Battery, battery pack, and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery according to the present invention includes: an electrode assembly provided 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 on one side; and current collecting plates electrically coupled to both the electrode assembly and the cell housing, wherein the current collecting plates have a plurality of electrode coupling portions which are coupled to the electrode assembly and spaced apart from each other from the inside.

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, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, wherein a maximum amount of electrode assemblies can be discharged to the outside in a short period of time when a thermal event occurs.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0089197, filed on July 5, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0080261, filed on June 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are disclosed in the specification and drawings of the aforementioned 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 prismatic 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] Figure 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of a conventional battery in which a current collector plate and an electrode assembly are combined.

[0008] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, a conventional battery (1') could include a current collector plate (30'). The current collector plate (30') could be coupled to an electrode of an electrode assembly (10') and a metal can (cell housing). The conventional battery (1') could be manufactured by inserting the electrode assembly (10') with the current collector plate (30') coupled into a metal can.

[0009] Meanwhile, when a thermal event occurs in the battery (1') (especially in the electrode assembly (10')), it is important that as much of the electrode assembly (10') as possible escape to the outside within a short period of time to prevent heat transfer to adjacent batteries.

[0010] However, the current collector plate (30') of the conventional battery (1') could hinder the discharge of the electrode assembly (10') when a thermal event occurs. Specifically, the current collector plate (30') of the conventional battery (1') could be provided with an electrode joint portion (31') that is joined to an electrode, a peripheral portion (32') that forms the peripheral portion of the current collector plate (30'), and a bridge (33') that connects the electrode joint portion (31') and the peripheral portion (32'), and there was a high possibility that the electrode joint portion (31') and the bridge (33') could hinder the discharge of the electrode assembly (10').

[0011] In addition, since the current collector plate (30') of the conventional battery (1') has a single, continuous electrode joint (31'), it was difficult to offset the total height deviation according to the position of the electrode assembly (10'), and since this total height deviation was reflected as it was not only in the electrode joint (31') but also in the peripheral part (32'), deviation occurred in the butt welding position of the peripheral part (32') and the metal can, which could lower the productivity and quality of the battery (1').

[0012] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a battery capable of rapidly discharging the largest possible quantity of electrode assemblies when a thermal event occurs. Furthermore, the development of batteries with improved productivity and quality is also urgent.

[0013] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its primary purpose the provision of a battery, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which can discharge a maximum amount of electrode assemblies to the outside in a short period of time when a thermal event occurs.

[0014] In addition, another purpose is to provide a battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same with improved productivity and quality by effectively compensating for the positional deviation of the electrode assembly.

[0015] In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same with improved electrical stability, whereby the length of the current path can be reduced and the width increased.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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, wherein the current collector plate has a plurality of electrode coupling portions that are each connected to the electrode assembly and spaced apart from each other on the inside.

[0018] The above-mentioned collector plate may be configured to cover only a portion of the opening.

[0019] The above-mentioned current collector plate may have a hollow portion formed between a plurality of the electrode coupling portions and configured to partition the plurality of the electrode coupling portions from each other.

[0020] The above hollow portion may be configured to occupy at least a central portion of the above current collector plate.

[0021] The above hollow portion may be configured in a form that extends outward.

[0022] The above-mentioned current collector plate further has a peripheral portion at an edge, and the peripheral portion is connected to each of the electrode coupling portions and can be electrically connected to the cell housing.

[0023] The above-mentioned peripheral portion may have a continuous shape along the edge of the above-mentioned collector plate.

[0024] The above-mentioned peripheral portion may be provided with a rigid reinforcement portion that reinforces the rigidity of the above-mentioned peripheral portion.

[0025] At least a portion of the electrode joint may have a width that becomes narrower toward the inside of the current collector plate.

[0026] The above electrode joint can be welded to the electrode assembly.

[0027] The above electrode joint may not overlap with the winding center hole when viewed from the central axis direction of the winding center hole.

[0028] A plurality of the above electrode coupling portions can be formed and arranged radially rotationally symmetrically.

[0029] The cell housing may further include a can lid coupled to the open end and covering the current collector.

