Battery, battery pack, and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly provided by winding a first electrode and a second electrode with a separator interposed therebetween, around the central axis of a winding central hole; 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 includes: at least one contact circumferential portion in contact with the cell housing; and at least one variable circumferential portion configured to be deformable.

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 with improved assembly and quality.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0089191, filed on July 5, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0080485, 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, even when the collector plate and electrode assembly are eccentric to each other, there is an urgent need to devise a method by which the collector plate and electrode assembly can be easily and firmly inserted into a metal can and the negative collector plate can be reliably welded to the metal can.

[0011] The present invention has been 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, in which a current collector plate and an electrode assembly can be easily and firmly inserted into a cell housing even when the current collector plate and the electrode assembly are displaced from each other.

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

[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 at least one contact peripheral portion that contacts the cell housing; and at least one variable peripheral portion that is configured to be deformable.

[0015] The above contact periphery can be welded to the cell housing.

[0016] The above contact circumference may have an arc shape when viewed from the central axis direction of the winding center hole.

[0017] The above contact peripheral portion may include an outer peripheral portion that is arranged on the outside of the contact peripheral portion and extends in a direction parallel to the central axis of the winding center hole.

[0018] The above variable circumference portion can be configured so that the length in the circumferential direction can be changed when pressurized.

[0019] The above variable circumference portion may be configured to be foldable when pressurized.

[0020] The above variable circumference portion may be provided with a folding guide portion configured to guide the folding when pressurized.

[0021] The above variable circumference portion may be configured to be foldable while protruding away from the electrode assembly when pressurized.

[0022] The above-mentioned circumference portion may each include a plurality of the contact circumference portions and the variable circumference portions, and the plurality of the contact circumference portions and the plurality of the variable circumference portions may be arranged alternately.

[0023] The above-mentioned peripheral portion may be configured symmetrically with respect to the center of the collector plate.

[0024] The above variable circumference portion may include an elastic material.

[0025] The radial width of the above variable circumference portion can be formed to be smaller than the radial width of the above contact circumference portion.

[0026] The above variable circumference portion may be arranged radially inward from the radially outer edge of the contact circumference portion.

[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 a vehicle including the same can be provided, in which the current collector plate has at least one variable perimeter, so that the current collector plate and the electrode assembly can be easily and firmly inserted into a cell housing even when the current collector plate and the electrode assembly are eccentric to each other.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, even when the collector plate and the electrode assembly are eccentric to each other, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same can be provided, in which the collector plate is in precise contact with the cell housing, so that the negative 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 productivity 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 quality 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 a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the AA' section of Fig. 3.

[0043] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of Figure 4.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a variable perimeter of a current collector plate according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, viewed in the radial direction.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a peripheral portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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).

[0052]

[0053] 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, FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of a section AA' of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of FIG. 4.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, 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).

[0055] The battery (1) may be a secondary battery configured to be rechargeable. The battery (1) may be a cylindrical battery.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] The current collector (30) can be electrically connected to the cell housing (20). The current collector (30) can be connected to the cell housing (20) by welding. The current collector (30) can be electrically disposed between the cell housing (20) and the electrode assembly (10). In particular, the first current collector (30a) can be electrically disposed between the cell housing (20) and the first electrode (11a).

[0073] 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.

[0074] Hereinafter, with further reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0075] The current collector plate (30) of the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a peripheral portion (32). The peripheral portion (32) may be provided at the edge of the current collector plate (30).

[0076] 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 electrically connected to the cell housing (20). For example, the contact peripheral portion (33) described below can be connected to the inner surface of the cell housing (20).

[0077] The circumference (32) may have at least one contact circumference (33) and at least one variable circumference (34).

[0078] The contact periphery (33) can be in contact with the cell housing (20). The contact periphery (33) can be in contact with the inner surface of the cell housing (20). For example, the outer periphery of the contact periphery (33) can be in contact with the inner periphery of the cell housing (20). Preferably, most of the outer periphery of the contact periphery (33) can be in contact with the inner periphery of the cell housing (20). The outer periphery of the contact periphery (33) can be in surface contact with the inner surface of the cell housing (20).

[0079] The contact periphery (33) can be combined with the cell housing (20) while in contact with the cell housing (20).

[0080] The overall rigidity of the current collector (30) can be secured by the contact periphery (33).

