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, and a separator interposed therebetween around the central axis of a winding center hole; a can housing which accommodates the electrode assembly; an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a first current collecting plate which electrically connects the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal, wherein the first current collecting plate is coupled to the electrode terminal by surface-to-surface welding and has at least one communication hole to allow the inside of the can housing to communicate with the winding center hole.

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 the insertion process of an electrode assembly is improved.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0097273, filed on July 23, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0093239, filed on July 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

[0005] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in the case of a conventional battery, the current collector plate (30') is designed to cover most of the core (C) of the electrode assembly (10') for welding the electrode terminal (60') and the current collector plate (30'). When the current collector plate (30') is joined to the electrode assembly (10') by welding or the like, and the electrode assembly (10') with the current collector plate (30') joined in this way is inserted into the can housing (20'), the current collector plate (30') covers the core of the electrode assembly (10'), and as a result, it is difficult for fluid such as air inside the can housing (20') to escape to the outside of the electrode assembly (10') and the can housing (20'). As a result, the conventional battery has a problem in that the insertion process of the electrode assembly (10') into the can housing (20') is deteriorated. Meanwhile, to solve this problem, a gap can be formed between the outer diameter of the electrode assembly (10') and the inner diameter of the can housing (20') to allow sufficient passage of fluid such as air, but in this case, the volume of the electrode assembly (10') is reduced, resulting in a problem of a decrease in the energy density of the battery.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a battery that can improve the insertion process of the electrode assembly into the can housing while simultaneously increasing the energy density.

[0007] 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, wherein the insertion process of an electrode assembly into a can housing is improved.

[0008] Additionally, it has another purpose of providing batteries, battery packs and vehicles including the same with improved productivity.

[0009] Another objective is to provide batteries, battery packs and vehicles including the same with improved energy density.

[0010] 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.

[0011] A battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode assembly wound around a central axis of a winding center hole, with a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween; a can housing for accommodating the electrode assembly; an electrode terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a first current collector plate electrically connecting the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal, wherein the first current collector plate is welded face-to-face with the electrode terminal and has at least one communication hole communicating the inside of the can housing and the winding center hole.

[0012] The above electrode terminal is electrically connected to a first electrode of a first polarity, and the first current collector plate can electrically connect the first electrode and the electrode terminal.

[0013] The electrode terminal is disposed penetrating the closed portion of the can housing so that at least a portion thereof protrudes into the interior of the can housing, and the first collector plate has a first connecting portion that is face-to-face welded to at least a portion of the electrode terminal protruding into the interior of the can housing, and the communication hole can be formed in the first connecting portion.

[0014] The first collector plate further includes a second coupling portion coupled to the electrode assembly; and a bridge connecting the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, and the communication hole may be spaced apart from the bridge.

[0015] The above-mentioned communication hole may be provided at a position where at least a portion thereof corresponds to the inner side of the inner circumference of the above-mentioned winding center hole.

[0016] The above-mentioned communication hole may have a circular shape.

[0017] The above-mentioned communication hole may have a polygonal shape.

[0018] The above-mentioned communication hole may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0019] The plurality of above-mentioned communication holes can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the first collector plate.

[0020] The above-mentioned communication hole may be provided in the form of a slit.

[0021] The electrode terminal is disposed penetratingly in the closed portion of the can housing so that at least a portion thereof protrudes into the interior of the can housing, and the first current collector plate has a first connecting portion that is face-to-face welded to at least a portion of the electrode terminal protruding into the interior of the can housing, and the communication hole can be formed to extend inward from an outer circumference of the first connecting portion.

[0022] A battery pack according to the present invention comprises at least one battery according to the present invention.

[0023] A vehicle according to the present invention comprises at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0024] According to the present invention, when an electrode assembly is inserted into a can housing, fluid inside the can housing can smoothly flow out, thereby providing a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same with improved insertion processability of the electrode assembly into the can housing.

[0025] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, since the insertion process of the electrode assembly into the can housing is improved, a battery, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same with improved productivity can be provided.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, when the electrode assembly is inserted into the can housing, the fluid inside the can housing can smoothly flow out, and unnecessary tolerance between the electrode assembly and the can housing can be minimized, thereby providing a battery, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same with improved energy density.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view showing the overall internal appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an electrode that can be applied to a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a first collector plate of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a process of inserting an electrode assembly into a can housing in a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a current collector plate of a conventional battery.

