Batteries, battery packs including the same, and automobiles

By designing positive and negative terminals arranged in the same direction and an improved electrical connection structure, the problem of electrical connection complexity in the cylindrical battery pack is solved, the structural simplification and resistance reduction of the battery pack are achieved, and the energy density and reliability of the battery pack are improved.

JP7628612B2Active Publication Date: 2025-02-10LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
View PDF 9 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023535584
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-10-01
Filing Date
2022-02-18
Publication Date
2025-02-10
Estimated Expiration
2042-02-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the positive and negative terminals of the cylindrical battery are located on opposite sides, resulting in complex electrical connection structures, increasing the number of insulating and waterproof parts, and increasing the complexity of the battery pack.

Method used

A cylindrical battery structure is designed so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode terminals are arranged in the same direction, and electrode assemblies are formed by the first and second electrodes and separators wound around the battery cell, and connected through the battery case, and electrically connected using an electrically insulated cover and an electrical connection assembly such as a bus bar.

Benefits of technology

The electrical connection structure of the battery pack is simplified, ensuring that the negative terminal has sufficient area for welding, reducing the resistance of the electrical connection components, and improving the energy density of the battery pack and the reliability of the electrical connection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007628612000001
    Figure 0007628612000001
  • Figure 0007628612000002
    Figure 0007628612000002
  • Figure 0007628612000003
    Figure 0007628612000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly having a first uncoated portion and a second uncoated portion, a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and is electrically connected to the second uncoated portion, a cap that covers an opening formed at a lower end of the battery housing, a first electrode terminal that penetrates the closed portion of the battery housing and is electrically insulated from the battery housing, and a first current collector that is coupled to the first uncoated portion and fastened to the first electrode terminal.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and more particularly, to a battery having a structure in which a positive terminal and a negative terminal are both disposed adjacent to one side of the battery without significantly modifying the structure of a conventional battery, and a battery pack and an automobile including the same.

[0002] This application is a continuation of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0022881 filed on February 19, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0022894 filed on February 19, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0022842 filed on February 19, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0030291 filed on March 8, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0124988, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0131208, filed on October 1, 2021, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0131207, filed on October 1, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0131215, filed on October 1, 2021, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of these applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] When manufacturing a battery pack using cylindrical batteries, a plurality of cylindrical batteries are typically arranged upright in a housing, and the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical batteries are used as positive and negative terminals, respectively, to electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical batteries to each other.

[0004] This is because, in a cylindrical battery, the negative electrode uncoated portion of the electrode assembly housed inside the battery housing extends downward to be electrically connected to the bottom surface of the battery housing, and the positive electrode uncoated portion extends upward to be electrically connected to the top cap. That is, in a cylindrical battery, the bottom surface of the battery housing, i.e., the outer surface of the closed part of the battery housing, is usually used as the negative electrode terminal, and the top cap covering the open part at the top end of the battery housing is usually used as the positive electrode terminal.

[0005] However, when the positive and negative terminals of the cylindrical battery are located on opposite sides of each other, electrical connection components such as bus bars for electrically connecting multiple cylindrical batteries must be applied to both the upper and lower parts of the cylindrical batteries, which complicates the electrical connection structure of the battery pack.

[0006] Furthermore, in such a structure, components for insulation and components for ensuring waterproofing must be applied separately to the upper and lower parts of the battery pack, resulting in an increase in the number of components to be applied and a complicated structure.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a cylindrical battery having a structure in which the positive and negative terminals are applied in the same direction so as to simplify the electrical connection structure of a plurality of cylindrical batteries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a battery structure having a structure in which a positive terminal and a negative terminal are applied in the same direction.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery in which negative terminals applied in the same direction have a sufficient area to be welded to electrical connection parts such as bus bars for manufacturing a battery pack.

[0010] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems described 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]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding shaft to define a core and an outer circumferential surface, the first electrode and the second electrode each including a first uncoated portion and a second uncoated portion that are not coated with an active material layer along a winding direction, a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and is electrically connected to the second uncoated portion, a cap that covers an opening formed at a lower end of the battery housing, a first electrode terminal that penetrates a closing portion of the battery housing located opposite the opening and is electrically insulated from the battery housing, and a first current collector that is coupled to the first uncoated portion and is fastened to the first electrode terminal.

[0012] The first electrode terminal and the first current collector may be coupled together by bolting.

[0013] The first electrode terminal may include a terminal exposure portion exposed to an outside of the battery housing, and a terminal coupling portion passing through the closing portion of the battery housing and fastened to the first current collector.

[0014] The first current collector may include a current collector connector that is bolted to the terminal connector.

[0015] The current collector coupling part may have a hole penetrating vertically at its center, or may have a groove formed to a predetermined depth from its upper surface.

[0016] The inner diameter of the current collector connection portion may be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of a hole formed in the winding center of the electrode assembly.

[0017] The terminal coupling portion may be inserted into the inside of the current collector coupling portion and fastened by a bolt.

[0018] The collector coupling portion may be inserted into the terminal coupling portion and bolted.

[0019] The current collector coupling portion may be provided at a center portion of the first current collector.

[0020] The current collector coupling portion may be provided at a position corresponding to a hole formed in a winding center portion of the electrode assembly.

[0021] The first electrode terminal may further include a flange portion that penetrates the closing portion of the battery housing and is riveted to an inner surface of the battery housing.

[0022] The battery may further include an insulating gasket interposed between the cell housing and the first electrode terminal.

[0023] The first electrode terminal may include a terminal exposure portion exposed to an outside of the battery housing, and a terminal coupling portion passing through the closing portion of the battery housing and fastened to the first current collector.

[0024] The insulating gasket may cover an outer circumferential surface of the exposed terminal portion.

[0025] The insulating gasket may be coupled to the battery housing and the first electrode terminal by thermal welding.

[0026] The first electrode terminal may be coupled with the insulating gasket by insert injection.

[0027] The battery further includes an insulating gasket interposed between the battery housing and the first electrode terminal, and the insulating gasket may be bent together with the flange portion by bending the flange portion and interposed between an inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing and the flange portion.

[0028] An exterior surface of the closed portion of the battery housing may be a second electrode terminal of opposite polarity to the first electrode terminal.

[0029] At least a portion of the first uncoated portion may include a plurality of segment pieces divided along a winding direction of the electrode assembly, and the plurality of segment pieces may be bent along a radial direction of the electrode assembly.

[0030] The folded segments may be overlapped in multiple layers along the radial direction.

