Secondary battery
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure KR2026001235_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
secondary battery
[0001] The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0015451 filed on February 6, 2025 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2026-0006538 filed on January 13, 2026, the disclosure of said applications in its entirety is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to a secondary battery.
[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.
[0004] Among them, lithium secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative active materials, respectively. In addition, lithium secondary batteries are equipped with a positive plate and a negative plate coated with these positive and negative active materials, respectively; an electrode assembly in which the positive and negative plates are arranged with a separator in between; and an outer casing that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.
[0005] Meanwhile, lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into can-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminate sheets. Furthermore, can-type secondary batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can.
[0006] In the case of secondary batteries, a process is performed to weld multiple electrode tabs connected to the electrode plates to the current collector plate. The current collector plate with the welded electrode tabs is connected to the terminals of the cap assembly.
[0007] The positive and negative current collector plates, each equipped with an electrode tab, are individually attached to the cap assembly; however, if either of the plates is not aligned with the connection position on the cap assembly, connection to the terminal is difficult. In this case, since the plates are already welded to the electrode tabs, it is difficult to adjust their position, resulting in poor assemblability with the cap assembly.
[0008] The objective of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery in which the current collector plate is integrated to improve assemblability with the cap assembly, thereby shortening manufacturing time and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0009] A secondary battery according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a current collector plate holder having a first insulating part, a second insulating part, and a connecting part connecting the first insulating part and the second insulating part integrally formed therein; a first current collector plate coupled to the first insulating part and having a first connecting terminal formed therein; a second current collector plate coupled to the second insulating part and having a second connecting terminal formed therein; a current collector assembly including a fixing part for fixing the first current collector plate to the first insulating part; a plurality of first electrode tabs coupled to the upper surface of the first current collector plate; a plurality of second electrode tabs coupled to the upper surface of the second current collector plate; and a cap assembly having a first electrode terminal connected to the first current collector plate and a second electrode terminal connected to the second current collector plate.
[0010] The first insulating member may include a first mounting groove into which the first current collector plate is inserted and a side wall surrounding the first mounting groove.
[0011] The above fixing part may include an upper surface fixing member formed on the upper surface of the side wall to fix the upper surface of the first current collector plate.
[0012] The above-mentioned upper surface fixing member may be in the shape of a hook.
[0013] The above-mentioned upper surface fixing member may be provided as a pair on the facing side wall.
[0014] The above pair of upper surface fixing members can be arranged to face each other.
[0015] The above pair of upper surface fixing members can be arranged staggered relative to each other.
[0016] The above fixing part may include a side fixing member formed on the inner surface of the side wall to press the side of the first collector plate.
[0017] The above-mentioned side fixing members may be provided as a pair on the inner surface of the facing side wall.
[0018] The above fixing part may include an adhesive member interposed between the first insulating part and the first current collector plate.
[0019] The width of the first insulating part may be larger than the width of the first current collector plate.
[0020] The above fixing part may include a pair of side fixing members formed as a pair on the upper surface of the first insulating part and pressing both sides of the first current collector plate.
[0021] The above fixing member may further include an upper fixing member formed in a hook shape, which is located at the top of the side fixing member.
[0022] The side of the first insulating part may be a curved surface.
[0023] A pressure relief hole may be formed in the above connection part.
[0024] The above pressure relief holes can be formed in multiple numbers.
[0025] The above-described collector plate holder may further include a first rib formed between the side of the first insulating part and the connecting part to support the first insulating part.
[0026] The above-described collector plate holder further includes a second rib formed between the side of the second insulating part and the connecting part to support the second insulating part, and the second rib may be formed symmetrically in a diagonal direction with respect to the first rib.
[0027] The plurality of first electrode tabs may include a first foil tab group and a second foil tab group arranged in different columns.
[0028] The first foil tab group and the second foil tab group can be folded in a direction facing each other.
[0029] The above cap assembly may further include a cap plate having a first terminal hole into which the first connection terminal is inserted and a second terminal hole into which the second connection terminal is inserted.
[0030] The above cap assembly may further include a top insulator disposed between the current collection assembly and the cap plate.
[0031] The distance between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal may be the same as the distance between the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole.
[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, the current collector plate is integrated to improve assemblability with the cap assembly, thereby shortening the manufacturing time of the secondary battery and reducing manufacturing costs.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of a part of the secondary battery of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the electrode tabs are connected.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first insulating part and the first current collector plate separated.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the combined appearance of the first collector plate of FIG. 4.
[0038] Figure 6 is a modified example of the first insulating part of Figure 4.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA with the first collector plate of FIG. 6 combined.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB with the first collector plate of FIG. 6 combined.
[0041] Figure 9 is a modified example of the first collector plate.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an exploded current collection assembly of a secondary battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a modified example of the current collection assembly of FIG. 10.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a first current collector plate is coupled to a first insulating part in a secondary battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a modified example of the first insulating part of FIG. 12.
[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a current collection assembly of a secondary battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 15 is a top view of the current collection assembly of FIG. 14.
[0048] Fig. 16 is a modified example of the pressure relief hole of Fig. 15.
[0049] Fig. 17 is another variation of the pressure relief hole of Fig. 15.
[0050] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a current collection assembly of a secondary battery according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 19 is a modified example of the current collection assembly of FIG. 18.
[0052] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a battery module including the secondary battery of FIG. 1.
[0053] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a battery pack including the battery module of FIG. 20.
