Battery comprising electrode assembly having securing structure, and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

This battery may comprise: a case; and an electrode assembly disposed in the case. The electrode assembly may comprise: first electrodes; second electrodes each disposed between the first electrodes and configured to have a polarity different from that of the first electrodes; and a circumferential securing structure surrounding the first electrodes and the second electrodes so as to secure the positioning between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The circumferential securing structure may comprise: a first portion configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forming the upper portion of the electrode assembly; a second portion configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forming the lower portion of the electrode assembly; and a third portion extending from the first portion, across the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and to the second portion so as to secure the first electrodes and the second electrodes to each other along with the first portion and the second portion.

Description

Battery comprising an electrode assembly having a fixed structure and an electronic device comprising the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery including an electrode assembly having a fixed structure and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] An electronic device may include electronic components for providing various functions of the electronic device. The electronic device may include a battery for providing power to the electronic components. The battery may include an electrode assembly for supplying power. The electrode assembly may require a fixing structure for fixing the position between first electrodes (positive electrodes) and second electrodes (negative electrodes) within the electrode assembly.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A battery is disclosed. The battery may include a case and an electrode assembly disposed within the case. The electrode assembly may include first electrodes, second electrodes each disposed between the first electrodes and configured to have a polarity different from the first electrodes, separators electrically separating the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and a circumferential securing structure surrounding the first electrodes, the second electrodes, and the separators to secure a position between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The above-described peripheral fixing structure may include a first portion that is configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forms an upper portion of the electrode assembly, a second portion that is configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forms a lower portion of the electrode assembly, and a third portion that extends from the first portion to the second portion across the first electrodes and the second electrodes so as to fix the first electrodes and the second electrodes to each other together with the first portion and the second portion.

[0005] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include an electronic component, and a battery configured to supply power to the electronic component, the battery including a case, and an electrode assembly disposed within the case. The electrode assembly may include an electrode stack including first electrodes and second electrodes each disposed between the first electrodes and configured to have a different polarity from the first electrodes, and a peripheral fixing structure surrounding the electrode stack to fix a position between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The peripheral fixing structure may include a first portion configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and attached above the electrode stack, a second portion configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and attached below the electrode stack, and a third portion extending from the first portion across the first electrodes and the second electrodes to the second portion to fix the first electrodes and the second electrodes to each other together with the first portion and the second portion.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a power management module and battery of an exemplary electronic device.

[0008] Figure 3a is an exploded view of an exemplary battery.

[0009] Figure 3b is a top plan view of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery.

[0010] Figure 4a is a perspective view of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery.

[0011] FIG. 4b is a bottom view of the electrode assembly of the exemplary battery of FIG. 4a.

[0012] FIG. 4c is a top plan view of the electrode assembly of the exemplary battery of FIG. 4a.

[0013] FIG. 4d is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4b.

[0014] FIG. 4e is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery taken along line B-B' of FIG. 4b.

[0015] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e illustrate assembly processes of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0018] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0019] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0020] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0021] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0022] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0023] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0024] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0025] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0026] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0027] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0028] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0029] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0030] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0031] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0032] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0033] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0034] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0035] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0036] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0037] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0038] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a power management module and battery of an exemplary electronic device.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the power management module (188) may include a charging circuit (210), a power regulator (220), or a power gauge (230). The charging circuit (210) may charge the battery (189) using power supplied from an external power source for the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the charging circuit (210) may select a charging method (e.g., normal charging or rapid charging) based on at least some of the type of the external power source (e.g., power adapter, USB, or wireless charging), the amount of power that can be supplied from the external power source (e.g., about 20 watts or more), or the properties of the battery (189), and may charge the battery (189) using the selected charging method. The external power source may be connected to the electronic device (101) by a wire, for example, through a connection terminal (178), or may be connected wirelessly through an antenna module (197).

[0041] The power regulator (220) can generate a plurality of powers having different voltages or different current levels by adjusting the voltage level or current level of the power supplied from, for example, an external power source or a battery (189). The power regulator (220) can adjust the power of the external power source or the battery (189) to a voltage or current level suitable for each of the components included in the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power regulator (220) can be implemented in the form of an LDO (low drop out) regulator or a switching regulator. The power gauge (230) can measure usage status information for the battery (189) (e.g., capacity, number of charge / discharge cycles, voltage, or temperature of the battery (189).

[0042] The power management module (188) can determine charging state information (e.g., lifespan, overvoltage, undervoltage, overcurrent, overcharge, overdischarge, overheat, short circuit, or swelling) related to charging of the battery (189) based at least in part on the measured usage state information, for example, using the charging circuit (210), the voltage regulator (220), or the power gauge (230). The power management module (188) can determine whether the battery (189) is normal or abnormal based at least in part on the determined charging state information. If the state of the battery (189) is determined to be abnormal, the power management module (188) can adjust charging of the battery (189) (e.g., reducing the charging current or voltage, or stopping charging). According to one embodiment, at least some of the functions of the power management module (188) can be performed by an external control device (e.g., the processor (120)).

