Battery, and battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: an electrode assembly having a winding center hole formed by winding a stack including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween; a battery housing having an opening formed on one side thereof and capable of accommodating the electrode assembly in an inner space; and a cap covering the opening and including a fixing region, which is fixed to the battery housing, and an open region, which is surrounded by the fixing region, wherein the open region includes a plurality of fracture lines formed to be recessed, and when the internal pressure of the battery housing increases to a certain magnitude or more, at least a portion of the fracture lines is fractured so that at least one region is bent toward the fixing region and opens.

Description

Batteries, battery packs containing the same, and vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0132882, filed October 5, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0134997, filed October 4, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used in portable devices as well as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0003] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Typically, when a problem occurs within a secondary battery, causing internal pressure to rise, the battery is designed to reduce internal pressure through venting, which releases internal gas to the outside. This configuration ensures smooth venting of internal gas within the defective secondary battery, thereby preventing accidents such as explosions caused by continued pressure increases.

[0005] However, if some components of the secondary battery are separated due to venting or a short circuit occurs due to structural collapse, the thermal event may spread, and the safety of using the secondary battery may be significantly reduced.

[0006] Additionally, if the blowout of the electrode assembly occurs too quickly due to an increase in internal pressure and / or a thermal event inside the housing, there is a risk that the blown portion of the electrode assembly may block the exhaust route of internal gas before venting occurs due to partial fracture of the housing, thereby preventing smooth venting.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a secondary battery having a structure that can prevent or delay as much as possible the separation or structural collapse of some components of the secondary battery when the internal pressure increases due to an abnormality in the secondary battery.

[0008] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and its primary purpose is to enable venting of internal gas while maintaining the battery as a whole without being separated from a portion of the battery when an internal pressure increase and / or a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention aims to enable smooth venting in an area where the internal pressure is highest when an internal pressure increase and / or a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery.

[0010] In another aspect, the present invention aims to enable smooth venting of internal gas by opening the venting area of ​​the battery as widely as possible when an internal pressure increase and / or thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery comprises an electrode assembly having a winding center hole formed by winding a laminate including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween, a battery housing having an opening formed at one side and capable of accommodating the electrode assembly in an internal space, and a cap covering the opening, the cap including a fixed area fixed to the battery housing, and an open area surrounded by the fixed area, wherein the open area includes a plurality of fracture lines formed in a depression, and when an internal pressure of the battery housing increases above a predetermined amount, at least some of the fracture lines are fractured, so that at least one area is bent toward the fixed area and opened.

[0013] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines may be formed in a straight line that crosses the open area in one direction.

[0014] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines may be configured to pass through an approximate central area of ​​the cap disposed above the winding center hole.

[0015] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines may be formed radially from an approximate central region of the cap disposed above the winding center hole toward the fixed region.

[0016] Additionally, the open area may be configured such that the entire area is bent and opened toward the fixed area.

[0017] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines may be formed as a depression on either the upper or lower surface of the open area.

[0018] Additionally, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines may be formed as depressions on both the upper and lower surfaces of the open area.

[0019] Additionally, the open area may further include a bending line formed sunken into an area where the open area is bent.

[0020] Additionally, at least a portion of the bending line may be formed to surround an area where the plurality of fracture lines are formed.

[0021] Additionally, at least a portion of the bending line may be formed near the boundary between the fixed area and the open area.

[0022] Additionally, the bending line may be formed by sinking to a shallower depth than the fracture line.

[0023] In addition, the battery pack of the present invention for achieving the above purpose may include a battery module according to the present invention.

[0024] In addition, the automobile of the present invention to achieve the above purpose may include a battery module or battery pack according to the present invention.

[0025] A battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same according to various embodiments of the present invention can vent internal gas while maintaining the battery as a whole without being separated from a part of the battery when an internal pressure increase and / or a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery.

[0026] In addition, the battery, battery pack and vehicle including the same according to various embodiments of the present invention can ensure smooth venting in an area where the internal pressure is the greatest when an internal pressure increase and / or a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery.

[0027] In addition, the battery according to various embodiments of the present invention, the battery pack including the same, and the vehicle can smoothly vent internal gas by opening the venting area of ​​the battery as widely as possible when an internal pressure increase and / or a thermal event occurs due to an abnormality in the battery.

[0028] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0029] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an open upper portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the upper structure of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cap of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating opening of a battery cap according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cap of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a battery cap according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a battery cap according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the opening of the cap of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the shape of a cap of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the lower structure of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the same.