[0054] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0055] The terms used in this invention are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this invention, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0056] In this specification, "length direction" means the ±x direction of FIG. 2, "width direction" means the ±y direction of FIG. 2, and "height direction" means the ±z direction of FIG. 2.
[0057] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the accompanying drawings, identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the essence of the present invention will be omitted. For the same reason, some components in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted.
[0058] Hereinafter, a secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a partially disassembled configuration of the secondary battery of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an electrode tab is coupled.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a secondary battery (10) according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises an electrode assembly (300) in which a separator (350) is interposed between a first electrode (310) and a second electrode (330), a current collection assembly (500) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (300), a case (100) in which the electrode assembly (300) is accommodated, and a cap assembly (700) that seals the case (100).
[0061] The electrode assembly (300) includes a plurality of first electrodes (310), second electrodes (330), and separators (350), respectively. The electrode assembly (300) may be formed by interposing a separator (350) between the first electrodes (310) and the second electrodes (330) that are arranged alternately. That is, the separator (350) may be positioned between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330), and the electrode assembly (300) may be formed by alternately stacking the first electrode (310), the separator (350), the second electrode (330), and the separator (350). Here, the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330) may be positive and negative electrodes, respectively, and conversely, the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330) may be electrodes of different polarities, such as negative and positive electrodes, respectively.
[0062] The first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330) may include an electrode active portion (311, 331), which is an area where an active material is applied to a thin plate formed of a metal foil, and an electrode tab (313, 333), which is an area where an active material is not applied.
[0063] The first electrode active part (311) may have an active material such as a transition metal oxide coated on a metal foil such as aluminum, and the second electrode active part (331) may have an active material such as graphite or carbon coated on a metal foil such as copper or nickel.
[0064] The first electrode tab (313) may protrude to one side of the first electrode active portion (311), and the second electrode tab (333) may protrude to one side of the second electrode active portion (331). At this time, the first electrode tab (313) and the second electrode tab (333) may protrude in parallel toward the cap assembly (700). Alternatively, the first electrode tab (313) and the second electrode tab (333) may protrude in different directions.
[0065] The first electrode tab (313) and the second electrode tab (333) are formed by cutting so as to protrude from the metal foil, so they can be formed integrally with the metal foil of the first electrode active part (311) and the second electrode active part (331), respectively.
[0066] The first electrode tab (313) and the second electrode tab (333) can be spaced apart with different polarities.
[0067] Each of the first electrode tab (313) and the second electrode tab (333) is formed by overlapping a plurality of thin films, and can be connected so that the thin films come into contact with each other using ultrasonic welding, laser welding, etc., to facilitate the movement of current.
[0068] The separator (350) is positioned between the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330), more specifically between the first electrode active portion (311) and the second electrode active portion (331), to prevent short circuits between them and to enable the movement of ions. For example, the separator (350) may be made of various materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or a composite film thereof.
[0069] In this embodiment, the electrode assembly (300) may be formed by winding the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330) (wound type), or by overlapping the first electrode (310) and the second electrode (330) parallel to each other (stack type, stack and folding type).
[0070] The current collection assembly (500) includes a current collection plate holder (550) in which a first insulating part (551), a second insulating part (553), and a connecting part (555) connecting them are integrally formed, a first current collection plate (510) coupled to the first insulating part (551), and a second current collection plate (530) coupled to the second insulating part (553). The current collection assembly (500) is formed by connecting the respective separated current collection plates (510, 530) through the current collection plate holder (550) to form an integrated structure, and is used as a single current collection component.
[0071] The first insulating part (551) and the second insulating part (553) are formed of an insulating material and can be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (x direction).
[0072] The connecting portion (555) connects the first insulating portion (551) and the second insulating portion (553). The connecting portion (555) may be formed of the same material as the first insulating portion (551) and the second insulating portion (553), i.e., an insulating material. The connecting portion (555) is formed integrally with the first insulating portion (551) and the second insulating portion (553).
[0073] The current collector holder (550) may be formed to extend in the length direction (x direction) overall. The current collector holder (550) may be manufactured in the shape of a rectangle in which the length (x direction) is longer than the width (y direction). The length (x direction) of the current collector holder (550) may be equal to or smaller than the length (x direction) of the electrode assembly (300).
[0074] The current collector holder (550) is formed from an insulating material, such as plastic or silicone rubber. The current collector holder (550) can be formed by processing the insulating material or by injection molding.
[0075] An insulating current collector plate holder (550) can connect current collector plates (510, 530) of different polarities so that they are maintained at a set interval, and at the same time prevent short circuits between different electrodes (310, 330) in an integrated current collector assembly (500).
[0076] A first current collector plate (510) is coupled to the first insulating part (551), and a second current collector plate (530) is coupled to the second insulating part (553). A fixing part (570) is disposed on at least one of the first insulating part (551) or the first current collector plate (510), and on at least one of the second insulating part (553) or the second current collector plate (530). The first current collector plate (510) and the second current collector plate (530) are fixed to the first insulating part (551) and the second insulating part (553) by their respective fixing parts (570).
[0077] The first collector plate (510) and the second collector plate (530) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (x direction) at the top of the collector plate holder (550). The first collector plate (510) and the second collector plate (530) may be formed in the shape of a rectangle with a width (y direction) equal to or smaller than that of the collector plate holder (550).