[0043] The battery (189) may include a battery protection circuit module (PCM) (240). The battery protection circuit (240) may perform one or more of various functions (e.g., a pre-cut function) to prevent performance degradation or damage of the battery (189). The battery protection circuit (240) may additionally or alternatively be configured as at least a part of a battery management system (BMS) that may perform various functions including cell balancing, capacity measurement of the battery, charge / discharge cycle measurement, temperature measurement, or voltage measurement.

[0044] For example, at least a portion of the usage status information or the charging status information of the battery (189) may be measured using a corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) among the sensor modules (276), a power gauge (230), or a power management module (188). For example, the corresponding sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) among the sensor modules (176) may be included as part of the battery protection circuit (240), or may be placed near the battery (189) as a separate device. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0045] Figure 3a is an exploded view of an exemplary battery. Figure 3b is a top plan view of an electrode assembly of the exemplary battery.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a battery (300) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1) may include a case (310) and an electrode assembly (320).

[0047] The battery (300) may be placed within an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). The battery (300) may be configured to supply power to electronic components within the electronic device (101). For example, the battery (300) may be supported by an internal structure (e.g., a bracket) of the electronic device (101) or mounted on the bracket. For example, the battery (300) may be configured to be rechargeable for driving the electronic device (101) and / or electronic components within the electronic device (101). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0048] For example, a printed circuit board having electronic components for driving and / or performing functions of the electronic device (101) may be placed inside an electronic device (101) including a battery (300). The printed circuit board may be connected to the battery (300) to supply power to the electronic device (101) and / or electronic components inside the electronic device (101) through the battery (300). For example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (or power management module (188) of FIG. 1) in the printed circuit board may be connected to the battery (300) through a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to supply power to the electronic device (101). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0049] The case (310) can form the exterior of the battery (300). For example, the case (310) can accommodate internal components (e.g., electrode assembly (320)) of the battery (300). The case (310) can protect the internal components of the battery (300) disposed within the case (310) from external impact. For example, the case (310) can be coupled to an internal structure (e.g., bracket) of the electronic device (101) or detachably attached to the internal structure using an adhesive (e.g., adhesive tape). For example, the case (310) can be a pouch type case as illustrated in FIG. 3A, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the case (310) can include a cylindrical type case or a square type case.

[0050] For example, the case (310) may include a first plate (311) and a second plate (312) coupled to the first plate (311). For example, the first plate (311) may be capped on the second plate (312) or rotatably coupled to the second plate (312). For example, the second plate (312) may be formed with a recess (315) for accommodating an electrode assembly (320) of the battery (300). The second plate (312) may extend from the first plate (311) or be formed integrally with the first plate (311). For example, the second plate (312) may be coupled to the first plate (311) to enclose the electrode assembly (320) together with the first plate (311). However, the embodiments supported in this document are not limited thereto.

[0051] The electrode assembly (320) may include a plurality of electrodes for supplying power to the electronic device (101) (or electronic components within the electronic device (101). For example, the electrode assembly (320) may include first electrodes (321) and second electrodes (322) having a different polarity with respect to the first electrodes (321). For example, the electrode assembly (320) may include separators (323) interposed between the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322). For example, the first electrodes (321) may be referred to as first poles (e.g., positive electrodes or cathodes) of the electrode assembly (320). The second electrodes (322) may be referred to as second poles (e.g., negative electrodes or anodes) having a different polarity with respect to the first electrodes (321). The electrode assembly (320) may be provided through stacking in which the first poles (321a, 321b) and the second poles (322a, 322b, 322c) are alternately laminated, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the electrode assembly (320) may be provided through winding in which electrode stacks in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator therebetween are combined are rolled. Although one of the second electrodes (322) is illustrated as being positioned at the topmost (or outermost) of the electrode assembly (320) in FIG. 3A, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and one of the first electrodes (321) may also be positioned at the topmost (or outermost) of the electrode assembly (320), so it should be noted that the arrangement relationship between the electrodes within the electrode assembly (320) is not limited.

[0052] The electrode assembly (320) may include an electrode substrate and an electrode active material layer coated on the electrode substrate.

[0053] For example, each of the second electrodes (322a, 322b, 322c) may include a negative electrode substrate and a negative electrode active material layer coated on the negative electrode substrate. The negative electrode substrate may collect electrons generated in the negative electrode active material layer according to an electrochemical reaction, or provide electrons required for the electrochemical reaction to the negative electrode active material layer. For example, the negative electrode substrate may be electrically connected to an external circuit of the battery (370), and may provide electrons generated in the negative electrode active material layer to the external circuit during discharge, or provide electrons supplied through the external circuit to the negative electrode active material layer during charge. For example, the negative electrode substrate may include copper. The negative electrode substrate may be implemented in the form of a copper foil, but the embodiments supported in this document are not limited thereto.

