Secondary batteries

Abstract

A secondary battery is provided, comprising: a stacked electrode assembly in which multiple unit batteries are stacked in a first direction and having electrode leads at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a multifunctional terminal block (MTB) provided at both ends of the stacked electrode assembly; and a laminate sheet covering the sides of the stacked electrode assembly, wherein the MTB includes a first assembly including an inner housing and electrode terminals housed in the inner housing and electrically connected to the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly; an outer housing enclosing at least a portion of the first assembly; and a second assembly including a rupture disk coupled to the outer housing that ruptures to release gas when internal pressure increases.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery, and more specifically, to a secondary battery that is not only advantageous for implementing a large-capacity cell but also advantageous for constructing a battery pack with high degrees of freedom and compatibility, and having improved safety.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0092180 filed on July 17, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike a primary battery, a secondary battery can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various wireless devices such as handsets, notebook computers, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased epochally, and as the cruising range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the main application of secondary batteries has changed from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, the demand for large-capacity battery packs applied to electric vehicles and the like has been increasing. A large-capacity battery pack mounted on a vehicle is required to enhance safety as it increases in capacity.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a secondary battery that is not only advantageous for implementing a large-capacity cell but also advantageous for constructing a battery pack with high degrees of freedom and compatibility, and having improved safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention provides a secondary battery comprising: a stacked electrode assembly in which a plurality of unit batteries are stacked in a first direction and having electrode leads at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a multifunctional terminal block (MTB) provided at both ends of the stacked electrode assembly; and a laminate sheet covering the sides of the stacked electrode assembly, wherein the MTB comprises a first assembly including an inner housing and an electrode terminal portion housed in the inner housing and electrically connected to the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly; an outer housing enclosing at least a portion of the first assembly; and a second assembly including a rupture disk coupled to the outer housing that ruptures to release gas when internal pressure increases.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inner housing may include a second through-hole communicating with the venting disc.

[0008] In some embodiments, a shield may be provided within the second through-hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the MTB may further include a busbar that electrically connects the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly to the electrode terminal portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inner housing includes a middle body which can support the connection between the electrode lead and the busbar.

[0011] In some embodiments, the inner housing includes a bottom portion, which is located below the busbar and can prevent heat transfer from below.

[0012] In some embodiments, the inner housing may include an insulating material, and the outer housing may include a metallic material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer housing is provided with terminal holes, and the electrode terminals can be exposed to the outside through the terminal holes provided in the outer housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the MTB further includes a check valve, which may be configured to open to release internal gas when the internal pressure of the secondary battery is higher than a certain pressure, and to close again after the internal pressure has been relieved.

[0015] In some embodiments, the MTB may further include an electrolyte inlet configured for the injection of an electrolyte solution.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a secondary battery comprising: a stacked electrode assembly in which a plurality of unit batteries are stacked in a first direction and having electrode leads at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a multifunctional terminal block (MTB) provided at both ends of the stacked electrode assembly; and a laminate sheet covering the sides of the stacked electrode assembly, wherein the MTB comprises a first assembly including an inner housing and electrode terminal portions housed in the inner housing and electrically connected to the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly; an outer housing covering at least a portion of the first assembly; and a second assembly including a check valve coupled to the outer housing, wherein the check valve is configured to open to release internal gas when the internal pressure of the secondary battery is higher than a certain pressure, and to close again after the internal pressure has been relieved.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second assembly may further include a sealing member that is coupled to the outer housing and seals the periphery of the electrode terminal portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second assembly may further include a rupture disk coupled to the outer housing, which ruptures to release gas when the internal pressure increases.

[0019] In some embodiments, the inner housing may include a second through-hole communicating with the venting disc.

[0020] In some embodiments, a shield may be provided within the second through-hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] The secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present invention is not only advantageous for realizing high-capacity cells, but also advantageous for configuring battery packs due to its high degree of flexibility and compatibility, and can have improved safety.

