Secondary battery and battery module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery and a battery module, and addresses the technical problem of providing a secondary battery that does not have a terminal plate, and a battery module having an integrated terminal plate and bus bar. To this end, the secondary battery and battery module according to the present disclosure comprise: an electrode assembly; a current-collecting unit electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the current-collecting unit; and a terminal part electrically connected to the current-collecting unit, wherein the terminal part comprises an inner terminal part that penetrates the case and extends toward the inside of the case, and an outer terminal part that extends outward from the case, the outer terminal part being longer than the inner terminal part.

Description

Secondary batteries and battery modules

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery and a battery module.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and vacuum cleaners, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as for power storage.

[0003] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a secondary battery without a terminal plate and a battery module having an integrated terminal plate and bus bar.

[0005] An exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly; a current collector electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collector; and a terminal portion electrically coupled to the current collector, wherein the terminal portion may include an internal terminal portion extending inwardly of the case through the case and an external terminal portion extending outwardly of the case, and wherein a length of the external terminal portion may be longer than a length of the internal terminal portion.

[0006] In some examples, the terminal portion may further include a flange portion positioned outside the case, the internal terminal portion may extend from the flange portion through the case in an inward direction of the case, and the external terminal portion may extend from the flange portion in an outward direction of the case.

[0007] In some examples, the diameter of the flange portion may be larger than the diameter of the inner terminal portion or the diameter of the outer terminal portion.

[0008] In some examples, the case may further include an external insulating member interposed between the case and the flange portion.

[0009] In some examples, the inner terminal portion may include an inner rivet nut region that is riveted through the collector portion.

[0010] In some examples, the external terminal portion may include an external rivet nut area that is riveted through the busbar.

[0011] In some examples, the length of the external terminal portion may be greater than the thickness of the bus bar coupled to the external terminal portion.

[0012] In some examples, the diameter of the outer terminal portion may be smaller than the diameter of the inner terminal portion.

[0013] In some examples, the terminal portion may be provided on the top side or the lateral side of the case.

[0014] In some examples, the case may further include a cap plate, and the terminal portion may be coupled through the cap plate.

[0015] A battery module according to the present disclosure may include a first battery including the secondary battery described above; a second battery positioned adjacent to the first battery and including the secondary battery described above; and a bus bar having a first terminal plate coupled to an external terminal portion of the first battery and a second terminal plate coupled to an external terminal portion of the second battery.

[0016] In some examples, the bus bar may include a first through-hole provided in the first terminal plate to allow an external terminal portion of the first battery to pass through and be riveted, and a second through-hole provided in the second terminal plate to allow an external terminal portion of the second battery to pass through and be riveted.

[0017] In some examples, the bus bar may include a connection area connecting the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate, and the connection area may further include a plurality of strength reinforcing protrusions.

[0018] In some examples, the thickness of the connection area may be thinner than the thickness of the first and second terminal plates.

[0019] In some examples, the device may further include a first insulating plate interposed between the first terminal plate and the first battery, and a second insulating plate interposed between the second terminal plate and the second battery.

[0020] The present disclosure can provide a secondary battery without a terminal plate, by omitting the terminal plate that is connected to the terminal portion as a separate component on the outside of the case and finishes the terminal portion. In addition, the present disclosure can provide a battery module having an integrated terminal plate and bus bar, by providing the terminal plate as an integral part of a bus bar connected to the terminal portion.

[0021] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective and cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1C is a partial cutaway plan view illustrating an exemplary electrode assembly in an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2a is an enlarged view showing area 2a of Figure 1b.