[0030] The cell housing has a beading portion recessed inwardly in a region adjacent to the opening portion, and a crimping portion bent and extended inwardly from an end on the side of the opening portion, and at least a portion of the current collector plate can be disposed between the beading portion and the crimping portion.

[0031] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one battery according to the present invention.

[0032] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0033] According to the present invention, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided, in which a maximum amount of electrode assemblies can be discharged to the outside in a short period of time when a thermal event occurs.

[0034] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively offset the total height deviation according to the position of the electrode assembly, thereby providing a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same with improved productivity and quality.

[0035] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the length of a current path can be reduced and the width can be increased, thereby providing a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same with improved electrical stability.

[0036] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery having reduced electrical resistance, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Figure 1 is a drawing showing the appearance of a conventional battery in which a current collector plate and an electrode assembly are combined.

[0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a current collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 is a plan view of a current collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 7 and 8 are plan views showing collector plates according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054]

[0055] 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 overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a current collecting plate according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a current collecting plate according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Hereinafter, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. 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).

[0057] The battery (1) may be a secondary battery configured to be rechargeable. The battery may be a cylindrical battery.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] The collector plate (30) may be provided with a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31). The electrode coupling portions (31) may be a portion coupled to the electrode assembly (10). The electrode coupling portions (31) may be coupled to the foil tabs (13) of the electrode (11). The electrode coupling portions (31) may be coupled so as to be electrically connected while in face-to-face contact with the foil tabs (13).

[0077] A plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can each be coupled to an electrode assembly (10). The plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can be spaced apart from each other on the inside of the current collector plate (30). Specifically, among the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31), any two adjacent electrode coupling portions (31) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The distance between any two adjacent electrode coupling portions (31) and the distance between other two adjacent electrode coupling portions (31) can be formed to be the same or different from each other.

[0078] Additionally, a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) may be connected to each other on the radially outer side of the current collector plate (30), but may be spaced apart from each other on the radially inner side of the current collector plate (30).

[0079] Meanwhile, the electrode joint (31) can be placed on the inner side of the peripheral portion (32) described later.

[0080] The plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) may be independent configurations. Specifically, even if one electrode coupling portion (31) is deformed, the deformation of one electrode coupling portion (31) may not affect the deformation of other electrode coupling portions (31).

[0081] The current collector plate (30) of the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a so-called bridge-less structure that does not include a configuration such as the bridge (33') of the conventional battery (1').

[0082] Since the current collector plate (30') of the conventional battery (1') has a bridge (33') and a single continuous electrode joint (31'), there was a high possibility that the discharge of the electrode assembly (10') would be obstructed when a thermal event occurred.

[0083] However, since the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, when a thermal event occurs, a large amount of electrode (11) assemblies can be quickly discharged from the battery (1). Specifically, in the current collector (30) according to the present invention, a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) are respectively coupled to the electrode assembly (10) but are spaced apart from each other on the inside so as to be provided independently of each other, so that when the electrode assembly (10) is discharged due to the occurrence of a thermal event, no one electrode coupling portion (31) binds another electrode coupling portion (31), so that the electrode assembly (10) can be easily discharged to the outside of the battery (1). In addition, since an open area can be easily formed between the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31), the possibility of the discharge of the electrode assembly (10) being obstructed can be formed with a low probability.

