Battery, battery pack, and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly provided while being wound around a central axis of a winding central hole in a state in which a separator interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode is interposed; a cell housing accommodating the electrode assembly and having an opening at one side thereof; and a current collecting plate electrically coupled to each of the electrode assembly and the cell housing, and having a circumferential portion at an edge thereof, wherein the circumferential portion has a rigidity reinforcing portion configured to reinforce rigidity of the circumferential portion.

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 including a current collector plate capable of effectively preventing deformation, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0089194, filed on July 5, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0080449, filed on June 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has rapidly increased, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has been in full swing, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively being conducted.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are attracting attention for their advantages over nickel-based batteries: virtually no memory effect, free charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxide and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, the lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly comprising positive and negative plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator interposed between them, and an outer packaging material that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Meanwhile, lithium-ion secondary batteries can be classified into pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheet, and can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, depending on the shape of the battery case. In addition, can-type secondary batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and square batteries, depending on the shape of the metal can. These lithium-ion secondary batteries are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells mounted on their own or in cartridges, etc., and then electrically connecting them to form a battery module or battery pack that can provide high voltage and high current.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of an electrode assembly with a current collector plate in a conventional battery before being inserted and coupled to a cell housing, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the appearance of an electrode assembly with a current collector plate in a conventional battery being inserted and coupled to a cell housing.

[0008] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylindrical battery (1') may include a current collector (30'). The current collector (30') may be coupled to a negative electrode of an electrode assembly (10') and a metal can (20') (cell housing). The cylindrical battery (1') including the current collector (30') may be manufactured through a process of coupling the current collector (30') to the electrode assembly (10'), and then inserting and coupling the electrode assembly (10') to which the current collector (30') is coupled into the metal can (20').

[0009] It may be important that the collector plate (30') and the electrode assembly (10') are joined so as to be concentric with each other. If the center of the collector plate (30') and the center of the electrode assembly (10') are significantly misaligned, the collector plate (30') may catch on the metal can (20') when the electrode assembly (10') is inserted into the metal can (20'), making the insertion difficult. Even if the collector plate (30') and the electrode assembly (10') are forcibly inserted into the metal can (20'), the collector plate (30'), the electrode assembly (10'), or the metal can (20') may be unintentionally deformed. In addition, if the outer diameter of the collector plate (30') and the inner wall of the metal can (20') do not precisely align, the welding joint of the collector plate (30') and the metal can (20') may become impossible. Nonetheless, it is very difficult to precisely align the centers of the collector plate (30') and the electrode assembly (10') in the process.

[0010] Therefore, it is urgent to devise a method that can prevent deformation of the collector plate and securely weld the collector plate to the metal can even when the collector plate and electrode assembly are inserted into the cell housing while being eccentric to each other.

[0011] The present invention has been created in consideration of the above-described problems, and its first purpose is to provide a battery, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which can effectively prevent deformation of a current collector plate even when the current collector plate and the electrode assembly are inserted into a cell housing in a state where they are eccentric to each other.

[0012] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, in which the current collector plate and the electrode assembly are aligned with each other, so that the current collector plate is in precise contact with the cell housing, thereby effectively combining the current collector plate and the cell housing.

[0013] 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.

[0014] A battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly wound around a central axis of a winding center hole with a separator interposed between first and second electrodes; a cell housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and has an opening at one side; and a current collector plate that is electrically conductively connected to the electrode assembly and the cell housing, respectively, and has a peripheral portion at an edge, wherein the peripheral portion includes a rigid reinforcing portion configured to reinforce the rigidity of the peripheral portion.

[0015] The above current collector plate has an electrode coupling portion that is coupled to the electrode assembly, and the electrode coupling portion can be indirectly connected to the peripheral portion.

[0016] The above-mentioned current collector plate may further include a bridge configured to connect the peripheral portion and the electrode coupling portion to each other.

[0017] The above-mentioned peripheral portion can be welded to the cell housing.

[0018] The above-mentioned peripheral portion may have a continuous shape along the edge of the above-mentioned collector plate.

[0019] The above periphery may have a circular shape.

[0020] At least a portion of the cross-section of the above rigid reinforcement member may extend in a direction different from the vertical direction of the central axis of the above winding center hole.