[0054] For example, each of the first electrodes (321a, 321b) may include a positive electrode substrate and a positive electrode active material layer. The positive electrode substrate may be connected to an external circuit of the battery (370) to supply electrons generated during a charging or discharging process to the outside or inside of the positive electrode active material layer. For example, the positive electrode substrate may be electrically connected to an external circuit of the battery (370) to provide electrons generated in the positive electrode active material layer to the external circuit during charging, or to provide electrons supplied through the external circuit to the positive electrode active material layer during discharging. For example, the positive electrode substrate may include aluminum. The positive electrode substrate may be implemented in the form of an aluminum foil, but the embodiments supported in this document are not limited thereto.

[0055] For example, the separators (323a, 323b, 323c, 323d) may be disposed between the positive electrode of one of the first electrodes (321) and the negative electrode of one of the second electrodes (322), respectively. For example, the separators (323) may provide a passage through which lithium ions may pass. The separators (323) may prevent physical contact (or direct electrical short-circuit) between the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) having different electrical characteristics.

[0056] The battery (300) may include an electrode tab (330) extending from an electrode assembly (320). The electrode tab (330) may include a first electrode tab (331) extending from first electrodes (321) and a second electrode tab (332) extending from second electrodes (322). For example, the electrode tab (330) may extend from the electrode assembly (320) within a case (310). The electrode tab (330) may be electrically connected to a circuit outside the battery (300) (e.g., a circuit on a first printed circuit board (250)) or may be electrically connected to another battery, thereby forming a battery module or a battery pack, through a lead tab (340) that is electrically connected to the electrode tab (330) and at least partially exposed to the outside of the case (310). For example, the first electrode tab (331) may electrically connect the first electrodes (321) of the electrode assembly (320) to electronic components and / or circuits external to the battery (300) via the first lead tab (341). The second tab (332) may electrically connect the second electrodes (322) of the electrode assembly (320) to electronic components and / or circuits external to the battery (300) via the second lead tab (342). The electronic components and / or circuits may include a power management circuit, a charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit (210) of FIG. 2), a power input pad, and / or a battery connector, but the embodiments supported in this document are not limited thereto.

[0057] For example, the lead tab (340) may be connected to each electrode tab (330) by passing through the case (310). For example, the lead tab (340) may be electrically connected to a circuit outside the battery (300) or may be electrically connected to another battery to form a battery module or a battery pack. For example, the lead tab (340) may include a conductive material (e.g., metal) so that power may be transmitted through the lead tab (340).

[0058] For example, the first electrode tab (331) may be formed by stacking and / or joining positive electrode tabs (331a, 331b) extending from the first poles (321a, 321b). The second electrode tab (332) may be formed by stacking and / or joining negative electrode tabs (332a, 332b, 332c) extending from the second poles (322a, 322b, 322c). For example, the first electrode tab (331) may be joined to the first lead tab (341) within the case (310). The second electrode tab (332) may be joined to the second lead tab (342) within the case (310). For example, the electrode tabs (331, 332) may be at least partially bent to be coupled with the corresponding lead tabs (341, 342), respectively. For example, the electrode tabs (331, 332) may be electrically connected to the corresponding lead tabs (341, 342) through welding, respectively, although the embodiments supported in this document are not limited thereto, and the electrode tabs (331, 332) may be coupled to the corresponding lead tabs (341, 342) through various processes, respectively.

[0059] For example, when discharging the battery (300), power provided from the electrode assembly (320) can be sequentially provided to the external circuit of the battery (300) connected to the lead tab (340) through the electrode tab (330) and the lead tab (340). When charging the battery (300), power provided from the charging device can be sequentially transmitted to the electrode assembly (320) through the lead tab (340) and the electrode tab (330).

[0060] Although not shown, the battery (300) may include an electrolyte disposed within the case (310). The electrolyte may provide a path through which lithium ions may move between the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322). For example, the electrolyte may include a liquid electrolyte or a gel electrolyte. When charging, lithium ions may be deintercalated from the positive electrode active material layer and may move to the negative electrode active material layer through the electrolyte and separators (323). The lithium ions that have moved to the negative electrode active material layer may be intercalated into the negative electrode active material layer as a reduction reaction occurs. Electrons generated during the deintercalation of lithium ions may move to the negative electrode active material layer through the external circuit. For example, when the battery (300) is discharged, lithium ions inserted into the negative electrode active material layer are desorbed and ionized into the electrolyte, and the ionized lithium ions can move to the positive electrode active material layer through the electrolyte and separators (323). Electrons generated in the negative electrode active material layer by the desorbing lithium ions can move to the positive electrode active material layer through the external circuit. Lithium ions can be inserted into the positive electrode active material layer by meeting electrons to cause a reduction reaction. When the battery (300) is discharged, electrons passing through the external circuit can do work.

[0061] For example, the separators (323) may be configured to allow ions in the electrolyte to pass through pores formed in the separators (323). For example, lithium ions in the electrolyte may be able to move between the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) through the pores formed in the separators (323).