[0084] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the current collector plate (30) has a plurality of electrode connecting portions (31), the total height deviation according to the position of the electrode assembly (10) can be effectively offset, thereby improving the productivity and quality of the battery (1). Specifically, the plurality of electrode connecting portions (31) can each be independently deformed in response to the total height according to the position of the electrode assembly (10), thereby effectively offsetting the total height deviation according to the position of the electrode assembly (10). In addition, one end (the end on the peripheral side (32)) of the electrode joint (31) is not deformed, and only the other end (the end on the central side) of the electrode joint (31) can be deformed, and thus deformation of other parts of the current collector (30) other than the electrode joint (31), such as the peripheral side (32) described later, can be effectively prevented. As a result, the current collector (30) coupled with the electrode assembly (10) can be easily and accurately coupled to the cell housing (20). As a result, the productivity and quality of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0085] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, since the current collector plate (30) is configured with a bridgeless structure that does not have a configuration corresponding to the bridge (33') of the conventional battery (1'), the current path inside the current collector plate (30) can be improved. Specifically, in the current collector plate (30) according to the present invention, the current path can flow to the cell housing (20) or the like without passing through a bridge having a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the electrical stability of the battery (1) can be improved. In addition, for example, when the current collector plate (30) has a peripheral portion (32) described below, since the electrode connecting portion (31) is directly connected to the peripheral portion (32), not only can the length of the current path between the electrode connecting portion (31) and the peripheral portion (32) be reduced, but also the current path width and cross-sectional area can be increased, so that the electrical stability of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0086]

[0087] The current collector plate (30) may be configured to cover only a portion of the opening (21). That is, the current collector plate (30) may be configured to cover only a portion of the opening (21), leaving the remaining portion uncovered and opening toward one side or the upper side. Specifically, the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) may be configured to cover only a portion of the opening (21), leaving the remaining portion uncovered.

[0088] When the collector plate (30) is configured as described above, an open area can be formed more easily between the plurality of electrode joints (31), so that the discharge of the electrode assembly (10) can be more easily achieved.

[0089]

[0090] The collector plate (30) may have a hollow portion (O). The hollow portion (O) may be formed between a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31). The hollow portion (O) may be configured to partition the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) from each other.

[0091] By means of the hollow portion (O), the empty space of the aforementioned collector plate (30) can be effectively formed. In addition, by means of the hollow portion (O), a plurality of electrode joints (31) can be effectively spaced apart.

[0092]

[0093] The hollow portion (O) may be configured to occupy at least the central portion (M) of the collector plate (30). Here, the central portion may be understood as a peripheral area portion of the central portion of the collector plate (30), and the central portion of the collector plate (30) may coincide with the central axis (A) of the winding central hole (C).

[0094] When the hollow portion (O) is configured as described above, the discharge of the electrode assembly (10) can be easily formed at the center of the current collector plate (30).

[0095]

[0096] The hollow portion (O) may be configured to extend outwardly. For example, the hollow portion (O) may be configured to extend radially outwardly from the central portion (M). The portion extending outwardly of the hollow portion (O) may be configured to partition any two electrode joints (31) adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0097] When the hollow portion (O) is configured as described above, a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can be easily partitioned and spaced apart from each other on the inside of the current collector plate (30). In addition, the empty space of the current collector plate (30) can be maximized in size, so that the discharge of the electrode assembly (10) can be formed more easily and effectively.

[0098]

[0099] The collector plate (30) may further include a peripheral portion (32). The peripheral portion (32) may be provided at the edge of the collector plate (30).

[0100] The peripheral portion (32) can be connected to each electrode coupling portion (31). One end of the electrode coupling portion (31) can be connected to the inner side of the peripheral portion (32). For example, the radially outer end of the electrode coupling portion (31) can be connected to the radially inner end of the peripheral portion (32). Meanwhile, the other end of the electrode coupling portion (31), i.e., the radially inner end of the electrode coupling portion (31), may not be connected to another configuration.

[0101] When the current collector plate (30) is configured as described above, the overall rigidity of the current collector plate (30) can be secured by the peripheral portion (32). In addition, although deformation of the electrode connecting portions (31) is allowed to a certain extent on the inside of the current collector plate (30), rigidity is secured at one end of the electrode connecting portion (31) adjacent to the peripheral portion (32), so that the positions of the plurality of electrode connecting portions (31) can be effectively maintained. In addition, since the plurality of electrode connecting portions (31) are connected to the peripheral portion (32), the plurality of electrode connecting portions (31) can avoid mutual interference and influence on the inside of the current collector plate (30).

[0102] The peripheral portion (32) can be electrically connected to the cell housing (20). That is, the peripheral portion (32) can be a portion of the current collector (30) that is connected to the cell housing (20). The outer portion of the peripheral portion (32) can be connected to the inner surface of the cell housing (20). The peripheral portion (32) can be welded to the cell housing.