[0078] Unlike the collector plate holder (550) coupled to the bottom, the first collector plate (510) and the second collector plate (530) can be manufactured from a conductive material. Accordingly, the first collector plate (510) can electrically connect the first electrode terminal (710) exposed to the outside of the cap assembly (700) and the first electrode tab (313) to each other, and the second collector plate (530) can electrically connect the second electrode terminal (730) exposed to the outside of the cap assembly (700) and the second electrode tab (333) to each other.
[0079] A first electrode tab (313) is attached to the upper surface of the first collector plate (510), and a second electrode tab (333) is attached to the upper surface of the second collector plate (530). The electrode tabs (313, 333) can be attached to the collector plates (510, 530) by welding, and the welding can be laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.
[0080] The first electrode tabs (313) are provided in plurality, and each of the plurality of first electrode tabs (313) can be coupled to a different first electrode (310). The plurality of first electrode tabs (313) may be arranged in a row, but may be arranged in different columns as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the plurality of first electrode tabs (313) may include a first foil tab group (313a) and a second foil tab group (313b) arranged in different columns.
[0081] The second electrode tabs (333) are also provided in plurality, and the plurality of second electrode tabs (333) can each be coupled to a different second electrode (330). The plurality of second electrode tabs (333) can likewise be arranged in different rows. The plurality of second electrode tabs (333) may include a third foil tab group (333a) and a fourth foil tab group (333b) arranged in different rows.
[0082] The first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) can be coupled to the upper surface of the first current collector plate (510). The first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) can be folded in a direction facing each other. Since the first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) are arranged in different rows, they can be coupled to positions that are staggered in the width direction (y-direction) on the upper surface of the first current collector plate (510). However, if a plurality of first electrode tabs (313) are arranged in a line rather than in different rows, the plurality of first electrode tabs (313) may be coupled to positions that overlap in the width direction (y-direction) on the upper surface of the first current collector plate (510).
[0083] The third foil tab group (333a) and the fourth foil tab group (333b) are identical to the aforementioned first foil tab group (313a) and second foil tab group (313b) except that they are coupled to the upper surface of the second collector plate (530), so redundant descriptions are omitted.
[0084] When the electrode tabs (313, 333) are coupled to the current collector plates (510, 530), each electrode (310, 330) can be electrically connected to the current collector plates (510, 530).
[0085] The first current collector plate (510) and the second current collector plate (530) can be connected to the first electrode terminal (710) and the second electrode terminal (730), respectively. When the current collector plates (510, 530) are connected to the electrode terminals (710, 730), respectively, the respective electrodes (310, 330) can be electrically connected to the respective electrode terminals (710, 730).
[0086] Meanwhile, the current collector plate (510, 530) can be connected to each electrode terminal (710, 730) through the connection terminal (513, 533).
[0087] The first connection terminal (513) may be formed on the upper surface of the first collector plate (510). The first connection terminal (513) may be located approximately in the center of the first collector plate (510), but is not limited thereto and may be located off-center on one side in the width direction (y-direction) of the first collector plate (510). The first connection terminal (513) may be formed integrally with the first collector plate (510) in a column shape or may be coupled to the first collector plate (510). The first connection terminal (513) may be inserted into the first terminal hole (711) to electrically connect the first collector plate (510) and the first electrode terminal (710). When the first collector plate (510) and the first electrode terminal (710) are electrically connected, the first electrode (310) and the first electrode terminal (710) may be electrically connected.
[0088] The second connection terminal (533) may be formed on the upper surface of the second current collector plate (530). The second connection terminal (533) may be located approximately in the center of the second current collector plate (530), but is not limited thereto and may be located off-center on one side in the width direction (y-direction) of the second current collector plate (530). The second connection terminal (533) may be formed integrally with the second current collector plate (530) in a column shape or may be coupled to the second current collector plate (530). The second connection terminal (533) may be inserted into the second terminal hole (731) to electrically connect the second current collector plate (530) and the second electrode terminal (730). When the second current collector plate (530) and the second electrode terminal (730) are electrically connected, the second electrode (330) and the second electrode terminal (730) may be electrically connected.
[0089] The distance (D1) between the first connection terminal (513) and the second connection terminal (533) may be the same as the distance (D2) between the first terminal hole (711) and the second terminal hole (731). Since each connection terminal (513, 533) is integrated into the current collection assembly (500) and its position is constrained, when the first connection terminal (513) is aligned with the position of the first terminal hole (711), the second connection terminal (533) can also be easily aligned with the position of the second terminal hole (731).
[0090] Accordingly, since the current collector plate (510, 530) and the cap assembly (700) can be connected by aligning only one of the connection terminals (513, 533) to the corresponding terminal hole without individually adjusting the position of each connection terminal (513, 533), each connection terminal (513, 533) can be simultaneously aligned to the corresponding terminal hole (711, 731). As a result, the assembly efficiency of the current collector plate (510, 530) and the cap assembly (700) can be improved.
[0091] The specific structure of the other current collection assembly (500) will be described later.
[0092] The cap assembly (700) seals the opening of the case (100) in which the electrode assembly (300) is accommodated inside, and may include a cap plate (750), a first electrode terminal (710), and a second electrode terminal (730).
[0093] The cap plate (750) may be in the shape of a plate covering the opening of the case (100). The cap plate (750) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the opening of the case (100). The cap plate (750) may be formed of the same material as the case (100), and the cap plate (750) may be fixed to the case (100) by laser welding.