[0031] The electrode assembly may include a welding target area in which an overlapping number of the segments of the first uncoated portion is maintained constant along a radial direction of the electrode assembly, and a lower surface of the first current collector may be joined to the first uncoated portion at the welding target area by welding.

[0032] The battery may further include a second current collector coupled to the second uncoated portion and electrically connected to the cell housing.

[0033] The second current collector may include an uncoated portion coupling portion coupled to the second uncoated portion and a housing coupling portion coupled to an inner surface of the battery housing.

[0034] The second current collector may have a current collector hole formed at a position corresponding to a hole formed in a winding center portion of the electrode assembly.

[0035] The battery housing includes a beading portion having a portion of its side wall pressed inward, and a crimping portion having an end portion defining the opening below the beading portion that extends and bent to surround the peripheral edge portion of the cap, and the housing connection portion can be electrically coupled to one side of the beading portion that faces the cap.

[0036] A plurality of housing coupling parts may be provided to multiplex electrical connections between the electrode assemblies and the battery housing.

[0037] The resistance measured between the positive and negative electrodes may be 4 mΩ or less.

[0038] The battery may have a form factor ratio of diameter divided by height greater than 0.4.

[0039] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a plurality of batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0040] The plurality of batteries may be arranged in a predetermined number of rows, and the first electrode terminal of each of the batteries and an outer surface of the battery housing closure may be disposed so as to face upward.

[0041] The battery pack may include a plurality of bus bars connecting the plurality of batteries in series and parallel, the plurality of bus bars being disposed on top of the plurality of batteries, in which case each of the plurality of bus bars may include a body portion extending between first electrode terminals of adjacent batteries, a plurality of first bus bar terminals extending in one direction of the body portion and electrically coupled to the first electrode terminals of the batteries located in the one direction, and a plurality of second bus bar terminals extending in the other direction of the body portion and electrically coupled to an outer surface of a closure portion of a cell housing of the batteries located in the other direction.

[0042] In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above. Effect of the Invention

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery structure is provided in which a positive terminal and a negative terminal are applied in the same direction, thereby simplifying the electrical connection structure of a plurality of batteries.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, the negative electrode terminal of the battery has a sufficient area that can be welded to an electrical connection part such as a bus bar, thereby ensuring sufficient bonding strength between the negative electrode terminal and the electrical connection part, and reducing the resistance at the joint between the electrical connection part and the negative electrode terminal to a desired level.

[0045] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the appearance of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an upper structure of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an upper structure of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a fastening structure between a first electrode terminal and a first current collector according to the present invention. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a fastening structure between a first electrode terminal and a first current collector according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram showing a coupling structure between a first current collector and an electrode assembly according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 shows an electrode assembly having segmented pieces according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a lower structure of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the bottom surface of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second current collector applied to the present invention. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second current collector applied to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a state in which a plurality of cylindrical batteries are connected in series and in parallel using a bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts according to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0048] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0049] In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings may be drawn not to scale but with some components exaggerated. In addition, the same reference numerals may be used to refer to the same components in different embodiments.

[0050] The fact that two comparison objects are identical means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include a deviation that is considered to be a low level in the art, for example, a deviation within 5%. Furthermore, the uniformity of any parameter in a given region may mean that it is uniform on average.

[0051] Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish only one component from another component, and unless otherwise specified, the first component may be the second component.

[0052] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] When a structure is disposed "on (or under)" a component or "above (or below)" a component, it may mean that the structure is disposed directly on the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the structure disposed above (or below) the component.

[0054] Additionally, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, but that there may be other components "intervening" between each component, or each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" by other components.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, a reference to "A and / or B" means "A," "B," or "A and B," and a reference to "C through D" means at least C and at most D, unless otherwise specified.

[0056] For ease of explanation, in this specification, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the winding shaft of the electrode assembly wound in a wound form is referred to as the axial direction Y. The direction surrounding the winding shaft is referred to as the circumferential direction or peripheral direction X. The direction approaching or moving away from the winding shaft is referred to as the radial direction. Of these, the direction particularly approaching the winding shaft is referred to as the centripetal direction, and the direction moving away from the winding shaft is referred to as the centrifugal direction.

[0057] 1 to 3, the battery 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, a cylindrical battery. The cylindrical battery 1 includes an electrode assembly 10, a battery housing 20, a cap 30, a first electrode terminal 40, and a first current collector 60. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the cylindrical battery 1 may further include an insulating gasket 50 and / or an insulator 70 and / or a second current collector 80 and / or an airtight gasket 90. The present invention is not limited to the shape of the battery, and may be applied to batteries of other shapes, for example, prismatic batteries.

[0058] The electrode assembly 10 includes a first non-coated portion 11 and a second non-coated portion 12. The electrode assembly 10 includes a first electrode having a first polarity, a second electrode having a second polarity, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes. The first electrode is a negative or positive electrode, and the second electrode is an electrode having a polarity opposite to that of the first electrode.

[0059] The electrode assembly 10 may have, for example, a jelly-roll shape. That is, the electrode assembly 10 may be manufactured by sequentially stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode at least once and winding the stack. Such a jelly-roll type electrode assembly 10 may have a winding center hole formed at a winding center C and extending along a height direction (a direction parallel to the Z axis). Meanwhile, a separator may be further provided on an outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly 10 for insulation from the housing 20.

[0060] The first electrode includes a first conductive substrate and a first electrode active material layer formed by coating one or both sides of the first conductive substrate. A first electrode non-coated portion where the first electrode active material is not coated is present at one end of the width direction (direction parallel to the Z axis) of the first conductive substrate. The first electrode non-coated portion has a shape extending from one end to the other end along the length direction of the first electrode when the first electrode is spread out. The first electrode non-coated portion 11 may function as a first electrode tab. The first non-coated portion 11 is provided on one side of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the first non-coated portion 11 is provided at a lower portion in the height direction (direction parallel to the Z axis) of the electrode assembly 10 accommodated in the housing 20.

[0061] The second electrode includes a second conductive substrate and a second electrode active material layer formed by coating one or both sides of the second conductive substrate. An uncoated portion where the second electrode active material is not coated is present at the other end of the second conductive substrate in the width direction (direction parallel to the Z axis). The second electrode uncoated portion extends from one end to the other end along the length of the second electrode when the second electrode is in an open state. The second electrode uncoated portion 12 may function as a second electrode tab. The second uncoated portion 12 is provided on the other side of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the second uncoated portion 12 is provided at the upper portion of the electrode assembly 10 in the height direction (direction parallel to the Z axis) accommodated in the housing 20.