[0042] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0043] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0044] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0045] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0047] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or coupled to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected" or "coupled" through another component.

[0048] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "consisting of" or "comprising" should not necessarily be construed to include all of the components or steps described in the specification, and should be construed to mean that some of the components or steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0049] Throughout the specification, when reference is made to “A and / or B,” this may mean A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0050] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are only for the convenience of explanation based on the drawings in which the terms are used, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement, rotation, and position of the object being targeted.

[0051] In addition, this specification includes several embodiments, and a detailed description of parts to which the description of other embodiments can be applied identically or similarly is omitted, and the description focuses on the parts that are different from each embodiment.

[0052] Hereinafter, a battery module, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an open upper portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] A battery (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a cylindrical battery. The battery (100) may include an electrode assembly (110), a battery housing (120), and a cap (140). The battery (100) may further include a first current collector (130).

[0055] The electrode assembly (110) may have a winding center hole (113) formed by winding a laminate including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween. A first non-coated portion (111) formed along the winding direction of the electrode assembly (110) may be arranged at one end of the first electrode.

[0056] The battery housing (120) can accommodate an electrode assembly (110) in its internal space. An opening that opens the internal space may be formed on one side of the battery housing (120). The battery housing (120) can accommodate the electrode assembly (110) through the opening.

[0057] On the other side of the battery housing (120), a closing portion (see FIG. 10) that closes the internal space opposite the opening portion may be formed. The battery housing (120) may include an electrically conductive metal. Although FIG. 1 illustrates one side of the battery housing (120) as being open, the opening portion may be closed by a different configuration.

[0058] The first current collector (130) may be disposed on one side of the electrode assembly (110). The first current collector (130) disposed on one side of the electrode assembly (110) may be disposed near the opening. For example, the first current collector (130) may be electrically connected to the first non-coated portion (111). The first non-coated portion (111) may be formed at one end of the first electrode constituting the electrode assembly (110). The first non-coated portion (111) may extend along the direction in which the electrode assembly (110) is wound.

[0059] The first non-conductive portion (111) may be provided in one area of ​​the electrode assembly (110). For example, the first non-conductive portion (111) may be formed to extend upward from the electrode assembly (110).

[0060] Meanwhile, the first collector (130) may be configured to electrically connect the first electrode of the electrode assembly (110) and the battery housing (120).

[0061] The first current collector (130) may be provided with a current collector hole (133). The current collector hole (133) may be formed at a position corresponding to the winding center hole (113) of the electrode assembly (110).

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, the first current collector (130) may be configured to be electrically connected to the battery housing (120). For example, the first current collector (130) may be electrically connected by being joined to a beading portion having a structure in which the outer surface of the battery housing (120) is pressed inward.

[0063] The battery (100) may include a cap (140) configured to cover an opening formed on one side of the battery housing (120). The cap (140) may be configured to be electrically insulated from the electrode assembly (110) and the battery housing (120) and not have polarity. For example, a first insulating member (151) that is non-conductive may be interposed between the cap (140) and the battery housing (120).

[0064] The cap (140) may include a fixed area and an open area. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0065] Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a cap of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating opening of a cap of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The cap (140) may include an open area (141) and a fixed area (142). The fixed area (142) may be configured to be fixed to the battery housing (120) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the fixed area (142) may be provided in an area corresponding to the edge of the open portion of the battery housing (120) as an edge area of ​​the cap (140). The fixed area (142) may surround the open area (141), and the open area (141) may be an inner area surrounded by the fixed area (142).

[0067] The internal temperature of the battery (100) may rise during charging and discharging, and if the temperature cannot be controlled to an appropriate temperature, a thermal event such as ignition or explosion may occur. If a thermal event occurs in the battery (100), the internal pressure of the battery housing (120) may increase due to high-temperature gas or flames.

[0068] The open area (141) may be configured to open when the internal pressure of the battery housing (120) increases due to a thermal event occurring in the battery (100). For example, the open area (141) may include a plurality of break lines (143). The break lines (143) may be configured as lines in which notches formed in the open area (141) extend in one direction.

[0069] In order for the open area (141) to open due to an increase in internal pressure of the battery housing (120), the fracture line (143) may be configured to be relatively weaker than the remaining area of ​​the cap (140). For example, the fracture line (143) may have a thinner thickness compared to the remaining area of ​​the cap (140).