[0021] The above rigid reinforcement part may include an outer reinforcement part that is arranged on the outside of the circumferential part and extends in a direction parallel to the central axis of the winding center hole.

[0022] The above rigid reinforcement part may include an inner reinforcement part that is arranged on the inside of the circumferential part and extends in a direction other than perpendicular to the central axis of the winding center hole.

[0023] The above-mentioned rigid reinforcement portion may include a flat portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the winding center hole.

[0024] The above-mentioned rigid reinforcement member may include an inclined member that extends in a direction away from the electrode assembly as it goes inward.

[0025] The above-mentioned rigid reinforcement part may have a protrusion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the central axis of the winding center hole.

[0026] The above-mentioned rigid reinforcement part may have a bent part having a shape that is bent multiple times.

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

[0028] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0029] According to the present invention, a battery, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same can be provided, in which the peripheral portion of the current collector plate is provided with a rigid reinforcement portion, so that deformation of the current collector plate can be effectively prevented even when the current collector plate and the electrode assembly are inserted into a cell housing in a state where they are eccentric to each other.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided, in which a peripheral portion of a current collector plate has a rigid reinforcement portion, so that even when the current collector plate and the electrode assembly are eccentric to each other, the current collector plate can accurately contact the cell housing, so that the current collector plate and the cell housing can be effectively combined.

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

[0033] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same with improved electrical stability can be provided.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of an electrode assembly with a current collector plate in a conventional battery before being inserted and joined to a cell housing.

[0037] Figure 2 is a drawing showing an electrode assembly combined with a current collector plate in a conventional battery inserted and combined into a cell housing.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a current collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 is a plan view of a current collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a current collector plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a rigid reinforcement part of a current collector plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a rigid reinforcement part of a current collector plate according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0050] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0051] Furthermore, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar components will be omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0052] 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).

[0053]

[0054] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a current collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a plan view of a current collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. A battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a cell housing (20), and a current collector (30).

[0056] The battery (1) may be a secondary battery configured to be rechargeable. The battery (1) may be a cylindrical battery.

[0057] 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 a negative electrode and the second polarity may be an positive electrode. 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The electrode (11) may include a conductive metal material. For example, the electrode (11) may include either copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al). In particular, the first electrode (11a) may include copper, and the second electrode (11b) may include aluminum.

[0060] Each 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 negative electrode active material may be laminated on the holding portion of the first electrode (11a), and a positive electrode active material may be laminated on the holding portion of the second electrode (11b).

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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).

[0063] The electrode (11) 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.

[0064] 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 (e.g., the +Z direction end) of the electrode assembly (10), and the second foil tabs (13b) may be arranged at the bottom (e.g., the -Z direction end) of the electrode assembly (10).

[0065] The electrode (11) may have an insulating coating portion. The insulating coating portion may be positioned 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 second electrode (11b), and may prevent the retaining portions of the second electrode (11b) and the first electrode (11a) from contacting each other.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The cell housing (20) may have an opening (21) formed on one side. The electrode assembly (1) may be accommodated in the cell housing (20) through the opening (21). The opening (21) may be provided, for example, on the upper side of the cell housing (20).

[0068] Meanwhile, the cell housing (20) may be provided with a closed portion (22) formed on the opposite side of the open portion (21). A more detailed description of the closed portion (22) will be provided later.

[0069] The current collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The current collector plate (30) can be electrically connected to the electrode (11) of the electrode assembly (10). The current collector plate (30) can be welded to the foil tabs (13).

[0070] 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 welded and joined to the first foil tabs (13a). The first current collector plate (30a) may be a negative current collector plate (30).

[0071] The second collector plate (30b) can be electrically connected to the second electrode (11b). The second collector plate (30b) can be welded and joined to the second foil tabs (13b). The second collector plate (30b) can be a positive collector plate (30).

[0072] Below, the description of the collector plate (30) can be commonly applied to both the first collector plate (30a) and the second collector plate (30b) unless otherwise specified.

[0073] The current collector (30) can be electrically connected to the cell housing (20). The current collector (30) can be welded to the cell housing (20). The current collector (30) can be electrically disposed between the cell housing (20) and the electrode assembly (10).

[0074] The first collector plate (30a) and the second collector plate (30b) may be electrically connected to the cell housing (20) in such a way that only one of them can conduct current with it. For example, the first collector plate (30a) may be electrically connected to the cell housing (20), and the second collector plate (30b) and the cell housing (20) may be insulated from each other by a configuration such as an insulator. In this case, the cell housing (20) may have a first polarity.