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating the insertion process of an electrode assembly into a can housing in a conventional battery.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view showing a portion of a battery according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a first collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention in which a communication hole is provided in a polygonal shape.

[0038] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a first collector plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a first collector plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] 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 conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0043] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall internal appearance of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an electrode that can be applied to a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention in an expanded form.

[0048] Hereinafter, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a can housing (20), an electrode terminal (60), and a first current collector (30).

[0049] The battery (1) may be a secondary battery configured to be rechargeable. For example, the battery (1) may be a cylindrical battery.

[0050] The electrode assembly (10) may include an electrode (11) and a separator (12). The electrode (11) may include electrodes (11) having different polarities. Specifically, the electrode (11) may include a first electrode (11a) and a second electrode (11b). The first electrode (11a) may have a first polarity, and the second electrode (11b) may have a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first polarity may be an anode and the second polarity may be a cathode. The separator (12) may be interposed between the electrodes (11) having different polarities. The separator (12) may be interposed between the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b). The separator (12) may be an insulator.

[0051] 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.

[0052] The electrode (11) may have a holding portion (111) and a non-holding portion (112). The holding portion (111) may be a portion where an active material layer is laminated on at least one surface of the electrode (11). For example, a positive electrode active material may be laminated on the holding portion (111) of the first electrode (11a), and a negative electrode active material may be laminated on the holding portion (111) of the second electrode (11b).

[0053] The uncoated portion (112) 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 uncoated portion (112) may be formed on one long side of the electrode (11). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the uncoated portion (112) may be formed on the long side in the Z-axis direction. The uncoated portion (112) of the first electrode (11a) may be formed on the long side in the +Z direction, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The uncoated portion (112) of the second electrode (11b), unlike FIG. 3, may be formed on the long side in the -Z direction.

[0054] At least a portion of the non-conductive portion (112) may be exposed to the outside of the separator (12). The non-conductive portion (112) may be used as an electrode (11) tab.

[0055] The non-woven portion (112) may be provided with a plurality of foil tabs (113). The foil tabs (113) 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 toward the outer periphery (for example, toward the +X direction in FIG. 3). The plurality of foil tabs (113) may be formed by at least one notching portion (114) formed by notching processing.

[0056] The electrode (11) may have an insulating coating portion (115). The insulating coating portion (115) may be arranged at the boundary between the non-conductive portion (112) and the holding portion (111). The insulating coating portion (115) may be provided when the electrode (11) is the first electrode (11a), and may prevent the holding portions (111) of the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) from contacting each other.

[0057] The description of the electrode (11) above and below can be commonly applied to both the first electrode (11a) and the second electrode (11b) unless otherwise stated.

[0058] The can housing (20) can accommodate the electrode assembly (10). A space for accommodating the electrode assembly (10) can be formed inside the can housing (20). The can housing (20) can be provided, for example, in a cylindrical shape with an empty interior to accommodate the electrode assembly (10).

[0059] The can housing (20) may have an opening (21) and a closing portion (22). The opening portion (21) may be provided on one side of the can housing (20). For example, the opening portion (21) may be formed at an end portion of one side (e.g., a -Z direction side) of the can housing (20). The electrode assembly (10) may be inserted into the interior of the can housing (20) through the opening portion (21). The closing portion (22) may be formed at an end portion of the other side (e.g., a +Z direction side) of the can housing (20). That is, the closing portion (22) may be formed on the opposite side of the opening portion (21).

[0060] The can housing (20) may include a conductive metal. For example, the can housing (20) may include at least one of aluminum, stainless steel, and nickel-plated steel.

[0061] The electrode terminal (60) may be a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The electrode terminal (60) may be disposed penetratingly in the closure (22). At least a portion of the electrode terminal (60) may be exposed to the outside of the closure (22). At least a portion of the electrode terminal (60) may protrude while being exposed to the outside of the closure (22). The electrode terminal (60) may be provided in the form of a rivet. The electrode terminal (60) may be disposed by being riveted to the closure (22).

[0062] The first collector plate (30) may be configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) and the electrode terminal (60). The first collector plate (30) may be electrically and physically disposed between the electrode assembly (10) and the electrode terminal (60). The first collector plate (30) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) and the electrode terminal (60), respectively. The first collector plate (30) may be welded to the electrode assembly (10) and the electrode terminal (60), respectively. The first collector plate (30) may be welded to a plurality of foil tabs (113).