[0062] That is, the first uncoated portion 11 and the second uncoated portion 12 extend and protrude in opposite directions along the height direction of the electrode assembly 10 (direction parallel to the Z-axis), i.e., the height direction of the cylindrical battery 1, and are exposed to the outside of the separator.

[0063] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 8, at least a portion of the first uncoated portion 11 and / or the second uncoated portion 12 may include a plurality of segment pieces F divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of segment pieces may be folded along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. The folded plurality of segment pieces may be overlapped in multiple layers. In this case, the first current collector 60 and / or the second current collector 80 described below may be coupled to a region where the plurality of segment pieces F are overlapped in multiple layers. Meanwhile, the electrode assembly 10 may include a welding target region, which is a region where the overlapping number of the segment pieces F of the first uncoated portion 11 is maintained constant along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. Since the overlapping number is maintained at a substantially maximum in this region, it may be advantageous to perform welding of the first current collector 60 and the first uncoated portion 11 and / or welding of the second current collector 70 and the second uncoated portion 12 described below in this region. For example, when laser welding is applied and the laser output is increased to improve welding quality, this is to prevent the laser beam from penetrating the first uncoated portion 11 and / or the second uncoated portion 12 and damaging the electrode assembly 10. This is also to effectively prevent foreign matter such as welding spatter from flowing into the electrode assembly 10.

[0064] 1 to 4, the battery housing 20 is a substantially cylindrical container having a closed portion at the top and an open portion at the bottom, and is made of a conductive metal material. The material of the battery housing 20 may be, for example, aluminum. The side and top of the battery housing 20 may be integrally formed. The top of the battery housing 20 has a substantially flat shape. The battery housing 20 receives the electrode assembly 10 from the open portion formed at the bottom, and also receives an electrolyte.

[0065] The battery housing 20 is electrically connected to the second uncoated portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10. Thus, the battery housing 20 has the same polarity as the second uncoated portion 12.

[0066] 2 and 9, the battery housing 20 may include a beading portion 21 and a crimping portion 22 formed at a lower end thereof. The beading portion 21 is formed at a lower portion of the electrode assembly 10. The beading portion 21 is formed by pressing around the outer circumferential surface of the battery housing 20. The beading portion 21 prevents the electrode assembly 10, which has a size corresponding to the width of the battery housing 20, from slipping out of an opening formed at the lower end of the battery housing 20, and may function as a support portion on which a cap 30 is provided.

[0067] The crimping portion 22 may be formed below the beading portion 21. The crimping portion 22 may have an end portion that defines an opening of the battery housing 20 below the beading portion 21 and is bent to extend to surround the periphery of the cap 30. The crimping portion 22 has an end portion that is bent to extend to surround the outer periphery of the cap 30 disposed below the beading portion 21 and a portion of the lower surface of the cap 30.

[0068] 2 and 7, the cap 30 may be a part made of a metal material. The cap 30 covers an opening formed at a lower end of the battery housing 20. That is, the cap 30 forms the lower surface of the cylindrical battery 1. The cap 30 may be provided on a beading portion 21 formed on the battery housing 20 and fixed by a crimping portion 22. An airtight gasket 90 may be interposed between the cap 30 and the crimping portion 22 of the battery housing 20 to ensure airtightness of the battery housing 20.

[0069] In the drawings of the present invention, only the case where the beading portion 21 and the crimping portion 22 are formed on the battery housing 20 of the present invention and the airtight gasket 90 is interposed between the cap 30 and the battery housing 20 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] That is, the battery housing 20 of the present invention may not include the beading portion 21 and / or the crimping portion 22. Also, a separate airtight gasket 90 may not be applied between the cap 30 of the present invention and the battery housing 20.

[0071] In the case where the beading portion 21 is not formed on the battery housing 20, the electrode assembly 10 can be fixed by a second current collector 80, which will be described later. In addition, in the case where the crimping portion 22 and / or the airtight gasket 90 are not applied, the fixing of the cap 30 and / or the securing of airtightness of the open portion of the battery housing 20 can be achieved, for example, by welding the battery housing 20 and the cap 30 together. That is, in the present invention, the battery housing 20 and the cap 30 can be electrically insulated or electrically connected together. In the case where the battery housing 20 and the cap 30 are electrically connected together, the second non-coated portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected to the battery housing 20 through the cap 30 or can be electrically connected to the battery housing 20 without the cap 30. However, in the case where the cap 30 is insulated from the battery housing 20 by an insulating part, such as the airtight gasket 90, the second non-coated portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10 cannot be connected to the battery housing 20 through the cap 30.

[0072] 9 and 10, the cap 30 may further include a vent portion 31 formed to prevent an increase in internal pressure due to gas generated inside the battery housing 20. The vent portion 31 is an area of ​​the cap 30 that is thinner than the surrounding area. The vent portion 31 is structurally weaker than the surrounding area. Thus, when an abnormality occurs in the cylindrical battery 1 and the internal pressure increases above a certain level, the vent portion 31 breaks to release the gas generated inside the battery housing 20.

[0073] As described below, the cylindrical battery 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a first electrode terminal having a first polarity and a second electrode terminal having a second polarity are both present at an upper portion. Accordingly, the cylindrical battery 1 of the present invention has a more complicated structure in the upper portion than in the lower portion. Accordingly, a vent portion 31 may be formed in a cap 30 forming a lower surface of the cylindrical battery 1 in order to smoothly exhaust gas generated inside the battery housing 20.

[0074] 10 of the present invention shows only the case where the vent portion 31 is formed continuously in a circle on the cap 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The vent portion 31 may be formed discontinuously in a circle on the cap 30, or may be formed in a linear form or other form.

[0075] 1 to 3, the first electrode terminal 40 may be made of a conductive metal material and may penetrate approximately the center of the upper surface of the battery housing 20. The first electrode terminal 40 that penetrates the closed portion of the battery housing 20 is electrically connected to the first non-coated portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10 inside the battery housing 20. As a result, the first electrode terminal 40 has a first polarity. The first electrode terminal 40 is electrically insulated from the battery housing 20 having a second polarity. Insulation between the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 may be achieved in various ways. For example, the first electrode terminal 40 may be firmly fixed so that the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 are kept spaced apart from each other, thereby ensuring insulation between the two parts. Alternatively, the insulation between the two parts may be ensured by forming an insulating coating layer on a portion of the first electrode terminal 40 and / or the battery housing 20. In addition, as shown in the drawings of the present invention, insulation between the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 can be ensured by applying an insulating gasket 50 interposed between the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 .