[0022] The effects that can be obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the secondary battery with the laminate sheet removed. [Figure 3]It is a perspective view showing the coupling relationship between a first assembly and a second assembly that constitute a first MTB in the secondary battery of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic view showing the first MTB of the secondary battery of FIG. 1 as viewed from the first direction. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view showing a cross section of the first MTB cut along a plane perpendicular to the third direction through the electrode terminal portion. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a main part of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a partial perspective view showing the separation - coupling structure between the first assembly and the second assembly of the first MTB of the secondary battery of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a drawing showing the first assembly of the secondary battery of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a drawing showing the separation structure of the first assembly of the secondary battery of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] It is a drawing showing the first assembly of the secondary battery of FIG. 6 as viewed from the second direction. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view showing the second assembly of the secondary battery of FIG. 6. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the separation structure of the second assembly of the secondary battery of FIG. 6. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing a form in which the first assembly and the second assembly are coupled to each other. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing a form in which the first assembly and the second assembly are coupled to each other.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the concept of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the concept of the present invention can be modified into various different forms, and the scope of the concept of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described below. It is preferable that embodiments of the concept of the present invention be construed as being provided to more fully explain the concept of the present invention to a person of average knowledge in the art. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Furthermore, the various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Therefore, the concept of the present invention is not limited by the relative sizes and spacings depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe a variety of components, but the components are not limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the concept of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and conversely, the second component may be named the first component.

[0026] The terms used in this application are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the concepts of the invention. A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, expressions such as “includes” or “has” are intended to specify the presence of features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and are understood not to pre-exist to exclude the presence or possibility of adding one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the concepts of this invention pertain. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0028] Where a particular embodiment can be otherwise realized, a specific sequence of steps may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two steps described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in the reverse order of the description.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, deformations of shape, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, can be expected. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to specific shapes of the regions shown herein, and may include, for example, changes in shape resulting from the manufacturing process. All terms used herein, "and / or," include each of the components mentioned and all combinations of one or more of them. The term "substrate" as used herein may mean the substrate itself or a laminated structure including a substrate and a predetermined layer or film formed on its surface. The term "surface of the substrate" as used herein may mean the exposed surface of the substrate itself or an outer surface such as a predetermined layer or film formed on the substrate.

[0030] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a secondary battery 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the secondary battery 100 of Figure 1 with the laminate sheet 170 removed.

[0031] In the following drawings, the secondary battery 100 is shown to be defined in a vertical coordinate system defined as a first direction along the X-axis, a second direction along the Y-axis, and a third direction along the Z-axis, all of which are perpendicular to each other. However, the first, second, and third directions only need to be perpendicular to each other and are not particularly limited.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the secondary battery 100 includes a stacked electrode assembly 110, multifunctional terminal blocks (MTBs) 120a and 120b, and a laminate sheet 170.

[0033] The stacked electrode assembly 110 described above may include a plurality of unit cells 111 stacked in a first direction (for example, the X-axis direction). Each of the unit cells 111 may be a metal foil that acts as a current collector, on which an electrode material is coated.

[0034] Each unit cell 111 may have a thin, plate-like body extending in a second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). Each unit cell 111 may be a positive electrode unit cell or a negative electrode unit cell. In some embodiments, the plurality of unit cells 111 may be arranged in alternating stacks of one positive electrode unit cell and one negative electrode unit cell. The positive electrode unit cells and the negative electrode unit cells may be separated from each other by a separator membrane.

[0035] In some other embodiments, the plurality of unit cells 111 may consist of a plurality of positive electrode unit cells and a plurality of negative electrode unit cells stacked alternately. The plurality of positive electrode unit cells and the plurality of negative electrode unit cells may be separated from each other by a separator membrane.

[0036] The stacked electrode assembly 110 may have electrode leads 116 at both ends in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). The electrode leads 116 can be electrically connected to the electrode tabs of the plurality of unit batteries 111. One or more electrode tabs may be connected to one electrode lead 116. In some embodiments, two or more electrode tabs may be connected to one electrode lead 116.