[0081] The variable circumference portion (34) may be configured to be changeable. Specifically, the variable circumference portion (34) may be configured to be deformable. The variable circumference portion (34) may be deformed when pressed by an external force. For example, when the variable circumference portion (34) is pressed by the contact circumference portion (33), the shape of the variable circumference portion (34) may be deformed.

[0082] Meanwhile, in the circumference (32), the variable circumference (34) and the contact circumference (33) may be connected to each other. For example, the contact circumference (33) may be connected to both ends of the variable circumference (34). Alternatively, the variable circumference (34) may be connected to both ends of the contact circumference (33). In the circumference (32), the contact circumference (33) and the variable circumference (34) may be configured as an integral part.

[0083] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even when the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are inserted into the cell housing (20) in a state in which they are coupled with each other at an eccentric angle, the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) can be easily and firmly inserted into the cell housing (20). Specifically, even when the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are coupled with each other in an eccentric angle with their centers not aligned, and the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) coupled in this manner are inserted into the cell housing (20), since the variable circumference (34) can be deformed, the circumference (32) can be deformed to fit the cell housing (20), so that the current collector (30) and the electrode assembly (10) can be easily and firmly inserted into the cell housing (20). In addition, the alignment between the current collector (30) and the cell housing (20) can be allowed within a relatively wide range of error. As a result, the productivity of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0084] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, even when the current collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are eccentric to each other, the current collector plate (30) can be brought into precise contact with the cell housing (20). Specifically, since the variable circumference portion (34) can be deformed, the circumference portion (32) can be deformed so as to be brought into precise contact with the inner surface of the cell housing (20), so that the current collector plate (30) and the cell housing (20) can be effectively brought into contact and joined. As a result, the quality of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0085] In addition, since the current collector plate (30), electrode assembly (10) and cell housing (20) can be effectively coupled to each other, the electrical connection of the current collector plate (30) can be formed stably, so that the electrical stability of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0086]

[0087] The contact perimeter (33) can be welded to the cell housing (20). For example, the outer perimeter of the contact perimeter (33) and the inner perimeter of the cell housing (20) can be welded (see Fig. 7). Herein and hereinafter, welding can be understood as any one of laser welding, spot welding, and ultrasonic welding, for example.

[0088] The contact periphery (33) may include an outer periphery (332) described later, and the outer periphery (332) described later may be welded to the inner periphery of the cell housing (20).

[0089] In this way, when the contact periphery (33) is welded to the cell housing (20), not only can the current collector (30) be effectively positioned and fixed to the cell housing (20), but also the current conducting area between the current collector (30) and the cell housing (20) is stably secured, so that the electrical stability of the battery (1) can be improved.

[0090]

[0091] The contact periphery (33) may have an arcuate shape. Specifically, the contact periphery (33) may have an arcuate shape when viewed from the central axis of the winding center hole. That is, the contact periphery (33) may be a portion of a circle or a portion of an annular shape.

[0092] The cell housing (20) may have a cylindrical can shape with a circular cross-section when viewed from the central axis of the winding center hole. When the shape of the cell housing (20) is formed in this manner, the battery (1) may be configured as a cylindrical battery (1).

[0093] The radius of curvature of the outer circumference of the contact periphery (33) may approximately match the radius of the inner circumference of the cell housing (20).

[0094] When the contact periphery (33) is configured as described above, the contact area between the contact periphery (33) and the cell housing (20) can be increased. Accordingly, the current collector (30) and the cell housing (20) can be more effectively contacted and joined, and thus the quality of the battery (1) can be further improved.

[0095] In addition, since the stress applied to the contact periphery (33) can be effectively distributed, the rigidity of the contact periphery (33) can be strongly secured. In this case, when an external force is applied and the periphery (32) is pressed, the contact periphery (33) does not deform, and only the variable periphery (34) can be induced to deform.

[0096]

[0097] The contact perimeter (33) may include an outer perimeter (332). The outer perimeter (332) may be arranged on the outer side of the contact perimeter (33). The outer perimeter (332) may be arranged along the outer edge of the contact perimeter (33).

[0098] The outer peripheral portion (332) may extend in a direction parallel to the central axis of the winding center hole. For example, the outer peripheral portion (332) may extend along the Z-axis direction in a direction away from the electrode assembly (10). The inner peripheral surface of the cell housing (20) may extend along the Z-axis direction, and the outer peripheral portion (332) may extend in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the inner peripheral surface of the cell housing (20).

[0099] The outer peripheral portion (332) can be joined by being in face-to-face contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cell housing (20). The outer peripheral portion (332) can be welded to the inner peripheral surface of the cell housing (20).