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3B, the battery (300) may include an adhesive member (350) for fixing and / or bonding components of the electrode assembly (320) to each other. For example, the adhesive member (350) may be positioned along an edge of the electrode assembly (320). For example, the adhesive member (350) may extend from an upper surface (320A) of the electrode assembly (320), across a side surface (320C) of the electrode assembly (320), and to a lower surface (320B) of the electrode assembly (320). The adhesive member (350) may be configured to fasten components (e.g., first electrodes (321), second electrodes (322), and separators (323)) within the electrode assembly (320) to each other or tighten the components so that they do not spread apart by pressing the upper surface (320A) and the lower surface (320B) across the side surface (320C). For example, the adhesive member (350) may include an adhesive tape, but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0063] For example, the electrode assembly (320) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The adhesive member (350) may include a first adhesive portion (351) attached to a first side (320C-1) of the electrode assembly (320), a second adhesive portion (352) attached to a second side (320C-2), a third adhesive portion (353) attached to a third side (320C-3), and a fourth adhesive portion (354) attached to a fourth side (320C-4). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0064] The adhesive member (350) for fixing the components within the electrode assembly (320) to each other may have a reduced adhesive strength as the battery (300) operates. For example, the adhesive member (350) may be deformed by heat generated from the electrode assembly (320) and / or electronic components around the battery (300), thereby reducing the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (350). For example, the adhesive member (350) may be wetted by the electrolyte within the electrode assembly (320), thereby reducing the adhesive strength of the adhesive member (350). In addition, an additional process may be required for attaching the adhesive member (350), or the structure of the electrode assembly (320) may become complicated. The battery (300) may require a structure that increases the fastening strength between the components of the electrode assembly (320) and simplifies the assembly process of the electrode assembly (320). The above structure is explained through exemplary cities below in Fig. 4a.

[0065] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery. FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the electrode assembly of the exemplary battery of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a top plan view of the electrode assembly of the exemplary battery of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly of the exemplary battery taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4B. FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly of the exemplary battery taken along line B-B' of FIG. 4B.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E, a battery (300) may include a case (e.g., case (310) of FIG. 3A), and an electrode assembly (320) disposed within the case (310). The electrode assembly (320) may include first electrodes (321), and second electrodes (322) disposed between the first electrodes (321), each of which has a polarity different from that of the first electrodes (321). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the battery (300) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4A to 4E may include structures and / or configurations (e.g., separators (323), electrode tabs (330), lead tabs (340)) of the battery (300) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In the following, redundant descriptions of structures and / or configurations having the same reference numerals as exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3a and 3b may be omitted.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the circumferential securing structure (400) may be a layer disposed on the outer region of the electrodes of the electrode assembly (320), and an active material may be applied to one surface facing inward. For example, the circumferential securing structure (400) may also be referred to as one of the first electrodes (321). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the electrode assembly (320) may include a circumferential securing structure (400) surrounding the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) to secure a position between the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322). For example, the circumferential securing structure (400) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electrode assembly (320). The circumferential securing structure (400) may bind the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320) so that the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) do not detach from the electrode assembly (320). For example, the peripheral fixing structure (400) can wrap or pack the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) by surrounding the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) along the edge of the electrode assembly (320). For example, the peripheral fixing structure (400) can reduce the disassembly of the electrode assembly (320) by pressing the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320) along the periphery of the electrode assembly (320), thereby causing the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) to become separated from each other due to external impact or heat. The above-described circumferential fixation structure (400) may be referred to as a banding or encasing retention structure, an encircling fixation mechanism, and / or a wrap-around structure in terms of fixing the position between components of the electrode assembly (320) by being formed along the edge of the electrode assembly (320), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.Unlike the adhesive member (350) in FIG. 3b, the peripheral fixing structure (400) is formed integrally with the electrode assembly (320) and is formed along the perimeter of the electrode assembly (320), thereby improving the fastening force between components within the electrode assembly (320) and simplifying the structure of the electrode assembly (320). The configurations of the peripheral fixing structure (400) are described below.

[0069] The peripheral fixing structure (400) may include a first portion (410) forming an upper portion of the electrode assembly (320), a second portion (420) forming a lower portion of the electrode assembly (320), and a third portion (430) extending from the first portion (410) across the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) to the second portion (420) so as to fix the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) to each other together with the first portion (410) and the second portion (420).

[0070] For example, the first portion (410) may form at least a portion of an upper surface (e.g., upper surface (320A) of FIG. 3A) of the electrode assembly (320). The second portion (420) may form at least a portion of a lower surface (320B) of the electrode assembly (320) opposite the upper surface (320A). The third portion (430) may form at least a portion of a side surface (e.g., side surface (320C) of FIG. 3A) of the electrode assembly (320) by connecting the first portion (410) and the second portion (420). For example, the third portion (430) may extend from the first portion (410) to the second portion (420) across the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320). For example, the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) may be positioned between the first portion (410) and the second portion (420). The third portion (430) may be configured to connect the first portion (410) and the second portion (420) so that the peripheral fixing structure (400) fixes the position between the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0071] The first part (410) and the second part (420) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) may be configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes (321), respectively. For example, the first part (410) and the second part (420) may be stacked (e.g., in the z direction) together with the first electrodes (321), the second electrodes (322), and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320). The first part (410) and the second part (420) may be configured to have the same electrodes as the first electrodes (321) among the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) of the electrode assembly (320) when the battery (300) is charged and / or discharged. The first part (410) and the second part (420) are configured to have the same electrodes as the first electrodes (321), and thus can perform substantially the same function as the first electrodes (321).