[0070] Depending on the shape of the fracture line (143), the area where the open area (141) is opened can be determined. However, if the fracture line (143) forms a closed loop, all or part of the open area (141) surrounded by the closed loop may be separated as it opens due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery housing (120), and there is a concern that it may enter the interior of the battery (100) or another battery (100) and cause a problem. In addition, there is a possibility that such a problem may occur in a chain reaction between batteries (100).

[0071] According to embodiments of the present invention, when all or part of the open area (141) is opened, the area can be opened while maintaining a combined state without being separated, thereby preventing the above-described problem.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4, all or part of the open area (141) may be separated as the internal pressure of the battery housing (120) increases. At this time, at least part of the open area (141) may be opened by at least part of the fracture line (143) being fractured. The area where the open area (141) is opened may be partitioned by the fracture line (143). The greater the number of fracture lines (143), the more areas the open area (141) may be divided into, each of which may be opened.

[0073] The amount of internal pressure at which the open area (141) can be opened can be appropriately determined according to the type, configuration, size, shape, arrangement of components, etc. of the battery (100). The greater the number of fracture lines (143) formed in the open area (141), the more the open area (141) can be opened at a lower pressure, and the fewer the number of fracture lines (143), the more the open area (141) can be opened at a higher pressure. Therefore, a person skilled in the art can design the open area (141) to be opened at a predetermined internal pressure by appropriately determining the number of fracture lines (143) to be formed in the open area (141).

[0074] The open area (141) may be configured such that at least one area is bent and opened. The area where the open area (141) is bent may be an area where the break line (143) is not arranged. One area of ​​the open area (141) may be opened by breaking the area where the break line (143) is arranged and bending the area where the break line (143) is not arranged. At this time, the direction in which one area of ​​the open area (141) is bent may be toward the fixed area (142). Since the fixed area (142) may surround the open area (141), the open area (141) may be bent in a direction facing the outside of the cap (140) as a whole. In order for the open area (141) to be bent toward the fixed area (142), the break line (143) may be formed to avoid the vicinity of the boundary between the open area (141) and the fixed area (142).

[0075] According to the above implementation configuration, one area of ​​the open area (141) is only bent and not completely separated, so problems that may occur due to one area of ​​the open area (141) being completely separated from the cap (140) can be prevented.

[0076] According to embodiments of the present invention, the fracture line (143) may be formed so as not to form a closed loop. For example, referring to FIG. 3, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines (143) may be formed as a straight line that crosses the open area (141). Each fracture line (143) may be formed as a straight line that roughly divides the area of ​​the open area (141) in half. The straight fracture line (143) may have one end and the other end, and the one end and the other end may be positioned near the fixed area (142). According to the present embodiment, since the one end and the other end of the fracture line (143) are positioned at different locations, the fracture line (143) may not form a closed loop. A plurality of such fracture lines (143) may be formed.

[0077] According to the above implementation configuration, when all or part of the open area (141) is opened, the area can be opened by bending without being separated and while maintaining a combined state, and the risk of one area of ​​the open area (141) being separated can be significantly reduced.

[0078] Meanwhile, when a thermal event occurs in the battery (100), gas generated inside the battery housing (120) may be generated most in the vicinity of the winding center hole (113), and thus, the internal pressure in the vicinity of the winding center hole (113) may increase most significantly. Therefore, the area corresponding to the winding center hole (113) in the open area (141) (the upper area of ​​the winding center hole (113)) is likely to be the area where opening begins due to the increase in the internal pressure of the battery housing (120).

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central region of the cap (140) may be disposed above the winding center hole (113). The central region of the cap (140) may be disposed in a region corresponding to the winding center hole (113). The central region of the cap (140) may be the same as or similar to the central region of the open region (141). At least some of the plurality of break lines (143) may be configured to pass through the approximate central region of the cap (140). The plurality of break lines (143) may pass through the approximate central region of the cap (140) in an overlapping manner.

[0080] When multiple fracture lines (143) pass through the approximate central region of the cap (140), the arrangement density of the fracture lines (143) can be maximized in the approximate central region of the cap (140) and / or the open region (141). At this time, the approximate central region of the cap (140) and / or the open region (141) can be the most vulnerable region among the cap (140) and / or the open region (141), and can be opened first due to the increase in internal pressure generated in the winding center hole (113).