[0024] FIG. 2b is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary terminal portion of an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 3A to 3D are perspective views illustrating a method for manufacturing an exemplary battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and side views illustrating an exemplary bus bar in an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0028] The present disclosure is provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. The following examples may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Rather, these examples are provided to more faithfully and completely explain the present disclosure and to fully convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] In addition, in the drawings below, the thickness and size of each layer are exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. In addition, the meaning of "connected" in this specification means not only when member A and member B are directly connected, but also when member C is interposed between member A and member B, so that member A and member B are indirectly connected.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the words "comprise" and "include" and / or "comprising" and "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0031] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, it is to be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may refer to a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0032] Spatial terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature depicted in the drawings relative to another element or feature. These spatial terms are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention in various process states or usage states and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, if an element or feature in a drawing is flipped, an element or feature described as "beneath" or "below" becomes "above" or "above." Therefore, "below" is a concept encompassing "upper" or "below."

[0033] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective views and cross-sectional views of an exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure, and FIG. 1C is a partial cutaway plan view of an exemplary electrode assembly (110) in an exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B , an exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly (110), a current collector (121, 122), a case (130), and a terminal portion (141, 142). In some examples, the case (130) may be sealed with a cap plate (150), and in some cases, the case (130) may be a concept that includes the cap plate (150). In some examples, the case and the cap plate may be referred to as a single case, housing, or outer material.

[0035] The electrode assembly (110) may include a first electrode plate (111), a second electrode plate (112), and a separator (113) between the first and second electrode plates (111, 112) (see FIG. 1c). The electrode assembly (110) may include or be referred to as an electrode group, an electrode stack, or a jelly roll. In some examples, the electrode assembly (110) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which a square first electrode plate (111), a square separator (113), and a square second electrode plate (112) are sequentially stacked. In some examples, the electrode assembly (110) may be provided in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped in which a first electrode plate (111) is centered and a separator (113) is attached to both sides thereof, and then the first electrode plate (111) and the separator (113) are folded together in an approximately “Z” or “S” shape, and second electrode plates (112) are respectively inserted and stacked on both sides of the zigzag-shaped folding area.

[0036] When a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped electrode assembly (110) of this stack type is combined with a case (130) having an opening of approximately the rectangular parallelepiped shape, there is almost no empty space between the electrode assembly (110) and the case (130), so the battery capacity can be significantly increased.

[0037] In some examples, the first electrode plate (111) may operate as an anode and the second electrode plate (112) as a cathode, or conversely, the first electrode plate (111) may operate as a cathode and the second electrode plate (112) as an anode. However, for the convenience of explanation, the present invention will be described with an example in which the first electrode plate (111) operates as an anode and the second electrode plate (112) operates as a cathode.

[0038] In some examples, the first electrode plate (111) is formed by coating a first electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide on a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and includes a first substrate tab (114) which is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first substrate tab (114) serves as a path for current flow between the first electrode plate (111) and the first current collector (121).

[0039] In some examples, the first substrate tab (114) may be formed to protrude / extend to one side of the electrode assembly (110) and be bent in an approximately “U” shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C , and may be connected while wrapping around a portion of the first current collector (121) in this shape. In some examples, the first substrate tab (114) of the electrode assembly (110) may originally be flat, but may be bent in an approximately “U” shape to be connected to the first current collector (121).

[0040] The second electrode plate (112) is formed by applying a second electrode active material such as graphite or carbon to a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil such as copper, copper alloy, nickel or nickel alloy, and may include a second substrate tab (115) which is an area where the second electrode active material is not applied. The second substrate tab (115) serves as a passage for current flow between the second electrode plate (112) and the second current collector (122).

[0041] In some examples, the second substrate tab (115) may be provided in a form that protrudes / extends to a certain length toward the other side of the electrode assembly (110) and is bent in an approximately “U” shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C , and may be connected while wrapping around the second current collector (122) described below in this form. In some examples, the second substrate tab (115) of the electrode assembly (110) may originally be flat, but may be bent in an approximately “U” shape to be connected to the second current collector (122).

[0042] In addition, the first substrate tab (114) and the second substrate tab (115) may have a shape that protrudes / extends / bends horizontally among the electrode assembly (110), but may face in opposite directions.

