Secondary battery

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery. The technical problem to be solved is to provide a secondary battery including a fuse function in a current collecting plate of the secondary battery formed in a current collecting tab structure such that a fuse section is ruptured when an overcurrent flows, thereby improving the stability of the battery itself. To this end, the present disclosure provides a secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a cylindrical case for accommodating the electrode assembly; a terminal coupled through the case; a first current collector plate interposed between the upper surface of the electrode assembly and the case and electrically connecting the first electrode plate and the terminal; and a first electrode tab connected to the first electrode plate and electrically connecting the first electrode plate and the first current collector plate, wherein the first current collector plate includes a terminal connection part in contact with the terminal, an electrode plate connection part located outside the terminal connection part, and a fuse part located between the terminal connection part and the electrode plate connection part.

Description

secondary battery

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery capable of improving stability.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity batteries, each packaged as a single cell, are used in small, portable electronic devices such as smartphones and digital cameras. Large-capacity batteries, in modular form, consisting of dozens or hundreds of battery packs connected together, are used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, power tools, handheld vacuum cleaners, and drones, or as energy storage devices.

[0003] In case of secondary batteries, the internal temperature of the battery rises and gas is generated due to abnormal usage conditions such as short circuit or overcharging, which increases the pressure inside the battery.

[0004] For example, in lithium secondary batteries, overcharging causes the electrolyte to decompose, releasing gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which in turn increases the internal pressure of the battery. Furthermore, if excessive current flows due to overdischarge or a short circuit, the temperature within the battery rises, causing the electrolyte to turn into gas. Consequently, the internal pressure and temperature of the battery increase, posing a significant safety risk due to the risk of fire. These phenomena also lead to an overall deterioration in the battery's performance and lifespan.

[0005] 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.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a secondary battery having a fuse function in a current collector plate formed with a current collector tab structure, which has a function similar to a safety vent and thus has an advantage in terms of stability by affecting gas emission.

[0007] 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.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem, a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; a cylindrical case accommodating the electrode assembly; a terminal coupled through the case; a first current collecting plate interposed between an upper surface of the electrode assembly and the case and electrically connecting between the first electrode plate and the terminal; and a first electrode tab connected to the first electrode plate and electrically connecting between the first electrode plate and the first current collecting plate, wherein the first current collecting plate may include a terminal connecting portion connected to the terminal; a plate connecting portion located outside the terminal connecting portion; and a fuse portion located between the terminal connecting portion and the plate connecting portion.

[0009] In some examples, the fuse portion may include a fuse hole formed along a portion of the outer periphery of the terminal connection portion; and a plate connection portion connecting the terminal connection portion and the plate connection portion.

[0010] In some examples, the first electrode tab may extend from the top of the first electrode plate toward the terminal.

[0011] In some examples, the first electrode tab may be coupled through the first collector plate.

[0012] In some examples, the first electrode tab may include an upper region that penetrates the first collector plate and is joined to an upper surface of the first collector plate; a folded region that penetrates the first collector plate and is bent to be in close contact with the first collector plate; and a lower region that is interposed between a lower surface of the first collector plate and the electrode assembly and is connected to the first electrode plate.

[0013] In some examples, the first electrode tab may be coupled by penetrating the fuse hole of the fuse portion.

[0014] In some examples, the bending region is located in the fuse hole, and the bending region can be bent upwardly through the fuse hole toward the upper portion of the electrode plate connection.

[0015] In some examples, the bending region may be bent in a manner that wraps around the outer surface of the electrode plate connecting portion and is joined to the first collector plate.

[0016] In some examples, the bending region may be bent from the outer surface of the first collector plate toward the upper side of the electrode plate connection portion, and may be interposed between the first collector plate and the case.

[0017] In some examples, the first collector plate further includes at least one through hole through which the first electrode tab passes, and the first electrode tab can be coupled to the first collector plate by passing through the at least one through hole.

[0018] In some examples, when there are multiple first electrode tabs, the first electrode tabs may be joined at at least two locations among the fuse portion, the at least one through hole, and the outer surface of the first collector plate.

[0019] In some examples, the at least one through hole may be positioned concentrically with the fuse hole with respect to the center of the first collector plate.

[0020] In some examples, the first collector plate is in contact with the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly may have the separator exposed at least in a portion of its upper surface.

[0021] In some examples, the first electrode tab may have one end coupled to the current collector plate and the other end coupled to the first electrode plate.

[0022] In some examples, the first electrode tab may further include a first substrate tab that is part of the first electrode plate, wherein one end of the first electrode tab may be coupled to the current collector plate and the other end may be coupled to the first substrate tab.

[0023] In some examples, the first substrate tab is a part of the first electrode plate; and further includes a first lead tab extending from the first electrode plate, wherein the first substrate tab is coupled to the first lead tab, and the first electrode tab may have one end coupled to the current collector plate and the other end coupled to the first lead tab.

[0024] In some examples, the electrode assembly may have the first electrode plate exposed on the upper surface.

[0025] In some examples, the first electrode plate further includes a first substrate tab that is part of the first electrode plate, wherein one end of the first electrode tab is coupled to the current collector plate and the other end is coupled to at least one of the first substrate tab and the first electrode plate.

[0026] In some examples, the first substrate tab may protrude upwardly in multiple numbers from the upper surface of the electrode assembly, be bent and pressed in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly, and be brought into contact with the first collector plate.

[0027] In some examples, the first substrate tab is a part of the first electrode plate; and further includes a first lead tab extending from the first electrode plate, wherein the first substrate tab is coupled to the first lead tab, and the first electrode tab has one end coupled to the current collector plate and the other end coupled to at least one of the first lead tab and the first substrate tab.

[0028] In some examples, the electrode assembly further includes a first substrate tab that is part of the first electrode plate; and a current collector tab attached to the first electrode plate exposed to the upper surface of the electrode assembly, wherein the first electrode tab has one end coupled to the current collector tab and the other end coupled to the current collector tab, and the current collector tab can be in contact with the first substrate tab at a lower surface and in contact with the first electrode tab at a upper surface.

[0029] In some examples, the first substrate tab may protrude upwardly in multiple numbers from the upper surface of the electrode assembly, be bent and pressed in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly, and be brought into contact with the current collector tab.

[0030] In some examples, the case may include a rivet plate through which the terminal is penetrated; a side wall extending integrally from the rivet plate toward the bottom of the electrode assembly; and a closure plate that closes an end of the side wall.

[0031] In some examples, the end plate may be secured to the side wall by a beading portion and a crimping portion provided on the side wall.