[0072] For example, the first electrodes (321) may be first poles of the electrode assembly (320). The second electrodes (322) may be second poles of the electrode assembly (320). The first part (410) and the second part (420) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) may each function as anodes of the electrode assembly (320). For example, the first part (410) and the second part (420) may each have an active material applied to one surface facing the inside of the electrode assembly (320). The first electrodes (321) may each have an active material applied to both surfaces. The first part (410) and the second part (420) may be referred to as a half cathode or half positive electrode structure in that only one side facing the inside of the electrode assembly (320) is coated with an active material, but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0073] For example, the first portion (410) of the circumferential fixing structure (400) may define a first surface (410a) forming an upper surface of the electrode assembly (320) (e.g., the upper surface (320A) of FIG. 3A), and a second surface (410b) opposite the first surface (410a) and coated with an active material. The second portion (420) of the circumferential fixing structure (400) may define a third surface (420a) forming a lower surface of the electrode assembly (320) (e.g., the lower surface (320B) of FIG. 3A), and a fourth surface (420b) opposite the third surface (420a) and coated with an active material. For example, since the first surface (410a) of the first portion (410) forms an outer surface of the electrode assembly (320), a positive electrode active material may not be coated thereon. The second side (410b) of the first portion (410), which is opposite to the first side (410a), may be coated with the positive electrode active material or formed with the positive electrode active material for electrochemical interaction with the second electrodes (322) inside the electrode assembly (320). For example, the third side (420a) of the second portion (420) may not be coated with the positive electrode active material because it forms the outer surface of the electrode assembly (320). The fourth side (420b) of the second portion (420), which is opposite to the third side (420a), may be coated with the positive electrode active material or formed with the positive electrode active material for electrochemical interaction with the second electrodes (322) inside the electrode assembly (320). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0074] For example, each part (410, 420, 430) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) may be sectioned depending on whether an active material is applied. For example, the peripheral fixing structure (400) may be formed from a positive electrode substrate (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum thin film). The first part (410) may be a part located on the upper part of the electrode assembly (320) and having one surface facing the inside of the electrode assembly (320) coated with a positive electrode active material. The second part (420) may be a part located on the lower part of the electrode assembly (320) and having one surface facing the inside of the electrode assembly (320) coated with the positive electrode active material. The third part (430) may be a part connecting the first part (410) and the second part (420) and having no positive electrode active material applied thereto. However, it should be noted that this is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and the embodiments supported in this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0075] For example, the separators (323) of the electrode assembly (320) may include a first separator (401) attached to the first portion (410) and a second separator (402) attached to the second portion (420). For example, the first separator (401) may be interposed between the first portion (410) and a first electrode (322a) of the second electrodes (322). The second separator (402) may be interposed between the second portion (420) and a second electrode (322b) of the second electrodes (322). For example, the first separator (401) may form an upper surface (e.g., an upper surface (320A) of FIG. 3A) of the electrode assembly (320) together with the first portion (410). The first separator (401) may be in contact with the first part (410) (or the active material applied to the second surface (410b) of the first part (410). For example, the first electrode (322a) may be disposed at the uppermost of the second electrodes (322), thereby being disposed around the first part (410) of the peripheral fixing structure (400). The first separator (401) may be disposed between the first electrode (322a) and the first part (410), thereby allowing ions moving between the second surface (410b) of the first part (410) and the first electrode (322a) to pass. For example, the second separator (402) may form a lower surface (e.g., the lower surface (320B) of FIG. 3A) of the electrode assembly (320) together with the second portion (420). The second separator (402) may be in contact with the second portion (420) (or the active material applied to the fourth surface (420b) of the second portion (420). For example, the second electrode (322b) may be disposed at the bottom-most of the second electrodes (322), thereby being disposed around the second portion (420) of the peripheral fixing structure (400).The second separator (402) may be configured to pass ions moving between the fourth surface (420b) of the second portion (420) and the second electrode (322b) by being positioned between the second electrode (322b) and the second portion (420). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0076] For example, referring to FIGS. 4b and 4c, the first portion (410) may overlap the second portion (420) when the electrode assembly (320) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction).

[0077] The third part (430) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) may include a cover part (440) forming a continuous surface, and band parts (450) that tighten the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) together with the cover part (440). The cover part (440) may form, for example, at least a portion of a first side of the electrode assembly (320) (e.g., the first side (320C-1) of FIG. 3A). The band parts (450) may form at least a portion of a second side (e.g., the second side (320C-2) of FIG. 3A) of the electrode assembly (320) opposite to the first side (320C-1).

[0078] For example, the cover portion (440) may surround or face one side of each of the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320). For example, the cover portion (440) may extend upward across one side of each of the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) to connect the first part (410) and the second part (420). The cover portion (430) may form a continuous surface, thereby maintaining the connection between the first part (410) and the second part (420) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) and improving the fastening property between the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323).