[0075] The collector plate (30) may have a peripheral portion (32). The peripheral portion (32) may be provided at the edge of the collector plate (30).

[0076] The peripheral portion (32) can be electrically coupled to the cell housing (20). That is, the peripheral portion (32) can be a portion of the current collector (30) that is electrically coupled to the cell housing (20). For example, the outer portion of the peripheral portion (32) can be coupled to the inner surface of the cell housing (20).

[0077] The overall rigidity of the collector plate (30) can be secured by the peripheral portion (32).

[0078] The perimeter (32) may be provided with a rigid reinforcement member (33). The rigid reinforcement member (33) may be configured to reinforce the rigidity of the perimeter (32). The overall rigidity of the current collector plate (30) may be secured by the perimeter (32), and the rigidity of the perimeter (32) may be reinforced by the rigid reinforcement member (33), so that the rigidity of the current collector plate (30) may be secured strongly by the rigid reinforcement member (33).

[0079] According to the embodiment of the present invention, even if the current collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are coupled with the cell housing (20) in a state where they are eccentrically coupled, deformation of the current collector plate (30) can be effectively prevented. Specifically, when the current collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are coupled in a state where the centers of the current collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are eccentrically coupled and the thus coupled current collector plate (30) and electrode assembly (10) are inserted into the cell housing (20), unlike the current collector plate (30') of the conventional battery (1'), since the rigidity of the peripheral portion (32) is reinforced by the rigid reinforcement portion (33), deformation of the peripheral portion (32) can be effectively prevented, so that deformation of the current collector plate (30) can be effectively prevented.

[0080] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even if the current collector plate (30) is provided in a state of being connected to the electrode assembly (10) in an eccentric manner, the current collector plate (30) can be in precise contact with the cell housing (20), so that the current collector plate (30) and the cell housing (20) can be effectively connected.

[0081] Accordingly, a battery (1) with improved quality can be provided. In addition, since alignment between the current collector (30) and the cell housing (20) can be allowed within a relatively wide range of error, the productivity of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0082] In addition, since the current collector plate (30) can be effectively combined with the electrode assembly (10) and the cell housing (20) while preventing deformation, the electrical connection of the current collector plate (30) can be stably formed, so that the electrical stability of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0083]

[0084] The current collector plate (30) may have an electrode coupling portion (31). The electrode coupling portion (31) may be coupled with the electrode assembly (10). That is, in the current collector plate (30), the electrode coupling portion (31) may be a portion coupled with the electrode assembly (10). The electrode coupling portion (31) may be coupled with the foil tab (13) of the electrode (11). The electrode coupling portion (31) may be coupled so as to be electrically connected while in face-to-face contact with the foil tab (13). The electrode coupling portion (31) may be welded to the foil tab (13).

[0085] In the above and below, welding may be understood as any one of laser welding, spot welding, and ultrasonic welding, for example.

[0086] The electrode coupling portion (31) may be indirectly connected to the peripheral portion (32). That is, the electrode coupling portion (31) and the peripheral portion (32) may be configured such that they are not directly connected to each other, but are connected to each other by interposing another configuration between the electrode coupling portion (31) and the peripheral portion (32). As a result, in the current collector (30), the electrode coupling portion (31) and the peripheral portion (32) may be spaced apart from each other so that an empty space is formed therebetween in at least some area. The electrode coupling portion (31) and the peripheral portion (32) may be indirectly connected to each other, for example, by a bridge (34) described later.

[0087] The electrode coupling portion (31) may be arranged on the inner side of the circumference portion (32). For example, the electrode coupling portion (31) may be arranged on the radially inner side of the circumference portion (32). For example, the electrode coupling portion (31) may occupy approximately the central portion of the current collector (30) on the inner side of the circumference portion (32).

[0088] In this way, when the electrode joint (31) is indirectly connected to the peripheral part (32), interference between the electrode joint (31) and the peripheral part (32) can be effectively prevented during the assembly process of the battery (1). Specifically, when the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are inserted and connected to the cell housing (20) while being connected to each other in an eccentric manner, there is a concern that the peripheral part (32) and the electrode joint (31) may interfere with each other when the current collector (30) is deformed by the pressure of the cell housing (20). However, when the electrode joint (31) is indirectly connected to the peripheral part (32) as described above, a certain degree of relative positional change between the peripheral part (32) and the electrode joint (31) is allowed, so that interference between the electrode joint (31) and the peripheral part (32) can be effectively prevented.