[0081] According to the above implementation configuration, the vulnerable area of ​​the cap (140) and / or the open area (141) can be positioned in response to an area where the internal pressure of the battery housing (120) is likely to be maximized when a thermal event occurs in the battery (100), so that gas generated inside the battery housing (120) can be quickly discharged.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least some of the plurality of fracture lines (143) may be formed radially from the approximate central region of the cap (140) and / or the open region (141) disposed above the winding center hole (113) toward the fixed region (142). In this case, the fracture lines (143) passing through the approximate central region of the cap (140) and / or the open region (141) may be formed to extend to the vicinity of the fixed region (142).

[0083] According to the above-described embodiment, since the plurality of radially formed break lines (143) pass through the approximate center area of ​​the cap (140) and / or the open area (141), the arrangement density of the break lines (143) can increase as they go toward the center area of ​​the cap (140) and / or the open area (141). Therefore, similarly to the above-described embodiment, since the density of the break lines (143) is maximized in the center area of ​​the cap (140) and / or the open area (141) where the internal pressure of the battery housing (120) is likely to be maximized, the gas generated inside the battery housing (120) can be quickly discharged.

[0084] The position and direction in which the fracture line (143) is formed are closely related to the direction in which the open area (141) is opened. For example, if the fracture line (143) is formed from the central area of ​​the open area (141) toward the fixed area (142), the open area (141) that is opened by the fracture line (143) can also be opened toward the fixed area (142). Accordingly, the fracture lines (143) formed radially toward the fixed area (142) surrounding the open area (141) can induce one area of ​​the open area (141) to be opened and bent from the central area toward the outer fixed area (142).

[0085] The open area (141) needs to be opened over as wide an area as possible while sealing and covering the inside of the battery housing (120) in case gas is generated inside the battery housing (120) and the internal pressure increases.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 4, the open area (141) may be opened in its entirety toward the fixed area (142). The fixed area (142) may surround the open area (141), and the open area (141) may be surrounded by the fixed area (142). Various embodiments of the present specification may be applied to open the entire area of ​​the open area (141) toward the fixed area (142).

[0087] According to the above implementation configuration, the entire area of ​​the open area (141) is configured to be open toward the fixed area (142), so that gas generated inside the battery housing (120) can be smoothly discharged to the upper side of the battery housing (120) without being blocked by all or part of the cap (140).

[0088] And the entire area of ​​the open area (141) can be configured to be open from the approximate center area of ​​the open area (141) toward the outer fixed area (142).

[0089] According to the above implementation configuration, when gas generated from the winding center hole (113) inside the battery housing (120) pressurizes the approximate center area of ​​the open area (141), the open area (141) can be opened more smoothly.

[0090] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cap of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a cap of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] The fracture line (143) formed in the open area (141) of the cap (140) is configured to fracture when necessary, thereby opening the open area (141). When the internal pressure of the battery housing increases, the entire inside of the open area (141) may be pressurized, and fracture may occur starting from an area with a relatively low tensile strength.

[0092] To open the open area (141), the break line (143) may be configured to be relatively weaker than other areas of the open area (141). For example, the break line (143) may be configured to be relatively thinner than the remaining areas of the cap (140).

[0093] At least some of the plurality of fracture lines (143) formed in the open area (141) may be formed by being sunken into either the upper or lower surface of the open area (141). In Fig. 5, the first fracture groove (1431) formed by being sunken into the upper surface of the open area (141) is illustrated as extending in one direction to form the fracture line (143), but this is merely exemplary, and the fracture line (143) may also be formed by being sunken into the lower surface of the open area (141).

[0094] Referring to Fig. 5, the fracture line (143) can be formed by extending in one direction a first fracture groove (1431) formed in a depression on the upper or lower surface of the open area (141). For example, the first fracture groove (1431) can have a shape of a notch whose width narrows as it gets deeper, but the shape of the first fracture groove (1431) is not limited thereto.

[0095] At least some of the plurality of fracture lines (143) formed in the open area (141) may be formed by being sunken on both the upper and lower surfaces of the open area (141). Referring to Fig. 6, the fracture line (143) may be formed by extending in one direction a first fracture groove (1431) formed sunken on the upper surface of the open area (141) and a second fracture groove (1432) formed sunken on the lower surface.

[0096] The pressure required to open the open area (141) may vary depending on the shape, arrangement, and depth of depression of the fracture line (143). Therefore, a person skilled in the art can determine the pressure required to open the open area (141) and select the shape, arrangement, and depth of depression of the fracture line (143) through experiments or tests.