[0100] When the contact periphery (33) includes the outer periphery (332) as described above, a wider contact area between the contact periphery (33) and the cell housing (20) can be secured. Accordingly, the current collector (30) and the cell housing (20) can be more effectively contacted and joined, and thus the quality of the battery (1) can be further improved.

[0101] In addition, the outer circumference (332) can improve the rigidity of the contact circumference (33). Accordingly, the rigidity of the contact circumference (33) can be further secured, so that when an external force is applied and the circumference (32) is pressed, the contact circumference (33) does not deform, and only the variable circumference (34) can be induced to deform.

[0102] Meanwhile, the contact peripheral portion (33) may include a flat portion (331). The flat portion (331) may be configured to have at least a portion having a flat shape. For example, the flat portion (331) may face the electrode assembly (10). For example, the flat portion (331) may extend in a direction parallel to the XY plane, which is a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the winding center hole or the Z-axis. The flat portion (331) may have a predetermined width in the radial direction. The flat portion (331) may have an arc-shaped shape when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the winding center hole. When the contact peripheral portion (33) includes both the outer peripheral portion (332) and the flat portion (331), the cross-section may be approximately 'L'-shaped, and the stress of the contact peripheral portion (33) in the horizontal direction or the XY plane direction may be effectively distributed.

[0103]

[0104] The variable circumferential portion (34) can have a circumferential length that can be changed when pressurized. Here, the circumferential direction can be understood as the circumferential direction of the collector plate (30) or the circumferential direction of the contact circumferential portion (33). For example, when the contact circumferential portion (33) has an arc shape as described above, the circumferential direction can be understood as a circumferential direction, and the length in the circumferential direction can be understood as a length in the circumferential direction. In addition, the length in the circumferential direction here means a length on a plane when viewed from the central axis of the winding center hole or the Z-axis direction, and does not mean the three-dimensional total length of the variable circumferential portion (34).

[0105] The variable circumference portion (34) can be deformed, for example, when pressurized, such that its circumferential length is reduced. Specifically, the variable circumference portion (34) can be deformed such that its circumferential length is reduced when pressurized inwardly in the circumferential direction at at least one of the circumferential ends of the variable circumference portion (34).

[0106] When the variable circumference portion (34) is configured as above, when the collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10) are combined in an eccentric state and inserted into the cell housing (20), the collector plate (30) can be deformed to better fit the cell housing (20).

[0107]

[0108] The variable circumference portion (34) can be configured to be foldable when pressurized. That is, the variable circumference portion (34) can be configured to be bendable.

[0109] The variable circumference portion (34) can be compressed and folded along the pressing direction when pressed by the contact circumference portion (33).

[0110] In this way, when the variable circumference portion (34) is configured to be foldable, the length deformation in the circumferential direction of the variable circumference portion (34) can be effectively implemented.

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a variable perimeter of a current collector plate according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention, viewed in the radial direction.

[0113] Fig. 9 (a) shows the appearance of the variable circumference part (34) in an unfolded state, and Fig. 9 (b) shows the appearance of the variable circumference part (34) in a folded state.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, and particularly FIG. 9, the variable circumference portion (34) of the current collector (30) according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a folding guide portion (341).

[0115] The folding guide part (341) can be configured to guide the folding of the variable circumference part (34) when the variable circumference part (34) is pressed. Specifically, the variable circumference part (34) in the state shown in Fig. 9 (a) can be folded while the folding guide part (341) protrudes in the +Z direction when pressed in the inward direction of the circumferential direction (CR), as shown in Fig. 9 (b).

[0116] The folding guide portion (341) may be positioned, for example, approximately at the center of the variable circumference portion (34). The folding guide portion (341) may be provided on one or both sides of the variable circumference portion (34). The folding guide portion (341) may be formed by notching on one or both sides of the variable circumference portion (34).

[0117] When the variable circumference part (34) is provided with a folding guide part (341), the folding of the variable circumference part (34) can be guided at a specific location where the folding guide part (341) is located, so there is an advantage that the folding of the variable circumference part (34) can be performed at a desired location.

[0118]

[0119] The variable circumference portion (34) may be configured to be foldable while protruding away from the electrode assembly (10) when pressurized. For example, the variable circumference portion (34) may be foldable while protruding in the +Z direction or upward direction.