[0089]

[0090] Meanwhile, the electrode joint (31) can be configured as a single unit in the current collector plate (30).

[0091] Meanwhile, a hollow hole (37) may be formed in the central portion of the current collector (30) or the central portion of the electrode joint (31). The hollow hole (37) may be configured so that an electrolyte can be injected into the interior of the electrode assembly (10).

[0092]

[0093] The collector plate (30) may further include a bridge (34). The bridge (34) may be configured to connect the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) to each other.

[0094] The bridge (34) may be positioned between the circumference (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31). At least one bridge (34) may be provided. A plurality of bridges (34) may be provided. For example, the current collector (30) may be provided with four bridges (34) as illustrated in the drawing. The bridges (34) in the current collector (30) may be configured radially rotationally symmetrically.

[0095] The bridge (34) may extend toward each of the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31). For example, the bridge (34) may extend long from one of the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) toward the other. For example, the bridge (34) may extend long along the radial direction.

[0096] In this way, when the collector plate (30) is provided with a bridge (34), the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) are not directly connected to each other, but can be effectively indirectly connected to each other by the bridge (34). In addition, when the collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are inserted and coupled to the cell housing (20) in a state where they are coupled with each other at an eccentric angle, even if the peripheral portion (32) is pressed by the cell housing (20), the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) are not deformed, and only the bridge (34) can be deformed.

[0097]

[0098] Meanwhile, the bridge (34) of the collector plate (30) may have a variable portion (36). The variable portion (36) may be configured so that the length of the bridge (34) may be variable. Specifically, when the bridge (34) receives a force in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bridge (34), the variable portion (36) may be configured so that it may be compressed or expanded, and as a result, the length of the bridge (34) may be reduced or increased. The variable portion (36) may be configured, for example, in a convex and / or concave shape or a bent shape.

[0099]

[0100] Meanwhile, the peripheral portion (32) may be spaced apart from the electrode assembly (10). That is, the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) may have a height difference in the Z-axis direction. The current collector plate (30) may have a folded portion (35). The folded portion (35) may be formed at a boundary portion between the peripheral portion (32) and the bridge (34). The folded portion (35) may be configured in a folded shape from the peripheral portion (32) to the bridge (34). The folded portion (35) may be configured to connect the peripheral portion (32) and the bridge (34) having a height difference.

[0101]

[0102] The peripheral portion (32) can be welded to the cell housing (20). Specifically, the outer portion of the peripheral portion (32) can be welded to the inner surface of the cell housing (20). The outer portion of the peripheral portion (32) and the inner surface of the cell housing (20) can be welded to each other while being in face-to-face contact with each other.

[0103] When the current collector plate (30) is configured as described above, not only can it be effectively positioned and fixed to the cell housing (20), but also the current conducting area between the current collector plate (30) and the cell housing (20) is stably secured, so that the electrical stability of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0104]

[0105] Meanwhile, in the case where the collector plate (30) has both a peripheral portion (32) and an electrode coupling portion (31), the collector plate (30) and the cell housing (20) and the collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) can be welded and joined through separate welding processes, so that double welding of at least one of the peripheral portion (32) or the electrode coupling portion (31) can be prevented.

[0106]

[0107] The peripheral portion (32) may have a continuous shape along the edge of the collector plate (30). For example, the peripheral portion (32) may be configured in a continuous shape in the circumferential direction along the edge of the collector plate (30).

[0108] The peripheral portion (32) may be, for example, annular or ring-shaped. In this regard, the cell housing (20) may be a cylindrical can shape with a circular cross-section. The radius of the outer circumference of the peripheral portion (32) may be approximately equal to the radius of the inner circumference of the cell housing (20).

[0109] When the collector plate (30) is configured in this manner, the overall rigidity of the collector plate (30) can be further secured.

[0110]

[0111] In the circumference (32), at least a part of the cross-section of the rigid reinforcement member (33) may extend in a direction different from the vertical direction of the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C). For example, at least a part of the cross-section of the rigid reinforcement member (33) may extend in a direction different from the Z-axis direction.