[0094] The cap plate (750) may be formed with an electrolyte injection port (770) for injecting an electrolyte, a first terminal hole (711) into which a first connection terminal (513) is inserted, a second terminal hole (731) into which a second connection terminal (533) is inserted, and a vent hole (740) that opens when the pressure inside the case (100) exceeds a predetermined pressure value. However, the location of the vent hole (740) is not necessarily limited thereto and may be formed on one side of the case (100), for example, on the side or bottom surface of the case (100).
[0095] The first electrode terminal (710) and the second electrode terminal (730) may be formed protruding from the cap plate (750). The first electrode terminal (710) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (310) through the first current collector plate (510), and the second electrode terminal (730) may be electrically connected to the second electrode (330) through the second current collector plate (530).
[0096] The first electrode terminal (710) and the second electrode terminal (730) may be formed in the shape of a circular or square plate. These first electrode terminal (710) and the second electrode terminal (730) may be connected to a busbar, etc.
[0097] A first terminal insulating member (not shown) is disposed between the first electrode terminal (710) and the cap plate (750) so that the first electrode terminal (710) and the cap plate (750) can be insulated from each other. Additionally, a second terminal insulating member (not shown) is disposed between the second electrode terminal (730) and the cap plate (750) so that the second electrode terminal (730) and the cap plate (750) can be insulated from each other.
[0098] Meanwhile, the cap assembly (700) may further include a top insulator (790) positioned between the current collection assembly (500) and the cap plate (750). The top insulator (790) may be coupled to the lower surface of the cap plate (750) as a separate component from the current collection assembly (500).
[0099] Based on the top insulator (790), a current collection assembly (500) may be located at the bottom and a cap plate (750) at the top. Specifically, the top insulator (790) may be located between the current collection plates (510, 530) and the cap plate (750). Based on the current collection plates (510, 530), a current collection plate holder (550) may be located at the bottom of the current collection plates (510, 530), and the top insulator (790) may be located at the top of the current collection plates (510, 530). This top insulator (790) can insulate the cap plate (750) from the current collection plates (510, 530).
[0100] The top insulator (790) may have a shape that covers the entire lower surface of the cap plate (750), but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be formed in two separate parts, each having a shape corresponding to the first current collector plate (510) and the second current collector plate (530).
[0101] The case (100) forms the exterior of the secondary battery (10), and a space is formed inside to accommodate an electrode assembly (300), and an opening may be formed on one side. The case (100) may have a rectangular shape and may be made of a rigid material capable of protecting the electrode assembly (300) accommodated inside. For example, the case (100) may be made of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.
[0102] An electrolyte may be accommodated together with an electrode assembly (300) inside the case (100). The electrolyte may consist of a lithium salt such as LiPF6 or LiBF4 in an organic solvent such as EC, PC, DEC, EMC, or DMC. The electrolyte may be in a liquid, solid, or gel form.
[0103] Meanwhile, a battery module (M) can be configured by including a plurality of secondary batteries (10) according to the present embodiment (see FIG. 20). A plurality of secondary batteries (10) can be connected to each other by a busbar (B), etc. to form a battery module (M). Additionally, a battery pack (P) can be configured by including a plurality of battery modules (M) (see FIG. 21). A battery pack (P) can be configured by arranging a plurality of battery modules (M) within an upper pack housing (VC) and a lower pack housing (LC) that constitute a pack housing (C). Furthermore, the battery pack (P) can be provided to a means of transport that moves cargo, people, etc., or performs work while moving. Such means of transport may include bicycles, heavy equipment, agricultural and fishing equipment, automobiles, buses, airplanes, etc. Here, the automobile may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The automobile may include a four-wheeled or two-wheeled vehicle. The means of transport may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (P).
[0104] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first insulating part and the first current collector plate separated, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first current collector plate of FIG. 4 combined.
[0105] In the present invention, the second insulating part (553, see FIG. 3) and the second current collector plate (530, see FIG. 3) may have the same structure as the first insulating part (551) and the first current collector plate (510). Hereinafter, the structure of the first insulating part (551) and the first current collector plate (510) is described as an example, and the description of the overlapping second insulating part (553, see FIG. 3) and the second current collector plate (530, see FIG. 3) is omitted.
[0106] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first insulating part (551) may have a first mounting groove (551a) into which a first current collector plate (510) is inserted and a side wall (551b) surrounding the first mounting groove (551a) formed therein.
[0107] The first insulating part (551) may be formed in such a way that a first mounting groove (551a) is formed in the center and a side wall (551b) is formed at the edge to surround the first mounting groove (551a).
[0108] The first collector plate (510) has the same size as the first mounting groove (551a), and its width (Wc) and length (Lc) may be smaller than the width (W) and length (L) of the first insulating part (551).
[0109] The thickness of the first current collector plate (510) may be greater than the depth of the first mounting groove (551a). Accordingly, the first current collector plate (510) inserted into the first mounting groove (551a) may have a shape that protrudes upward above the first insulating part (551). However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the thickness of the first current collector plate (510) and the depth of the first mounting groove (551a) may be the same.
[0110] The fixing part (570) is positioned on the first insulating part (551) or the first current collector plate (510) to fix the first current collector plate (510) to the first insulating part (551). Specifically, the fixing part (570) may include an upper surface fixing member (571) that fixes the upper surface of the first current collector plate (510).