[0037] In some embodiments, the stacked electrode assembly 110 may have two electrode leads 116 on one side and two electrode leads 116 on the other side. In this case, half of the plurality of unit batteries 111 included in the stacked electrode assembly 110 may be coupled to a first electrode lead on one side and to a second electrode lead on the other side. The remaining half of the plurality of unit batteries 111 included in the stacked electrode assembly 110 may be coupled to a third electrode lead on one side and to a fourth electrode lead on the other side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0038] In some embodiments, the stacked electrode assembly 110 may have one or more electrode leads on one side. In some embodiments, the stacked electrode assembly 110 may have one or more electrode leads on the other side.

[0039] A first MTB 120a may be provided at one end of the stacked electrode assembly 110 in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction), and a second MTB 120b may be provided at the other end. One of the first MTB 120a and the second MTB 120b may be electrically connected to the positive electrode side of the stacked electrode assembly 110, and the other may be electrically connected to the negative electrode side of the stacked electrode assembly 110. The second MTB 120b may have substantially the same configuration as the first MTB 120a, except that its polarity is different.

[0040] The laminate sheet 170 can be configured to wrap around the sides of the stacked electrode assembly 110. In some embodiments, the laminate sheet 170 can be attached to the sides of the MTBs 120a and 120b so as to at least partially cover the sides of the MTBs 120a and 120b. In some embodiments, the laminate sheet 170 can cover the entire sides of the MTBs 120a and 120b parallel to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). In other embodiments, the laminate sheet 170 can cover only a portion of the sides of the MTBs 120a and 120b parallel to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0041] The following describes the first MTB120a. While the following description focuses on the first MTB120a, a typical engineer can then learn about the configuration of the second MTB120b.

[0042] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the coupling relationship between the first assembly 130 and the second assembly 140, which constitute the first MTB120a in the secondary battery of Figure 1.

[0043] The above-mentioned first MTB120a may include a first assembly 130 and a second assembly 140.

[0044] The first assembly 130 may include an inner housing 131, an electrode terminal portion 132 housed within the inner housing 131, and a busbar 133 that electrically connects the electrode terminal portion 132 and the electrode lead 116.

[0045] The inner housing 131 can be made of a non-conductive injection-molded material. The inner housing 131 defines the positions of the electrode terminal portion 132 and the bus bar 133, and can protect the electrode terminal portion 132 and the bus bar 133 from impacts and movements caused by external forces.

[0046] The inner housing 131 described above may include a head portion 131s, a first through hole 131h1, a middle body 131t, a second through hole 131h2, and a bottom portion 131u.

[0047] The head portion 131s constitutes the upper part of the inner housing 131. The head portion 131s can have a predetermined three-dimensional shape.

[0048] The first through-hole 131h1 is formed in the head portion 131s and is a portion into which the electrode terminal portion 132 can be inserted. The first through-hole 131h1 can be provided in the head portion 131s of the inner housing 131 such that the electrode terminal portion 132 is exposed in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). Therefore, the first through-hole 131h1 can be provided on a plane perpendicular to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the head portion 131s. The first through-hole 131h1 can also have an opening that is open in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 110. The shape of the first through-hole 131h1 can be configured to match the outer edge shape of the portion into which the electrode terminal portion 132 is exposed to the outside.

[0049] In some embodiments, the head portion 131s may include a sealing projection 131g formed around the first through hole 131h1. The sealing projection 131g is formed around the first through hole 131h1 and can protrude in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). Therefore, when the electrode terminal portion 132 is inserted into the first through hole 131h1, the projection 131g surrounds the periphery of the electrode terminal portion 132, preventing moisture from penetrating between the electrode terminal portion 132 and the first through hole 131h1. Furthermore, it is possible to electrically insulate the outer housing 141, which will be described later, from the electrode terminal portion 132.