[0076] The first electrode terminal 40 includes a terminal exposing portion 41 and a terminal coupling portion 42. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the first electrode terminal 40 may further include a flange portion 43. The diameter of the terminal exposing portion 41 may be larger than the diameter of the terminal coupling portion 42 or the sum of the diameter of the terminal coupling portion 42 and the diameter of the flange portion 43.

[0077] The terminal exposing portion 41 is exposed to the outside of the battery housing 20. The terminal exposing portion 41 may be located at approximately the center of the upper surface of the battery housing 20. The terminal coupling portion 42 may have a shape extending from approximately the center of the terminal exposing portion 41 toward the first current collector 60. The terminal coupling portion 42 penetrates the center of the upper surface of the battery housing 20 and is electrically connected to the first non-coated portion 11. Specifically, the terminal coupling portion 42 may be coupled to the first current collector 60 by bolt fastening.

[0078] 5, the terminal coupling part 42 may be inserted into the inside of a current collector coupling part 62 provided on a first current collector 60 and fastened with a bolt. In this case, the current collector coupling part 62 may have a hole penetrating vertically at its center or a groove formed to a predetermined depth from its upper surface. A thread for fastening with a bolt may be formed on at least a part of an inner peripheral surface of the hole or groove. In addition, a thread for fastening with a bolt may be formed on at least a part of an outer peripheral surface of the terminal coupling part 42.

[0079] 6, unlike Fig. 5, the terminal coupling part 42 may be bolted to an outer circumferential surface of a current collector coupling part 62 provided on a first current collector 60. In this case, an end groove G of a predetermined depth may be provided at a lower end of the terminal coupling part 42, and a thread for bolting may be formed on at least a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the terminal groove G.

[0080] The upper surface of the battery housing 20 and the upper surface of the terminal exposure portion 41 have opposite polarities and face the same direction. In addition, a step may be formed between the upper surface of the terminal exposure portion 41 and the upper surface of the battery housing 20. Specifically, when the entire upper surface of the battery housing 20 has a flat shape or a shape that protrudes upward from its center, the terminal exposure portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the battery housing 20. Conversely, when the upper surface of the battery housing 20 has a shape that is recessed downward from its center, i.e., toward the electrode assembly 10, the upper surface of the battery housing 20 may protrude upward from the terminal exposure portion 41 of the electrode terminal 40.

[0081] Meanwhile, when the upper surface of the battery housing 20 has a shape recessed downward from the center, i.e., toward the electrode assembly 10, the upper surface of the battery housing 20 and the upper surface of the terminal exposing portion 41 may be flush with each other depending on the depth of the recess and the thickness of the terminal exposing portion 41 of the electrode terminal 40. In this case, a step may not be formed between the upper surface of the battery housing 20 and the terminal exposing portion 41.

[0082] The flange portion 43 may be provided on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the terminal coupling portion 42. The flange portion 43 may be bent inside the battery housing 20 to be in close contact with the inner surface of the battery housing 20. Thus, the first electrode terminal 40 may be rivet-coupled to the battery housing 20.

[0083] The insulating gasket 50 is interposed between the battery housing 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 to prevent contact between the battery housing 20 and the first electrode terminal 40, which have opposite polarities. As described above, it is possible to maintain insulation between the battery housing 20 and the first electrode terminal 40 by forming an insulating coating layer and / or ensuring a distance between the components without using the insulating gasket 50. However, when the insulating gasket 50 is applied, it is advantageous in that not only can the two components be more reliably insulated, but also the airtightness of the battery housing 20 can be ensured. By maintaining insulation between the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 in this manner, the upper surface of the battery housing 20 having a substantially flat shape, i.e., the outer surface 20a of the closed part of the battery housing 20, can function as the second electrode terminal of the cylindrical battery 1.

[0084] The insulating gasket 50 includes a gasket exposing portion 51 and a gasket inserting portion 53. The gasket exposing portion 51 is interposed between the terminal exposing portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 on the outside of the battery housing 20. The gasket inserting portion 53 is interposed between the terminal coupling portion 42 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 or between the flange portion 43 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the battery housing 20 on the inside of the battery housing 20. When the gasket inserting portion 53 is interposed between the flange portion 43 and the battery housing 20, the gasket inserting portion 53 may be closely attached to the inner surface of the battery housing 20 together with the flange portion 43 by riveting. That is, in the process of bending and riveting the flange portion 43 toward the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing 20 to fix the first electrode terminal 40, the gasket inserting portion 53 of the insulating gasket 50 may be bent together. Thus, the gasket inserting portion 53 is interposed between the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing 20 and the flange portion 43, thereby preventing contact between the first electrode terminal 40 having the opposite polarity and the battery housing 20. The insulating gasket 50 may be made of, for example, an insulating resin material.

[0085] 4, the gasket exposing portion 51 of the insulating gasket 50 may extend to cover an outer circumferential surface of the terminal exposing portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40. When the insulating gasket 50 covers the outer circumferential surface of the first electrode terminal 40 in this manner, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring during the process of coupling an electrical connection part, such as a bus bar, to the upper surface of the battery housing 20 and / or the first electrode terminal 40. Although not shown, the gasket exposing portion 51 of the insulating gasket 50 may extend to cover not only the outer circumferential surface of the terminal exposing portion 41 but also a part of the upper surface.

[0086] When the insulating gasket 50 is made of a resin material, the insulating gasket 50 may be bonded to the battery housing 20 and / or the first electrode terminal 40 by thermal welding. In this case, the airtightness of the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the battery housing 20 and / or the bonding interface between the insulating gasket 50 and the first electrode terminal 40 may be strengthened. Meanwhile, when the gasket exposure portion 51 of the insulating gasket 50 has a shape that extends to the upper surface of the terminal exposure portion 41, the first electrode terminal 40 may be bonded to the insulating gasket 50 by insert injection.