[0112] In this case, in the circumference (32), stress in the horizontal direction or the XY plane direction can be effectively distributed, so that the rigidity of the circumference (32) can be more effectively reinforced.

[0113]

[0114] The rigid reinforcement member (33) may include an outer reinforcement member (331).

[0115] The outer reinforcement (331) may be arranged on the outer side of the circumference (32). For example, the outer reinforcement (331) may be arranged on the radially outer side of the circumference (32).

[0116] The outer reinforcement (331) may extend in a direction parallel to the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the outer reinforcement (331) may extend in the Z-axis direction.

[0117] The outer reinforcement (331) may extend along the circumferential direction. The outer reinforcement (331) may be configured in a continuous form.

[0118] The outer reinforcement (331) can be joined to the cell housing (20). For example, the radially outer surface of the outer reinforcement (331) can be welded face-to-face with the inner surface of the cell housing (20).

[0119] When the rigid reinforcement member (33) includes an outer reinforcement member (331), the rigidity of the outer side of the peripheral member (32) can be reinforced more effectively. In addition, the bonding force between the peripheral member (32) and the cell housing (20) can be improved.

[0120]

[0121] The rigid reinforcement member (33) may include an inner reinforcement member (332).

[0122] The inner reinforcement (332) may be arranged on the inner side of the circumference (32). For example, the inner reinforcement (332) may be arranged on the radially inner side of the circumference (32).

[0123] The inner reinforcement portion (332) may extend in a direction other than perpendicular to the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the inner reinforcement portion (332) may extend in the Z-axis direction. In addition, unlike as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the inner reinforcement portion (332) may be configured to be inclined in a direction other than the horizontal direction (X-axis direction or Y-axis direction).

[0124] The inner reinforcement (332) may extend in the circumferential direction. The inner reinforcement (332) may be configured in a discontinuous shape. For example, the inner reinforcement (332) may be positioned only in a portion excluding the bridge (34).

[0125] When the rigid reinforcement part (33) includes an inner reinforcement part (332), the rigidity of the inner side of the circumferential part (32) can be reinforced more effectively.

[0126]

[0127] The rigid reinforcement part (33) may be provided with a flat part (333).

[0128] The flat portion (333) can extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C). For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the flat portion (333) can extend in a direction parallel to the XY plane.

[0129] The flat portion (333) can face the electrode assembly (10). The flat portion (333) can be spaced apart from the electrode assembly (10).

[0130] When the rigid reinforcement part (33) has a flat part (333), stress in the horizontal direction or the XY plane direction can be effectively distributed.

[0131] Meanwhile, when the rigid reinforcement part (33) includes both the flat part (333) and the aforementioned outer reinforcement part (331) and inner reinforcement part (332), the cross section of the peripheral part (32) or the rigid reinforcement part (33) may be approximately U-shaped.

[0132]

[0133] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a current collector (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view showing an enlarged portion of a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the rigid reinforcement part (33) may include an inclined part (334).

[0135] The inclined portion (334) may be configured in an inclined shape. Specifically, the inclined portion (334) may extend inclinedly in a direction away from the electrode assembly (10) as it goes inward. For example, the inclined portion (334) may extend inclinedly in a direction away from the electrode assembly (10) along the Z-axis as it goes radially inward. The inclination angle of the inclined portion (334) may be formed to be, for example, approximately 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the XY plane), but the inclination angle of the inclined portion (334) is not limited thereto.

[0136] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a battery (1) is configured such that the rigid reinforcement portion (33) includes an inclined portion (334), so that stress that can be applied to the peripheral portion (32) can be effectively distributed in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) and the horizontal direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the XY plane).

[0137] Meanwhile, an outer reinforcing member (331) of the same or similar shape as described above may be placed on the outer side of the inclined member (334).

[0138] Meanwhile, the current collector plate (30) of the battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may also be provided with a bending portion (35). Here, the bending portion (35) according to another embodiment of the present invention is connected from the upper end of the inclined portion (334), and thus may be configured to correspond to a greater height difference than the bending portion (35) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0139]

[0140] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing a rigid reinforcement part (33) of a current collector plate (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a rigid reinforcement part (33) of a current collector plate (30) according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show enlarged side cross-sections of a rigid reinforcement part (33) of a current collector (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention and a modified example of another embodiment.

