Battery, battery pack and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly formed by winding a laminate having a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween; a cell housing for accommodating the electrode assembly; and a current collecting plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly, wherein the current collecting plate has an embossed portion provided on at least a portion thereof.

Description

Batteries, battery packs and vehicles containing them

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, and more particularly, to a battery having enhanced rigidity and capable of effective heat dissipation, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0079907, filed June 19, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0067547, filed May 23, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which offer high applicability across a wide range of product categories and possess electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries not only offer the primary advantage of dramatically reducing fossil fuel use but also produce no byproducts from energy use, attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Depending on the charge / discharge capacity required by an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), multiple batteries are connected in series or parallel to form a battery pack. Typically, a battery module containing at least one battery is first constructed, and then other components are added to form a battery pack or battery rack using this at least one battery module. Recently, battery packs in the cell-to-pack form, where multiple batteries are housed directly in a pack housing, are also being manufactured.

[0005] Conventional cylindrical batteries may include an electrode assembly and a current collector. The current collector may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The current collector may serve as a current path within the battery. The current collector may be manufactured in a plate shape. The current collector may typically be manufactured by pressing a plate material.

[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a deformed current collector plate of a conventional battery. Fig. 1 (a) illustrates the overall shape of a deformed current collector plate (30'), Fig. 1 (b) illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional side view of an example of a deformed portion of the current collector plate (30'), Fig. 1 (c) illustrates another example of a deformed portion of the current collector plate (30'), and Fig. 1 (d) illustrates an enlarged view of the deformed portion of Fig. 1 (c).

[0007] Referring to Figure 1, the current collector plates of conventional batteries have the problem of being weak and easily deformed. For example, the current collector plates of conventional batteries have the problem of being prone to deformation, such as bending, due to swelling of the electrode assembly during the battery's activation and cycling processes.

[0008] Meanwhile, when heat is generated internally within the battery, such as in the electrode assembly, this heat must be quickly and effectively dissipated to the outside of the battery. However, the current collector plate can be positioned along the heat transfer path. As a result, the current collector plate can significantly impact the battery's heat dissipation.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to develop a battery that includes a current collector plate with improved rigidity and heat dissipation effect.

[0010] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described technical background, and its primary purpose is to provide a battery, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, in which the rigidity of the current collector plate is enhanced so that deformation of the current collector plate can be effectively prevented.

[0011] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same capable of effective heat dissipation.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0013] A battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly formed by winding a laminate having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween; a cell housing accommodating the electrode assembly; and a current collector electrically connected to the electrode assembly, wherein at least a portion of the current collector is provided with an embossing portion.

[0014] The above embossing portion can be formed in a regularly repeating pattern shape.

[0015] The above embossed portion can be formed into an irregular shape.

[0016] The above current collector plate has a first connecting portion provided in the central portion of the above current collector plate, and the embossing portion may be provided in at least a portion of the first connecting portion.

[0017] The above current collector plate has a second connecting portion electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and the embossing portion may be provided on at least a portion of the second connecting portion.

[0018] The embossing portion provided in the second connecting portion may be configured in a radial shape.

[0019] The above current collector plate has a first connecting portion provided at a central portion of the current collector plate; a second connecting portion electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a bridge portion connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the embossing portion may be provided on at least a portion of the bridge portion.

[0020] The above bridge portion is formed to extend so as to connect the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, and the embossing portion provided in the bridge portion can be configured to extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the bridge portion.

[0021] The above-mentioned collector plate has a peripheral portion provided along the perimeter of the edge, and the embossing portion may be provided on at least a portion of the peripheral portion.

[0022] The embossing portion provided on the above-mentioned circumference may be configured in a form extending in the circumferential direction.

[0023] The above embossing portion may be provided in different shapes in at least two parts of the current collector plate.

[0024] The embossing portion may be formed on the opposite side of the electrode assembly from the current collector plate.