[0032] In some examples, the closure plate may be secured to the side wall by welding.

[0033] In some examples, the case may include a rivet plate through which the terminal is connected, a side wall welded to the rivet plate and extending in the lower direction of the electrode assembly, and a finish plate extending integrally from the side wall.

[0034] In some examples, the terminal may include a head portion positioned at an upper portion of the center of the case; and a body portion extending from the center of the head portion inwardly of the case, formed integrally with the head portion, and coupled to an upper surface of the first collector plate.

[0035] In some examples, the body portion may include an upper body portion connected to the head portion and positioned within the case; and a lower body portion extending downward from the upper body portion and positioned within the case.

[0036] In some examples, the outer diameter of the fuse hole may be larger than the diameter of the lower surface plane of the lower body portion protruding inwardly toward the case.

[0037] In some examples, the diameter of the terminal connection portion may be larger than the lower surface of the lower fastening portion and smaller than the diameter of the core of the electrode assembly.

[0038] In some examples, the diameter of the terminal connection portion may be less than 60% of the diameter of the first collector plate.

[0039] In some examples, the outer diameter of the fuse portion may be 1 mm or more larger than the diameter of the lower surface of the terminal.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fuse function is included in a current collector plate of a secondary battery formed with a current collector tab structure, thereby improving the stability of the battery itself by causing the fusing portion to break when an overcurrent flows.

[0041] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0042] 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.

[0043] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are perspective views and cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Figures 2a and 2b are an exploded perspective view and a perspective view that enlarge the '2' area of ​​Figures 1a and 1b.

[0045] Figure 3 is a plan view of the collector plate of Figures 2a and 2b.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a collector plate structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a collector plate structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating various exemplary secondary batteries according to the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 9a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b are drawings schematically showing the configuration of a secondary battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary body.

[0056] FIG. 11b is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the secondary battery pack of FIG. 10.

[0057] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as substitutes for them at the time of filing this application.

[0058] Additionally, when used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0059] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings may not be drawn to scale and some components may be exaggerated in size. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0060] The statement that two compared objects are "identical" means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may imply uniformity on average.

[0061] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0062] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0063] Any configuration being placed "on (or under)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0064] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Furthermore, when it is said that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0065] When reference is made throughout the specification to "A and / or B," this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. In other words, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When reference is made to "C through D," this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0066] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0067] In exemplary embodiments of cylindrical batteries according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, one of the cylindrical batteries is selected and the selected battery is described as having a general structure, and in the case of a generally applicable technology, the general structure of the cylindrical battery is described.

[0068] FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views and cross-sectional views illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the exemplary secondary battery (100) according to the present disclosure may include a case (110), an electrode assembly (120), a current collector (130), a terminal (140), and an insulating member (150).

[0069] The case (110) may be provided in a roughly cylindrical shape. The case (110) may include a roughly circular rivet plate (111) having a terminal hole (1111) in the center, a side wall (112) extending downward from the rivet plate (111), and a closing plate (113) closing the lower end of the side wall (112). The case (110) may include or be referred to as a can, a housing, or an outer material. The case (110) may include steel, a steel alloy, nickel-plated steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. The case (110) may be manufactured through a deep drawing process in which a metal plate is placed on a die having an opening and pressed with a punch to manufacture a cylindrical case, an extrusion process in which molten metal is put into an extrusion die and extruded into a pipe-shaped case, or a bending and welding process in which a thin metal plate is rolled into a round shape and then bent and welded to manufacture a case. This case (110) houses the electrode assembly (120), the current collector (130) and the electrolyte (optional) and serves to isolate them from the external environment.

[0070] In some examples, the rivet plate (111) and the side wall (112) may be provided as a single piece. In some examples, the side wall (112) and the finishing plate (113) may be joined to each other by a beading and crimping method, a curling method, or a seaming method. In some examples, the side wall (112) and the finishing plate (113) may be provided separately and then joined to each other by welding (see FIG. 9b). In some examples, the side wall (112) and the finishing plate (113) may be provided as a single piece. In some examples, the rivet plate (111) and the side wall (112) may be provided separately and then joined to each other by laser welding (see FIG. 9c). In some examples, the rivet plate (111) and the side wall (112) may be joined to each other by a beading and crimping method, a curling method, or a seaming method.

[0071] In some examples, the closing plate (113) may include a vent notch (1134) that is provided relatively thinly on the upper surface. The vent notch (1134) may include or be referred to as a safety vent. Such a vent notch (1134) ruptures when the internal pressure of the secondary battery is higher than a reference pressure, thereby releasing internal gas.

[0072] In some examples, the lower portion of the side wall (112) of the case (110) may be provided with an inwardly recessed beading portion (1121) and an inwardly bent crimping portion (1122). In some examples, a finishing plate (113) may be coupled between the beading portion (1121) and the crimping portion (1122). In some examples, an insulating gasket (114) may be positioned on the beading portion (1121) and the crimping portion (1122), such that the finishing plate (113) may be coupled with the insulating gasket (114) interposed between the beading portion (1121) and the crimping portion (1122). In some examples, instead of providing a beading portion (1121) and a crimping portion (1122), the finishing plate (113) may be directly welded to the side wall (112), or the finishing plate (113) may be joined to the side wall (112) in a curling or seaming manner.

[0073] In some examples, the closing plate (113) may include a peripheral region (1131) sandwiched between the beading portion (1121) and the crimping portion (1122), an inner region (1132) connected to the peripheral region (1131) and lower than the peripheral region (1131), and a central region (1133) connected to the inner region (1132) and higher than the inner region (1132). A vent notch (1134) may be provided on the inner region (1132). In some examples, the central region (1133) may be closer to the electrode assembly (120) than the peripheral region (1131) and the inner region (1132).

[0074] In some examples, the closing plate (113) may further include a filler port (1135) and a plug (1136). The filler port (1135) may be provided in the closing plate (113), for example, in the central region (1133), and the filler port (1135) may be closed with a plug (1136). Accordingly, electrolyte may be injected through the filler port (1135), and leakage of the electrolyte may be prevented by closing the filler port (1135) with the plug (1136). In some examples, such a filler port and plug may be provided in the rivet plate (111), which may be applied to all embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] The electrode assembly (120) may be provided in a substantially cylindrical shape. The electrode assembly (120) may be wound into a cylindrical shape and then coupled to a case (110). The electrode assembly (120) may include or be referred to as an electrode group or a jelly roll. The electrode assembly (120) may include a first electrode plate (121) (e.g., a positive electrode plate), a second electrode plate (122) (e.g., a negative electrode plate), and a separator (123). In some examples, the first electrode plate (121) (e.g., a positive electrode plate), the separator (123), and the second electrode plate (122) (e.g., a negative electrode plate) may be wound in a stacked state into a substantially cylindrical shape. The first electrode plate (121) may include at least one first electrode tab (1211) extending upward. The second electrode plate (122) may include at least one second electrode tab (1221) extending in a downward direction. Here, the upward direction may be defined as the first direction, and the downward direction opposite to the upward direction may be defined as the second direction.