[0063] The first collector plate (30) can be inserted into the interior of the can housing (20) together with the electrode assembly (10) while being coupled to the electrode assembly (10).

[0064]

[0065] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a first current collector plate of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a process of inserting an electrode assembly into a can housing in a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a current collector plate of a conventional battery, and FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining a process of inserting an electrode assembly into a can housing in a conventional battery.

[0066] Below, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first collector plate (30) of the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0067] The first collector plate (30) can be welded face-to-face with the electrode terminal (60). That is, the first collector plate (30) can be welded and joined while in face-to-face contact with the electrode terminal (60) over a predetermined area. Various welding methods, such as laser welding and ultrasonic welding, can be applied, and the welding method is not limited to a specific welding method.

[0068] The first collector plate (30) may have at least one communication hole (34). The communication hole (34) may be configured to communicate the can housing (20) and the winding center hole (C) of the electrode assembly (10). Specifically, when the electrode assembly (10) is inserted into the can housing (20), a space may be formed between the closing portion (22) of the can housing (20) and the electrode assembly (10), and the communication hole (34) may be a hole configured to communicate the space and the winding center hole (C).

[0069] The communication hole (34) may be provided approximately in the center of the first collector plate (30) so as to correspond to the winding center hole (C). The size of the communication hole (34) may be provided to an appropriate size that can smoothly secure a welding area for face-to-face welding between the electrode terminal (60) and the first collector plate (30). For example, the size of the communication hole (34) may preferably be formed to be smaller than the welding area between the electrode terminal (60) and the first collector plate (30).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the current collector plate (30') of the conventional battery is not provided with a configuration such as the communication hole (34) of the present invention. That is, although the current collector plate (30') may have configurations such as the first connecting portion (31'), the second connecting portion (32'), and the bridge (33'), it does not have a configuration corresponding to the communication hole, and thus has a structure in which the winding center hole (C) of the electrode assembly (10') is completely blocked. Therefore, when the electrode assembly (10') with the current collector plate (30') coupled thereto is pushed into the can housing (20'), the pressure in the space between the electrode assembly (10') and the can housing (20') may excessively increase. In this case, not only is the insertion fairness of the can housing (20') of the electrode assembly (10') poor, but in severe cases, there is also a risk that one or more of the current collector (30'), the electrode assembly (10'), and the can housing (20') may be damaged. In order to suppress such excessive increase in pressure, a conventional battery may be designed to form a predetermined tolerance between the outer circumference of the electrode assembly (10') and the inner circumference of the can housing (20') so that fluid can escape between them. However, in this case, there is a disadvantage in that the size of the electrode assembly (10') becomes small, which may lower the energy density of the battery.

[0071] Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the insertion process of the battery (1) as the first collector plate (30) is configured to have at least one communication hole (34) as described above. Specifically, the battery (1) according to the present invention can be manufactured through a process in which the first collector plate (30) is coupled to the electrode assembly (10), and the electrode assembly (10) with the first collector plate (30) coupled in this manner passes through the opening (21) and is inserted into the interior of the can housing (20). At this time, when the electrode assembly (10) is inserted into the interior of the can housing (20), a fluid such as air inside the can housing (20) can smoothly escape through the at least one communication hole (34) provided in the first collector plate (30) to the winding center hole (C). Accordingly, when pushing the electrode assembly (10) into the can housing (20), the pressure in the space between the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20) can be prevented from increasing excessively, so that the insertion process of the electrode assembly (10) into the can housing (20) can be improved.

[0072] Additionally, as the insertion process of the electrode assembly (10) is improved, the productivity of the battery (1) can also be improved.

[0073] In addition, unnecessary tolerances between the outer circumference of the electrode assembly (10) and the inner circumference of the can housing (20) can be minimized, so that the size of the electrode assembly (10) can be secured to the maximum within the limited size of the can housing (20), thereby improving the energy density of the battery (1).