[0043] The separator (113) is positioned between the first electrode plate (111) and the second electrode plate (112) to prevent short circuits and enable the movement of lithium ions. It may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or a composite film of polyethylene and polypropylene. Meanwhile, the material of the separator (113) in the present invention is not limited. In some cases, the separator (113) may be replaced with a solid electrolyte.

[0044] Such an electrode assembly (110) may be accommodated in a case (130) together with, for example, but not limited to, an electrolyte. The electrolyte may be composed of a lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 in an organic solvent such as EC (ethylene carbonate), PC (propylene carbonate), DEC (diethyl carbonate), EMC (ethyl methyl carbonate), or DMC (dimethyl carbonate). In addition, the electrolyte may be in a liquid, solid, or gel form.

[0045] The current collector (121, 122) may include a first current collector (121) (e.g., a positive current collector) and a second current collector (122) (e.g., a negative current collector). The current collector may include or be referred to as a current collector plate, a current collector, or a conductive plate. The first current collector (121) may be formed of the same material as the first substrate tab (114). In some examples, if the first substrate tab (114) is made of aluminum, the first current collector (121) may also be made of aluminum. Therefore, the first current collector (121) and the first substrate tab (114) may be easily welded to each other.

[0046] In some examples, the first collector (121) may include a first section (1211) coupled to the first terminal (141) and a second section (1212) coupled to the first section (1211). The first section (1211) may be provided between the electrode assembly (110) and the cap plate (150) in a form that is approximately parallel to the width direction of the electrode assembly (110) (e.g., xx direction), and the second section (1212) may be provided on one side of the electrode assembly (110) in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the width direction of the electrode assembly (110) (i.e., height direction) (e.g., yy direction). In some examples, the first substrate tab (114) may be welded to the second section (1212) while wrapping around the second section (1212).

[0047] The second collector (122) may be formed of the same material as the second substrate tab (115). In some examples, if the second substrate tab (115) is made of a copper-based or nickel-based material, the second collector (122) may also be made of a copper-based or nickel-based material. Therefore, the second collector (122) and the second substrate tab (115) can be easily welded to each other.

[0048] In some examples, the second collector (122) may include a first section (1221) coupled to the second terminal (142) and a second section (1222) coupled to the first section (1221). The first section (1221) may be provided between the electrode assembly (110) and the cap plate (150) in a shape approximately parallel to the width direction of the electrode assembly (110), and the second section (1222) may be provided on the other side of the electrode assembly (110) in a direction approximately perpendicular to the width direction of the electrode assembly (110) (i.e., in the height direction). In some examples, the second substrate tab (115) may be welded to the second section (1222) while wrapping around the second section (1222).

[0049] The case (130) may be a roughly rectangular hollow body having an opening formed at the top. Accordingly, the electrode assembly (110) and the current collector (121, 122) may be inserted into the interior of the case (130) through this opening. The case may include or be referred to as a can, a housing, or an outer material. The case (130) may include a bottom portion (131), a pair of long sides (132), and a pair of short sides (133) connecting the pair of long sides (132), and an opening may be provided in an opposite direction of the bottom portion (131). In some examples, the case (130) may be provided in aluminum or stainless steel series, and may be manufactured by a deep drawing process or a bending and welding process.

[0050] The cap plate (150) may be provided in a roughly flat shape and may be coupled (e.g., welded) to an opening of the case (130) to seal the opening. The cap plate may include or be referred to as a cap assembly, a lid, or a cover. The cap plate (150) may include an injection hole (151) for injecting electrolyte into the interior of the sealed case (130), and a sealing plug (152) for blocking the electrolyte injection hole (151). In addition, the cap plate (150) may include a vent hole (153), and a vent plate (154) coupled to the vent hole (153) to be ruptured when the internal pressure of the case (130) exceeds a set pressure. The cap plate (150) may be made of the same or similar material as the case (130).