[0111] The upper surface fixing member (571) may be formed on the edge of the first insulating part (551), i.e., on the side wall (551b). More specifically, the upper surface fixing member (571) may be formed on the upper surface of the side wall (551b).
[0112] The upper surface fixing member (571) may be formed in a hook shape. The upper surface fixing member (571) may have a hook shape that protrudes upward from the side wall (551b) and is bent toward the first mounting groove (551a). Accordingly, the upper surface fixing member (571) may partially overlap the upper surface of the first collector plate (510) in the height direction (z direction).
[0113] The first collector plate (510) can be inserted into the first mounting groove (551a) while pressing the upper surface fixing member (571). The upper surface fixing member (571) contacts the upper surface of the inserted first collector plate (510) to fix the first collector plate (510) to the first insulating part (551).
[0114] The upper surface fixing member (571) may have an inclined hook shape. For example, the upper surface fixing member (571) may have an upper surface inclined toward the -z direction and a lower surface flat. Accordingly, the first current collector plate (510) can be inserted into the first mounting groove (551a) by pressing the upper surface fixing member (571) in the -z direction, and the inserted first current collector plate (510) may be difficult to detach from the first mounting groove (551a) in the +z direction. As a result, the first current collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without detaching from the first insulation part (551) even with vibration in the height direction (z direction).
[0115] The upper surface fixing member (571) may be provided in pairs.
[0116] For example, the upper surface fixing member (571) may be formed as a pair on the side wall (551b) facing in the width direction (y direction) or as a pair on the side wall (551b) facing in the length direction (x direction). Alternatively, it may be formed on both the side walls (551b) in the width direction (y direction) and the side walls (551b) in the length direction (x direction) to form multiple pairs.
[0117] A pair of upper surface fixing members (571) may be arranged to face each other. For example, a pair of upper surface fixing members (571) formed on the longitudinal (x-direction) side walls (551b) may be arranged to face each other.
[0118] Conversely, a pair of upper surface fixing members (571) may be arranged staggered from each other. For example, a pair of upper surface fixing members (571) formed on both side walls (551b) in the width direction (y direction) may be arranged staggered from each other. That is, a pair of upper surface fixing members (571) may not face each other in the width direction (y direction), but may be arranged so as to be offset to one side and the other side in the length direction (x direction).
[0119] Since the first foil tab group (313a, see FIG. 3) and the second foil tab group (313b, see FIG. 3) are arranged in different rows, when a pair of upper surface fixing members (571) are arranged alternately along the width direction (y direction), the first foil tab group (313a, see FIG. 3) and the second foil tab group (313b, see FIG. 3) can be easily coupled to the upper surface of the first collector plate (510).
[0120] However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and all pairs of upper surface fixing members (571) may face each other, or all may be staggered, or the upper surface fixing members (571) of the two side walls (551b) in the width direction (y direction) may be arranged to face each other, and the upper surface fixing members (571) of the two side walls (551b) in the length direction (x direction) may be arranged to be staggered.
[0121] FIG. 6 is a modified example of the first insulating part of FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA with the first current collector plate of FIG. 6 combined. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB with the first current collector plate of FIG. 6 combined.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the fixing part (570) may further include a side fixing member (573) that presses the side of the first collector plate (510). The first collector plate (510) can be fixed to the first insulating part (551) by being inserted into the first mounting groove (551a) and having one side pressed by the side fixing member (573).
[0123] The side fixing member (573) can also be located at the edge of the first insulating part (551), just like the top fixing member (571). Specifically, the side fixing member (573) can be formed to protrude toward the first mounting groove (551a) from the inner surface of the side wall (551b).
[0124] As shown in FIG. 6, the side fixing member (573) may be formed on the side wall (551b) where the upper fixing member (571) is located, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be formed regardless of the location of the upper fixing member (571). Additionally, the first insulating member (551) may have both the side fixing member (573) and the upper fixing member (571) as shown in FIG. 6, or may selectively have only one of them.
[0125] Referring to FIG. 7, the side fixing members (573) may be provided as a pair on the inner side of the facing side wall (551b).
[0126] For example, a pair of side fixing members (573) may be formed protruding from the inner surface of the two side walls (551b) facing each other in the longitudinal direction (x direction). The distance between the pair of side fixing members (573) may be equal to the length (Lc) of the first collector plate (510). Thus, the first collector plate (510) can be fixed to the first insulating part (551) by having both sides in the longitudinal direction (x direction) pressed by the pair of side fixing members (573).
[0127] Compared to the side fixing member (573), the distance between a pair of upper fixing members (571) may be shorter than the distance between a pair of side fixing members (573). That is, the upper fixing member (571) may be structured to protrude further toward the first mounting groove (551a, see FIG. 6) than the side fixing member (573). Accordingly, a pair of side fixing members (573) can fix both sides of the first collector plate (510), and a pair of upper fixing members (571) can fix the upper surface of the first collector plate (510).
[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a pair of side fixing members (573) may be formed on the inner surfaces of the two side walls (551b) facing each other in the width direction (y-direction). In this case, the distance between the pair of side fixing members (573) may be equal to the width (WC) of the first current collector plate (510). Thus, the first current collector plate (510) may be fixed to the first insulating part (551) by having both sides in the width direction (y-direction) pressed by the pair of side fixing members (573). In this case, the pair of side fixing members (573) may be arranged to face each other or may be arranged staggered from each other.