[0025] The embossing portion may be formed on a surface of the current collector plate facing the electrode assembly.

[0026] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one battery according to the present invention.

[0027] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0028] According to the present invention, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided, in which the rigidity of the current collector plate is strengthened so that deformation of the current collector plate can be effectively prevented.

[0029] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery capable of effective heat dissipation, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same with improved weldability can be provided.

[0031] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same with improved quality can be provided.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a deformed current collector plate in a conventional battery.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a current collector plate and a can housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing examples of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention in which an embossing portion is formed in a regularly repeating pattern shape, and examples of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention in which an embossing portion is formed in an irregular shape.

[0039] Figure 6 is a plan view separately showing a current collector plate of a battery according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a second connecting portion in Fig. 6.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a bridge section in Fig. 6.

[0042] Figure 9 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a circumferential portion of Figure 6.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an embossed portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention formed on the opposite side of an electrode assembly from a current collector plate.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an embossed portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention formed on a surface of a current collector facing an electrode assembly.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be 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 the 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 of the time of this application.

[0048] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may have exaggerated dimensions. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0049] 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 also mean uniformity on average.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0052] Any configuration being placed "on (or below)" 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Throughout the specification, when we refer to "A and / or B", this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated, and when we refer to "C to D", this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0055] The present invention may be implemented independently of the following embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented by combining two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments may be implemented independently and may also be freely combined with one another.

[0056] Meanwhile, the common elements described in one embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to other embodiments. For example, the common elements described in the first embodiment of the second embodiment can be replaced with the description of the first embodiment, but the common elements can also be applied to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the elements described in the second embodiment that are applicable to the first embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment. The same applies to other embodiments.

[0057] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis and Y-axis directions may be left-right and front-back directions, or front-back and left-right directions, respectively, and the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the XY plane may be an up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0058]

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a current collector plate and a can housing according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, a battery (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The battery (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a cell housing (20), and a current collector plate (30). The battery (1) may be a secondary battery configured to be capable of charging and discharging.

[0061] The electrode assembly (10) may include an electrode (11) and a separator (12). The electrode (11) may include electrodes (11) having different polarities. Specifically, the electrode (11) may include a first electrode (11a) and a second electrode (11b). The first electrode (11a) may have a first polarity, and the second electrode (11b) may have a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be an anode and the second polarity may be a cathode. The separator (12) may be interposed between the electrodes (11) having different polarities. The separator (12) may be interposed between the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b). The separator (12) may be an insulator.

[0062] The electrode assembly (10) may have a jelly-roll structure. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by laminating a first electrode (11a) and a second electrode (11b) in sheet form at least once with a separator (12) interposed between them around a winding center hole (C). The jelly-roll structure may be applied to the present invention without limitation as long as it is a structure known in the art.

[0063] The electrode (11) may include a conductive metal material. For example, the electrode (11) may include either aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu). In particular, the first electrode (11a) may include aluminum, and the second electrode (11b) may include copper.

[0064] The electrode (11) may have a holding portion and a non-holding portion. The holding portion may be a portion where an active material layer is laminated on at least one surface of the electrode (11). For example, a positive electrode active material may be laminated on the holding portion of the first electrode (11a), and a negative electrode active material may be laminated on the holding portion of the second electrode (11b).

[0065] The non-conductive portion may be a portion of the electrode (11) on which the active material is not laminated. The electrode (11) may have a predetermined length and width, and the non-conductive portion may be formed on one long side of the electrode (11).

[0066] At least a portion of the non-conductive portion may be exposed to the outside of the separator (12). The non-conductive portion may be used as a tab of the electrode (11).

[0067] The electrode may have a plurality of foil tabs (13). The plurality of foil tabs (13) may be provided on the non-coated portion. The foil tabs (13) may be exposed to the outside of the separator (12). The plurality of foil tabs (113) may be arranged in a row from the winding center hole (C) side to the outer periphery side. The plurality of foil tabs (13) may be formed by at least one notching portion formed by notching processing.