[0051] The terminal portion (141, 142) may include a first terminal portion (141) (e.g., a positive terminal portion) and a second terminal portion (142) (e.g., a negative terminal portion). The terminal portion may include or be referred to as a terminal, a terminal post, or a terminal region. The first terminal portion (141) may be formed of the same material as the first collector portion (121). In some examples, if the first collector portion (121) is made of aluminum, the first terminal portion (141) may also be made of aluminum. In some examples, the first terminal portion (141) may include an inner terminal portion (1411), an outer terminal portion (1412), and a flange portion (1413). The inner terminal portion (1411) may extend inwardly through the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)), the outer terminal portion (1412) may extend in an outwardly direction of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)), and the flange portion (1413) may be mounted on the outside of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)). In some examples, the length of the outer terminal portion (1412) may be longer than the length of the inner terminal portion (1411). In some examples, an external insulation portion (1414) may be interposed between the flange portion (1413) and the cap plate (150), an internal insulation portion (1415) may be interposed between the first collector portion (121) and the cap plate, and a sealing gasket (1416) may be interposed between the internal terminal portion (1411) and the cap plate (150).

[0052] The second terminal portion (142) may be formed of a different material from the second collector portion (122). In some examples, if the second collector portion (122) is made of a copper series or nickel series, the second terminal portion (142) may be made of an aluminum series. In some examples, the second terminal portion (142) may include an inner terminal portion (1421), an outer terminal portion (1422), and a flange portion (1423). The inner terminal portion (1421) may extend inwardly of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)) by penetrating the case (130), the outer terminal portion (1422) may extend outwardly of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)), and the flange portion (1423) may be mounted on the outside of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)). In some examples, the length of the outer terminal portion (1422) may be longer than the length of the inner terminal portion (1421). In some examples, an outer insulation portion (1424) may be interposed between the flange portion (1423) and the cap plate (150), an inner insulation portion (1425) may be interposed between the second collector portion (122) and the cap plate, and a sealing gasket (1426) may be interposed between the inner terminal portion (1421) and the cap plate (150).

[0053] In practice, the first terminal portion (141) and the second terminal portion (142) may be similar or identical in shape and material. Therefore, a more specific explanation will be given using one terminal portion as an example.

[0054] FIG. 2a is an enlarged view of area 2a of FIG. 1b, and FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an exemplary terminal portion (141) in an exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an exemplary terminal portion (141) according to the present disclosure may include an internal terminal portion (1411) extending inwardly of the case (130) through the cap plate (150), an external terminal portion (1412) extending in an outwardly of the case (130), and a flange portion (1413) positioned on the outside of the cap plate (150) between the internal terminal portion (1411) and the external terminal portion (1412).

[0056] In some examples, the inner terminal portion (1411) and / or the outer terminal portion (1412) may have a roughly cylindrical shape, and the flange portion (1413) may have a roughly disc shape. In some examples, the diameter of the flange portion (1413) may be larger than the diameter of the inner terminal portion (1411) and / or the diameter of the outer terminal portion (1412). In some examples, the outer insulating portion (1414) may be interposed between the flange portion (1413) and the cap plate (150) and may surround a portion of the inner terminal portion (1411). In some examples, the lower insulating portion (1415) may be interposed between the cap plate (150) and the first collector portion (121) and may surround a portion of the inner terminal portion (1411). The sealing gasket (1416) is located on the inside of the cap plate (150) and can surround a portion of the inner terminal portion (1411).

[0057] In some examples, the inner terminal portion (1411) may include an inner rivet nut area (1417) that is riveted through the collector portion (121). The inner rivet nut area (1417) may include a recessed shape from bottom to top. In some examples, the outer terminal portion (1412) may include an outer rivet nut area (1418) that is riveted through the bus bar. The outer rivet nut area (1418) may include a recessed shape from top to bottom.

[0058] In some examples, the length of the outer terminal portion (1412) may be longer than the length of the inner terminal portion (1411) and may be greater than (or longer than) the thickness of the bus bar riveted to the outer terminal portion (1412).