[0129] The size of the first collector plate (510) may be smaller than the size of the first mounting groove (551a). That is, the width (Wc) and length (Lc) of the first collector plate (510) may be smaller than the width and length of the first mounting groove (551a). Therefore, a gap may exist between the first mounting groove (551a) and the first collector plate (510).
[0130] The side fixing member (573) can fill the gap above and press both sides of the first collector plate (510) in the length direction (x direction) or width direction (y direction). As a result, the first collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without detaching from the first insulating part (551) even with vibrations in the length direction (x direction) and width direction (y direction).
[0131] Figure 9 is a modified example of the first collector plate.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, a first fitting groove (511) corresponding to a side fixing member (573, see FIG. 8) may be formed in the first collector plate (510). The first fitting groove (511) may be formed at a position corresponding to the side fixing member (573, see FIG. 8). The first fitting groove (511) may have a concave shape with the same size as the side fixing member (573, see FIG. 8). The first collector plate (510) may be fixed to the first insulating part (551, see FIG. 8) by fitting the side fixing member (573, see FIG. 8) into the first fitting groove (511).
[0133] At this time, the width (Wc') and length (Lc') of the first collector plate (510) may be the same as the width and length of the first mounting groove (551a, see FIG. 8), respectively. That is, in this case, the first collector plate (510) is formed with the same size and shape as the first mounting groove (551a, see FIG. 8), so that no gap is formed between the first collector plate (510) and the first mounting groove (551a, see FIG. 8). Accordingly, vibration of the first collector plate (510) in the length direction (x direction) and width direction (y direction) is prevented, and it can be fixed more securely to the first insulating part (551, see FIG. 8).
[0134] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 6, the fixing part (570) may further include an adhesive member (not shown) interposed between the first insulating part (551) and the first current collector plate (510).
[0135] An adhesive member (not shown) may be attached to the lower surface of the first collector plate (510) or the upper surface of the first insulating part (551), more specifically to the bottom surface of the first mounting groove (551a). The adhesive member (not shown) may be, for example, an adhesive liquid or an adhesive tape. The adhesive member (not shown) may fix the first collector plate (510) to the first insulating part (551).
[0136] According to the present embodiment and variations, the first current collector plate (510) can be fixed to the first insulating part (551) in a simple manner, thereby improving the production efficiency of the current collector assembly (500), and the first current collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without detaching from the first insulating part (551) even with vibrations in various directions.
[0137]
[0138] Hereinafter, a secondary battery according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0139] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an exploded current collection assembly of a secondary battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0140] Since the secondary battery according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the first embodiment and modified example described above, except for the structure of the first insulating part (551) and the fixing part (570), a redundant description of the repeated configuration is omitted.
[0141] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first insulating part (551) may be formed in a flat shape. The first insulating part (551) may not have a separate mounting groove formed therein and may have a flat upper surface. The first current collector plate (510) may be seated on the flat upper surface of the first insulating part (551).
[0142] The side fixing member (573) is located at the edge of the first insulating part (551) and can be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the first insulating part (551).
[0143] The side fixing members (573) are formed as a pair, and the pair of side fixing members (573) can be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (x direction) and formed on both edges in the longitudinal direction (x direction) of the first insulating part (551).
[0144] A pair of side fixing members (573) may be arranged to face each other or stagger in the longitudinal direction (x direction), and a first collector plate (510) may be fixed between a pair of side fixing members (573). To this end, the distance between a pair of side fixing members (573) may be equal to the length (Lc) of the first collector plate (510).
[0145] Additionally, when a pair of side fixing members (573) are arranged along the length direction (x direction), the width (Wc) of the first collector plate (510) may be the same as the width (W) of the first insulating part (551).
[0146] A pair of side fixing members (573) can fix the first current collector plate (510) to the first insulating part (551) by pressing both sides of the first current collector plate (510) in the longitudinal direction (x direction). Accordingly, the first current collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without detaching from the first insulating part (551) even with vibration in the longitudinal direction (x direction).
[0147] The upper surface fixing member (571) is also located at the edge of the first insulating part (551) and may be located at the top of a pair of side fixing members (573). The upper surface fixing member (571) may be combined with the side fixing member (573), but may also be formed integrally with the side fixing member (573).
[0148] The upper surface fixing member (571) can be formed in a hook shape as described above. The upper surface fixing member (571) may have a hook shape with the upper surface inclined in the -z direction and the lower surface flat. Accordingly, the first current collector plate (510) can be inserted between a pair of side fixing members (573) by pressing the upper surface fixing member (571) in the -z direction, and the inserted first current collector plate (510) may be difficult to detach in the +z direction. As a result, the first current collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without being detached from the first insulation part (551) even with vibration in the height direction (z direction).
[0149] When using a first insulating part (551) in a flat shape as in this embodiment, there is no need to form a separate groove in the first insulating part (551), which has the advantage of simplifying the manufacturing process.
[0150] FIG. 11 is a modified example of the current collection assembly of FIG. 10.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 11, a pair of side fixing members (573) and a pair of top fixing members (571) may be arranged along the width direction (y direction) of the first insulating part (551).
[0152] For example, a pair of side fixing members (573) may be formed on both edges in the width direction (y direction) of the first insulating part (551). The pair of side fixing members (573) may be arranged to face each other in the width direction (y direction) or arranged staggered with each other.
[0153] The first collector plate (510) can be fixed by being sandwiched between a pair of side fixing members (573) spaced apart in the width direction (y direction). Accordingly, the first collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without detaching from the first insulating part (551) even with vibration in the width direction (y direction).
