Folded Current Collector for Stable Tab Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing current collectors for secondary batteries face challenges in reliable welding with pole tabs due to the small clearance between the current collector and the electrode assembly, leading to faulty connections and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A current collector design featuring intersecting sheets with a current collecting unit, including first and second current collecting sheets that can be folded and spaced apart to create an avoidance gap, facilitating easier welding and improving connection stability between the pole tab and pole post.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the current collector is positioned close to the electrode assembly to reduce space, then the battery size is reduced, but the welding operation becomes difficult and faulty welding occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is divided into multiple segments: a first current collecting sheet for welding with the pole tab, a second current collecting sheet spaced apart from it, and a first sheet connecting them. This segmentation allows the welding surface to be positioned away from the electrode assembly while maintaining compact overall structure through the folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by folding the first current collecting sheet and second current collecting sheet in different directions. The first connection end extends in a first direction perpendicular to the thickness directions, creating clearance in the welding direction while maintaining compact volume through folding in the thickness direction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the current collector is positioned close to the electrode assembly, then the battery structure is compact, but the connection reliability between current collector and pole tab deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first sheet acts as an intermediary structure connecting the second sheet (near the electrode assembly) and the current collecting unit (including first and second current collecting sheets). This intermediary allows the welding surfaces to be positioned optimally for reliable connection while maintaining compact overall battery structure through the folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector employs a flexible folded structure where the first current collecting sheet and second current collecting sheet can be folded in the first thickness direction. This dynamic configuration allows the welding surfaces to extend toward one side of the first sheet, creating sufficient clearance for reliable welding while maintaining compact battery structure when folded.
3Ease of manufacture
If the current collector uses a simple flat structure, then the manufacturing is simple, but the welding clearance is insufficient and faulty welding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector uses thin flexible current collecting sheets that can be folded and shaped into a three-dimensional configuration. This allows the sheets to extend in directions creating sufficient welding clearance while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process based on standard sheet metal forming and folding operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a current collector and a secondary battery. The current collector is used to electrically connect a pole and tab of a secondary battery, and comprises: a first sheet; a second sheet that is disposed to intersect the first sheet, the second sheet being used to electrically connect to the pole; a current collection unit, the current collection unit and the second sheet being disposed at two opposite sides of the first sheet in a first thickness direction thereof, and the first thickness direction thereof intersecting with a second thickness direction of the second sheet; the current collection unit comprises a first current collection sheet, the first current collection sheet is used to electrically connect to the tab, the first current collection sheet is provided with a first connection terminal that is connected to the first sheet, and the first connection terminal extends in a first direction perpendicular to the first thickness direction and the second thickness direction. The current collector according to the embodiments of the present application may ensure that the connection state with the tab is stable and reliable, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the secondary battery.