[0059] In some examples, the diameter of the outer terminal portion (1412) may be smaller than the diameter of the inner terminal portion (1411). In some examples, the diameter of the inner terminal portion (1411) may be larger than the diameter of the outer terminal portion (1412). In some examples, the diameter of the outer terminal portion (1412) and the diameter of the inner terminal portion (1411) may be similar or the same.

[0060] In some examples, the terminal portions (141, 142) described above may be provided on the top side of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)), and a battery including such terminal portions (141, 142) may be referred to as a battery having a top terminal. In some examples, the terminal portions (141, 142) described above may be provided on the lateral side of the case (130) (or the cap plate (150)), and a battery including such terminal portions (141, 142) may be referred to as a battery having a lateral terminal.

[0061] In this way, the secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure does not have a terminal plate that is connected to the terminal portion (141, 142) as a separate component on the outside of the case (130) and / or the cap plate (150) and finishes the terminal portion (141, 142). That is, the present disclosure can provide a secondary battery (100) without a terminal plate.

[0062] FIGS. 3A to 3D are perspective views illustrating a method for manufacturing an exemplary battery module (200) according to the present disclosure.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 3a, a bus bar (210) having a roughly flat shape can be provided.

[0064] The material of the bus bar (210) may be similar to or identical to the material of the terminal portion. The bus bar (210) may include a first terminal plate (211) having a first through-hole (2111) fitted into the terminal portion on one side, a second terminal plate (212) having a second through-hole (2121) fitted into the terminal portion on the other side, and a connection area (213) connecting the first terminal plate (211) and the second terminal plate (212). The thickness of the connection area (213) may be smaller than the thickness of the first and second terminal plates (211, 212). In some examples, the first terminal plate (211) may further include a first recessed portion (2112) provided on the lower surface, and the second terminal plate (212) may further include a second recessed portion (2122) provided on the lower surface.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3b, secondary batteries can be provided.

[0066] In some examples, a first battery (100A) similar to or identical to the secondary battery (100) described above and a second battery (100B) similar to or identical to the secondary battery (100) described above and positioned adjacent to the first battery (100A) may be provided.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 3c, insulating plates (221, 222) may be provided.

[0068] In some examples, a first insulating plate (221) may be positioned on the cap plate (150) as an outer side of a terminal portion (141) (e.g., a flange portion (1413)).

[0069] In some examples, the first insulating plate (221) may be in the shape of an approximately rectangular plate corresponding to the first and second terminal plates (211, 212) of the bus bar (210). Specifically, the first insulating plate (221) may include a bottom portion (2211) that has an opening in which a flange portion (1413) is coupled on the inside and contacts the cap plate (150), a side wall (2212) in the shape of a square line (when viewed from the plane) extending upward from the periphery of the bottom portion (2211), and protrusions (2213) that are provided facing toward the flange portion (1413) from the side wall (2212). In some examples, the protrusions (2213) may be provided on the bottom portion (2211) facing each other along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the xx direction) of the cap plate (150).

[0070] In some examples, a second insulating plate (222) may be positioned on the cap plate (150) as an outer side of the other terminal portion (142) (e.g., the flange portion (1423)). Specifically, the second insulating plate (222) may include a bottom portion (2221) that has an opening on the inside into which the flange portion (1423) is coupled and that comes into contact with the cap plate (150), a side wall (2222) in the shape of a square line (when viewed from a plan) extending upward from the periphery of the bottom portion (2221), and protrusions (2223) that are provided facing toward the flange portion (1423) from the side wall (2222). In some examples, the protrusions (2223) may be provided on the bottom portion (2221) so as to face each other along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the xx direction) of the cap plate (150).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3d, bus bars (210A, 210B) may be provided.