[0050] The middle body 131t constitutes the intermediate part of the inner housing 131 and is an upright portion having a predetermined height.

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the first MTB in the secondary battery of Figure 1 as viewed from a first direction (for example, the X-axis direction).

[0052] In some embodiments, the sides of the middle body 131t can be configured as support surfaces. The middle body 131t with support surfaces can support the pressure applied to the busbar 133 and electrode lead 116 when they are joined together (for example, by laser welding).

[0053] In some embodiments, a second through-hole 131h2 can be formed in the middle body 131t. The second through-hole 131h2 can be provided on a plane perpendicular to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the middle body 131t. The second through-hole 131h2 can also have an opening that is open in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 110. The second through-hole 131h2 can consist of a space from which heat, gas, etc., can be discharged.

[0054] In some embodiments, a shield 131k may be provided within the second through-hole 131h2. The shield 131k may be a predetermined extension beam that crosses or extends vertically through the interior of the second through-hole 131h2. The shield 131k can partially block the emission of high-temperature particles during thermal runaway. Therefore, the possibility of flame generation can be reduced.

[0055] The second through-hole 131h2 can communicate with the venting hole 141h2 of the outer housing 141 of the second assembly 140, which will be described later, and the venting disk 142 which is coupled to the venting hole 141h2.

[0056] The bottom portion 131u constitutes the lower part of the inner housing 131. The bottom portion 131u can support the bus bar 133 and the electrode lead connected to the bus bar 133 from below. The bottom portion 131u can block heat transfer so that heat transmitted through the bus bar 133 and the electrode lead is not transferred to the lower part.

[0057] The electrode terminal portion 132 is housed within the inner housing 131 and can be exposed through the first through-hole 131h1. The electrode terminal portion 132 can be made of a metal or metal alloy with low electrical resistance, such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), platinum (Pt), manganese (Mn), or an alloy containing one or more of these.

[0058] In some embodiments, the exposed surface of the electrode terminal portion 132 that is exposed to the outside from the inner housing 131 may be a flat surface. In some embodiments, the exposed surface may have a plane that extends perpendicularly to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction).

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the first MTB 120a cut through the electrode terminal portion 132 in a plane perpendicular to the third direction (for example, the Z-axis direction).

[0060] Referring to Figure 5, the busbar 133 can be provided to make surface contact with the electrode terminal portion 132. The busbar 133 can be made of a metallic material with low electrical resistance. In some embodiments, the busbar 133 can be made of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), platinum (Pt), molybdenum (Mo), tin (Sn), palladium (Pd), or an alloy containing one or more of these. The busbar 133 can have a cross-sectional area that can satisfy the allowable current value of the busbar 133.

[0061] The busbar 133 can be configured to make surface contact with the electrode lead 116 of the stacked electrode assembly 110. In some embodiments, the busbar 133 can be joined to the electrode lead 116 by laser welding. In some embodiments, the busbar 133 can be joined to the electrode lead 116 by fasteners, for example, by rivets.

[0062] In some embodiments, the busbar 133 may include a planar center portion 133c extending horizontally in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and an edge portion 133e extending bent from the center portion 133c. The center portion 133c may be configured to have a substantially U-shaped cross-section together with the edge portion 133e and may extend in the third direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). In some embodiments, the edge portion 133e may have a plane extending perpendicularly in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0063] The busbar 133 can make surface contact with the electrode terminal portion 132 at its center portion 133c. The busbar 133 can make surface contact with the electrode lead 116 at its edge portion 133e.

[0064] As described above, in some embodiments, the inner housing 131 may include a middle body 131t having a support surface on its side. By providing the middle body 131t in this way, the middle body 131t can support the pressure (arrow V in Figure 5) applied to the busbar 133 and the electrode lead 116 when they are joined together (for example, by laser welding).