[0087] The entire remaining area of ​​the upper surface of the battery housing 20, excluding the area occupied by the terminal exposed portion 41 of the first electrode terminal 40 and the insulating gasket 50, may function as a second electrode terminal 20a having an opposite polarity to the first electrode terminal 40. That is, the cylindrical battery 1 of the present invention has a structure in which a pair of positive and negative terminals are provided on one side of the battery housing 20, rather than a structure in which electrode terminals are provided on both sides of the battery housing 20. As a result, when a plurality of cylindrical batteries 1 of the present invention are connected, the electrical connection structure is applied to only one side of the cylindrical battery 1, so that the structure can be simplified in manufacturing the battery module and / or battery pack. In addition, the cylindrical battery 1 of the present invention has a structure in which both positive and negative terminals are provided on the opposite side of the open portion of the battery housing 20, rather than on the open portion side. As a result, the cylindrical battery of the present invention can solve problems such as insufficient bonding force and / or increased electrical resistance that may occur when an electrical connection part such as a bus bar (not shown) is attached to a narrow area such as the crimping portion 22 of the battery housing 20.

[0088] 2 to 6, the first current collector 60 is coupled to an upper portion of the electrode assembly 10. The first current collector 60 is made of a metal material having electrical conductivity, and at least a portion of the lower surface facing the electrode assembly 10 is coupled to the first non-coated portion 11. Although only a case in which the coupling surface between the first current collector 60 and the first non-coated portion 11 is flat is shown in the drawings, the first current collector 60 may have a plurality of projections and recesses on its lower surface. When the projections and recesses are formed, the first current collector 60 may be pressed into the first non-coated portion 11 by pressing the first current collector 60.

[0089] 7, the first current collector 60 is coupled to an end of the first uncoated portion 11. The first uncoated portion 11 and the first current collector 60 may be coupled to each other by, for example, laser welding. The laser welding may be performed by partially melting a base material of the first current collector 60, or may be performed with a solder for welding interposed between the first current collector 60 and the first uncoated portion 11. In this case, it is preferable that the solder has a lower melting point than the first current collector 60 and the first uncoated portion 11.

[0090] The first current collector 60 may be coupled to a coupling surface formed by bending an end of the first non-coated portion 11 in a direction parallel to the first current collector 60. The bending direction of the first non-coated portion 11 may be, for example, a direction toward the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10. When the first non-coated portion 11 has such a folded shape, the space occupied by the first non-coated portion 11 may be reduced, thereby improving the energy density.

[0091] 5 and 6 , the first current collector 60 is fastened to the first electrode terminal 40, thereby electrically connecting the first non-coated portion 11 and the first electrode terminal 40. The first current collector 60 may be bolted to the first electrode terminal 40 as described above. To this end, the first current collector 60 may include a current collector coupling portion 62 that is bolted to the terminal coupling portion 42 of the first electrode terminal 40.

[0092] The current collector coupling part 62 may be provided at approximately the center of the first current collector 60. The current collector coupling part 62 may be provided at a position corresponding to a hole formed in the winding center part C of the electrode assembly 10. The current collector coupling part 62 may have a shape protruding in a direction toward the first electrode terminal 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the current collector coupling part 62 may have a screw thread on at least a part of its inner circumferential surface so that the terminal coupling part 42 can be inserted into the current collector coupling part 62 and bolted. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the current collector coupling part 62 may have a screw thread on at least a part of its outer circumferential surface so that the current collector coupling part 62 can be inserted into the terminal coupling part 42 and bolted.

[0093] Meanwhile, referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the inner diameter of the collector coupling part 62 may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the hole formed in the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10. This is to allow the first collector 60 to be coupled to all the first non-coated parts 11 formed along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10, thereby minimizing an increase in resistance and heat generation at the coupling part between the electrode assembly 10 and the first collector 60. When a hole penetrating vertically is formed in the center of the collector coupling part 62, the first collector 60 may be coupled to the first non-coated part 11 only in the region excluding the region where the hole is formed. Therefore, when the inner diameter of the collector coupling part 62 is formed smaller than the hole formed in the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10, the entire lower surface of the first collector 60 may be coupled to the first non-coated part 11. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in order to reduce resistance due to an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the first electrode terminal 40, the outer diameter of the terminal coupling portion 42 of the first electrode terminal 40 may be formed larger than the hole provided in the winding center portion C of the electrode assembly 10.

[0094] As described above, the cylindrical battery 1 of the present invention has a structure in which the first current collector 60 and the first electrode terminal 40 are bolted together, so that a welding process for connecting the two parts can be omitted. When the welding process is omitted in this manner, the diameter of the hole formed in the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10 can be minimized. In order to weld the first electrode terminal 40 and the first current collector 60, it is necessary to insert a welding rod or irradiate a laser into the hole formed in the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10 from the opening at the lower end of the battery housing 20. In order to prevent damage to the electrode assembly 10 during the insertion of the welding rod or the irradiation of the laser and to perform smooth welding, the diameter of the hole formed in the winding center C must be secured to a certain level or more. As the diameter of the hole formed in the winding center C is reduced, the area occupied by the electrode active material in the battery housing 20 increases, and thus the energy density can be increased.

[0095] 2 to 6, the insulator 70 is disposed between the first current collector 60 coupled to the upper portion of the electrode assembly 10 and the inner surface of the battery housing 20. The insulator 70 prevents contact between the first current collector 60 and the battery housing 20. The insulator 70 may further include a portion interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly 10 and the battery housing 20. The insulator 70 may be in the form of a substantially flat plate.

[0096] When the cylindrical battery 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the insulator 70 , the terminal coupling portion 42 of the first electrode terminal 40 penetrates the insulator 70 and is coupled to the first current collector 60 .

[0097] 2 and 9, the second current collector 80 is coupled to the lower part of the electrode assembly 10. The lower current collector 80 is made of a conductive metal material and is connected to the second non-coated part 12. The second current collector 80 is electrically connected to the battery housing 20. The second current collector 80 may be, for example, interposed and fixed between the inner surface of the battery housing 20 and the airtight gasket 90. That is, the second current collector 80 may be fixed together with the cap 30 when the crimping part 22 of the battery housing 20 is formed. Alternatively, the second current collector 80 may be welded to the inner wall surface of the battery housing 20. Meanwhile, the second current collector 80 may be coupled to the cap 30 without directly contacting the battery housing 20. In this case, the cap 30 is electrically connected to the battery housing 20.

[0098] Although not shown, the second current collector 80 may have a plurality of projections and recesses on one surface thereof. When the projections and recesses are formed, the second current collector 80 may be pressed to press the projections and recesses into the second non-coated portion 12.