[0068] Among the foil tabs (13), the foil tab (13) of the first electrode (11a) may be referred to as the first foil tab (13a), and the foil tab (13) of the second electrode (11b) may be referred to as the second foil tab (13b). The first foil tabs (13a) may be arranged at the top of the electrode assembly (10), and the second foil tabs (13b) may be arranged at the bottom of the electrode assembly (10).

[0069] The electrode (11) may have an insulating coating portion. The insulating coating portion may be arranged at the boundary between the non-conductive portion and the retaining portion. The insulating coating portion may be provided when the electrode (11) is the first electrode (11a), and may prevent the retaining portions of the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) from contacting each other.

[0070] The cell housing (20) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (10). The cell housing (20) may have a receiving space in which the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated. The cell housing (20) may be provided, for example, in a cylindrical shape with an interior that is hollow to accommodate the electrode assembly (10). The cell housing (20) may include a conductive metal material.

[0071] An opening is formed on one side of the cell housing (20), so that the electrode assembly (10) can be accommodated in the cell housing (20) through the opening. The cell housing (20) may have a closing portion formed on the opposite side of the opening. Meanwhile, the cell housing (20) may further have a configuration such as a cap plate configured to cover the opening.

[0072] The collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to the electrode (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The collector plate (30) can be welded and joined to the foil tabs (13).

[0073] The collector plate (30) can be manufactured in a plate shape. The collector plate (30) can be manufactured, for example, by forming a plate material using a press method.

[0074] The current collector plate (30) may include a first current collector plate (30a) and a second current collector plate (30b). The first current collector plate (30a) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (11a). The first current collector plate (30a) may be a positive current collector plate (30). The first current collector plate (30a) may be arranged on the +Z direction side or upper side of the electrode assembly (10).

[0075] The second collector plate (30b) may be electrically connected to the second electrode (11b). The second collector plate (30b) may be a negative collector plate (30). The second collector plate (30b) may be arranged on the -Z direction side or lower side of the electrode assembly (10).

[0076] The current collector (30) may be disposed inside the cell housing (20). The current collector (30) may be disposed between the cell housing (20) and the electrode assembly (10). For example, the first current collector (30a) may be disposed on the upper side of the electrode assembly (10), between the electrode assembly (10) and the closing portion of the cell housing (20). For example, the second current collector (30b) may be disposed on the lower side of the electrode assembly (10), between the electrode assembly (10) and the cap plate of the cell housing (20).

[0077] At least a portion of the collector plate (30) may be provided with an embossing portion (E). That is, at least a portion of at least one collector plate (30) among the first collector plate (30a) and the second collector plate (30b) may be provided with an embossing portion (E).

[0078] The embossed portion (E) may be formed by protruding or recessing from the collector plate (30). The embossed portion (E) may be formed in a convex or concave shape on any surface of the collector plate (30). The embossed portion (E) may be formed as a plurality of protruding or recessed portions in a predetermined area of ​​the surface of the collector plate (30).

[0079] The current collector plate (30) included in the conventional battery (1) is configured as a thin plate with a flat surface, and thus has low rigidity and is vulnerable to deformation. For example, when swelling of the electrode assembly (10) occurs during the activation and cycling of the battery (1), the current collector plate (30) of the conventional battery (1) can be easily deformed. However, the current collector plate (30) of the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has an embossing portion (E), so that deformation can be effectively prevented even when swelling of the electrode assembly (10) occurs. Specifically, since the stress acting on the current collector plate (30) can be effectively distributed through the embossing portion (E), the rigidity of the current collector plate (30) can be strengthened, and deformation of the current collector plate (30) can be effectively prevented.

[0080] In addition, the flat surface current collector plate (30) included in the conventional battery (1) was formed to have a relatively small surface area, which was disadvantageous for heat dissipation. However, the current collector plate (30) of the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has an embossed portion (E), and thus has a relatively large surface area, enabling effective heat dissipation.