[0076] In some examples, the first electrode plate (121) may be provided by applying a first active material (1213), such as a transition metal oxide, to a first current collector (1212) formed of a metal foil, such as aluminum. In addition, in some examples, the first electrode plate (121) may include a first uncoated portion (1214) on which the first active material (1213) is not coated in an upper direction among the first current collectors (1212).

[0077] In some examples, the first active material may be a compound capable of reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium (a lithiated intercalation compound). Specifically, one or more of a composite oxide of lithium and a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0078] The above composite oxide may be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and specific examples thereof include lithium nickel-based oxide, lithium cobalt-based oxide, lithium manganese-based oxide, lithium iron phosphate-based compound, cobalt-free nickel-manganese-based oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0079] As an example, a compound represented by any one of the following chemical formulas may be used. LiaA1-bXbO2-cDc(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); LiaMn2-bXbO4-cDc(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); LiaNi1-b-cCobXcO2-αDα(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); LiaNi1-b-cMnbXcO2-αDα(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); LiaNibCocL1dGeO2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); LiaNiGbO2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaCoGbO2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaMn1-bGbO2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaMn2GbO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); LiaMn1-gGgPO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li(3-f)Fe2(PO4)3(0≤f≤2); LiaFePO4(0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0080] In the above chemical formula, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare earth element, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; L 1 is Mn, Al or a combination thereof.

[0081] In some examples, a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector (e.g., a first current collector) and a positive electrode active material layer (e.g., a first active material layer) formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0082] The content of the positive electrode active material may be 90 wt% to 99.5 wt% with respect to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, and the contents of the binder and conductive material may be 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%, respectively, with respect to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer.

[0083] The first electrode tab (1211) is electrically connected to the current collector plate (130) and the terminal (140) (e.g., a rivet terminal), thereby becoming a passage for current flow between the first electrode plate (121) and the terminal (140).

[0084] In some examples, the second electrode plate (122) may be provided by applying a second active material (1223), such as graphite or carbon, to a second current collector (1222) formed of a metal foil, such as copper or nickel. Furthermore, in some examples, the second electrode plate (122) may include a second non-coated portion (1224) on which the second active material (1223) is not coated in a lower direction of the second current collector (1222). The second electrode tab (1221) may be electrically connected to a terminal (110) (e.g., a case), thereby serving as a path for current flow between the second electrode plate (122) and the case (110).

[0085] In some examples, the second active material comprises a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0086] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating the lithium ions may include a carbon-based negative electrode active material, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of the crystalline carbon include graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of the amorphous carbon include soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, and the like.

[0087] As the material capable of doping and dedoping the lithium, a Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used. The Si-based negative electrode active material is silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x < 2), Si-based alloys or combinations thereof.

[0088] The above silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0089] The silicon-carbon composite may further comprise crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may comprise a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating layer positioned on the surface of the core.

[0090] A negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector (e.g., a second current collector) and a negative electrode active material layer (e.g., a second active material layer) formed on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0091] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may contain 90 to 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, 0.5 to 5 wt% of the binder, and 0 to 5 wt% of the conductive material. The binder may be a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof. When an aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, the binder may further contain a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity.

[0092] The separator (123) may be interposed between the first electrode plate (121) and the second electrode plate (122), thereby preventing a short circuit between them and enabling the movement of lithium ions. The separator (123) may be formed to be slightly wider than the widths of the first electrode plate (121) and the second electrode plate (122), thereby protruding further in the upper and lower directions and left and right directions than the first electrode plate (121) and the second electrode plate (122), respectively. Accordingly, the separator (123) may prevent the first electrode plate (121) and the second electrode plate (122) from directly contacting the case (110) in the upper and lower directions and / or left and right directions of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, the separator (123) may protrude and extend a certain length in the upper and lower directions of the electrode assembly (120) without the first electrode tab (1211) and the second electrode tab (1221).

[0093] In some examples, the electrode assembly (120) may have a substantially hollow central region, which may be referred to as a core (124). The core (124) may serve as a passage through which pressure is released when the internal pressure of the secondary battery exceeds a reference pressure. In some examples, the internal pressure may be applied to the closing plate (113) through the core (124), which may ultimately cause the vent notch (1134) of the closing plate (113) to rupture, thereby reducing the internal pressure.

[0094] In some examples, the electrode assembly (120) may be housed in a case (110) together with an electrolyte. The electrolyte may include an organic solvent such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), and / or dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and a lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiBF4. In some examples, the electrolyte may be liquid, solid, or gel-like.

[0095] The current collector plate (130) may be a circular metal plate having a shape corresponding to the upper surface of the electrode assembly (120). The planar size of the current collector plate (130) may be equal to or smaller than the size of the upper surface of the electrode assembly (120). The current collector plate (130) may be made of aluminum (Al). In some examples, the current collector plate (130) may be joined to the electrode assembly (120) by welding with the lower surface thereof in contact with the upper surface of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, when the separator (123) is exposed to the upper portion of the electrode assembly (120), the current collector plate (130) may not be in direct contact with the first electrode plate (121), but may be electrically connected to the first electrode plate (121) by the first electrode tab (1211). In some examples, when the first electrode plate (121) is exposed on the upper side of the electrode assembly (120), the current collector plate (130) may be electrically connected to the first electrode plate (121). The current collector plate (130) may be fixed and electrically connected to the terminal (140) by welding while the upper surface thereof is in contact with the lower surface of the terminal (140). The current collector plate (130) serves as a passage for current flow between the first electrode plate (121) of the electrode assembly (120) and the terminal (140). The current collector plate (130) may be welded to the electrode assembly (120), housed in the case (110), and then welded to the terminal (140). In some examples, when a current collector tab described below is provided, the current collector plate (130) may not be coupled to the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, the collector plate (130) may be supported by a portion of the insulating member (150) and / or a lower area of ​​the first electrode tab (1211).