[0074]

[0075] Meanwhile, the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include at least one of a second collector plate (40), an insulating gasket (70), and an insulator (80). The second collector plate (40) may be configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20). The second collector plate (40) may be electrically and physically disposed between the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20). The second collector plate (40) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20), respectively. The second collector plate (40) may be welded to the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20), respectively. The second collector plate (40) may be welded to a plurality of foil tabs (113). The insulating gasket (70) may be disposed between the electrode terminal (60) and the closing portion (22). The insulating gasket (70) may be configured to insulate the electrode terminal (60) and the closing portion (22) from each other. The insulator (80) may be disposed between the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20). The insulator (80) may be disposed between the other end of the electrode assembly (10) and the bottom surface of the closing portion (22). The insulator (80) may be configured to insulate the electrode assembly (10) and the can housing (20) from each other.

[0076] Meanwhile, another battery (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cap plate (50), and the housing may further include a beading portion (23) and a crimping portion (24). The beading portion (23) may be formed in a recessed shape at a side adjacent to the opening portion (21) of the can housing (20). The beading portion (23) may fix the electrode assembly (10). The crimping portion (24) may be formed in a shape that extends and bends from an end of the can housing (20) on the opening portion (21) side toward the opening portion (21). The opening portion (21) of the can housing (20) may be covered by the cap plate (50), and the crimping portion (24) may fix and seal the cap plate (50).

[0077]

[0078] The electrode terminal (60) can be electrically connected to a first electrode (11a) having a first polarity. Accordingly, the electrode terminal (60) can have a first polarity. The electrode terminal (60) can have a positive polarity and can be configured as a positive terminal. The positive terminal can be referred to as a first terminal.

[0079] The first collector plate (30) can electrically connect the first electrode (11a) and the electrode terminal (60). Accordingly, the first collector plate (30) can have a first polarity. The first collector plate (30) can have a positive polarity and can be configured as a positive collector plate.

[0080] Meanwhile, the second collector plate (40) can electrically connect the second electrode (11b) and the can housing (20). Accordingly, the second collector plate (40) can have a second polarity. The second collector plate (40) can have a negative polarity and can be configured as a negative collector plate. In addition, the can housing (20) can have a negative polarity by the second collector plate (40). In particular, the closing portion (22) excluding the electrode terminal (60) can have a negative polarity and can be configured as a negative terminal. The negative terminal can be referred to as a second terminal.

[0081] In the battery (1) according to the present invention, the first terminal and the second terminal can both be placed on one side of the battery (1) (for example, the +Z direction side), so that an electrical connection structure for constructing a battery pack or the like can be easily implemented.

[0082]

[0083] The electrode terminal (60) may be disposed penetratingly through the closing portion (22) of the can housing (20) so that at least a portion thereof protrudes into the interior of the can housing (20). That is, when the electrode terminal (60) is disposed penetratingly through the closing portion (22), at least a portion of the electrode terminal (60) may have a form in which it protrudes toward the interior of the can housing (20).

[0084] The first collector plate (30) may have a first connecting portion (31). The first connecting portion (31) may be a portion that is connected to an electrode terminal (60). The first connecting portion (31) may be face-to-face welded to the electrode terminal (60). Specifically, the first connecting portion (31) may be face-to-face welded to at least a portion of the electrode terminal (60) protruding into the interior of the can housing (20).

[0085] The first coupling portion (31) may be configured to be spaced apart from the remaining portion of the first collector plate (30) at least in part.

[0086] The first coupling portion (31) may be provided at approximately the central portion of the first collector plate (30). The electrode terminal (60) may be positioned corresponding to the winding center hole (C), and the first coupling portion (31) may be positioned corresponding to the electrode terminal (60). Accordingly, the first coupling portion (31) may be positioned corresponding to the winding center hole (C).

[0087] A communication hole (34) can be formed in the first connecting portion (31). The communication hole (34) can be formed approximately in the center of the first connecting portion (31).

[0088] When the first collector plate (30) has a first connecting portion (31), it can be distinguished from the remaining portion of the first collector plate (30), so that direct transmission of welding heat or the like between the first connecting portion (31) and the remaining portion excluding the first connecting portion (31) can be prevented. In addition, when a communication hole (34) is formed in the first connecting portion (31), the fluid inside the can housing (20) can be smoothly discharged to the winding center hole (C).

[0089]

[0090] The first collector plate (30) may further include a second coupling portion (32) and a bridge (33).

[0091] The second connecting portion (32) may be a portion that is connected to the electrode assembly (10). The second connecting portion (32) may be connected to the first electrode (11a). The second connecting portion (32) may be welded to the foil tab (113) of the first electrode (11a).