[0081] In addition, the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can have improved weldability. Specifically, when the embossed portion (E) of the current collector (30) is welded to the electrode assembly (10) or the terminal (T), a strong bond can be formed at the welded portion as local pressure is concentrated at the welded portion by the embossed portion (E), and the welded portion can be more easily flattened by the embossed portion (E), so the weldability of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0082] In addition, the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be provided as a battery (1) with improved quality, as described above, in which deformation of the current collector (30) can be effectively prevented and weldability can be improved.

[0083]

[0084] Meanwhile, the battery (1) according to the present invention may further include a terminal (T). The terminal (T) may be placed in the cell housing (20). The terminal (T) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10).

[0085] The terminal (T) may include a first terminal (T1) and a second terminal (T2). The first terminal (T1) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (11a) and may have a first polarity. The first terminal (T1) may be arranged in the closed portion. The first terminal (T1) may be provided as a rivet terminal (T) that is provided in the form of a rivet and is arranged to penetrate the closed portion. At least a portion of the first terminal (T1) may protrude and be exposed to the outside of the closed portion. The first terminal (T1) may be electrically connected to the first collector plate (30a).

[0086] The second terminal (T2) can be electrically connected to the second electrode (11b) and can have a second polarity. The cell housing (20) can be electrically connected to the second collector plate (30b) and can have a second polarity, and thus, the remaining portion of the closure except for the first terminal (T1) can be configured as the second terminal (T2).

[0087] In the battery (1) according to the present invention, both the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2) are arranged in the closed portion, so that terminals (T) of different polarities can all be arranged on one side of the battery (1), so that an electrical connection structure between a plurality of batteries (1) can be easily and efficiently configured.

[0088] Meanwhile, a component such as an insulating gasket that insulates the first terminal (T1) and the second terminal (T2) from each other may be placed between them.

[0089]

[0090] The embossing portion (E) can be formed by a press process. The embossing portion (E) can be formed integrally with the current collector plate (30). The embossing portion (E) can be manufactured by being formed integrally with the current collector plate (30) by a press process.

[0091]

[0092] The collector plate (30) may include a rigid material. For example, the collector plate (30) may include a rigid metal material.

[0093] The collector plate (30) may include a thermally conductive material. For example, the collector plate (30) may include a thermally conductive metal material.

[0094] The current collector plate (30) may include at least one of aluminum and copper. For example, the first current collector plate (30a) may include aluminum. The first current collector plate (30a) may include the same material as the first electrode (11a). For example, the second current collector plate (30b) may include copper. The second current collector plate (30b) may include the same material as the second electrode (11b). Aluminum and copper materials have appropriate rigidity and excellent thermal conductivity. In addition, these materials also have excellent electrical conductivity.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view showing examples of a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention in which an embossing portion (E) is formed in a regularly repeating pattern shape, and examples of a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention in which an embossing portion (E) is formed in an irregular shape.

[0097] The left and right drawings of Fig. 5 (a) illustrate examples of embossing portions (E) having a regularly repeating pattern shape, respectively. The left and right drawings of Fig. 5 (b) illustrate examples of embossing portions (E) having an irregular shape, respectively.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 5 (a), the embossing portion (E) of the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be formed in a regularly repeating pattern shape. For example, the embossing portion (E) may be formed by protruding in a regularly intersecting pattern shape as illustrated on the left side of Fig. 5 (a). For example, the embossing portion (E) may be formed by protruding in a regularly repeating approximately wave shape as illustrated on the right side of Fig. 5 (a).

[0099] Referring to Fig. 5 (b), the embossing portion (E) of the battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be formed in an irregular shape. For example, the embossing portion (E) may be formed to protrude in an irregular, roughly wave-like shape as illustrated on the left side of Fig. 5 (b). The embossing portion (E) may be formed to protrude in an irregular, scale-like or drop-like shape as illustrated on the right side of Fig. 5 (b).