[0103] As the peripheral portion (32) is coupled with the cell housing (20), a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can be effectively positioned and fixed in the cell housing (20). In addition, as the current collector (30) has a peripheral portion (32) coupled with the cell housing (20) in addition to a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) coupled with the electrode assembly (10), the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) and the current collector (30) and the cell housing (20) can be welded and coupled through separate welding processes, so that double welding of either the electrode coupling portion (31) or the peripheral portion (32) can be prevented.

[0104]

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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 approximately match the radius of the inner circumference of the cell housing (20). Meanwhile, one end (radially outer end) of the electrode coupling portion (31) may have an arc-shaped shape corresponding to the inner circumference of the peripheral portion (32).

[0107] When the collector plate (30) is configured in this manner, the overall rigidity of the collector plate (30) can be further secured.

[0108]

[0109] The perimeter (32) may be provided with a rigid reinforcement portion (33). The rigid reinforcement portion (33) may be a portion configured to reinforce the rigidity of the perimeter (32).

[0110] The rigid reinforcement member (33) may extend, for example, in the Z-axis direction or in the vertical direction parallel to the direction of the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C) from the outer circumference of the peripheral portion (32), as illustrated in FIG. 6. Of course, the rigid reinforcement member (33) may also be configured to extend in a direction other than the vertical direction, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0111] The rigid reinforcement member (33) can be welded to the cell housing (20). The rigid reinforcement member (33) can be welded to the cell housing (20) while facing each other.

[0112] In the case where the peripheral part (32) is provided with a rigid reinforcement part (33), the peripheral part (32) that reinforces the rigidity of the current collector plate (30) is provided with a rigid reinforcement part (33) that reinforces the rigidity of the peripheral part (32), and as a result, the rigidity of the current collector plate (30) can be further reinforced.

[0113]

[0114] Meanwhile, the peripheral portion (32) may be configured in an inclined shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, it may be formed to slope upward as it goes toward the radially inner side. When the peripheral portion (32) is formed to be inclined in this manner, a folded portion (34) may be provided between the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode connecting portion (31). The electrode connecting portion (31) is positioned at a lower height than the upper end of the inclined peripheral portion (32), and the upper ends of the electrode connecting portion (31) and the peripheral portion (32) may be connected to each other by the folded portion (34).

[0115]

[0116] Meanwhile, the current collector plate (30) according to the present invention can be manufactured by cutting a single plate-shaped member along a cutting line including an inner cutting position. For example, in a plate-shaped member in the shape of a disk, the current collector plate (30) can be manufactured by cutting along a cutting line corresponding to a portion corresponding to a hollow portion (O). The inner cutting position can constitute a portion of the inner circumference of the peripheral portion (32).

[0117]

[0118] At least a portion of the electrode coupling portion (31) may become narrower as it goes toward the inside of the current collector plate (30). That is, at least a portion of the electrode coupling portion (31) may become narrower as it gets closer to the center of the current collector plate (30). For example, the shape of the electrode coupling portion (31) adjacent to the radially inner end portion, which is the center portion of the current collector plate (30), may be approximately horn-shaped. For example, the electrode coupling portion (31) may have an approximately triangular shape or an approximately pentagonal shape. Alternatively, the electrode coupling portion (31) may have, for example, an approximately trapezoidal shape.

[0119] When the electrode joint (31) is configured in this way, interference between multiple electrode joints (31) can be effectively prevented.

[0120]

[0121] The electrode joint (31) can be welded to the electrode assembly (10). The electrode joint (31) can be welded to the foil tabs (13). In the above and below, welding can be understood as any one of laser welding, spot welding, and ultrasonic welding, for example.

[0122] In this case, the bonding property of the electrode joint (31) and the electrode assembly (10) is improved, and an electrical connection between the two components can be formed more reliably.