[0142] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment of the present invention, in another battery (1), the rigid reinforcement member (33) may have a protrusion (335).

[0144] The protrusion (335) may have a protruding shape. Specifically, the cross-section of the protrusion (335) may protrude in a direction parallel to the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C).

[0145] The protrusion (335) may be formed discontinuously and partially along the circumferential direction in the rigid reinforcement (33), or may be formed continuously and entirely along the circumferential direction.

[0146] The protrusion (335) can be arranged between the outer end and the inner end of the rigid reinforcement member (33). Specifically, the protrusion (335) can be arranged between the radially outer end and the radially inner end of the rigid reinforcement member (33).

[0147] Referring to FIG. 11, in a battery (1) according to a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, the rigid reinforcement part (33) may have a bending part (336).

[0148] The folded portion (336) may have a shape that is folded multiple times. Specifically, the cross-section of the folded portion (336) may be configured in a shape that is folded multiple times. For example, the folded portion (336) may have a portion that protrudes in the +Z direction and another portion that protrudes in the -Z direction.

[0149] The bending portion (336) may be partially formed discontinuously along the circumferential direction from the reinforcing member (33) or may be formed continuously throughout the circumferential direction.

[0150] The bending portion (336) may be arranged between the outer end and the inner end of the stiffening portion (33). Specifically, the bending portion (336) may be arranged between the radially outer end and the radially inner end of the stiffening portion (33).

[0151] The rigid reinforcement member (33) according to the present invention can be configured in various shapes, similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0152] When the rigid reinforcement part (33) has a protrusion (335) or a bending part (336), the rigidity reinforcement effect of the peripheral part (32) of the rigid reinforcement part (33) can be further improved.

[0153] Meanwhile, the rigid reinforcement part (33) may be provided with an outer reinforcement part (331) as described above. Of course, the rigid reinforcement part (33) may also be provided with an inner reinforcement part (332) as described above. In addition, the rigid reinforcement part (33) may also be provided with an inclined part (334) as described above.

[0154]

[0155] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 9, the battery according to the present invention may further include a can lead (40).

[0156] The can lid (40) can be coupled to the end of the cell housing (20) on the side of the opening (21). That is, the can lid (40) can be coupled to one end of the cell housing (20) where the opening (21) is formed. The can lid (40) can be configured to cover the opening (21). The can lid (40) can be arranged on the outermost side of the cell housing (20) and can form a part of the outer shape of the battery (1).

[0157] The can lid (40) can be fitted into the end of the open portion (21) of the cell housing (20). The can lid (40) can have an edge portion (41). The edge portion (41) can be provided along the edge of the can lid (40) and can have a U-shaped cross-section. The edge portion (41) can be force-fitted into the end of the open portion (21) of the cell housing (20). The edge portion (41) can be welded into the end of the open portion (21) of the cell housing (20) in a force-fitted state.

[0158] Alternatively, the can lid (40) may be joined while being placed on the end of the open portion (21) of the cell housing (20). Unlike what is shown in the drawings, the can lid (40) may have a butt portion configured to be placed on the end of the open portion (21) of the cell housing (20). The butt portion may be welded to the end of the open portion (21) of the cell housing (20) while being placed on it.

[0159] The current collector plate (30) can be positioned between the can lead (40) and the electrode assembly (10). The can lead (40) can cover the current collector plate (30).

[0160] The can lid (40) may be provided with a vent notch portion (42). The vent notch portion (42) may be configured by notching so that it can be broken when the internal pressure inside the battery (1) exceeds a predetermined level.

[0161] The can lid (40) may be formed with an open filler port that is exposed to the outside. The filler port may be configured to allow electrolyte to be injected into the interior of the battery (1). A plug (50) may be coupled to the can lid (40), and the plug (50) may be configured to cover the filler port.

[0162] When the battery (1) includes a can lead (40), there is an advantage in that the electrode assembly (10) and the current collector plate (30) can be firmly and stably fixed without including components such as a beading portion and a crimping portion.

[0163]

[0164] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery (1) according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0165] The cell housing (20) may have a closing portion (22). The closing portion (22) may be formed on the other side or lower side (-Z direction side) of the cell housing (20). The closing portion (22) may be configured in a closed form. A terminal (60) may be arranged in the closing portion (22). The terminal (60) may be configured to penetrate the closing portion (22) and at least a portion thereof be exposed to the outside. The terminal (60) may be provided in a rivet form. The terminal (60) may be electrically connected to the second electrode (11b) and may have a second polarity. The terminal (60) may be joined to the second collector plate (30b) by welding or the like. The terminal (60) may be configured as a positive terminal (60).