[0096] In some examples, a lower collector plate (not shown) may be interposed between the lower surface of the electrode assembly (120) and the finishing plate (113). The lower collector plate may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the lower surface of the electrode assembly (120), and an edge may extend downward. An upper surface of the lower collector plate may be in contact with the lower surface of the electrode assembly (120). The upper surface of the lower collector plate may be fixed and electrically connected to a second electrode plate (122) exposed to the lower surface of the electrode assembly (120) by welding while in contact with the lower surface of the electrode assembly (120). An edge of the lower collector plate may be bent and extended downward, and may contact an inner surface of the beading portion (1121). That is, the edge of the lower collector plate may be rounded or bent along the beading portion (1121). Here, the inner surface may be an inner surface of the case (110). The edge of the lower collector plate may be positioned between the end beading portion (1121) and the insulating gasket (114). The lower collector plate may serve as a current flow path between the second electrode plate (122) of the electrode assembly (120) and the case (110). That is, the case (110) may be a negative terminal. In addition, the lower collector plate may be provided with a hole in the center penetrating between the upper and lower surfaces, and the electrolyte may be easily injected into the electrode assembly (120) through the hole.

[0097] The terminal (140) may be coupled by penetrating the case (110). In some examples, the terminal (140) may include or be referred to as a rivet terminal. In some examples, the terminal (140) may be coupled by penetrating a terminal hole (1111) provided in the rivet plate (111). In some examples, an insulating gasket (1431) may be interposed between the terminal (140) and the terminal hole (1111). In some examples, the terminal (140) may include a relatively wide head portion (141) and a relatively narrow body portion (142) extending downward from the head portion (141) and penetrating the terminal hole (1111). In some examples, the terminal (140) may further include a recess (1411) provided at a predetermined depth from the head portion (141) toward the body portion (142). The thickness between the bottom surface of the body portion (142) and the corresponding lower surface is relatively thinned by the recess (1411), and accordingly, the energy of the laser beam is well transmitted to the current collector plate (130), so that the terminal (140) and the current collector plate (130) can be laser welded to each other. In some examples, an upper insulator (1432) may be further interposed between the head portion (141) and the rivet plate (111). In some examples, a lower insulator (1433) may be further interposed around the body portion (142) penetrating the rivet plate (111). In some examples, the lower insulator (1433) may be interposed between the current collector plate (130) and the rivet plate (111). In some examples, the recess (1411) may be finished with a generally flat material (e.g., metal) after the welding process. In some examples, after the welding process, the metal member may be joined to the recess (1411) or may occlude the top of the recess (1411).

[0098] In some examples, the terminal (140) may be electrically connected to the first electrode plate (121) of the electrode assembly (120) via the current collector plate (130). That is, the terminal (140) may be a positive terminal. The terminal (140) and the case (110) may have different polarities. The terminal (140) may be made of the same or similar material as the current collector plate (130) and the first electrode plate (121). In some examples, the planar size of the head portion (141) may be larger than the planar size of the body portion (142). The terminal (140) may be such that the upper end of the body portion (142) may be connected to the lower end of the head portion (141), and the head portion (141) and the body portion (142) may be formed as an integral body. In some examples, the body portion (142) can be divided into an upper body portion that is connected to the head portion (141) and located within the terminal hole (1111) of the case (120), and a lower body portion (1422) that extends downward from the upper body portion (1421) and is located within the case (110).

[0099] The insulating member (150) may surround the perimeter of the electrode assembly (120) and the collector plate (130). In some examples, the insulating member (150) may contact the perimeter of the electrode assembly (120) and the collector plate (130). The insulating member (150) may include or be referred to as an insulating ring, an insulating tape, an insulating film, or an insulator. The insulating member (150) may have a generally circular ring shape. In some examples, the insulating member (150) may surround the approximately upper perimeter of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, the insulating member (150) may contact the approximately upper perimeter of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, a portion of the insulating member (150) wraps around the perimeter (outer arc) of the collector plate (130) so that the perimeter of the collector plate (130) does not contact the side wall (112) of the case (110). The insulating member (150) may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, EPDM, or nylon, which do not react with the electrolyte.

[0100] In this way, the present disclosure applies a structure in which a first electrode plate (121) is connected to a current collector plate (130) including a fuse function through a first electrode tab (1211) of a current collector lead tab type, so that even in a secondary battery (100) formed with a current collector lead tab structure, the fuse portion can be ruptured when an overcurrent flows. Hereinafter, the current collector plate (130) and electrode tab structure will be described in more detail.

[0101] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are exploded perspective views and perspective views of the '2' area of ​​FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, respectively, which are enlarged views. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the collector plate of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a collector plate structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a collector plate structure according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the current collector plate (130) may include a terminal connection portion (131), a polarity connection portion (132), and a fuse portion (133). The terminal connection portion (131) is located at the center of the current collector plate (130) and may be formed in an approximately circular shape. A body portion (142) of a terminal (140) may be welded to the upper surface of the terminal connection portion (131).

[0103] The area (or size) of the terminal connection portion (131) may be larger than the area (or size) of the body portion (142). In other words, the diameter of the terminal connection portion (131) may be larger than the diameter of the body portion (142). In addition, the diameter of the terminal connection portion (131) may be smaller than the diameter of the core (124) of the electrode assembly (120). Here, the core (124) of the electrode assembly (120) may include or be referred to as a core hole.

[0104] The electrode plate connecting portion (132) is located on the outside of the terminal connecting portion (131) and can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate (121) of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, a first uncoated portion (1214) of the first electrode plate (121) protruding toward the upper portion of the electrode assembly (120) can be welded to the lower surface of the electrode plate connecting portion (132). Furthermore, in some examples, a separator (123) protruding toward the upper portion of the electrode assembly (120) can be welded to the lower surface of the electrode plate connecting portion (132). In some examples, the first electrode plate (121) can be connected to the first electrode plate (121) by the first electrode tab (1211). That is, the first electrode tab (1211) is connected to the first electrode plate (121) and can be connected to the first electrode plate (121) and the current collector (130).

[0105] The fuse part (133) may be formed between the terminal connection part (131) and the plate connection part (132). The fuse part (133) may include a fuse hole (1331) and a plate connection part (1332). When a short circuit or overcurrent occurs in the secondary battery (100), the fuse part (133) may block the current flowing in the secondary battery (100) by melting and cutting the plate connection part (1332) due to the generated heat.

[0106] The fuse hole (1331) is formed in a roughly 'C' shape along a portion of the outer periphery of the terminal connection portion (131), so that both ends of the fuse hole (1331) can face each other. The fuse hole (1331) can separate the terminal connection portion (131) and the plate connection portion (132). That is, the terminal connection portion (131) and the plate connection portion (132) can be separated from each other by the fuse hole (1331).