[0099] Similar to the bonding structure between the first current collector 60 and the first uncoated portion 11 described above with reference to FIG. 7, the second current collector 80 is bonded to an end of the second uncoated portion 12. The bonding between the second uncoated portion 12 and the second current collector 80 may be performed, for example, by laser welding. The laser welding may be performed by partially melting the base material of the second current collector 80, or may be performed with a solder for welding interposed between the second current collector 80 and the second uncoated portion 12. In this case, it is preferable that the solder has a lower melting point than the lower current collector 80 and the second uncoated portion 12.

[0100] Similar to the coupling structure between the first current collector 60 and the first non-coated portion 11 described above with reference to Fig. 7, the second current collector 80 may be coupled to a coupling surface formed by bending an end of the second non-coated portion 12 in a direction parallel to the second current collector 80. The bending direction of the second non-coated portion 12 may be, for example, a direction toward the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10. When the second non-coated portion 12 has such a folded shape, the space occupied by the second non-coated portion 12 may be reduced, thereby improving the energy density.

[0101] 11 and 12 together with Fig. 9, the second current collector 80 is coupled to the second uncoated portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10 to be electrically connected to the battery housing 20. The second current collector 80 may include an uncoated portion coupling portion coupled to the second uncoated portion 12 and a housing coupling portion coupled to the battery housing 20.

[0102] For example, the second current collector 80 may include a plurality of current collecting legs L that extend radially from a center and are spaced apart from one another (see FIG. 11). In this case, the plurality of current collecting legs 81 may be coupled to the second uncoated portion 12 and the battery housing 20, respectively.

[0103] When the second current collector 80 includes a plurality of current collecting legs 81 spaced apart from one another, the second current collector 80 partially covers the lower surface of the electrode assembly 10. As a result, a sufficient space is secured through which gas generated in the electrode assembly 10 can move toward the cap 30, and gas venting to the lower side of the cylindrical battery 1 can be smoothly performed.

[0104] For example, the second current collector 80 may include a support portion 81 disposed under the electrode assembly 10, a second non-coated portion coupling portion 82 extending from the support portion 81 substantially along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10 to couple with the second non-coated portion 12, and a housing coupling portion 83 extending from the support portion 81 substantially along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10 to couple with the inner surface of the battery housing 20 (see FIG. 12). The second non-coated portion coupling portion 82 and the housing coupling portion 83 may not be directly coupled to each other but may be indirectly coupled to each other via the support portion 81. In this case, when an external impact is applied to the cylindrical battery 1 of the present invention, the possibility of damage occurring to the coupling portion between the second current collector 80 and the electrode assembly 10 and the coupling portion between the second current collector 80 and the battery housing 20 can be minimized. However, the second current collector 80 of the present invention is not limited to the structure in which the second non-coated portion coupling portion 82 and the housing coupling portion 83 are indirectly coupled to each other. For example, the second current collector 80 may have a structure without a support portion 81 indirectly connecting the second non-coated portion connecting portion 82 and the housing connecting portion 83 and / or a structure in which the second non-coated portion 12 and the housing connecting portion 83 are directly connected to each other.

[0105] The support portion 81 and the second non-coating portion coupling portion 82 are disposed at a lower portion of the electrode assembly 10. The second non-coating portion coupling portion 82 is coupled to the second non-coating portion 12 of the electrode assembly 10. Not only the second non-coating portion coupling portion 82 but also the support portion 81 may be coupled to the second non-coating portion 12. The second non-coating portion coupling portion 82 and the second non-coating portion 12 may be coupled by welding. The support portion 81 may have a current collector hole 80a formed at a position corresponding to a hole formed in the winding center portion C of the electrode assembly 10. The current collector hole 80a may have a diameter substantially the same as or larger than that of the hole formed in the winding center portion C of the electrode assembly 10. When a plurality of second non-coating portion coupling portions 82 are provided, the plurality of second non-coating portion coupling portions 82 may have a shape extending radially from the support portion 81 of the second current collector 80 toward the side wall of the housing 20. The second non-coated portion coupling parts 82 may be spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the support part 81. Meanwhile, in order to ensure a coupling force and reduce electrical resistance by increasing the coupling area between the second current collector 80 and the electrode assembly 10, not only the second non-coated portion coupling parts 82 but also the support part 81 may be coupled to the second non-coated portion 12.

[0106] The housing coupling part 83 may be electrically coupled to one surface of the beading part 21 facing the cap 30. A plurality of housing coupling parts 83 may be provided. In this case, the plurality of housing coupling parts 83 may extend radially from the center of the second current collector 80 toward the side wall of the battery housing 20. Thus, the second current collector 80 and the battery housing 20 may be electrically connected at a plurality of points. By coupling for electrical connection at a plurality of points in this manner, the coupling area can be maximized and electrical resistance can be minimized.

[0107] As described above, in the cylindrical battery 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pair of electrode terminals 30, 20a are positioned in the same direction, so that when electrically connecting a plurality of cylindrical batteries 1, electrical connection components such as a bus bar can be disposed on only one side of the cylindrical battery 1. This simplifies the battery pack structure and improves the energy density.

[0108] In addition, the cylindrical battery 1 has a structure that enables the outer surface of the closed part of the battery housing 20, which has a substantially flat shape, to be used as the second electrode terminal 20a, thereby ensuring sufficient bonding strength when joining an electrical connection part such as a bus bar to the second electrode terminal 20a, and reducing the resistance at the joint between the electrical connection part and the second electrode terminal 20a to a desirable level.

[0109] In addition, in the cylindrical battery 1, the first electrode terminal 40 and the first current collector 60 are connected by a bolt fastening method, so that welding for connecting the first electrode terminal 40 and the first current collector 60 can be omitted. As a result, the cylindrical battery 1 does not need to secure a space for welding, so that the diameter of the hole formed in the winding center C of the electrode assembly 10 can be minimized, thereby improving the energy density.

[0110] The cylindrical battery 1 of the present invention described above has a structure in which resistance is minimized by reducing electrical resistance using the first electrode terminal 40 and the first current collector 60, expanding the welding area by bending the non-coated portions 11 and 12, multiplexing the current paths using the second current collector 80, and minimizing the length of the current paths. The AC resistance of the cylindrical battery 1 measured by a resistance meter between the positive and negative electrodes, i.e., between the first electrode terminal 40 and its surrounding flat surface 20a, may be about 0.5 mΩ to 4 mΩ, which is suitable for fast charging, and preferably about 1 mΩ to 4 mΩ.

[0111] Desirably, the cylindrical battery may be, for example, a cylindrical battery having a form factor ratio (defined as the diameter divided by the height of the cylindrical battery, i.e., the ratio of the diameter Φ to the height H) of greater than about 0.4.