[0072] In some examples, one terminal portion (141) of the first battery (100A) and one terminal portion (141) of the second battery (100B) may be coupled to each other by one bus bar (210A). In some examples, one terminal portion (141) of the first battery (100A) (e.g., external terminal portion (1412)) may be loosely coupled to the first through-hole (2111) of the first terminal plate (211) of the one bus bar (210A), and one terminal portion (141) of the second battery (100B) (e.g., external terminal portion (1412)) may be loosely coupled to the second through-hole (2121) of the second terminal plate (212) of the one bus bar (210A). Afterwards, a riveting process is applied between the external terminal portion (1412) of one terminal portion (141) of the first and second batteries (100A, 100B) and the first terminal plate (211), and between the external terminal portion (1412) of the one terminal portion (141) and the second terminal plate (211), so that the one-side bus bar (210) can mechanically / electrically couple the first and second batteries (100A, 100B). In some examples, a first insulating plate (221) may be interposed between the one-side bus bar (210A) and the cap plate (150) of the first and second batteries (100A, 100B), and thus the one-side bus bar (210A) may be insulated from the case (130) and / or the cap plate (150). In some examples, the electrical / mechanical bonding strength between the one-side bus bar (210A) and the one-side terminal portion (141A) (e.g., external terminal portion (1412)) coupled to the first through-hole (2111) of the first terminal plate (211) of the one-side bus bar (210A) and the one-side terminal portion (141) (e.g., external terminal portion (1412)) coupled to the second through-hole (2121) of the second terminal plate (212) of the one-side bus bar (210A) may be further improved by further applying a laser welding process as well as a riveting process to each of the periphery of the one-side terminal portion (141A) (e.g., external terminal portion (1412)) coupled to the second through-hole (2121) of the second terminal plate (212) of the one-side bus bar (210A).

[0073] In some examples, the other terminal portion (142) of the first battery (100A) and the other terminal portion (142) of the second battery (100B) may be coupled to each other by the other bus bar (210B). In some examples, the other terminal portion (142) of the first battery (100A) (e.g., the external terminal portion (1422)) may be loosely coupled to the first through-hole (2111) of the first terminal plate (211) of the other bus bar (210B), and the other terminal portion (142) of the second battery (100B) (e.g., the external terminal portion (1422)) may be loosely coupled to the second through-hole (2121) of the second terminal plate (212) of the other bus bar (210B). Afterwards, a riveting process is applied between the external terminal portion (1422) of the other terminal portion (142) of the first and second batteries (100A, 100B) and the first terminal plate (211), and between the external terminal portion (1422) of the other terminal portion (142) and the second terminal plate (211), so that the other bus bar (210B) can mechanically / electrically couple the first and second batteries (100A, 100B). In some examples, a second insulating plate (222) may be interposed between the other bus bar (210B) and the cap plate (150) of the first and second batteries (100A, 100B), and thus the other bus bar (210B) may be insulated from the case (130) and / or the cap plate (150). In some examples, the electrical / mechanical bonding strength between the other bus bar (210B) and the other terminal portion (142) can be further improved by applying a laser welding process as well as a riveting process to the periphery of the other terminal portion (142) (e.g., the external terminal portion (1422)) coupled to the first through-hole (2111) of the first terminal plate (211) of the other bus bar (210B) and the periphery of the other terminal portion (142) (e.g., the external terminal portion (1422)) coupled to the second through-hole (2121) of the second terminal plate (212) of the other bus bar (210B).

[0074] Although the parallel connection of the first and second batteries (100A, 100B) using bus bars (210A, 210B) is described here, the series connection can also be performed similarly.

[0075] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and side views illustrating an exemplary bus bar (210) in an exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure.

[0076] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the bus bar (210) may further include a plurality of reinforcing protrusions (214) provided in a connection area (213) connecting the first terminal plate (211) and the second terminal plate (212). In some examples, the upper surfaces of the first and second terminal plates (211, 212) and the third area (213) may all be flat, and the lower surfaces of the first and second terminal plates (211, 212) and the third area (213) may not be flat. In some examples, a plurality of reinforcing protrusions (214) may be provided on the lower surface of the connection area (213). In some examples, the thickness of the connection area (213) including the plurality of reinforcing protrusions (214) may be smaller than the thickness of the first and second terminal plates (211, 212). A number of such reinforcing protrusions (214) can prevent damage to the bus bar (210) when the secondary battery (100) expands or deforms.