[0107] The plate connecting portion (1332) can connect the terminal connecting portion (131) and the plate connecting portion (132). When a short circuit or overcurrent occurs in the secondary battery (100), the plate connecting portion (1332) can melt and cut off by the generated heat to block the current, thereby improving safety. In addition, in one embodiment, the plate connecting portion (1332) connecting the terminal connecting portion (131) and the plate connecting portion (132) may be further included. The plate connecting portion (1332) can connect the terminal connecting portion (131) and the plate connecting portion (132) without a step, but is not limited thereto. That is, the plate connecting portion (1332) may be provided to be inclined due to the step between the terminal connecting portion (131) and the plate connecting portion (132). Additionally, the plate connection part (1332) can also be vertically connected between the terminal connection part (131) and the plate connection part (132).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 3, in some examples, the diameter (a) of the terminal connection portion (131) may be less than approximately 60% of the diameter of the collector plate (130). For example, if the diameter (a) of the terminal connection portion (131) is greater than approximately 60% of the diameter of the collector plate (130), the area of ​​the electrode plate connection portion (132) may be reduced, making it difficult to easily couple the first electrode tab (1211), and making it difficult to weld the electrode assembly (120).

[0109] In addition, the outer diameter (b) of the fuse part (133) may be approximately 1 mm or more larger than the diameter of the lower surface of the body part (142). For example, if the outer diameter (b) of the fuse part (133) is less than 1 mm larger than the diameter of the lower surface of the body part (142), the operation of the fuse part (133) may not be easy.

[0110] The first electrode tab (1211) may extend from the top of the collector plate (130) toward the terminal (140). The first electrode tab (1211) may be coupled by penetrating the collector plate (130). In some examples, the first electrode tab (1211) may include an upper region that penetrates the collector plate (130) and is attached to an upper surface of the collector plate (130), a folded region that penetrates the collector plate (130) and is bent to be in close contact with the collector plate (130), and a lower region that is interposed between the lower surface of the collector plate (130) and the electrode assembly (120) and is connected to the first electrode plate (121). In some examples, the folded region may be coupled to the collector plate (130). Here, penetration may not only mean passing through a hole provided in the collector plate (130), but may also mean passing through the collector plate (130) from the lower portion of the collector plate (130) and heading toward the upper portion of the collector plate (130).

[0111] In some examples, the first electrode tab (1211) may include a first electrode tab first tab (1211a) and a first electrode tab second tab (1211b). In some examples, the first electrode tab (1211) may include or be referred to as a current collector tab, a lead tab, or a current collector lead tab.

[0112] In some examples, the first electrode tab first tab (1211a) may penetrate the collector plate (130) and be coupled to the collector plate (130). At this time, the first electrode tab first tab (1211a) may be bent in a manner that wraps around the outer surface of the electrode plate connection portion (132) and be coupled to the collector plate (130). That is, the first electrode tab first tab (1211a) may have a first electrode tab first tab bending area (1211ab) interposed between the collector plate (130) and the case (110). The first electrode tab first tab bending area (1211ab) may be bent from the outer surface of the collector plate (130) toward the upper portion of the electrode plate connection portion (132). In addition, the first electrode tab first tab bending region (1211ab) may be bent from the outer surface of the current collector plate (130) toward the central axis of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, the first electrode tab first tab (1211a) may have a first electrode tab first tab upper region (1211aa) attached to the upper surface of the electrode plate connecting portion (132). In addition, the first electrode tab first tab (1211a) may have a first electrode tab first tab lower region (1211ac) interposed between the lower surface of the current collector plate (130) and the electrode assembly (120). The first electrode tab first tab lower region (1211ac) may be attached to the first electrode plate (121).

[0113] In some examples, the first electrode tab second tab (1211b) may be coupled to the current collector plate (130) by penetrating the current collector plate (130) and may be coupled to the current collector plate (130) by penetrating the fuse hole (1331) of the fuse portion (133). In some examples, the first electrode tab second tab (1211b) may have a first electrode tab second tab bending area (1211bb) positioned in the fuse hole (1331). In some examples, the first electrode tab second tab bending area (1211bb) may be bent upwardly toward the electrode plate connecting portion (132) by penetrating the fuse hole (1331). In addition, the first electrode tab second tab bending area (1211bb) may be bent from the fuse hole (1331) toward the center axis of the electrode assembly (120). In some examples, the first electrode tab second tab (1211b) may have a first electrode tab second tab upper area (1211ba) attached to the upper surface of the electrode plate connecting portion (132). In addition, the first electrode tab second tab lower area (1211bc) may be interposed between the lower surface of the current collector (130) and the electrode assembly (120). The first electrode tab second tab lower area (1211bc) may be attached to the first electrode plate (121). Referring to FIG. 3, when the first electrode tab (1211) is connected to the current collector (130), when an overcurrent flows, the current path may be directed to the fuse portion (133), and the fusing portion may be ruptured to cut off the current.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4, the collector plate (130-1) further includes at least one through hole (136) through which the first electrode tab (1211) passes, and the first electrode tab (1211) can be coupled to the collector plate (130-1) by passing through the at least one through hole (136).

[0115] Also, referring to FIG. 5, the collector plate (130-2) may further include at least one through hole (136, 137) through which the first electrode tab (1211) passes. For example, when there are a plurality of first electrode tabs (1211) (for example, three or more), the first electrode tab (1211) may be coupled at at least two locations among the fuse portion (133), at least one through hole (136, 137), and the outer surface of the collector plate (130-1, 130-2). This at least one through hole (136, 137) may be concentric with the fuse hole (1331) based on the center of the collector plate (130-1, 130-2).

[0116] FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views illustrating various exemplary secondary batteries (200) according to the present disclosure. The secondary batteries (200) illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be similar to the secondary batteries (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B except that the structure of the first electrode tab (2211) is different as the first substrate tab (2217) and / or the first lead tab (2215) are further provided. In addition, unlike FIGS. 1A and 1B, the secondary batteries (200) illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B may have a separator (223) or a first electrode plate (221) exposed on the upper surface of the electrode assembly (220). In some examples, when the separator (223) is exposed in at least a portion of the upper surface of the electrode assembly (220), the collector plate (130) may be supported by the separator (223). In some examples, when a void exists between the upper surface of the electrode assembly (220) and the collector plate (130), a portion of the insulating member (150) may be interposed between the collector plate (130) and the upper surface of the electrode assembly (220), so that the collector plate (130) may be supported.