[0112] Here, the form factor refers to values ​​indicating the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery. Desirably, the diameter of the cylindrical battery may be about 40mm to 50mm, and the height may be about 60mm to 130mm. The cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, a 46110 battery, a 4875 battery, a 48110 battery, a 4880 battery, or a 4680 battery. In the value indicating the form factor, the first two digits indicate the diameter of the battery, and the remaining digits indicate the height of the battery.

[0113] When an electrode assembly having a tab-less structure is applied to a cylindrical battery with a form factor ratio exceeding about 0.4, the non-coated portion is easily broken due to the large stress applied in the radial direction when the non-coated portion is bent. Also, when welding a current collector to the surface of the bent surface of the non-coated portion, in order to ensure sufficient welding strength and reduce resistance, the number of layers of the non-coated portion must be sufficiently increased in the surface area of ​​the bent surface. These requirements can be achieved by the electrode and electrode assembly according to the embodiment (variant) of the present invention.

[0114] A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a generally cylindrical battery having a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 110 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.418.

[0115] Another embodiment of the cylindrical battery may be a generally cylindrical battery having a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 75 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.640.

[0116] In yet another embodiment, the battery may be a generally cylindrical battery having a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 110 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.418.

[0117] In yet another embodiment, the battery may be a generally cylindrical battery having a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 80 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.600.

[0118] In yet another embodiment, the battery may be a generally cylindrical battery having a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 80 mm, and a form factor ratio of about 0.575.

[0119] Conventionally, batteries with a form factor ratio of about 0.4 or less have been used. That is, conventionally, for example, 1865 batteries, 2170 batteries, etc. have been used. In the case of an 1865 battery, its diameter is about 18 mm, its height is about 65 mm, and its form factor ratio is about 0.277. In the case of a 2170 battery, its diameter is about 21 mm, its height is about 70 mm, and its form factor ratio is about 0.300.

[0120] 13, a plurality of cylindrical batteries 1 may be connected in series and parallel at the top of the cylindrical batteries 1 using a bus bar 150. The number of cylindrical batteries 1 may be increased or decreased depending on the capacity of the battery pack.

[0121] In each cylindrical battery 1, the first electrode terminal 40 may have a positive polarity and the outer surface 20a of the closed part of the battery housing 20 may have a negative polarity. Of course, the opposite is also possible.

[0122] Preferably, the cylindrical batteries 1 may be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The rows are in a vertical direction with respect to the ground, and the rows are in a horizontal direction with respect to the ground. In order to maximize space efficiency, the cylindrical batteries 1 may be arranged in a closest packing structure. The closest packing structure is formed when the centers of the terminals 60 exposed to the outside of the battery housing 20 are connected to each other to form an equilateral triangle. Preferably, the bus bar 150 may be arranged on top of the cylindrical batteries 1, more preferably between adjacent columns. Alternatively, the bus bar 150 may be arranged between adjacent rows.

[0123] Preferably, the bus bars 150 connect the batteries 1 arranged in the same row in parallel to each other, and connect the cylindrical batteries 1 arranged in two adjacent rows in series to each other.

[0124] Desirably, bus bar 150 may include a body portion 151, a plurality of first bus bar terminals 152, and a plurality of second bus bar terminals 153 for series and parallel connections.

[0125] The body portion 151 may extend between the electrode terminals 40 of adjacent cylindrical batteries 1, preferably between rows of cylindrical batteries 1. Alternatively, the body portion 151 may extend along the rows of cylindrical batteries 1 but be bent regularly, such as in a zigzag shape.

[0126] The plurality of first bus bar terminals 152 may protrude and extend from one side of the body 151 toward the first electrode terminal 40 of each cylindrical battery 1 and may be electrically coupled to the first electrode terminal 60. The electrical coupling between the first bus bar terminal 152 and the first electrode terminal 60 may be performed by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. In addition, the plurality of second bus bar terminals 153 may be electrically coupled to the outer surface 20a of each cylindrical battery 1 from the other side of the body 151. The electrical coupling between the second bus bar terminals 153 and the outer surface 20a may be performed by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0127] Preferably, the body 151, the plurality of first busbar terminals 152, and the plurality of second busbar terminals 153 may be formed of one conductive metal plate. The metal plate may be, for example, an aluminum plate or a copper plate, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In a modified example, the body 151, the plurality of first busbar terminals 152, and the second busbar terminals 153 may be formed by manufacturing them as individual units and then bonding them to each other by welding or the like.

[0128] In the cylindrical battery 1 according to the present invention, the first electrode terminal 40 having a positive polarity and the outer surface 20a of the closed part of the housing 20 having a negative polarity are positioned in the same direction, so that electrical connection of the cylindrical battery 1 can be easily implemented using the bus bar 150.

[0129] In addition, since the first electrode terminal 40 of the cylindrical battery 1 and the outer surface 20a of the closed part of the battery housing 20 have a large area, the connection area of ​​the bus bar 150 can be sufficiently secured, thereby sufficiently reducing the resistance of the battery pack including the cylindrical battery 1.

[0130] 14, a battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery assembly in which a plurality of cylindrical batteries 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above are electrically connected, and a pack housing 2 that accommodates the battery assembly. The electrical connection structure of the plurality of batteries 1 using bus bars has been exemplarily described with reference to FIG. 13, and other components such as a cooling unit and power terminals have been omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0131] 15, an automobile 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, and includes a battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automobile 5 operates by receiving power from the battery pack 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] 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 can be made by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1 Battery 2 Pack Housing 3 Battery pack 5. Automobiles 10 Electrode assembly 11 First Uncoated Section 12 No. 2 non-coated section 20 Battery housing 20a Second electrode terminal (outer surface of the closed part of the battery housing) 21 Beading Section 22 Crimping section 30 Cap 31 Vent section 40 1st electrode terminal 42 Terminal connection part 43 Flange 50 Insulating gasket 51 Exposed gasket 53 Gasket insert 60 First current collector 62 Current collector joint 70 Insulator 80 Second current collector 81 Current collector leg 90 Airtight Gasket C Winding center G Terminal groove

Claims

1. an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding shaft to define a core and an outer circumferential surface, the first electrode and the second electrode each including a first uncoated portion and a second uncoated portion that are not coated with an active material layer along a winding direction; a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and is electrically connected to the second non-coated portion; a cap for covering an opening formed at a lower end of the battery housing; a first electrode terminal that penetrates a closed portion of the battery housing located opposite the open portion and is electrically insulated from the battery housing; a first current collector coupled to the first non-coated portion and fastened to the first electrode terminal; The first electrode terminal is a terminal exposure portion exposed to the outside of the battery housing; a terminal coupling portion that penetrates the closing portion of the battery housing and is fastened to the first current collector; The first electrode terminal is The battery further includes a flange portion that passes through the closure portion of the battery housing and is riveted to an inner surface of the battery housing.