[0120] When the variable circumference portion (34) is configured in this manner, the variable circumference portion (34) can be prevented from coming into contact with the electrode assembly (10) while being folded, thereby preventing damage to the electrode assembly (10). For example, when the variable circumference portion (34) is in contact with the electrode assembly (10), there is a possibility that the welding heat generated during welding between the contact circumference portion (33) and the cell housing (20) may be transmitted to the electrode assembly (10) through the variable circumference portion (34), or the electrode assembly (10) may be deformed as the variable circumference portion (34) presses the electrode assembly (10). However, when the variable circumference portion (34) is configured to be foldable while protruding away from the electrode assembly (10) as described above, thereby preventing contact with the electrode assembly (10), damage to the electrode assembly (10) can be effectively prevented.

[0121]

[0122] Meanwhile, unlike the above-described variable circumference portion (34), it is of course possible to fold while protruding toward the electrode assembly (10). In this case, it may be desirable for the variable circumference portion (34) to be positioned so that it does not come into contact with the electrode assembly (10) even when the variable circumference portion (34) protrudes to the maximum.

[0123]

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the circumference (32) may each include a plurality of contact circumferences (33) and variable circumferences (34). The plurality of contact circumferences (33) and variable circumferences (34) may be arranged alternately. Specifically, one variable circumference (34) may be arranged between any two adjacent contact circumferences (33), and one contact circumference (33) may be arranged between any two adjacent variable circumferences (34).

[0125] The circumference (32) may have, for example, four contact circumferences (33) and four variable circumferences (34), as shown in the drawing, and the contact circumferences (33) and variable circumferences (34) may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction.

[0126] In this case, the variable circumference (34) can be distributed in multiple locations in the circumference (32), so that the collector plate (30) can be deformed in various directions.

[0127]

[0128] The peripheral portion (32) may be configured symmetrically with respect to the center of the collector plate (30). Specifically, the contact peripheral portion (33) and the variable peripheral portion (34) of the peripheral portion (32) may be arranged and formed radially rotationally symmetrically with respect to the center of the collector plate (30). For example, as illustrated in the drawing, four contact peripheral portions (33) and four variable peripheral portions (34) may be arranged symmetrically with the same shape with respect to the center of the collector plate (30).

[0129] When the peripheral portion (32) is configured as described above, it is easy to secure flatness between the collector plate (30) and the electrode assembly (10). In addition, the stress applied to the collector plate (30) can be uniformly distributed.

[0130]

[0131] The variable circumference portion (34) may include an elastic material. For example, the variable circumference portion (34) may include a metal material having elasticity.

[0132] When the variable circumference portion (34) includes an elastic material, there is an advantage in that the variable circumference portion (34) can be easily deformed, while the current collector plate (30) can be strongly pressed against the cell housing (20) due to the elastic restoring force.

[0133] Meanwhile, the variable circumference portion (34) may be manufactured as an integral part with the remaining portion of the collector plate (30), in which case the collector plate (30) may be composed entirely of the same material including an elastic material.

[0134]

[0135] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an enlarged portion of a peripheral portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8 and FIG. 10, and particularly FIG. 10, the radial width of the variable circumference portion (34) may be formed to be smaller than the radial width of the contact circumference portion (33). Specifically, the radial width of the variable circumference portion (34) may be formed to be a first width (W1), and the radial width of the contact circumference portion (33) may be formed to be a second width (W2) smaller than the first width (W1).

[0137] When the circumference (32) is formed in this manner, there is an advantage in that when the circumference (32) is pressurized, deformation of the contact circumference (33) is prevented, while at the same time deformation of the variable circumference (34) can be effectively induced.

[0138]

[0139] The variable circumference portion (34) may be positioned further inward than the contact circumference portion (33). Specifically, the variable circumference portion (34) may be positioned radially inward than the radially outer edge of the contact circumference portion (33).

[0140] In this case, when the collector plate (30) is inserted into the cell housing (20), the contact perimeter (33) comes into contact with the cell housing (20), but the variable perimeter (34) can be spaced apart from the cell housing (20). Therefore, interference between the variable perimeter (34) and the cell housing (20) can be effectively prevented, and deformation of the variable perimeter (34) can be reliably achieved.

[0141]

[0142] Meanwhile, 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).

[0143] Meanwhile, 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 (35) described later.

[0144] Meanwhile, 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).

[0145] 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.

[0146] Meanwhile, the electrode joint (31) can be configured as a single unit in the current collector plate (30).

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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).

[0149] Meanwhile, the collector plate (30) may further include a bridge (35). The bridge (35) may be configured to connect the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) to each other.