[0065] In some embodiments, the electrode lead 116 may include a pre-bended portion 116c that is bent in a portion that does not come into contact with the busbar 133. The pre-bended portion 116c can prevent stress from concentrating on a specific part of the electrode lead 116 due to external forces applied to the stacked electrode assembly 110, thereby improving safety.

[0066] Referring again to Figure 3, the second assembly 140 is described as follows.

[0067] The second assembly 140 may include an outer housing 141 and a venting disk 142 coupled to the outer housing 141.

[0068] The outer housing 141 can be made of a material having relatively high rigidity, such as metal, and defines the appearance of the first MTB 120a. In some embodiments, the outer housing 141 can be made of aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), or an alloy containing one or more of these.

[0069] In some embodiments, the outer housing 141 may include a terminal hole 141h1.

[0070] The terminal hole 141h1 is a portion that allows the electrode terminal portion 132 included in the first assembly 130 to be exposed when the first assembly 130 and the second assembly 140 are joined together. The terminal hole 141h1 can be provided in the upper portion of the outer housing 141 such that the electrode terminal portion 132 is exposed in the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). Therefore, the terminal hole 141h1 can be provided on a plane of the outer housing 141 perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The form of the terminal hole 141h1 can be configured to conform to the outer edge shape of the portion in which the electrode terminal portion 132 is exposed to the outside, and to be spaced apart from the electrode terminal portion 132.

[0071] In some embodiments, as described above, the inner housing 131 is provided with a sealing projection 131g, which can separate the electrode terminal portion 132 from the inner peripheral edge of the terminal hole 141h1. Therefore, the electrode terminal portion 132 and the outer housing 141 can be electrically insulated from each other.

[0072] In some embodiments, the outer housing 141 may include venting holes 141h2.

[0073] The venting holes 141h2 can be provided on a plane perpendicular to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the outer housing 141. The shape of the venting holes 141h2 can be configured to match the shape of the venting disk 142, which will be described later.

[0074] The venting hole 141h2 can communicate with the second through-hole 131h2.

[0075] In some embodiments, the outer housing 141 can be coupled to the inner housing 131 in a manner that surrounds at least a portion of the inner housing 131. That is, the outer housing 141 can have a coupling structure that surrounds at least a portion of the inner housing 131 in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). By coupling the outer housing 141 to the inner housing 131, the rigidity of the first MTB 120a is complemented, and the outer housing 141 has a modular form with many functions such as a gas venting structure, electrolyte inlet, and valve, which is advantageous for configuring a battery pack with a high degree of freedom and interchangeability, and can realize improved safety.

[0076] In some embodiments, the outer housing 141 and the inner housing 131 are joined to each other by a PP layer, adhesive material, or welded structure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent moisture and foreign matter from penetrating into the interior of the first MTB 120a.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first MTB 120a may include a rupture disk 142 configured to rupture if the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 increases excessively, thereby releasing the gas causing the excessively high internal pressure. If the rupture disk 142 is caused by a thermal event occurring inside the secondary battery 100, it will not be restored to its original state. The rupture disk 142 may be any rupture disk 142 known in the art and is not particularly limited.

[0078] The venting holes 141h2 and venting disk 142 can have a predetermined area. By having a predetermined area for the venting holes 141h2 and venting disk 142, an appropriate venting area can be ensured in the event of rupture of the venting disk 142 and thermal runaway caused by thermal events occurring inside the secondary battery 100.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first MTB120a may further include a check valve (not shown). The check valve (not shown) may be configured to open to release internal gas when the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 exceeds a predetermined pressure, and to close again when the internal pressure is relieved by the release of the gas. Since the check valve (not shown) has no part that would burst upon the release of the gas, it can be restored to its original state after the internal gas has been released.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first MTB120a may further include an electrolyte inlet (not shown) into which an electrolyte can be injected. In some embodiments, the electrolyte inlet (not shown) may be provided in only one of the first MTB120a and the second MTB120b.

