to the midpoint between the outer circumference of the current collector and the center of the current collector.

6. The aforementioned cutting induction section is The current collector according to claim 4, wherein the leg portion is disposed at the end on the side of the first coupling portion.

7. The aforementioned leg portion is The current collector according to claim 1, wherein the width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the first joint is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first joint.

8. The aforementioned leg portion is The current collector according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross-section, with respect to the direction toward the first joint, is formed to be constant in the direction toward the first joint.

9. The aforementioned cutting induction section is A first cutting guide portion is positioned relatively close to the first joint portion, It has a second cutting guide portion positioned relatively far from the first joint portion, The thickness of the first cutting guide portion is The current collector according to claim 1, provided to be thicker than the thickness of the second cutting induction portion.

10. The aforementioned cutting induction section is A first cutting guide portion is positioned relatively close to the first joint portion, It has a second cutting guide portion positioned relatively far from the first joint portion, The first cutting guide section and the second cutting guide section are, It is provided in the form of a tape that surrounds the leg portion, The first cutting guide section is, The current collector according to claim 1, provided in a form in which more tapes overlap than the second cutting guide portion.

11. The aforementioned cutting induction section is A first cutting guide portion is positioned relatively close to the first joint portion, It has a second cutting guide portion positioned relatively far from the first joint portion, The first cutting guide section and the second cutting guide section are, It has thermal insulation properties, The thermal insulation performance of the first cutting induction section is, The current collector according to claim 1, wherein the thermal insulation performance is higher than that of the second cutting induction section.

12. The aforementioned current collector is It has a slit for forming the first joint, the second joint, and the leg portion, The aforementioned cutting induction section is The current collector according to claim 1, provided on at least one of the two surfaces of the current collector.

13. A battery cell comprising a current collector according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell as described in claim 13.

15. An automobile comprising at least one battery pack as described in claim 14.

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