[0154] A pair of upper surface fixing members (571) may be formed on the upper side of a pair of side fixing members (573). The upper surface fixing members (571) can fix the upper surface of the first current collector plate (510) so that the first current collector plate (510), which is sandwiched between the pair of side fixing members (573), is not detached in the +z direction. Accordingly, the first current collector plate (510) can be effectively fixed without being detached from the first insulation part (551) even with vibration in the height direction (z direction).
[0155]
[0156] A secondary battery according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0157] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a first current collector plate is coupled to a first insulating part in a secondary battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a modified example of the first insulating part of FIG. 12.
[0158] Since the secondary battery according to the third embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the first embodiment and modified example described above, except for the structure of the first insulating part (551), a redundant description of the repeated configuration is omitted.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 12, the side of the first insulating part (551) may be formed as a curved surface. Specifically, both outer sides in the width direction (y direction) of the first insulating part (551) may be formed as convex curved surfaces.
[0160] For example, the outer surface in the -y direction of the first insulating part (551) may be a curved surface convex in the -y direction, and the outer surface in the +y direction of the first insulating part (551) may be a curved surface convex in the +y direction.
[0161] In this embodiment, the width (W) of the first insulating part (551) may be larger than the width (Wc) of the first current collector plate (510). Accordingly, the first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) may each be folded along both outer sides in the width direction (y direction) of the first insulating part (551) and coupled to the upper surface of the first current collector plate (510).
[0162] That is, the first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) can be guided along the side of the first insulating part (551). Since the outer sides of the first insulating part (551) in the width direction (y direction) are formed as smooth curved surfaces, the first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) can be bent smoothly, thereby reducing the risk of disconnection. Accordingly, the electrical stability of the secondary battery (10) can be improved.
[0163] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 13, when the width (W) of the first insulating part (551) is the same as the width (Wc) of the first collector plate (510), the lower surface and both outer surfaces in the width direction (y direction) of the first insulating part (551) can be formed as a single curved surface. That is, the first insulating part (551) can have both outer surfaces in the width direction (y direction) and the lower surface formed as a curved surface that is convex downwards overall.
[0164] The first foil tab group (313a) and the second foil tab group (313b) can be smoothly bent along both outer sides of the first insulating part (551) as in FIG. 12, so that the risk of disconnection can be reduced.
[0165]
[0166] Hereinafter, a secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0167] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a current collection assembly of a secondary battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a top view of the current collection assembly of FIG. 14 viewed from above. FIG. 16 is a modified example of the pressure relief hole of FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is another modified example of the pressure relief hole of FIG. 15.
[0168] Since the secondary battery according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the first embodiment and modified example described above, except for the pressure reduction hole (556), a redundant description of the repeated configuration is omitted.
[0169] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a pressure relief hole (556) may be formed in the connecting part (555) connecting the first insulating part (551) and the second insulating part (553).
[0170] The pressure relief hole (556) may be located at the bottom of the vent hole (740). Gas expanding inside the case (100, see FIG. 3) can be exhausted to the outside through the pressure relief hole (556) and along the vent hole (740). Accordingly, the current collection assembly (500) can exhaust gas through the pressure relief hole (556) to the vent hole (740) without obstructing the flow of gas, so that an explosion inside the case (100, see FIG. 3) is prevented and the stability of the secondary battery (10) can be improved.
[0171] A single pressure relief hole (556) may be formed, but as shown in FIG. 15, multiple holes may be formed. When multiple pressure relief holes (556) are formed, the structural rigidity of the connecting part (555) can be improved compared to when there is only one. Accordingly, the connecting part (555) can more firmly support and connect the first insulating part (551) and the second insulating part (553).
[0172] Meanwhile, the pressure relief hole (556) is shown as a rectangular structure in FIGS. 14 and 15, but it may have a honeycomb shape as in FIG. 16, or various shapes that supplement structural rigidity, such as a triangle or a circle.
[0173]
[0174] Hereinafter, a secondary battery according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0175] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a current collection assembly of a secondary battery according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a modified example of the current collection assembly of FIG. 18.
[0176] Since the secondary battery according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the aforementioned fourth embodiment and modified example, except for the first rib (557) and the second rib (558), a redundant description of the repeated configuration is omitted.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 18, the collector plate holder (550) may further include a first rib (557) and a second rib (558).
[0178] In this embodiment, the width (W1) of the connecting portion (555) may be larger than the width (W) of the first insulating portion (551). Accordingly, the connecting portion (555) may have a shape that protrudes more than the first insulating portion (551) in the width direction (y direction).
[0179] A first rib (557) may be formed on one side of the connecting portion (555). The first rib (557) may connect one side of the connecting portion (555) and one side in the width direction (y direction) of the first insulating portion (551) to support the connecting portion (555) and the first insulating portion (551).
[0180] For example, the first rib (557) may be formed in a triangular shape connecting the -x direction side of the connecting part (555) and the +y direction side of the first insulating part (551). The first rib (557) may be in a horizontal form (horizontal rib) that lies horizontally with the first insulating part (551) and is connected to the connecting part (555), but as shown in FIG. 19, it may be in a vertical form (vertical rib) that stands vertically with respect to the first insulating part (551) and is connected to the connecting part (555).