[0081] The electrolyte injected through the electrolyte inlet (not shown) described above may be any electrolyte used for a typical lithium secondary battery, and is not particularly limited.

[0082] The secondary battery 100 of the present invention houses all the units having their respective functions within the MTB 120a and 120b, such as the electrode terminal section 132, busbar 133, venting disk 142, check valve (not shown), electrolyte inlet (not shown), etc., so the battery cell itself has functions equivalent to a conventional battery module. Therefore, the secondary battery 100 of the present invention can have a high degree of flexibility and interchangeability, and is advantageous for realizing cell-to-pack.

[0083] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a secondary battery 100a according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view showing a partial separation-bonding structure of the secondary battery 100a of Figure 6.

[0084] The secondary battery 100a described above includes a first MTB 120a-1, which differs from the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 in that the inner housing 151 of the first assembly 150 includes a front body 151a and a rear body 151b, and the front body 151a has a third through hole 151h3 in addition to the first through hole 151h1 and the second through hole 151h2, and the second assembly 160 further includes a sealing member 163 and a check valve 164, and the outer housing 161 has a valve hole 161h3 in addition to the terminal hole 161h1 and the venting hole 161h2. Therefore, the following description will focus on these differences, and additional explanations of overlapping parts will be omitted.

[0085] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the first assembly 150 of the secondary battery 100a of the second embodiment, Figure 9 is a drawing showing the separation structure of the first assembly 150 of the secondary battery 100a of the second embodiment, and Figure 10 is a drawing showing the first assembly 150 of the secondary battery 100a of the second embodiment viewed from a second direction (for example, forward in the Y-axis direction).

[0086] The first assembly 150 of the second embodiment may include an inner housing 151, an electrode terminal portion 152 housed within the inner housing 151, and a busbar 153 that electrically connects the electrode terminal portion 152 and the electrode lead 116.

[0087] The inner housing 151 may include a front body 151a and a rear body 151b.

[0088] The front body 151a constitutes the front (for example, forward in the Y-axis direction) main body of the inner housing 151.

[0089] The first to third through holes 151h1, 151h2, and 151h3 penetrate the front body 151a in a second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction).

[0090] The first through-hole 151h1 is a portion into which the electrode terminal portion 152 can be inserted, and corresponds to the first through-hole 131h1 described in the first embodiment. The first through-hole 151h1 can be provided in the front body 151a such that the electrode terminal portion 152 is exposed in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). Therefore, the first through-hole 151h1 can be provided on a plane of the front body 151a perpendicular to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction).

[0091] The second through-hole 151h2 can be provided on a plane perpendicular to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the front body 151a. The second through-hole 151h2 can also have an opening that is open in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 110.

[0092] In some embodiments, a shield 151k may be provided within the second through-hole 151h2. The shield 151k may be a predetermined extension beam that crosses or extends vertically through the interior of the second through-hole 151h2. The shield 151k can partially block the emission of high-temperature particles during thermal runaway. Therefore, the possibility of flame generation can be reduced.

[0093] The third through-hole 151h3 can be provided on a plane perpendicular to the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction) of the front body 151a. The second through-hole 151h2 can have an opening that is open in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 110. The shape of the third through-hole 151h3 can be configured to match the shape of at least a portion of the check valve 164, which will be described later.

[0094] The rear body 151b constitutes the rear (for example, rearward in the Y-axis direction) main body of the inner housing 151.

[0095] The rear body 151b described above may include a rear middle body 151t and a rear bottom section 151u.

[0096] The rear middle body 151t is a section that is erected to a predetermined height. The sides of the rear middle body 151t can support the pressure applied to the busbar 153 and electrode lead 116 when they are joined to each other (e.g., by laser welding).

[0097] The rear bottom portion 151u constitutes the lower part of the rear body 151b. The rear bottom portion 151u can support the bus bar 153 and the electrode leads connected to the bus bar 153 from below. The rear bottom portion 151u can block heat transfer so that heat transmitted through the bus bar 153 and the electrode leads is not transferred to the lower part.