[0079] For example, the band portions (450) may include first band portions (451) extending from the first portion (410), second band portions (452) extending from the second portion (420), and protrusions (453) formed by the joining of the first band portions (451) and the second band portions (452) and protruding from the second side (320C-2) of the electrode assembly (320). For example, the band portions (450) may be disposed on the opposite side of each of the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320) that the cover portion (440) wraps around. The band portions (450) can connect the first portion (410) and the second portion (420) by extending upward across the other side surfaces of each of the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323). For example, the band portions (450) can pressurize the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320) positioned between the first portion (410) and the second portion (420) by providing a tensile force to the first portion (410) and the second portion (420) together with the cover portion (440). The third part (430) can reduce the change in position between the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) or the separation of the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) from the electrode assembly (320) due to external impact and / or heat by pressurizing the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323).

[0080] For example, the first band portions (451) may include band portions (451a, 451b, 451c) extending from the first portion (410). The second band portions (452) may include band portions (452a, 452b, 452c) extending from the second portion (420). The band portions (451a, 451b, 451c) may be joined to each other on one side of an electrode stack (e.g., electrode stack (501) of FIG. 5B) formed of electrodes (321, 322) and separators (323) inside the electrode assembly (320), thereby forming protrusions (453a, 453b, 453c). The above protrusions (453a, 453b, 453c) may be arranged around the electrode tabs (331, 332) of the electrode assembly (320). For example, a force that tightens the components between the first part (410) and the second part (420) may be formed by the bonding force between the first band parts (451) and the second band parts (452). The protrusions (453) may be portions through which the first band parts (451) and the second band parts (452) are bonded and / or attached to each other. For example, the electrode tabs (331, 332) may be positioned between the band parts (450), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Through the assembly processes below in FIG. 5a, a structure in which the first band parts (451) and the second band parts (452) are joined to each other can be exemplarily explained.

[0081] The electrode assembly (320) may include a first electrode tab (331) extending from the first electrodes (321), and a second electrode tab (332) extending from the second electrodes (322). The peripheral fixing structure (400) may include a first tab (461) extending from a first portion (410) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab (331) so as to be connected with the first electrode tab (331), and a second tab (462) extending from a second portion (420) of the second peripheral fixing structure (400) and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab (331) so as to be connected with the first electrode tab (331).

[0082] For example, the first tab (461) may face the first electrode tab (331) by extending from the first portion (410). The second tab (462) may face the first electrode tab (331) by extending from the second portion (420). For example, the first tab (461) may be aligned above the first electrode tab (331) by extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first electrode tab (331) extends from the first portion (410) (e.g., +y direction). The second electrode tab (462) may be aligned below the first electrode tab (331) by extending in a direction parallel to the direction in which the first electrode tab (331) extends from the second portion (420). For example, the first electrode tab (331) may be positioned between the first tab (461) and the second tab (462) of the peripheral fixing structure (400). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0083] For example, the first tab (461) and the second tab (462) can perform the same function as the first electrode tab (331). For example, the first tab (461) and the second tab (462) can function as positive tabs by extending from the first portion (410) and the second portion (420) that function as positive electrodes. For example, the first tab (461) and the second tab (462) can be welded together with the first electrode tab (331) among the first electrode tab (331) and the second electrode tab (332) to form the positive tab of the electrode assembly (320). The second electrode tab (332) can form the negative tab. For example, the first tab (461) can have substantially the same width and / or length as the first electrode tab (331). The second tab (462) may have substantially the same width and / or length as the second electrode tab (332). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0084] The third portion (430) of the circumferential fixing structure (400) may be electrically insulated from the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) for thermal and / or electrical stability of the electrode assembly (320). The structure of the electrode assembly (320) for electrically insulating the third portion (430) from the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) is described below through exemplary drawings in FIG. 5A and below.

[0085] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e illustrate assembly processes of an electrode assembly of an exemplary battery.

[0086] The electrode assembly (320) of the battery (300) manufactured through the assembly processes exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 5A to 5E may include the structures and / or configurations of the electrode assembly (320) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4A to 4E. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of structures and / or configurations having the same reference numerals as exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4A to 4E may be omitted.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5A, a peripheral fixing structure (400) for fixing components of an electrode assembly (320) may be provided. The peripheral fixing structure (400) may include a first portion (410), a second portion (420), and a third portion (430). The third portion (430) may include a cover portion (430) extending from the first portion (410) to the second portion (420), and band portions (450) extending from the first portion (410) and the second portion (420). In addition, as illustrated, the first electrodes (e.g., the first electrodes (321) of FIG. 3A), the second electrodes (e.g., the second electrodes (322) of FIG. 3A), and the separators (323) may form an electrode stack (501) surrounded by the peripheral fixing structure (400). The above electrode stack (501) can be formed by alternately stacking first electrodes (321) and second electrodes (322) on which active materials are applied on both sides, and separators (323) therebetween.