[0117] A secondary battery (200) according to one embodiment may include a first electrode tab (2211) connected to a first electrode plate (221) and connected to the first electrode plate (221) and the current collector plate (130). The first electrode tab (2211) may include or be referred to as a current collector tab, a lead tab, or a current collector lead tab. The first electrode plate (221) may be electrically connected to the current collector plate (130) via the first electrode tab (2211). In addition, although not illustrated, the secondary battery may include a second electrode tab (not illustrated) connected to a second electrode plate (222) and connected to the second electrode plate (222) and the lower current collector plate.

[0118] In some examples, the secondary battery (200) may further include a first substrate tab (2217) that is part of the first electrode plate (221). The first substrate tab (2217) may include a plurality of first substrate tabs (2217a, 2217b), and the number thereof is not limited. In some examples, the first substrate tab (2217) may protrude upward. Referring to FIG. 6A, the first substrate tab (2217) may be composed of a plurality of tabs spaced apart from each other. When forming the electrode assembly (220), the first substrate tabs (2217) may be aligned at the same position to form a multi-tab. The first substrate tab (2217) having such a multi-tab structure may increase the output of the electrode assembly (220) and minimize resistance. In some examples, the first substrate tab (2217) may be formed by punching (or cutting) one end of the first current collector (2212) at regular intervals. In addition, the first substrate tab (2217) may be a part of the first current collector (2212). The first substrate tab (2217) may be a portion extending from the first current collector (2212). In some examples, the first substrate tab (2217) may also be referred to as the first non-coated portion (2214).

[0119] In some examples, the first electrode tab (2211) may have one end coupled to the collector plate (130) and the other end coupled to the first substrate tab (2217). The other end of the first electrode tab (2211) may be coupled to one side of the first substrate tab (2217) of the multi-tap structure. Although the first substrate tab (2217) is illustrated as being formed only on a portion of the first electrode plate (221) in FIG. 6A, the number (or area) of the first substrate tabs (2217) is not limited, and the first substrate tabs (2217) may be formed from all of the first electrode plates (221). The first substrate tabs (2217) may be in contact with the collector plate (130), but the separator (223) may be exposed to the upper portion of the electrode assembly (220) to prevent the collector plate (130) and the first electrode plate (221) from being in direct contact. Additionally, in some examples, a portion of the insulating member (150) may be interposed between the collector plate (130) and the electrode assembly (220) to prevent the collector plate (130) and the first electrode plate (221) from making direct contact.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6B, the secondary battery (200) may further include a first lead tab (2215). The first lead tab (2215) may include a plurality of first lead tabs (2215a, 2215b), and the number thereof is not limited. The first lead tab (2215) may be coupled to the first uncoated portion (2214). In some examples, the first lead tab (2215) may be electrically connected to the first uncoated portion (2214) by welding. The first lead tab (2215) may be attached to the first uncoated portion (2214) and may protrude outwardly from the first uncoated portion (2214). The first lead tab (2215) may extend upwardly from the electrode assembly (220) to support the electrode assembly (220), thereby improving the safety of the secondary battery (200). In addition, the longer the length of the first lead tab (2215) on the first uncoated portion (2214), the more stably it can support the electrode assembly (220). For example, one end of the first lead tab (2215) may protrude from one end of the first uncoated portion (2214), and the other end of the first lead tab (2215) may be positioned on the same line as the other end of the first uncoated portion (2214). The first lead tab (2215) may be aligned at the same position as the first base tab (2217) when forming the electrode assembly (220). In addition, the first base tab (2217) and the first lead tab (2215) may be electrically connected by welding to be combined with the first electrode tab (2211). The first electrode tab (2211) may protrude from the upper portion of the electrode assembly (220) and be electrically connected to the terminal (140). In some examples, the first electrode tab (2211) may have one end coupled to the collector plate (130) and the other end coupled to the first lead tab (2215). In some examples, the first electrode tab (2211) may be coupled to the first lead tab (2215) in the first tab lower region (2211ac).

[0121] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (300) according to the present disclosure. The secondary battery (300) illustrated in FIG. 7 may be similar to the secondary battery (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B except that the structure of the electrode assembly (320) is different as a first substrate tab (3217) is further provided.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may protrude upwardly. The plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may be positioned at an upper end of the first uncoated portion (3214) and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in one direction before winding. In some examples, the plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may not be provided at the winding leading end and / or the winding ending end. In some examples, the plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may be formed on the first uncoated portion (3214) by laser notching, ultrasonic cutting, or punching. In some examples, the plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may protrude upwardly further than the second electrode plate (322) and the separator (323) in the electrode assembly (320). Such a plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may be bent toward the core (124). In some examples, a plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may be bent and pressed from the winding tip region toward the core (124). At this time, the plurality of first substrate tabs (3217) may not be provided in some areas of the winding tip so as not to cover the core (124) of the electrode assembly (320). In some examples, the first electrode tab (3211) may have one end coupled to the current collector plate (130) and the other end coupled to at least one of the first substrate tab (3217) and the first electrode plate (321).

[0123] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (400) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (500) according to the present disclosure. The secondary batteries (400, 500) illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B may be similar to the secondary batteries (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except that the structures of the first electrode tabs (4211, 5211) and the electrode assembly (420, 520) are different as more current collector tabs (4219, 5219) are provided. In some examples, the electrode assembly (420, 520) may have a first electrode plate (421, 521) exposed on an upper surface. In some examples, the secondary battery (400, 500) may further include a first substrate tab (4217, 5217) that is part of the first electrode plate (421, 521).