[0097] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a battery cap according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an opening of a battery cap according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the shape of a battery cap according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The open area (141) may further include a bending line (144) formed recessed in the area where the open area (141) is bent. The bending line (144) may be formed recessed in the upper surface and / or lower surface of the open area (141).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 8, according to the above-described embodiment, when all or part of the open area (141) is opened, bending of the open area (141) can occur near the bending line (144). The bending line (144) can help the bending of the open area (141) occur more easily in the intended area. By appropriately designing the bending line (144), the open area (141) can be induced to bend in the required direction in the required area.

[0100] The bending line (144) can induce bending in a specific area when the open area (141) is opened. The bending line (144) can prevent the open area (141) from being opened in an unintended direction by inducing the direction in which the open area (141) is opened.

[0101] As described above, the fracture line (143) does not form a closed loop, so that when all or part of the open area (141) is opened, the area can be opened without being separated and while maintaining a connected state. The bending line (144) can form a closed loop together with the fracture line (143).

[0102] For example, the bending line (144) can connect the end of one break line (143) and the end of another break line (143). According to the present embodiment, one area of ​​the open area (141) can be surrounded by the break line (143) and the bending line (144). Such an area can be bent and opened without being completely separated by having a part broken by the break line (143) and the remaining part bent by the bending line (144). According to this embodiment, the bending line (144) can form a closed loop with the break line (143), thereby inducing a part of the open area (141) to be opened without being separated from the cap (140).

[0103] The direction in which the open area (141) is opened can be determined based on the size, shape, position, number, and arranged area of ​​the fracture line (143) and the bending line (144).

[0104] For example, at least a portion of the bending line (144) may be formed to surround an area where a plurality of break lines (143) are formed. Referring to FIG. 7, the bending line (144) may form a closed loop, and the plurality of break lines (143) may be arranged in an inner area of ​​the closed loop formed by the bending lines (144). According to the above-described embodiment, the open area inside the closed loop formed by the bending lines (144) may be opened by the breakage of the plurality of break lines (143) and may be bent toward the outside of the closed loop.

[0105] Meanwhile, the fixed region (142) surrounds the open region (141) including the bending line (144) and can be arranged on the outside of the open region (141). According to the above-described embodiment, the bending line (144) can induce the open region (141) to bend toward the fixed region (141) arranged on the outside.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the bending line (144) may be formed near the boundary line between the fixed area (142) and the open area (141).

[0107] For example, the fixed area (142) can surround the open area (141), the boundary between the fixed area (142) and the open area (141) can also surround the open area (141), and the bending line (144) can also be formed to surround the open area (141).

[0108] When the internal pressure of the battery housing increases, the open area (141) may be opened by bending any area. For example, if the internal pressure generated upward from the winding center hole is excessively strong, the center of the open area (141) may be subjected to a large pressure, causing bending to occur in the approximate center area of ​​the open area (141). In this case, the opening may be centered around the approximate center area of ​​the open area (141), and the outer area may not be sufficiently opened, resulting in insufficient venting performance through the open area (141).

[0109] When the bending line (144) is positioned near the boundary between the open area (141) and the fixed area (142), when the internal pressure of the battery housing increases, there is a high possibility that an arbitrary area of ​​the open area (141) will not bend and an area near the bending line (144) will bend. According to the present embodiment, the open area (141) can bend in an area close to the fixed area (142), the open area (141) can be opened as widely as possible, and the venting performance through the open area (141) can be guaranteed.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 9, the bending grooves (1441, 1442) may also have a notch shape, similar to the breaking grooves (1431, 1432). The bending grooves (1441, 1442) may be formed by a line extending in one direction, with a notch formed in a recess in the open area (141). For example, the bending grooves (1441, 1442) may have a notch shape that becomes narrower as it gets deeper, but is not limited thereto.

[0111] Since the bending grooves (1441, 1442) are not configured for breaking the open area (141) but for bending the open area (141), they may be formed with a shallow depth and / or narrow width compared to the breaking grooves (1431, 1432). If the bending grooves (1441, 1442) are formed too deep or too wide, they may be broken like the breaking grooves (1431, 1432), and therefore, their width and depth may be designed to be appropriate for inducing bending.