[0077] In some examples, the first terminal plate (211) may further include a recessed portion (2112) provided on the lower surface. The recessed portion (2112) may include a recessed shape extending from the lower surface of the first terminal plate (211) toward the upper surface. In some examples, the first terminal plate (211) may be coupled to the bottom portion (2211) and the side wall portion (2212) of the first insulating plate (221), and further, the recessed portion (2112) of the first terminal plate (211) may be coupled to the protrusion (2213) of the first insulating plate (221). Accordingly, the bonding strength between the first terminal plate (211) of the bus bar (210) and the first insulating plate (221) may be improved.

[0078] In some examples, the second terminal plate (212) may further include a recessed portion (2122) provided on the lower surface. The recessed portion (2122) may include a recessed shape extending from the lower surface of the second terminal plate (212) toward the upper surface. In some examples, the second terminal plate (212) may be coupled to the bottom portion (2221) and the side wall portion (2222) of the second insulating plate (222), and further, the recessed portion (2122) of the second terminal plate (212) may be coupled to the protrusion (2223) of the second insulating plate (222). Accordingly, the bonding strength between the second terminal plate (212) of the bus bar (210) and the second insulating plate (222) may be improved.

[0079] In this way, the present disclosure can provide a battery module having an integrated terminal plate and bus bar. In other words, instead of providing a terminal plate to a secondary battery, the present disclosure can form the terminal plate integrally with a bus bar, thereby reducing the number of parts and material costs in a secondary battery and battery module, and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0080] The above description is only one embodiment for implementing an exemplary secondary battery and battery module according to the present disclosure, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it will be understood that the technical spirit of the present invention exists to the extent that anyone having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can implement various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims.

Claims

1. Electrode assembly; A current collector electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; A case accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collector; and Including a terminal portion electrically connected to the above collector portion, A secondary battery, wherein the terminal portion includes an internal terminal portion extending inwardly of the case through the case and an external terminal portion extending outwardly of the case, and the length of the external terminal portion is longer than the length of the internal terminal portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the terminal portion further includes a flange portion positioned outside the case, the internal terminal portion extends from the flange portion through the case toward the inside of the case, and the external terminal portion extends from the flange portion toward the outside of the case.

3. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery, wherein the diameter of the flange portion is larger than the diameter of the inner terminal portion or the diameter of the outer terminal portion.

4. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery further comprising an external insulating member interposed between the case and the flange portion.

5. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the internal terminal portion includes an internal rivet nut region that is riveted through the current collector portion.

6. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the external terminal portion includes an external rivet nut area that is riveted through the bus bar.

7. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the length of the external terminal portion is greater than the thickness of the bus bar connected to the external terminal portion.

8. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the diameter of the external terminal portion is smaller than the diameter of the internal terminal portion.

9. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the terminal portion is provided on the top side or the lateral side of the case.

10. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery, wherein the case further includes a cap plate, and the terminal portion is coupled by penetrating the cap plate.

11. A first battery including a secondary battery described in paragraph 1; A second battery positioned adjacent to the first battery and including the secondary battery described in claim 1; and A battery module comprising a bus bar having a first terminal plate coupled to an external terminal portion of the first battery and a second terminal plate coupled to an external terminal portion of the second battery.

12. In paragraph 11, The bus bar comprises a first through-hole provided in the first terminal plate to allow the external terminal portion of the first battery to pass through and be riveted, and a second through-hole provided in the second terminal plate to allow the external terminal portion of the second battery to pass through and be riveted, a battery module.

13. In paragraph 11, A battery module, wherein the bus bar includes a connection area connecting the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate, and the connection area further includes a plurality of strength-reinforcing protrusions.

14. In paragraph 13, The thickness of the above connection area is thinner than the thickness of the first and second terminal plates, the battery module, 15. In paragraph 11, A battery module further comprising a first insulating plate interposed between the first terminal plate and the first battery, and a second insulating plate interposed between the second terminal plate and the second battery.

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