[0123] And, as described above, when the width of at least a portion of the electrode joint (31) is formed to become narrower toward the inside, and the electrode joint (31) and the electrode assembly (10) are welded together, the empty space of the current collector (30) is secured widely, while the welding length in the radial direction between the electrode joint (31) and the electrode assembly (10) can be secured long, thereby enabling the implementation of a battery (1) with reduced electrical resistance.

[0124]

[0125] The electrode coupling portion (31) may not overlap with the winding center hole (C) when viewed from the direction of the central axis (A) of the winding center hole (C). That is, the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) of the current collector plate (30) may be configured so as not to cover the winding center hole (C). All of the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) may be configured so as not to overlap with the central portion of the hollow portion (O).

[0126] In this case, when injecting electrolyte into the battery (1) or electrode assembly (10), the injection of the electrolyte can be easily performed.

[0127]

[0128] A plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can be formed and arranged radially rotationally symmetrically. That is, a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can be configured symmetrically with respect to the central axis (A) of the central portion of the current collector plate (30) or the winding central hole (C).

[0129] A plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) may be arranged to form equilateral angles with respect to each other. For example, when the current collector plate (30) has four electrode coupling portions (31), each of the electrode coupling portions (31) may be arranged to form a 90-degree angle with respect to each other.

[0130] Additionally, a plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) can be configured in the same shape.

[0131] When the current collector plate (30) is configured as described above, the structural stability of the battery (1) can be improved. In addition, when the current collector plate (30) is coupled to the electrode assembly (10) or cell housing (20), the flatness of the current collector plate (30) can be easily secured.

[0132]

[0133] Figures 7 and 8 are plan views showing current collector plates (30) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the current collector plate (30) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention can be configured in various forms, such as having three (see FIG. 7) or five (see FIG. 8) electrode coupling portions (31). Of course, unlike FIGS. 7 and 8, it is also possible for the current collector plate (30) to have two or six or more electrode coupling portions (31).

[0135] Meanwhile, unlike what is shown in the drawings, it is also possible for at least two of the plurality of electrode coupling portions (31) in the collector plate (30) to be provided in different sizes or different shapes.

[0136]

[0137] Again, referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a can lead (40).

[0138] 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).

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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).

[0142] When the battery (1) includes a can lead (40), there is an advantage in that the electrode assembly (10) and the current collector (30) can be firmly and stably fixed without including the beading portion (23) and crimping portion (24) described later.

[0143]

[0144] Meanwhile, the can lid (40) may be provided with a vent notch portion (42). The vent notch portion (42) may be configured by being notched so that it can be broken when the internal pressure inside the battery (1) exceeds a predetermined level.

[0145]

[0146] Meanwhile, the can lid (40) may be formed with an open injection port that is exposed to the outside. The injection 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 injection port.

[0147]

[0148] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery (1) according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152]

[0153] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0155] In a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cell housing (20) may have a beading portion (23) and a crimping portion (24).

[0156] The beading portion (23) may be provided in an area adjacent to the opening (21) of the cell housing (20). The beading portion (23) may be formed by recessing inward in an area adjacent to one end of the cell housing (20). The beading portion (23) may secure the electrode assembly (10).

[0157] A crimping portion (24) may be provided at an end of the cell housing (20) on the open portion (21). The crimping portion (24) may be formed by bending and extending inward from one end of the cell housing (20). The crimping portion (24) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the open portion (21).

[0158] At least a portion of the current collector plate (30) may be disposed between the beading portion (23) and the crimping portion (24). For example, the peripheral portion (32) of the current collector plate (30) may be disposed between the beading portion (23) and the crimping portion. The current collector plate (30) may be electrically connected to the beading portion (23). The current collector plate (30) may be welded to the beading portion (23). In this case, the difference in height (Z-axis direction) between the peripheral portion (32) of the current collector plate (30) and the electrode coupling portion (31) may be configured to approximately correspond to the Z-axis direction thickness of the beading portion (23).