[0088] The electrode assembly (320) may include an insulating material (510) for insulating the third portion (430) of the peripheral fixing structure (400) from the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322). For example, the insulating material (510) may be applied or attached to the third portion (430) of the peripheral fixing structure (400). For example, the insulating material (510) may be disposed or formed on an inner surface of the third portion (430) facing the electrode stack (501) (or a side surface of the electrode stack (501). For example, the insulating material (510) may include an insulating tape, but embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0089] For example, the insulating material (510) may include a first insulating material (511) disposed on the inner surface of the cover portion (440) to attach the cover portion (440) to the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322) and electrically insulate the cover portion (440) from the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322). For example, the first insulating material (511) may be interposed between the cover portion (440) and one side of the electrode stack (501). The first insulating material (511) may attach the cover portion (440) to the one side of the electrode stack (501). For example, the first insulating material (511) may separate the electrode stack (501) and the cover portion (440). The first insulating material (511) is arranged between the cover portion (440) and the electrode stack (501), thereby preventing a short circuit between the cover portion (440) and the electrodes (321, 322) within the electrode stack (501). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0090] For example, the insulating material (510) may include a second insulating material (512) that attaches the first band portions (451) and the second band portions (452) to form protrusions (453) of the band portions (450) and electrically insulates the band portions (450) from the first electrodes (321) and the second electrodes (322). For example, the second insulating material (512) may be applied to or attached to each of the band portions (451a, 451b, 451c) and the band portions (452a, 452b, 452c). For example, the second insulating material (512) may be formed on portions adjacent to the electrode stack (501) of each of the first band portions (451) and the second band portions (452). For example, the second insulating material (512) may be at least partially interposed between the band portions (450) and the electrodes (321, 322) within the electrode stack (501) to prevent short circuiting between the band portions (450) and the electrodes (321, 322). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0091] Referring sequentially to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an electrode stack (501) including first electrodes (321), second electrodes (322), and separators (323) may be disposed on a second portion (420) of a peripheral fixed structure (400). For example, the first electrodes (321) may have both surfaces coated with a positive electrode active material. The second electrodes (322) may have both surfaces coated with a negative electrode active material. The separators (323) may include a first separator (401) forming an upper plate of the electrode stack (501) and a second separator (402) forming a bottom plate of the electrode stack (501). The second separator (402) may be attached to the fourth surface (420b) of the second portion (420) on which the positive electrode active material is applied. The first electrode tab (331) extending from the first electrodes (321) of the electrode stack (501) may be aligned on the second tab (462) extending from the second portion (420).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the peripheral fixing structure (400) may be formed from a base layer (e.g., a cathode substrate (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum thin film)). The first portion (410) and the second portion (420) may have an active material (e.g., a cathode active material) applied from the base layer or substrate layer toward the inside of the battery (300).

[0093] Referring sequentially to FIGS. 5b, 5c, and 5d, the first portion (410) can be covered on the electrode stack (501) by the rotation of the cover portion (440). The second surface (410b) of the first portion (410) on which the positive electrode active material is applied can be attached on the first separator (401) of the electrode stack (501). The first tab (461) extending from the first portion (410) can be aligned on the first electrode tab (331) of the electrode stack (501). The first band portions (451) extending from the first portion (410) can be aligned on the second band portions (452) extending from the second portion (420), respectively. The first electrode tab (331) can be positioned between the first tab (461) and the second tab (462). The cover portion (440) can be attached to one side of the electrode stack (501) through a first insulating material (511) applied to the inner surface of the cover portion (440). The cover portion (440) can be electrically insulated from the electrodes (321, 322) within the electrode stack (501) through the first insulating material (511).

[0094] Referring sequentially to FIGS. 5d and 5e, the first band portions (451) and the second band portions (452) may be joined to form the band portions (450) (or the protrusions (453)). For example, each of the band portions (451a, 451b, 451c) may be attached to or joined to the band portions (452a, 452b, 452c) via the second insulating material (512). For example, each of the band portions (451a, 451b, 451c) may be joined to the band portions (452a, 452b, 452c) by welding. For example, the positions of the first band portions (451) and the second band portions (452) for forming the protrusions (453) can be designed to avoid the first electrode tabs (331) and the second electrode tabs (332). For example, through the bonding force between the first band portions (451) and the second band portions (452) and the tensile force of the cover portion (440), the first portion (410) and the second portion (420) can press the electrode stack (501). As the peripheral fixing structure (400) presses the electrode stack (501), the peripheral fixing structure (400) can reduce the displacement of the electrodes (321, 322) and the separators (323) within the electrode stack (501) and minimize the deformation of the electrode assembly (320). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0095] For example, as illustrated, the electrode stack (501) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The peripheral fixing structure (400) may be arranged on four of the six sides of the electrode stack (501) having the rectangular parallelepiped shape, as illustrated in FIG. 5E. The peripheral fixing structure (400) surrounds the electrode stack (501) along the four of the six sides, thereby reducing displacement of the electrodes (321, 322) and separators (323) within the electrode stack (501) and minimizing deformation of the electrode assembly (320).