[0150] The bridge (35) may be positioned between the circumference (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31). At least one bridge (35) may be provided. A plurality of bridges (35) may be provided. For example, the current collector (30) may be provided with four bridges (35) as shown in the drawing. The bridges (35) in the current collector (30) may be configured radially rotationally symmetrically.

[0151] The bridge (35) may extend toward each of the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31). For example, the bridge (35) may extend long from one of the peripheral portion (32) and the electrode coupling portion (31) toward the other. For example, the bridge (35) may extend long along the radial direction. The bridge (35) may be configured so that its length can be varied.

[0152] Meanwhile, the bridge (35) of the collector plate (30) may be provided with a variable portion (36). The variable portion (36) may be configured so that the length of the bridge (35) may be variable. Specifically, when the bridge (35) receives a force in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bridge (35), the variable portion (36) may be compressed or expanded, so that the length of the bridge (35) 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.

[0153]

[0154] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8, the battery according to the present invention may further include a can lead (40).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162]

[0163] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the battery (1) according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0164] 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).

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167]

[0168] 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.

[0169]

[0170] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] 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).

[0172] 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.

[0173]

[0174] Figure 12 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] 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.

[0176] In addition, it goes without saying that the battery pack (3) according to the present invention may be equipped in other devices, apparatuses, and facilities, such as energy storage systems that utilize secondary batteries, in addition to automobiles (4).

[0177]

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1: Battery

[0182] 2: Pack Case

[0183] 3: Battery pack

[0184] 4: Car

[0185] 10: Electrode assembly

[0186] 11: Electrode

[0187] 11a: First electrode

[0188] 11b: Second electrode

[0189] 12: Membrane

[0190] 13: Foil tab

[0191] 13a: First foil tab

[0192] 13b: Second foil tab

[0193] 20: Cell housing

[0194] 21: Opening

[0195] 22: Closed section

[0196] 30: Current collector plate

[0197] 30a: First collection board

[0198] 30b: Second collection plate

[0199] 31: Electrode joint

[0200] 32: Perimeter

[0201] 33: Contact perimeter

[0202] 331: Flat area

[0203] 332: Outer circumference

[0204] 34: Variable circumference

[0205] 341: Folding guide section

[0206] 35: Bridge

[0207] 36: Variable part

[0208] 37: Hollow Hall

[0209] 40: Can lead

[0210] 41: Edge

[0211] 42: Vent notch

[0212] 50: Plug

[0213] 60: Terminal

[0214] C: Winding center hole

[0215] A: Central axis

[0216] W1: First width

[0217] W2: 2nd width

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, At least one contact periphery in contact with the cell housing; and A battery characterized by having at least one variable circumference portion configured to be deformable.

2. In paragraph 1, The above contact perimeter is, A battery characterized in that it is welded to the above cell housing.

3. In paragraph 1, The above contact perimeter is, A battery characterized by having an arc-shaped shape when viewed from the central axis of the above-mentioned winding center hole.

4. In paragraph 1, The above contact perimeter is, A battery characterized in that it includes an outer peripheral portion arranged on the outer side of the above contact peripheral portion and extending in a direction parallel to the central axis of the above winding center hole.

5. In paragraph 1, The above variable circumference is, A battery characterized in that it is configured so that the length in the circumferential direction can be deformed when pressurized.

6. In paragraph 5, The above variable circumference is, A battery characterized in that it is configured to be foldable when pressurized.

7. In paragraph 6, The above variable circumference is, A battery characterized in that it comprises a folding guide portion configured to guide the folding when pressurized.

8. In paragraph 6, The above variable circumference is, A battery characterized in that it is configured to be foldable while protruding away from the electrode assembly when pressurized.

9. In paragraph 1, The above circumference is, Each of the above contact perimeter and the above variable perimeter is provided in multiple numbers, A plurality of the above contact perimeters and a plurality of the above variable perimeters, A battery characterized by being arranged alternately.

10. In paragraph 1, The above circumference is, A battery characterized in that it is configured symmetrically based on the center of the above-mentioned collector plate.

11. In paragraph 1, The above variable circumference is, A battery characterized by including an elastic material.

12. In paragraph 1, The radial width of the above variable circumference is A battery characterized in that it is formed smaller than the radial width of the above contact circumference.

13. In paragraph 1, The above variable circumference is, A battery characterized in that it is positioned radially inward from the radially outer edge of the above contact periphery.

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.

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