[0100]

[0101] FIG. 6 is a plan view separately showing a current collector plate (30) of a battery (1) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a second connecting portion (32) in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a bridge portion (33) in FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a peripheral portion (34) in FIG. 6.

[0102] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, a battery (1) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0103] In particular, referring to FIG. 6, in a battery (1) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, the current collector plate (30) may be provided with a first connecting portion (31).

[0104] The first connecting portion (31) may be provided at the center of the current collector plate (30). For example, the first connecting portion (31) may be a portion that overlaps the winding center hole (C) in at least a portion of the winding center hole (C) when viewed from the central axis of the winding center hole (C) or in the Z-axis direction.

[0105] When the collector plate (30) is the first collector plate (30a), the first connecting portion (31) may be a portion electrically connected to the first terminal (T1). The first connecting portion (31) may be welded and joined to the first terminal (T1).

[0106] At least one portion of the first connecting portion (31) may be provided with an embossing portion (E).

[0107] In this way, when the embossing portion (E) is provided in the first connecting portion (31), the rigidity of the first connecting portion (31) can be strengthened and the heat dissipation effect can be improved. In addition, when the embossing portion (E) is provided in the first connecting portion (31), the weldability with the first terminal (T1), etc. can be improved.

[0108]

[0109] In particular, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in a battery (1) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, the current collector (30) may have a second connecting portion (32).

[0110] The second connecting portion (32) may be a portion electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The second connecting portion (32) may be welded to the electrode assembly (10). When the current collector plate (30) is the first current collector plate (30a), the second connecting portion (32) may be welded to the first foil tab (13a) of the first electrode (11a). When the current collector plate (30) is the second current collector plate (30b), the second connecting portion (32) may be welded to the second foil tab (13b) of the second electrode (11b).

[0111] At least a portion of the second connecting portion (32) may be provided with an embossing portion (E).

[0112] In this way, when the embossing portion (E) is provided in the second connecting portion (32), the rigidity of the second connecting portion (32) can be strengthened and the heat dissipation effect can be improved. In addition, when the embossing portion (E) is provided in the second connecting portion (32), the weldability with the electrode assembly (10) can be improved.

[0113] The embossing portion (E) provided in the second connecting portion (32) may be configured in a radial shape. The embossing portion (E) may be formed in a radial shape extending from the center of the current collector plate (30) toward the outside of the current collector plate (30), as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example. For example, the embossing portion (E) in the second connecting portion (32) may be formed in a radial shape in a direction parallel to the radial direction.

[0114] In this case, the second connecting portion (32) can be effectively prevented from being bent in the radial direction. In particular, the second connecting portion (32) can be spaced apart from the first connecting portion (31) or the bridge portion (33) described below by a gap (G) provided in the form of a slit or an empty space, as illustrated in FIG. 7, and in this case, it can be vulnerable to being bent in the radial direction. However, when the embossing portion (E) in the second connecting portion (32) is configured as described above, such radial bending deformation can be effectively prevented.

[0115]

[0116] In particular, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, in a battery (1) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, the current collector plate (30) may have a bridge portion (33).

[0117] The bridge portion (33) can be configured to connect the first connecting portion (31) and the second connecting portion (32) described above.

[0118] A plurality of bridge portions (33) may be provided on the current collector plate (30). For example, four bridge portions (33) may be provided on the current collector plate (30). The plurality of bridge portions (33) may be provided radially rotationally symmetrically with respect to the center of the current collector plate (30). For example, the plurality of bridge portions (33) may be configured in a cross shape.

[0119] At least one part of the bridge portion (33) may be provided with an embossing portion (E).

[0120] In this way, when the embossing portion (E) is provided in the bridge portion (33), the rigidity of the bridge portion (33) can be strengthened and the heat dissipation effect can be improved.

[0121] The bridge portion (33) may be formed to extend so as to connect the first connecting portion (31) and the second connecting portion (32). For example, the bridge portion (33) may be formed to extend long along the radial direction.