[0166] The closing portion (22) may have a first polarity. As described above, the cell housing (20) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (11a) and may have a first polarity. An insulating gasket may be placed between the closing portion (22) and the terminal (60) to insulate them.

[0167] An insulator configured to insulate the closing portion (22) and the second collector plate (30b) may be placed between them. The insulator may also be configured to insulate the electrode (11) assembly and the cell housing (20) from each other.

[0168]

[0169] Meanwhile, preferred examples of the battery (1) according to the present invention have been described above. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to these examples and may include combinations of any two or more of them.

[0170]

[0171] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] 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).

[0173] 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.

[0174]

[0175] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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).

[0178]

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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 in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 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.

[0181] [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 1: Battery

[0183] 2: Pack Case

[0184] 3: Battery pack

[0185] 4: Car

[0186] 10: Electrode assembly

[0187] 11: Electrode

[0188] 11a: First electrode

[0189] 11b: Second electrode

[0190] 12: Membrane

[0191] 13: Foil tab

[0192] 13a: First foil tab

[0193] 13b: Second foil tab

[0194] 20: Cell housing

[0195] 21: Opening

[0196] 22: Closed section

[0197] 30: Current collector plate

[0198] 30a: First collection board

[0199] 30b: Second collection plate

[0200] 31: Electrode joint

[0201] 32: Perimeter

[0202] 33: Reinforcement member

[0203] 331: Outer reinforcement

[0204] 332: Inner reinforcement

[0205] 333: Flat area

[0206] 334: Slope

[0207] 335: Protrusion

[0208] 336: Bend section

[0209] 34: Bridge

[0210] 35: Bend

[0211] 36: Variable part

[0212] 37: Hollow Hall

[0213] 40: Can lead

[0214] 41: Edge

[0215] 42: Vent notch

[0216] 50: Plug

[0217] 60: Terminal

[0218] C: Winding center hole

[0219] A: Central axis

Claims

1. An electrode assembly provided by being wound around the central axis of a winding center hole with a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; A cell housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and has an opening on one side; and A current collector plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and the cell housing, and having a peripheral portion at the edge, The above circumference is, A battery characterized by having a rigid reinforcement member configured to reinforce the rigidity of the above-mentioned peripheral portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, It has an electrode coupling part that is combined with the above electrode assembly, The above electrode joint is, A battery characterized in that it is indirectly connected to the above-mentioned circumference.

3. In paragraph 2, The above collector plate, A battery characterized in that it further comprises a bridge configured to connect the above-mentioned peripheral portion and the above-mentioned electrode joint portion to each other.

4. In paragraph 1, The above circumference is, A battery characterized in that it is welded to the above cell housing.

5. In paragraph 1, The above circumference is, A battery characterized by having a continuous shape along the edge of the above-mentioned current collector plate.

6. In paragraph 5, The above circumference is, A battery characterized by its circular shape.

7. In paragraph 1, At least a part of the cross-section of the above-mentioned stiffening member is, A battery characterized in that the central axis of the above-mentioned winding center hole extends in a direction different from the vertical direction.

8. In paragraph 1, The above rigid reinforcement part is, A battery characterized by including an outer reinforcing portion arranged on the outer side of the above-mentioned circumference and extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the above-mentioned winding center hole.

9. In paragraph 1, The above rigid reinforcement part is, A battery characterized by including an inner reinforcing portion disposed on the inner side of the circumferential portion and extending in a direction other than perpendicular to the central axis of the winding center hole.

10. In paragraph 1, The above rigid reinforcement part is, A battery characterized by including a flat portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the above-mentioned winding center hole.

11. In paragraph 1, The above rigid reinforcement part is, A battery characterized by including a sloped portion extending inwardly in a direction away from the electrode assembly.

12. In paragraph 1, The above rigid reinforcement part is, A battery characterized by having a protrusion protruding in a direction parallel to the central axis of the above-mentioned winding center hole.

13. In paragraph 1, The above rigid reinforcement part is, A battery characterized by having a bending portion having a shape that is bent multiple times.

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