[0181] The first rib (557) supports the first insulating part (551) to prevent deformation of the first insulating part (551). For example, by supporting the first insulating part (551), the first rib (557) can prevent deformation of the first insulating part (551) due to vibration, twisting, etc. As a result, the first connecting terminal (513) can be accurately aligned with the first terminal hole (711, see FIG. 3), and breakage of the first insulating part (551) can also be prevented.
[0182] The second rib (558) may be formed on the opposite side of the first rib (557) with the connecting portion (555) in between. The second rib (558) may support the connecting portion (555) and the second insulating portion (553) by connecting the other side of the connecting portion (555) and the other side in the width direction (y direction) of the second insulating portion (553).
[0183] For example, the second rib (558) may be formed between the side in the +x direction of the connecting part (555) and the side in the -y direction of the second insulating part (553). That is, the second rib (558) is located diagonally opposite to the first rib (557), and the second rib (558) may be formed symmetrically diagonally opposite to the first rib (557) with respect to the connecting part (555).
[0184] The second rib (558) can be formed in a triangular shape like the first rib (557), and can be formed in a horizontal or vertical shape like the first rib (557).
[0185] The second rib (558) can support the second insulating part (553) to prevent deformation of the second insulating part (553). For example, by supporting the second insulating part (553), the second rib (558) can prevent deformation of the second insulating part (553) due to vibration, twisting, etc. As a result, the second connecting terminal (533) can be accurately aligned with the second terminal hole (731, see FIG. 3), and breakage of the second insulating part (553) can also be prevented.
[0186] According to the present embodiment and modified embodiment, the current collection assembly (500) is prevented from being deformed by the first rib (557) and the second rib (558), thereby reducing the occurrence of alignment errors of the connection terminals (513, 533) and preventing the breakage of the first insulating part (551) and the second insulating part (553).
[0187] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, those skilled in the art may modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention as described in the claims, and such modifications and changes are also to be included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.
Claims
1. A current collection assembly comprising: a current collection plate holder having a first insulating part, a second insulating part, and a connecting part connecting the first insulating part and the second insulating part integrally formed therein; a first current collection plate coupled to the first insulating part and having a first connecting terminal formed therein; a second current collection plate coupled to the second insulating part and having a second connecting terminal formed therein; and a fixing part for fixing the first current collection plate to the first insulating part; A plurality of first electrode tabs coupled to the upper surface of the first current collector plate; A plurality of second electrode tabs coupled to the upper surface of the second current collector plate; and A secondary battery comprising a cap assembly having a first electrode terminal connected to the first current collector plate and a second electrode terminal connected to the second current collector plate.
2. In Paragraph 1, The above first insulating part is, A first mounting groove into which the first current collector plate is inserted; and A secondary battery comprising a side wall surrounding the first mounting groove.
3. In Paragraph 2, The above fixed part is, A secondary battery comprising an upper surface fixing member formed on the upper surface of the above-mentioned side wall to fix the upper surface of the first current collector plate.
4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned upper surface fixing member is a hook-shaped secondary battery.
5. In Paragraph 3, A secondary battery in which the above-mentioned upper surface fixing member is provided as a pair on the facing side wall.
6. In Paragraph 5, A secondary battery in which the above pair of upper surface fixing members are arranged to face each other.
7. In Paragraph 5, A secondary battery in which the above pair of upper surface fixing members are arranged staggered relative to each other.
8. In Paragraph 2, The above fixed part is, A secondary battery comprising a side fixing member formed on the inner surface of the above-mentioned side wall and pressing the side of the first current collector plate.
9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned side fixing members are provided as a pair on the inner surface of the facing side wall, a secondary battery.
10. In Paragraph 1, The above fixed part is, A secondary battery comprising an adhesive member interposed between the first insulating part and the first current collector plate.
11. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery in which the width of the first insulating part is greater than the width of the first current collector plate.
12. In Paragraph 1, The above fixed part is, A secondary battery comprising a pair of side fixing members formed as a pair on the upper surface of the first insulating part and pressing both sides of the first current collector plate.
13. In Paragraph 12, The above fixed part is, A secondary battery further comprising an upper fixing member located at the top of the above-mentioned side fixing member and formed in a hook shape.
14. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery in which the side of the first insulating part is a curved surface.
15. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery having a pressure relief hole formed in the above-mentioned connection portion.
16. In Paragraph 15, A secondary battery in which the above-mentioned pressure reduction holes are formed in plurality.
17. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned collector plate holder is, A secondary battery further comprising a first rib formed between the side of the first insulating part and the connecting part to support the first insulating part.
18. In Paragraph 17, The above-mentioned collector plate holder is, A secondary battery further comprising a second rib formed between the side of the second insulating part and the connecting part to support the second insulating part, wherein the second rib is formed symmetrically in a diagonal direction with respect to the first rib.
19. In Paragraph 1, The above plurality of first electrode tabs are, A secondary battery comprising a first foil tab group and a second foil tab group arranged in different columns.
20. In Paragraph 19, A secondary battery in which the first foil tab group and the second foil tab group are folded in a direction facing each other.
21. In Paragraph 1, The above cap assembly is, A secondary battery further comprising a cap plate having a first terminal hole into which the first connection terminal is inserted and a second terminal hole into which the second connection terminal is inserted.
22. In Article 21, A secondary battery, wherein the above cap assembly further comprises a top insulator disposed between the current collection assembly and the cap plate.
23. In Article 21, The distance between the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal is, A secondary battery having the same distance between the first terminal hole and the second terminal hole.