[0122] The embossing portion (E) provided in the bridge portion (33) can extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the bridge portion (33). That is, the embossing portion (E) can extend long along the longitudinal direction of the bridge portion (33).

[0123] In this case, the bridge portion (33) can be effectively prevented from being bent in the extension direction of the bridge portion (33). When the bridge portion (33) is extended long between the first connecting portion (31) and the second connecting portion (32), it may be vulnerable to being bent in the extension direction. However, when the embossing portion (E) in the bridge portion (33) is configured as described above, such bending deformation of the bridge portion (33) in the extension direction can be effectively prevented.

[0124]

[0125] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 6, the embossing portion (E) in the first connecting portion (31) may be configured in a grid shape. Specifically, since each embossing portion (E) of two bridge portions (33) arranged along the X-axis direction is connected along the X-axis direction, and each embossing portion (E) of two bridge portions (33) arranged along the Y-axis direction is connected along the Y-axis direction, a grid-shaped embossing portion (E) along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction may be configured in the first connecting portion (31). When the embossing portion (E) in the first connecting portion (31) is configured in this manner, the heat dissipation effect and weldability of the first connecting portion (31) may be further improved.

[0126]

[0127] In particular, referring to FIGS. 6 and 9, in a battery (1) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, the current collector (30) may have a peripheral portion (34).

[0128] The perimeter (34) can be provided along the perimeter of the edge of the collector plate (30).

[0129] The perimeter (34) may be provided on the entire edge of the collector plate (30), as shown in FIG. 6, or, unlike that shown in FIG. 6, may be provided on only a part of the edge of the collector plate (30).

[0130] The perimeter (34) can strengthen the overall rigidity of the collector plate (30).

[0131] At least one part of the circumference (34) may be provided with an embossing portion (E).

[0132] In this way, when the embossing portion (E) is provided on the circumference (34), the rigidity of the circumference (34) can be strengthened and the heat dissipation effect can be improved.

[0133] The peripheral portion (34) may be configured to extend in a circumferential direction. For example, the peripheral portion (34) may be configured to extend in a circumferential direction along the entire edge of a circular collector plate (30).

[0134] The embossing portion (E) provided on the peripheral portion (34) may be configured to extend in a circumferential direction. That is, the embossing portion (E) provided on the peripheral portion (34) may be configured to extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the peripheral portion (34).

[0135] In this case, the peripheral portion (34) can be effectively prevented from being bent in the extension direction of the peripheral portion (34). If the peripheral portion (34) is extended along the edge of the collector plate (30), it may be vulnerable to being bent in the extension direction. However, if the embossed portion (E) in the peripheral portion (34) is configured as described above, such bending deformation of the peripheral portion (34) in the extension direction can be effectively prevented.

[0136]

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the embossing portion (E) may be provided in different shapes in at least two portions of the current collector plate (30). For example, at least two of the embodiments of FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 may be combined. Alternatively, for example, as in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the embodiments of FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 may all be combined.

[0138] In this way, when the embossing portions (E) are provided in different shapes in at least two parts of the current collector plate (30), optimized rigidity, heat dissipation effect, and weldability can be secured for each part of the current collector plate (30).

[0139]

[0140] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an embossed portion (E) of a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention formed on the opposite side of an electrode assembly (10) from a current collector (30).

[0141] Referring to FIG. 10, in the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the embossing portion (E) may be formed on the opposite surface of the electrode assembly (10) in the current collector plate (30). Here, the opposite surface of the electrode assembly (10) may be understood as the outer surface of the current collector plate (30). For example, the opposite surface of the electrode assembly (10) may be understood as the upper surface of the first current collector plate (30a) when the current collector plate (30) is the first current collector plate (30a) (see FIG. 10), and may be understood as the lower surface of the second current collector plate (30b) when the current collector plate (30) is the second current collector plate (30b).

[0142] When the embossing portion (E) of the collector plate (30) is configured as described above, the heat dissipation effect of the collector plate (30) can be particularly further improved.