[0098] The busbar 153 can be configured to make surface contact with the electrode lead 116 of the stacked electrode assembly 110.

[0099] In some embodiments, the busbar 153 may include a planar center portion 153c extending horizontally in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction) and an edge portion 153e that is bent and extended from the center portion 153c. The busbar 153 may make surface contact with the electrode terminal portion 152 at the center portion 153c. The busbar 153 may make surface contact with the electrode lead 116 at the edge portion 153e.

[0100] In some embodiments, the busbar 153 may include a first bus hole 153t. The first bus hole 153t may be a hole that penetrates the center portion 153c in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). The first bus hole 153t may be a portion connected to the electrode terminal portion 152.

[0101] In some embodiments, the busbar 153 may include a second bus hole 153h. The second bus hole 153h may be a hole that penetrates the center portion 153c in the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The second bus hole 153h may be collinear with the second through-hole 151h2 in the second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The second bus hole 153h, together with the second through-hole 151h2, may function as a heat and gas exhaust passage.

[0102] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the second assembly 160 of the second embodiment, and Figure 12 is a drawing showing the separation structure of the second assembly 160.

[0103] The second assembly 160 of the second embodiment may include, in addition to the outer housing 161 and the venting disc 162 coupled to the outer housing 161, a sealing member 163 and a check valve 164.

[0104] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the venting disk 162 may include a venting cover 162a and a venting insulation 162b coupled to the venting cover 162a. However, the venting disk 162 can have any configuration.

[0105] In the first embodiment described above, the outer housing 161 may have a configuration in which a valve hole 161h3 is further formed.

[0106] The valve hole 161h3 is a portion from which a check valve 164, which is connected to a third hole in the first assembly 150, can be exposed when the first assembly 150 and the second assembly 160 are joined together. The valve hole 161h3 can be provided in the lower portion of the outer housing 161 so that the check valve 164 is exposed in the second direction (for example, the Y-axis direction). The valve hole 161h3 can conform to the outer edge shape of the portion from which the check valve 164 is exposed to the outside.

[0107] In some embodiments, the second assembly 160 may include a sealing member 163. The sealing member 163 can be inserted into the terminal hole 161h1 of the outer housing 161. The sealing member 163 is configured in a ring shape having a sealing hole 163h, and the electrode terminal portion 152 can be positioned within the sealing hole 163h of the sealing member 163. The sealing member 163 may be made of an insulating material, which can electrically insulate the electrode terminal portion 152 from the outer housing 161.

[0108] The sealing member 163 can seal the space between the periphery of the electrode terminal portion 152 and the terminal hole 161h1 of the outer housing 161. Therefore, it is possible to prevent moisture from penetrating into the gap between the terminal hole 161h1 and the electrode terminal portion 152.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second assembly 160 may include a check valve 164. The check valve 164 can have any configuration, for example, a configuration including a predetermined membrane. The check valve 164 may be configured to open to release internal gas when the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 exceeds a predetermined pressure, and to close again when the internal pressure is relieved by the release of the gas. Since there is no part that will burst upon the release of the gas, the check valve 164 can be restored to its original state after the internal gas has been released.

[0110] Figures 13 and 14 are drawings showing the configuration in which the first assembly 150 and the second assembly 160 are joined together.

[0111] In some embodiments, the outer housing 161 can be coupled to the inner housing 151 in such a manner that it surrounds at least a portion of the inner housing 151. This complements the rigidity of the first MTB 120a and prevents moisture from penetrating into the interior of the first MTB 120a.