[0159]

[0160] Meanwhile, a battery (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a cap plate (70). The cap plate (70) may be configured to cover the opening (21) of the cell housing. The cap plate (70) may be fixed by a crimping portion (24). A gasket-like component may be further provided between the crimping portion (24) and the cap plate (70) to seal the space between them and the outside. The cap plate (70) may include a venting portion (71). The venting portion (71) may be configured to be ruptured by internal pressure within the battery (1) to induce venting of the battery (1). The cap plate (70) may be provided with a vent notch portion (72) that is notched so that it can be broken when the internal pressure inside the battery (1) exceeds a predetermined size, and the venting portion (71) may be understood as an inner area of ​​the vent notch portion (72).

[0161]

[0162] The current collector plate (30) according to the present invention can be configured to be applied to both cases where the battery (1) includes a can lead (40), as in one embodiment of the present invention, and cases where the battery (1) includes a beading portion (23) and a crimping portion (24), as in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0163]

[0164] 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.

[0165]

[0166] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 11, 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).

[0168] 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.

[0169]

[0170] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 12, 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.

[0172] 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).

[0173]

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1: Battery

[0178] 2: Pack Case

[0179] 3: Battery pack

[0180] 4: Car

[0181] 10: Electrode assembly

[0182] 11: Electrode

[0183] 11a: First electrode

[0184] 11b: Second electrode

[0185] 12: Membrane

[0186] 13: Foil tab

[0187] 13a: First foil tab

[0188] 13b: Second foil tab

[0189] 20: Cell housing

[0190] 21: Opening

[0191] 22: Closed section

[0192] 23: Bidding Department

[0193] 24: Crimping section

[0194] 30: Current collector plate

[0195] 30a: First collection board

[0196] 30b: Second collection plate

[0197] 31: Electrode joint

[0198] 32: Perimeter

[0199] 33: Reinforcement member

[0200] 34: Bend

[0201] 40: Can lead

[0202] 41: Edge

[0203] 42: Vent notch

[0204] 50: Plug

[0205] 60: Terminal

[0206] 70: Cap plate

[0207] 71: Benting Department

[0208] 72: Vent notch

[0209] C: Winding center hole

[0210] A: Central axis

[0211] O: Hollow

[0212] M: Central area

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 It includes a current collector plate that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and the cell housing, respectively, The above collector plate, A battery characterized in that each of the electrode assemblies is coupled to the electrode assembly and has a plurality of electrode coupling portions spaced apart from each other on the inside.

2. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, A battery characterized in that it is configured to cover only a portion of the above-mentioned opening.

3. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, A battery characterized by having a hollow portion formed between a plurality of the electrode connecting portions and configured to partition the plurality of the electrode connecting portions from each other.

4. In paragraph 3, The above hollow part, A battery characterized in that it is configured to occupy at least a central portion of the above-mentioned current collector plate.

5. In paragraph 3, The above hollow part, A battery characterized by being configured in a form that extends outward.

6. In paragraph 1, The above collector plate, Add more circumference to the edge, The above circumference is, A battery characterized in that each of the electrode joints is connected and electrically connected to the cell housing.

7. In paragraph 6, The above circumference is, A battery characterized by having a continuous shape along the edge of the above-mentioned current collector plate.

8. In paragraph 6, The above circumference is, A battery characterized by having a rigid reinforcement member that reinforces the rigidity of the above-mentioned peripheral portion.

9. In paragraph 1, At least a portion of the above electrode joint, A battery characterized in that the width of the current collector plate becomes narrower as it goes toward the inside.

10. In paragraph 1, The above electrode joint is, A battery characterized in that it is welded to the above electrode assembly.

11. In paragraph 1, The above electrode joint is, A battery characterized in that, when viewed from the central axis direction of the above winding center hole, it does not overlap with the above winding center hole.

12. In paragraph 1, A plurality of the above electrode joints, A battery characterized in that it is formed and arranged radially rotationally symmetrically.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery characterized in that it further includes a can lead coupled to the end of the open portion of the cell housing and covering the current collector plate.

14. In paragraph 1, The above cell housing, A beading portion recessed inward in the area adjacent to the above-mentioned opening, It has a crimping portion that is bent and extended inward from the end of the above open portion, At least a portion of the above collector plate, A battery characterized in that it is placed between the beading portion and the crimping portion.

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

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

Images