[0143]

[0144] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing an embossed portion (E) of a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention formed on a surface facing the electrode assembly (10) of the current collector (30).

[0145] Referring to FIG. 11, in the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the embossing portion (E) may be formed on a surface of the current collector plate (30) facing the electrode assembly (10). Here, the surface facing the electrode assembly (10) may be understood as an inner surface of the current collector plate (30). For example, the surface facing the electrode assembly (10) may be understood as a bottom surface of the first current collector plate (30a) when the current collector plate (30) is a first current collector plate (30a) (see FIG. 11), and may be understood as an upper surface of the second current collector plate (30b) when the current collector plate (30) is a second current collector plate (30b).

[0146] When the embossing portion (E) in the collector plate (30) is configured as described above, the wettability between the collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) can be particularly further improved.

[0147]

[0148] Of course, an embodiment in which FIGS. 10 and 11 are combined is also possible. For example, an embossing portion (E) may be formed on the opposite side of the electrode assembly (10) of the current collector plate (30) in some part of the current collector plate (30), and an embossing portion (E) may be formed on the side of the current collector plate (30) facing the electrode assembly (10) in the remaining part of the current collector plate (30). Alternatively, for example, an embossing portion (E) may be formed on each of the opposite side of the electrode assembly (10) of the current collector plate (30) and the side facing the electrode assembly (10) in the entire current collector plate (30).

[0149]

[0150] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include at least one battery (1) according to the present invention. The battery pack (3) may include a pack case (2) that accommodates at least one battery (1).

[0152] In the drawing, for the convenience of illustration, components such as bus bars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrical connection of batteries (1) are omitted. The structure of multiple batteries (1) for manufacturing the battery pack (3) has been previously described as an example.

[0153]

[0154] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (4), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, a vehicle (4) according to the present invention can include a battery pack (3) according to the present invention. The battery pack (3) can be installed in a body frame or a trunk space under a vehicle seat. In addition to the battery pack (3), the vehicle (4) according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the vehicle (4). For example, a vehicle (4) according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (3) according to the present invention.

[0156] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may be installed in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as energy storage systems that use secondary batteries, in addition to automobiles (4).

[0157]

[0158] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up and down are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0159] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered from an illustrative rather than a restrictive perspective. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly formed by winding a laminate having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween; a cell housing accommodating the electrode assembly; and including a current collector electrically connected to the electrode assembly; A battery characterized in that at least one portion of the above current collector plate is provided with an embossing portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized by being formed in a regularly repeating pattern shape.

3. In paragraph 1, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized by being formed into an irregular shape.

4. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, It has a first connection part provided in the center of the above-mentioned collector plate, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that it is provided in at least a part of the first connecting portion.

5. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, A second connection part electrically connected to the above electrode assembly is provided, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that it is provided in at least one part of the second connecting portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The embossing portion provided in the second connecting portion is: A battery characterized by being configured in a radial shape.

7. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, A first connecting portion provided in the central portion of the above-mentioned collector plate; a second connector electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and It has a bridge part that connects the first connecting part and the second connecting part, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that it is provided in at least a part of the above bridge portion.

8. In paragraph 7, The above bridge part, It is formed to extend so as to connect the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, The embossing portion provided in the above bridge portion is: A battery characterized in that it is configured to extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the above bridge portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, It has a perimeter provided along the perimeter of the edge, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that it is provided on at least a portion of the above circumference.

10. In paragraph 9, The embossing portion provided on the above circumference is: A battery characterized by being configured in a shape extending in a circumferential direction.

11. In paragraph 1, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that at least two parts of the above-mentioned current collector plate are provided in different shapes.

12. In paragraph 1, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that the electrode assembly is formed on the opposite side of the current collector plate.

13. In paragraph 1, The above embossing portion, A battery characterized in that it is formed on the surface of the above current collector plate facing the electrode assembly.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 14.

Images