[0112] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can modify and implement the present invention in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, further modifications of embodiments of the present invention will not depart from the art of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 100, 100A: Secondary battery 110: Stacked electrode assembly 111: Unit Battery 116: Electrode Leads 120a, 120b, 120c: MTB 120a-1: 1st MTB 130: First Assembly 131: Inner Housing 131k: Head part 131h1: 1st through hole 131h2: 2nd through hole 131k: Shield 131g: Seal protrusion 131t: Middle body 131 u: Bottom part 132: Electrode terminal part 133: Bus bar 133c: Center section 133e: Edge 140: Second Assembly 141: Outer Housing 141h1: Terminal Hall 141h2: Venting Hall 142: Venting Disc 150: First Assembly 151: Inner Housing 151a: Front body 151b: Rear body 151h1: 1st through hole 151h2: 2nd through hole 151k: Shield 151h3: 3rd through hole 151t: Rear middle body 151 u: Rear bottom section 152: Electrode terminal part 153: Bus bar 153c: Center section 153e: Edge 153t: First bus hall 153h: Second Bus Hall 160: Second Assembly 161: Outer Housing 161h1: Terminal Hall 161h2: Venting Hall 161h3: Valve Hole 162: Venting Disc 162a: Venting cover 162b: Venting Insulation 163: Sealing material 163h: Seal Hole 164: Check valve 170: Laminating sheet

Claims

1. A stacked electrode assembly comprising multiple unit batteries stacked in a first direction, with electrode leads at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A multi-functional terminal block (MTB) provided at both ends of the stacked electrode assembly, The assembly includes a laminate sheet that encloses the side surface of the stacked electrode assembly, The aforementioned MTB is A first assembly comprising an inner housing and an electrode terminal portion housed in the inner housing and electrically connected to the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly, A secondary battery comprising: an outer housing enclosing at least a portion of the first assembly; and a second assembly comprising a venting disc coupled to the outer housing, which ruptures to release gas when internal pressure increases.

2. The aforementioned inner housing is The secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a second through-hole communicating with the venting disk.

3. Inside the second through hole, A secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein a shield is provided.

4. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the MTB further includes a busbar that electrically connects the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly to the electrode terminal portion.

5. The aforementioned inner housing is Including the middle body, The aforementioned middle body is The secondary battery according to claim 4, which supports the junction between the electrode lead and the busbar.

6. The aforementioned inner housing is Including the bottom part, The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein the bottom portion is located below the busbar and prevents heat transfer from the lower part.

7. The inner housing includes an insulating material, The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the outer housing includes a metal material.

8. The outer housing is equipped with terminal holes, The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the electrode terminal portion is exposed to the outside through the terminal hole provided in the outer housing.

9. The aforementioned MTB further includes a check valve, The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the check valve is configured to be opened to release internal gas when the internal pressure of the secondary battery is higher than a certain pressure, and to be closed again after the internal pressure has been relieved.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the MTB further includes an electrolyte inlet configured for the injection of an electrolyte.

11. A stacked electrode assembly comprising multiple unit batteries stacked in a first direction, with electrode leads at both ends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A multi-functional terminal block (MTB) provided at both ends of the stacked electrode assembly, A secondary battery comprising a laminate sheet that encloses the side surface of the stacked electrode assembly, The aforementioned MTB is A first assembly comprising an inner housing and an electrode terminal portion housed in the inner housing and electrically connected to the electrode leads of the stacked electrode assembly, The first assembly includes an outer housing enclosing at least a portion of the first assembly, and a second assembly including a check valve coupled to the outer housing, A secondary battery wherein the check valve is configured to open to release internal gas when the internal pressure of the secondary battery is higher than a certain pressure, and to close again after the internal pressure has been relieved.

12. The second assembly is The secondary battery according to claim 11, further comprising a sealing member coupled to the outer housing and sealing the peripheral portion of the electrode terminal portion.

13. The second assembly is The secondary battery according to claim 11, further comprising a venting disc coupled to the outer housing, which ruptures to release gas when the internal pressure increases.

14. The aforementioned inner housing is The secondary battery according to claim 13, further comprising a second through-hole communicating with the venting disk.

15. Inside the second through hole, The secondary battery according to claim 14, which is provided with a shield.

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