[0092] The bridge (33) may be a portion connecting the first coupling portion (31) and the second coupling portion (32). The bridge (33) may extend toward the first coupling portion (31) and the second coupling portion (32). At least one bridge (33) may be provided, and a plurality of bridges (33) may be provided. A current path toward the first coupling portion (31) and the second coupling portion (32) may be formed.

[0093] The communication hole (34) can be spaced apart from the bridge (33). In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the current path formed in the bridge (33) can be prevented from being reduced by the communication hole (34).

[0094] The first coupling portion (31) and the second coupling portion (32) may be spaced apart from each other except for the bridge (33). A gap or slit may be formed between the first coupling portion (31) and the second coupling portion (32) except for the bridge (33).

[0095] When the first collector plate (30) further includes a second coupling portion (32) and a bridge (33), the portion of the first collector plate (30) that is coupled to the electrode terminal (60) and the portion of the first collector plate that is coupled to the electrode assembly (10) can be more clearly distinguished, and at the same time, a current path between the first coupling portion (31) and the second coupling portion (32) can be easily formed.

[0096]

[0097] The communication hole (34) may be provided at a position corresponding to, at least in part, the inner side of the inner circumference of the winding center hole (C). That is, when viewed from the central axis direction of the winding center hole (C) or the Z-axis direction, the communication hole (34) may be arranged on the inner side of the winding center hole (C).

[0098] When the communication hole (34) is configured in this manner, the fluid inside the can housing (20) can be discharged more smoothly into the winding center hole (C), and the interference effect of the electrode assembly (10) when discharging the fluid can be minimized, so that the insertion process of the electrode assembly (10) into the can housing (20) can be further improved.

[0099]

[0100] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view showing a portion of a battery according to a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] A battery (1) according to a variation of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a can lid (25). Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have an opening (21) of the can housing (20) sealed by a beading portion (23) and a crimping portion (24) provided in the can housing (20). In a battery (1) according to a variation of one embodiment of the present invention, the can housing (20) may not have a beading portion (23) and a crimping portion (24), and the opening (21) may be closed by a can lid (25) instead of a cap plate (50). The can lid (25) may be welded to an end of the opening (21) side of the can housing (20).

[0102]

[0103] Figure 9 is a plan view showing a first collector plate according to one embodiment of the present invention in which a communication hole (34) is provided in a polygonal shape.

[0104] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, the communication hole (34) of the first collector plate (30) will be described in more detail.

[0105] The communication hole (34) may be configured to have a circular shape, as illustrated in Fig. 4. The communication hole (34) may also be configured to have an oval shape rather than a perfect circle.

[0106] The communication hole (34) may be configured to have a polygonal shape, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The polygon may be, for example, a square or rhombus shape, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the polygon may be configured with various polygons, such as a triangle or a pentagon.

[0107] In this case, the shape of the communication hole (34) can be configured in various forms such as circular or polygonal.

[0108]

[0109] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a first collector plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, a first collector plate (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The first collector plate (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of communication holes (34). That is, a plurality of communication holes (34) may be formed in the first collector plate (30).

[0111] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, three communication holes (34) may be formed in the first collector plate (30). However, two or four or more communication holes (34) may be formed in the first collector plate (30) as illustrated in the drawing.

[0112] In this case, when a plurality of communication holes (34) are provided, when the electrode assembly (10) is inserted into the can housing (20), the fluid inside the can housing (20) can be discharged more smoothly, so that the insertion process of the electrode assembly (10) can be further improved.

[0113]

[0114] A plurality of communication holes (34) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other. Specifically, the plurality of communication holes (34) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the first collector plate (30). Here, the center of the first collector plate (30) may coincide with the center of the winding center hole (C), for example.

[0115] In this way, when a plurality of communication holes (34) are symmetrically arranged, the structural stability of the first collector plate (30) can be secured, and there is an advantage in that the fluid in the can housing (20) can be uniformly distributed and discharged through the plurality of communication holes (34).

[0116]

[0117] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a first collector plate according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 11, a first collector plate (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the first collector plate (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention, a communication hole (34) may be provided in the form of a slit.

[0119] The first collector plate (30) may have at least one or more slit-shaped communication holes (34).

[0120] The communication hole (34) may be formed by extending inward from the outer circumference of the first connecting portion (31). For example, the communication hole (34) may be formed in the form of a slit that extends inward from any location on the outer circumference of the first connecting portion (31) excluding the bridge (33) toward the center of the first collector plate (30).