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in some examples, the secondary battery (400, 500) may further include a current collector tab (4219, 5219) coupled to a first electrode plate (421, 521) exposed to the upper surface of the electrode assembly (420, 520). The current collector tab (4219, 5219) may be in contact with the first substrate tab (4217, 5217) from the lower surface and may be in contact with the first electrode tab (4211, 5211) from the upper surface. In some examples, the current collector tab (4219, 5219) may be welded to the first non-conductive portion (4214, 5214) located on the upper surface of the electrode assembly (420, 520). The current collector tab (4219, 5219) may be a positive current collector tab. In some examples, the current collector tabs (4219, 5219) have a roughly circular plate shape and can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (420, 520) by laser welding while being in close contact with the upper surface of the electrode assembly (420, 520). That is, the current collector tabs (4219, 5219) can be welded to a plurality of first non-conductive portions (4214, 5214) protruding from the upper surface of the electrode assembly (420, 520) to function as positive current collectors. In some examples, the planar size of the current collector tabs (4219, 5219) can be smaller than the upper surface size of the electrode assembly (420, 520). In addition, the central axis of the current collector tabs (4219, 5219) can be the same as the upper surface of the electrode assembly (420, 520). Such current collecting tabs (4219, 5219) are welded to a plurality of first non-conductive portions (4214, 5214), respectively, so that the current can flow easily, thereby reducing the resistance caused by current concentration of a high-capacity and high-output secondary battery (400, 500). The current collecting tabs (4219, 5219) may be made of aluminum, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some examples, the current collecting tabs (4219, 5219) may have holes provided in at least some areas. In some examples, the current collecting tabs (4219, 5219) may be interposed between the upper surface of the electrode assembly (420, 520) and the current collecting plate (130).The collector tab (4219, 5219) can be electrically connected to the terminal (140) through the first electrode tab (4211, 5211).

[0125] Also, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, in some examples, the first electrode tab (4211, 5211) may have a first tab lower region (4211ac, 5211ac) of the first electrode tab bent. The first tab lower region (4211ac, 5211ac) of the first electrode tab may be bent to be parallel to the first tab upper region (4211aa, 5211aa) of the first electrode tab. The first electrode tab (4211, 5211) may have a first tab upper region (4211aa, 5211aa) coupled to the upper surface of the current collector (130). In addition, the first electrode tab (4211, 5211) may be coupled to the upper surface of the current collector tab (4219, 5219) by the first electrode tab (4211, 5211) and the first tab lower region (4211ac, 5211ac) of the first electrode tab. In some examples, the first electrode tab first tab upper region (4211aa, 5211aa) may be coupled parallel to the upper surface of the current collector plate (130), and the first electrode tab first tab bend region (4211ab, 5211ab) may be bent vertically from the first electrode tab first tab upper region (4211aa, 5211aa). In some examples, the first electrode tab first tab lower region (4211ac, 5211ac) may be vertically bent from the first electrode tab first tab bend region (4211ab, 5211ab) and may be coupled parallel to the upper surface of the current collector tab (4219, 5219). Referring to FIG. 8B, the first substrate tab (5217) may protrude upward in multiple numbers from the upper surface of the electrode assembly (520), be bent and pressed in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly (520), and may be brought into contact with the current collector tab (5219).

[0126] FIG. 9A is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (600, 700) according to the present disclosure. The secondary battery (600) illustrated in FIG. 9A may be similar to the secondary battery (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except that the side wall and the rivet plate or the finishing plate are joined without a beading portion and a crimping portion.

[0127] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (600) according to the present disclosure. The secondary battery (600) illustrated in FIG. 9B may be similar to the secondary battery (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except that the closing plate (313) is fixed by welding to the side wall (112) of the case (110) without a beading portion and a crimping portion. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the closing plate (613) may be fixed to the side wall (112) of the case (110) by laser welding. In some examples, after the closing plate (613) is bonded to the side wall (112) of the case (110), a laser beam may be irradiated to the portion where the perimeter of the closing plate (613) and the side wall (112) contact each other. Accordingly, the perimeter of the closing plate (613) and a portion of the side wall (112) are melted and cooled, so that the closing plate (613) can eventually be joined to the side wall (112) of the case (110).

[0128] Also, FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary secondary battery (700) according to the present disclosure. The secondary battery (700) illustrated in FIG. 9C may be similar to the secondary battery (600) illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B , except that the rivet plate (711) is fixed by welding to the side wall (112) of the case (110). As illustrated in FIG. 9C , the rivet plate (711) may be fixed to the side wall (112) of the case (110) by laser welding. In some examples, after the rivet plate (711) is joined to the side wall (112) of the case (110), a laser beam may be irradiated to a portion where the periphery of the rivet plate (711) and the side wall (112) come into contact. Additionally, in some examples, a laser beam may be irradiated to a recess (1411) of the rivet terminal (140). By providing a laser beam to the recess (1411) of the rivet terminal (140), the body portion (142) of the rivet terminal (140) can be electrically connected to the current collector (130).

[0129] In this way, the present disclosure can eliminate the space occupied by the beading portion and the crimping portion by providing a beadless secondary battery (600, 700). Accordingly, the present disclosure can accommodate a relatively larger electrode assembly (620, 720) in the case (110), thereby providing a secondary battery (600, 700) with a relatively high capacity. In addition, although not illustrated in the drawings, the connection structure of the electrode plates and electrode assemblies of the secondary batteries (200) of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the secondary battery (300) of FIG. 7, the secondary battery (400) of FIG. 8A, and the secondary battery (500) of FIG. 8B can also be applied to FIGS. 9A to 9C.

[0130] The secondary battery (100) according to the above-described embodiment can be used to manufacture a secondary battery pack (30). FIGS. 10a and 10b are drawings schematically showing the configuration of a secondary battery pack (30) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the secondary battery pack (30) may include a plurality of secondary battery modules (20) and a housing (31) for accommodating the plurality of secondary battery modules (20). For example, the housing (31) may include first and second housings (31-1, 31-2) that are coupled in a direction facing each other with the plurality of secondary battery modules (20) interposed therebetween. The plurality of secondary battery modules (20) may be electrically connected to each other using a bus bar (25), and the plurality of secondary battery modules (20) may be electrically connected to each other in a series / parallel or series-parallel mixed manner to obtain a required electrical output. In the drawing, for the convenience of illustration, components such as a bus bar, a cooling unit, and an external terminal for electrically connecting the secondary batteries (batteries) are omitted.