2. an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around a winding shaft to define a core and an outer circumferential surface, the first electrode and the second electrode each including a first uncoated portion and a second uncoated portion that are not coated with an active material layer along a winding direction; a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and is electrically connected to the second non-coated portion; a cap for covering an opening formed at a lower end of the battery housing; a first electrode terminal that penetrates a closed portion of the battery housing located opposite the open portion and is electrically insulated from the battery housing; a first current collector coupled to the first non-coated portion and fastened to the first electrode terminal, The battery comprises: The battery further includes an insulating gasket interposed between the battery housing and the first electrode terminal, the insulating gasket includes a gasket insert portion interposed between the battery housing and a flange portion included in the first electrode terminal, The gasket insert, together with the flange portion, is in intimate contact with the inner surface of the battery housing.

3. The battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first electrode terminal and the first current collector are coupled together by bolt fastening.

4. The first current collector is 10. The battery of claim 1, further comprising a current collector joint bolted to said terminal joint.

5. The current collector joint is The battery according to claim 4, further comprising, in its central portion, a hole penetrating vertically or a groove formed at a predetermined depth from its upper surface.

6. The inner diameter of the hole formed in the current collector joint is The battery according to claim 5 , wherein the inner diameter of the hole formed in the winding center of the electrode assembly is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the hole.

7. The terminal coupling portion is The battery of claim 4 , wherein the current collector is inserted into the inside of the current collector joint and bolted.

8. The current collector joint is The battery according to claim 4 , which is inserted into the inside of the terminal coupling portion and bolted.

9. The current collector joint is The battery of claim 4 , wherein the first current collector is disposed at a center thereof.

10. The current collector joint is The battery according to claim 4 , wherein the electrode assembly is provided at a position corresponding to a hole formed in the winding center of the electrode assembly.

11. The first electrode terminal is a terminal exposure portion exposed to the outside of the battery housing; 3. The battery of claim 2, further comprising: a terminal mating portion that passes through the closure portion of the cell housing and is fastened to the first current collector.

12. The insulating gasket is The battery according to claim 11 , wherein the outer peripheral surface of the exposed terminal portion is covered.

13. The insulating gasket is 13. The battery of claim 2, 11, or 12, wherein the battery housing and the first electrode terminal are coupled together by thermal welding.

14. The first electrode terminal is 14. The battery according to any one of claims 2 and 11 to 13, which is combined with the insulating gasket by insert injection.

15. the battery further includes an insulating gasket interposed between the cell housing and the first electrode terminal, 2. The battery of claim 1, wherein the insulating gasket is bent together with the flange portion by bending the flange portion and is interposed between the inner surface of the cell housing closure portion and the flange portion.

16. 16. The battery of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the closed portion of the battery housing is a second electrode terminal of opposite polarity to the first electrode terminal.

17. At least a portion of the first non-coated portion includes a plurality of segment pieces separated along a winding direction of the electrode assembly, The battery according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segment pieces are folded along a radial direction of the electrode assembly.

18. The folded segments include:

20. The battery of claim 17, stacked multiple times along the radial direction.

19. the electrode assembly includes a welding target area in which an overlapping number of the plurality of segments of the first non-coated portion is maintained constant along a radial direction of the electrode assembly, 20. The battery of claim 18, wherein the underside of the first current collector is joined to the first uncoated portion at the weld target area by welding.

20. The battery according to claim 17 , wherein the plurality of segment pieces are folded in a direction toward a winding center of the electrode assembly.

21. The battery comprises:

21. The battery of claim 1, further comprising a second current collector coupled to the second uncoated portion and electrically connected to the cell housing.

22. The second current collector is an uncoated portion coupling portion coupled to the second uncoated portion; 22. The battery of claim 21 .

23. The second current collector is The battery according to claim 21 , further comprising a current collector hole formed at a position corresponding to a hole formed in the winding center of the electrode assembly.

24. At least a portion of the second non-coated portion includes a plurality of segment pieces separated along a winding direction of the electrode assembly, The battery according to claim 21 , wherein the plurality of segment pieces are folded in a direction toward a winding center of the electrode assembly.

25. The battery housing comprises: A beading portion in which a part of the side wall is pressed inward; a crimping portion whose end portion defines the opening below the beading portion and is bent to surround the periphery of the cap; The housing joint portion is 23. The battery of claim 22, electrically coupled to a surface of the beading portion facing the cap.

26. 23. The battery according to claim 22, wherein the housing joint is provided in a plurality of parts, thereby multiplexing the electrical connection between the electrode assembly and the battery housing.

27. 27. The battery of claim 1, having a resistance measured between the positive and negative electrodes of 4 mΩ or less.

28. 28. The battery of claim 1, wherein the form factor ratio of the battery's diameter divided by its height is greater than 0.

4.

29. 29. A battery pack comprising a plurality of batteries according to any one of claims 1 to 28.

30. The plurality of batteries are arranged in a predetermined number of rows; 30. The battery pack according to claim 29, wherein the first electrode terminal of each of the batteries and an outer surface of the closure of the battery housing are arranged to face upward.

31. The battery pack includes a plurality of bus bars connecting the plurality of batteries in series and in parallel, the bus bars are disposed on top of the batteries; Each of the plurality of bus bars is a main body portion extending between the first electrode terminals of adjacent batteries; a plurality of first bus bar terminals extending in one direction of the body and electrically coupled to first electrode terminals of batteries positioned in the one direction; 31. The battery pack of claim 30, further comprising: a plurality of second bus bar terminals extending in the other direction of the body and electrically coupling to an outer surface of a closure of a cell housing of a battery located in the other direction.

32. 32. A motor vehicle comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 29 to 31.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Cylindrical battery and its manufacture, and spot welding electrode for battery collector

    JP2000058024A

  • Cylindrical secondary battery

    JP2001015098A

  • Terminal coupling structure for charging device

    JP2003203621A

  • Secondary battery with spirally-rolled electrode group

    JP2010061892A

  • Sealed electrical storage device

    JP2019046639A