[0121] When the communication hole (34) is formed as described above, there may be an advantage in that the insertion process of the first collector plate (30) can be secured at a high level, while at the same time, the length of the current path formed from the first collector plate (30) toward the electrode terminal (60) can be formed short.

[0122]

[0123] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 12, a battery pack (3) according to the present invention may include at least one battery cell (1) according to the present invention. The battery pack (3) may include a pack case (2) that accommodates at least one battery cell (1).

[0125] In the drawing, for the convenience of illustration, components such as bus bars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrical connection of battery cells (1) are omitted. The structure of a plurality of battery cells (1) for manufacturing the battery pack (3) has been previously described as an example.

[0126]

[0127] Figure 13 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 13, a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a vehicle (4), such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. That is, a vehicle (4) according to the present invention can include a battery pack (3) according to the present invention. The battery pack (3) can be installed in a body frame or a trunk space under a vehicle seat. In addition to the battery pack (3), the vehicle (4) according to the present invention can further include various other components included in the vehicle (4). For example, a vehicle (4) according to an embodiment of the present invention can further include a body, a motor, a control device such as an ECU (electronic control unit), etc., in addition to the battery pack (3) according to the present invention.

[0129] 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).

[0130]

[0131] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0132] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

[0133] [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1: Battery

[0135] 2: Pack Case

[0136] 3: Battery pack

[0137] 4: Car

[0138] 10: Electrode assembly

[0139] 11: Electrode

[0140] 11a: First electrode

[0141] 11b: Second electrode

[0142] 111: Maintenance Department

[0143] 112: Mujibu

[0144] 113: Foil tab

[0145] 114: Nochingbu

[0146] 115: Insulating coating section

[0147] 12: Membrane

[0148] 20: Can housing

[0149] 21: Opening

[0150] 22: Closed section

[0151] 23: Bidding Department

[0152] 24: Crimping section

[0153] 25: Can lead

[0154] 30: First Collection Edition

[0155] 31: First joint

[0156] 32: Second joint

[0157] 33: Bridge

[0158] 34: Chimney hole

[0159] 40: Second Collection Edition

[0160] 50: Cap plate

[0161] 60: Electrode terminal

[0162] 70: Insulating gasket

[0163] 80: Insulator

[0164] C: Winding center hole

Claims

1. An electrode assembly provided by being wound around the central axis of a winding center hole with a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween; A can housing for accommodating the electrode assembly; An electrode terminal electrically connected to the above electrode assembly; and Including a first collector plate that electrically connects the electrode assembly and the electrode terminal, The above first collector plate, The above electrode terminals are welded face-to-face, A battery characterized by having at least one communication hole that connects the inside of the can housing and the winding center hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above electrode terminals are, Electrically connected to the first electrode of the first polarity, The above first collector plate, A battery characterized in that the first electrode and the electrode terminal are electrically connected.

3. In paragraph 1, The above electrode terminals are, At least a portion of the can housing is positioned penetrating the closure portion of the can housing so as to protrude into the interior of the can housing, The above first collector plate, It has a first connecting portion that is face-to-face welded to at least a portion of the electrode terminal protruding into the interior of the can housing, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized by being formed in the first connecting portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first collector plate, a second connecting portion coupled with the electrode assembly; and It further comprises a bridge connecting the first coupling part and the second coupling part, A battery characterized in that the above communication hole is spaced apart from the bridge.

5. In paragraph 1, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized in that at least some of the coils are provided at positions corresponding to the inner side of the inner circumference of the central hole.

6. In paragraph 1, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized by having a circular shape.

7. In paragraph 1, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized by having a polygonal shape.

8. In paragraph 1, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized by being provided in multiple units.

9. In paragraph 8, The above multiple communication holes are, A battery characterized in that the first collector plate is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center thereof.

10. In paragraph 1, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized by being provided in a slit shape.

11. In paragraph 10, The above electrode terminals are, At least a portion of the can housing is positioned penetrating the closure portion of the can housing so as to protrude into the interior of the can housing, The above first collector plate, It has a first connecting portion that is face-to-face welded to at least a portion of the electrode terminal protruding into the interior of the can housing, The above communication hole is, A battery characterized in that it is formed by extending inward from the outer circumference of the first connecting portion.

12. A battery pack comprising at least one battery according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle characterized by including at least one battery pack according to paragraph 12.

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