[0132] The secondary battery pack (30) can be mounted on a vehicle (50). The vehicle (50) may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0133] Fig. 11a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary vehicle body (40). Fig. 11b is a drawing for explaining a vehicle (50) including the secondary battery pack (30) of Fig. 10. In Fig. 11a, the secondary battery pack (30) may include a secondary battery pack cover (31-1) (which may correspond to the first housing) which is a part of a vehicle underbody (41) and a pack frame (31-2) (which may correspond to the second housing) which is disposed at the lower part of the vehicle underbody (41). The secondary battery pack cover (31-1) and the pack frame (31-2) may be formed integrally with the vehicle floor (42). The vehicle underbody (41) separates the inside and the outside of the vehicle, and the pack frame (12) may be disposed at the outside of the vehicle.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 11b, the vehicle (50) may be formed by combining additional components such as a hood (51) at the front of the vehicle and fenders (52) positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively, with the vehicle body (40). The vehicle (50) includes a secondary battery pack (30) including a secondary battery pack cover (31-1) and a pack frame (31-2), and the secondary battery pack (30) may be combined with the vehicle body (40). That is, the vehicle operates by receiving power from the secondary battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate; A cylindrical case accommodating the electrode assembly; A terminal coupled through the case; A first current collector plate interposed between the upper surface of the electrode assembly and the case, electrically connecting the first electrode plate and the terminal; and It includes a first electrode tab that is connected to the first electrode plate and electrically connects between the first electrode plate and the first collector plate, The above first collector plate, Terminal connection part connected to the above terminal; A plate connection portion located on the outside of the terminal connection portion; and A secondary battery including a fuse portion located between the terminal connection portion and the electrode plate connection portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above fuse portion comprises a fuse hole formed along a portion of the outer periphery of the terminal connection portion; and A secondary battery including a plate connecting portion connecting the terminal connecting portion and the plate connecting portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first electrode tab is a secondary battery extending from the top of the first electrode plate toward the terminal.

4. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery in which the first electrode tab is connected by penetrating the first current collector plate.

5. In paragraph 4, The first electrode tab has an upper region that penetrates the first collector plate and is coupled to the upper surface of the first collector plate; A folded area that is bent to penetrate the first collector plate and be in close contact with the first collector plate; and A secondary battery including a lower region interposed between the lower surface of the first current collector plate and the electrode assembly and connected to the first electrode plate.

6. In paragraph 4, The above first electrode tab is a secondary battery connected by penetrating the fuse hole of the fuse part.

7. In paragraph 5, The above bending area is located in the above fuse hole, The above-mentioned bending region is a secondary battery that is bent in the upper direction of the electrode plate connecting portion through the above-mentioned fuse hole.

8. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery in which the above-mentioned bending region is bent in a manner that wraps around the outer surface of the above-mentioned electrode plate connecting portion and is connected to the above-mentioned first current collector plate.

9. In paragraph 5, The above-mentioned bending region is bent from the outer surface of the first current collector plate in the upper direction of the electrode plate connection portion, and is a secondary battery interposed between the first current collector plate and the case.

10. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery in which the first current collector plate further includes at least one through hole through which the first electrode tab passes, and the first electrode tab is connected to the first current collector plate by penetrating the at least one through hole.

11. In paragraph 10, A secondary battery in which, when there are a plurality of first electrode tabs, the first electrode tabs are joined at at least two locations among the fuse portion, the at least one through hole, and the outer surface of the first current collector plate.

12. In paragraph 10, A secondary battery wherein at least one of the above through holes is positioned concentrically with the fuse hole based on the center of the first collector plate.

13. In paragraph 2, The above first collector plate is in contact with the electrode assembly, The electrode assembly is a secondary battery in which the separator is exposed in at least a portion of the upper surface.

14. In paragraph 13, A secondary battery in which one end of the above first electrode tab is connected to the above current collector plate and the other end is connected to the above first electrode plate.

15. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a first substrate tab which is part of the first electrode plate, A secondary battery in which one end of the above first electrode tab is connected to the above current collector plate and the other end is connected to the above first substrate tab.

16. In paragraph 13, A first substrate tab which is part of the first electrode plate; and Further comprising a first lead tab extending from the first electrode plate, The above first substrate tab is coupled to the above first lead tab, A secondary battery in which one end of the above first electrode tab is connected to the above current collector plate and the other end is connected to the above first lead tab.

17. In paragraph 2, The above electrode assembly is a secondary battery in which the first electrode plate is exposed on the upper surface.

18. In paragraph 17, Further comprising a first substrate tab which is part of the first electrode plate, A secondary battery in which one end of the first electrode tab is coupled to the current collector plate and the other end is coupled to at least one of the first substrate tab and the first electrode plate.

19. In paragraph 18, A secondary battery in which the first substrate tab protrudes upward in a plurality from the upper surface of the electrode assembly, is bent and pressed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly, and is in contact with the first collector plate.

20. In paragraph 17, A first substrate tab which is part of the first electrode plate; and Further comprising a first lead tab extending from the first electrode plate, The above first substrate tab is coupled to the above first lead tab, A secondary battery in which one end of the first electrode tab is connected to the current collector plate and the other end is connected to at least one of the first lead tab and the second substrate tab.

21. In paragraph 17, A first substrate tab which is part of the first electrode plate; and Further comprising a current collecting tab attached to the first electrode plate exposed to the upper surface of the electrode assembly, The first electrode tab has one end coupled to the current collector plate, and the other end coupled to the current collector tab. A secondary battery in which the above-mentioned collector tab is in contact with the first substrate tab at the lower surface and is in contact with the first electrode tab at the upper surface.

22. In paragraph 21, A secondary battery in which the first substrate tab protrudes upward in a plurality from the upper surface of the electrode assembly, is bent and pressed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly, and is in contact with the current collecting tab.

23. In paragraph 1, The above case comprises a rivet plate through which the terminal is connected; A side wall extending integrally from the rivet plate toward the lower surface of the electrode assembly; and A secondary battery comprising a closing plate blocking the end of the side wall.

24. In paragraph 23, A secondary battery in which the above-mentioned closing plate is fixed to the side wall by a beading portion and a crimping portion provided on the side wall.

25. In paragraph 23, The above-mentioned closing plate is a secondary battery fixed to the side wall by welding.

26. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery comprising a case, a rivet plate through which the terminal is penetrated, a side wall welded to the rivet plate and extending in the lower direction of the electrode assembly, and a finishing plate integrally extending from the side wall.

27. In paragraph 2, The terminal has a head portion located at the upper part of the center of the case; and A secondary battery including a body portion extending from the center of the head portion toward the inside of the case, formed integrally with the head portion, and coupled to the upper surface of the first collector plate.

28. In paragraph 27, The body part is connected to the head part and the upper body part is located within the case; and A secondary battery including a lower body portion extending downward from the upper body portion and positioned inside the case.

29. In paragraph 28, A secondary battery in which the outer diameter of the fuse hole is larger than the diameter of the lower surface plane of the lower body portion protruding toward the inside of the case.

30. In paragraph 28, A secondary battery in which the diameter of the terminal connection portion is larger than that of the lower surface of the lower fastening portion and smaller than that of the core of the electrode assembly.

31. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery wherein the diameter of the terminal connection portion is less than 60% of the diameter of the first current collector plate.

32. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery in which the outer diameter of the above fuse portion is 1 mm or more larger than the diameter of the lower surface of the terminal.

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