[0112] For example, referring to FIG. 9, the bending line (144) may be formed by extending a first bending groove (1441) formed on the upper surface and a second bending groove (1442) formed on the lower surface in one direction. However, this is merely exemplary, and the bending line (144) may also be formed by extending a bending groove formed on either the upper surface or the lower surface in one direction. That is, the bending groove may be formed on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the open area (141) as illustrated in FIG. 9, or may be selectively formed on either the upper surface or the lower surface.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the lower structure of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 10, the battery (100) may include a first terminal (161). The first terminal (161) may be electrically coupled to a second non-coated portion (112) of the electrode assembly (110). Similar to the first non-coated portion (111) described above, the second non-coated portion (112) may be formed at one end of the second electrode. The second non-coated portion (112) may extend along the winding direction of the electrode assembly (110). The second non-coated portion (112) may be provided on a surface opposite to a surface on which the first non-coated portion (111) is provided among both surfaces of the electrode assembly (110), and may extend downwardly of the electrode assembly (110), for example. The first terminal (161) may be partially inserted into the inside of the battery housing (120), for example, through a closing portion of the battery housing (120). The first terminal (161) may be configured to be insulated from the battery housing (120). For example, a second insulating member (152) may be interposed between the first terminal (161) and the battery housing (120). In this case, when the first terminal (161) is provided on the closed side of the battery housing (120), the outer surface of the closed side of the battery housing (120) may function as the second terminal (162).

[0115] The battery (100) may include a second current collector (132) configured to electrically connect the first terminal (161) and the electrode assembly (110). The second current collector (132) may be electrically coupled to the first terminal (161). For example, the second current collector (132) and the first terminal (161) may be welded by irradiating a laser through the winding center hole (113) of the electrode assembly (110) from the open side of the battery housing (120) or by inserting a welding tool.

[0116] When the battery (100) of the present invention includes a second current collector (132), an insulator (170) may be interposed between the second current collector (132) and the closed portion of the battery housing (120). The insulator (170) may prevent contact between the second current collector (132) and the battery housing (120), which are configured to have different polarities.

[0117] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 11, a battery pack (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more batteries (100) described above with reference to other drawings. In addition, the battery pack (1) may further include components other than the battery (100) according to the present invention. For example, the battery pack (1) according to the present invention may further include components such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a bus bar, a relay, and a current sensor.

[0119] The battery pack (1) may further include a pack case (200). The pack case (200) may provide a space in which one or more batteries (100) can be stored. When the battery pack (1) includes a plurality of batteries (100), the pack case (200) may include a space divided to store the plurality of batteries (100).

[0120] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a battery, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the same.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 12, the vehicle (2) may include one or more battery packs (1). For example, the vehicle (2) may be, but is not limited to, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (2) may be either a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (2) may be operated by receiving power from a battery pack (1) or a battery module according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0123] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0124] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly having a winding center hole formed by winding a laminate including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween; A battery housing having an opening formed on one side and capable of accommodating the electrode assembly in the internal space; and A cap covering the opening, comprising a fixed area fixed to the battery housing and an open area surrounded by the fixed area; Including, A battery wherein the open area includes a plurality of fracture lines formed in a depression, and is configured such that when the internal pressure of the battery housing increases above a predetermined amount, at least some of the fracture lines are fractured, thereby causing at least one area to bend toward the fixed area and open.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery wherein at least some of the plurality of fracture lines are formed in a straight line that crosses the open area in one direction.

3. In paragraph 1, A battery, wherein at least some of the plurality of fracture lines are configured to pass through an approximately central area of ​​the cap disposed above the winding center hole.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery wherein at least some of the plurality of fracture lines are formed radially from an approximate central area of ​​the cap disposed above the winding center hole toward the fixed area.

5. In paragraph 1, A battery wherein the above open area is configured such that the entire area is bent and opened toward the above fixed area.

6. In paragraph 1, A battery wherein at least some of the plurality of fracture lines are formed recessed in either the upper or lower surface of the open area.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery wherein at least some of the plurality of fracture lines are formed recessed on both the upper and lower surfaces of the open area.

8. In paragraph 1, A battery wherein the open area further includes a bending line formed sunken in an area where the open area is bent.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery wherein at least a portion of the above bending line is formed surrounding an area where the plurality of fracture lines are formed.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery wherein at least a portion of the bending line is formed near a boundary between the fixed area and the open area.

11. In paragraph 8, The above bending line is formed by being sunken to a shallower depth than the above fracture line.

12. A battery pack comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle comprising a battery pack according to Article 12.

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