[0096] As described above, a battery (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1, battery (300) of FIG. 3A) may include a case (e.g., case (310) of FIG. 3A), and an electrode assembly (e.g., electrode assembly (320) of FIG. 3A) disposed within the case. The electrode assembly may include first electrodes (e.g., first electrodes (321) of FIG. 3A), second electrodes (e.g., second electrodes (322) of FIG. 3A) disposed between the first electrodes and configured to have a polarity different from that of the first electrodes, and a circumferential securing structure (e.g., circumferential securing structure (400) of FIG. 4A) surrounding the first electrodes and the second electrodes to secure a position between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The above-described peripheral fixing structure may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (410) of FIG. 4a) configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forming an upper portion of the electrode assembly, a second portion (e.g., the second portion (420) of FIG. 4b) configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forming a lower portion of the electrode assembly, and a third portion (e.g., the third portion (430) of FIG. 4a) extending from the first portion to the second portion across the first electrodes and the second electrodes so as to fix the first electrodes and the second electrodes to each other together with the first portion and the second portion.

[0097] For example, the third portion of the circumferential fixing structure may be electrically insulated from the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

[0098] For example, the electrode assembly may further include first electrode tabs extending from the first electrodes (e.g., the first electrode tab (331) of FIG. 3A), and second electrode tabs extending from the second electrodes (e.g., the second electrode tab (332) of FIG. 3A), respectively. The peripheral fixing structure may further include a first tab extending from the first portion and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab so as to be connected with the first electrode tab (e.g., the first tab (461) of FIG. 4A), and a second tab extending from the second portion and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab so as to be connected with the first electrode tab (e.g., the second tab (462) of FIG. 4A).

[0099] For example, the first electrode tab may be positioned between the first tab and the second tab of the circumferential fixing structure.

[0100] For example, the first portion may define a first surface (e.g., the first surface (410a) of FIG. 4a) forming an upper surface of the electrode assembly (e.g., the upper surface (320A) of FIG. 3a) and a second surface (e.g., the second surface (410b) of FIG. 4d) opposite the first surface and coated with an active material. The second portion may define a third surface (e.g., the third surface (420a) of FIG. 4d) forming a lower surface of the electrode assembly (e.g., the lower surface (320B) of FIG. 3a) and a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface (420b) of FIG. 4d) opposite the third surface and coated with an active material.

[0101] For example, the third portion may include a cover portion (e.g., a cover portion (440) of FIG. 4a) that forms a first side of the electrode assembly (e.g., a first side (320C-1) of FIG. 3b) and has a continuous surface, and band portions (e.g., band portions (450) of FIG. 4a) that form a second side opposite to the first side of the electrode assembly and that tighten the first electrodes and the second electrodes together with the cover portion.

[0102] For example, the electrode assembly may further include a first insulating material (e.g., the first insulating material (511) of FIG. 5A) disposed on the inner surface of the cover portion to attach the cover portion to the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and electrically insulating the cover portion from the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

[0103] For example, the band portions may include first band portions extending from the first portion (e.g., first band portions (451) of FIG. 4A), second band portions extending from the second portion (e.g., second band portions (452) of FIG. 4A), and protrusions formed by the combination of the first band portions and the second band portions and protruding from the second side surface of the electrode assembly (e.g., protrusions (453) of FIG. 4A).

[0104] For example, the electrode assembly may further include a second insulating material (e.g., the second insulating material (512) of FIG. 5A) that attaches the first band portions and the second band portions to form the protrusions and electrically insulates the band portions from the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

[0105] For example, the electrode assembly may further include separators that electrically separate the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and include a first separator attached to the first portion (e.g., the first separator (401) of FIG. 4A) and a second separator attached to the second portion (e.g., the second separator (402) of FIG. 4A).

[0106] For example, the first separator may be interposed between the first portion and a first electrode among the second electrodes (e.g., the first electrode (322a) of FIG. 3A). The second separator may be interposed between the second portion and a second electrode among the second electrodes (e.g., the second electrode (322b) of FIG. 3A).

[0107] For example, the first portion may overlap the second portion when the electrode assembly is viewed from above.

[0108] For example, the first electrodes and the second electrodes may form an electrode stack having a rectangular parallelepiped shape (e.g., the electrode stack (501) of FIG. 5B). The peripheral fixing structure may be arranged on four of the six sides of the electrode stack having the rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0109] For example, at least a portion of the third portion may be formed by welding.

[0110] For example, the first portion and the second portion of the circumferential fixing structure may each have an active material applied to one surface facing the inside of the electrode assembly. The first electrodes may each have an active material applied to both surfaces.

[0111] According to the above, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include an electronic component (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), and a battery configured to supply power to the electronic component, the battery including a case, and an electrode assembly disposed within the case. The electrode assembly may include an electrode stack including first electrodes, and second electrodes each disposed between the first electrodes and configured to have a polarity different from the first electrodes, and a peripheral fixing structure surrounding the electrode stack to fix a position between the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The above-described peripheral fixing structure may include a first portion configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and attached on the electrode stack, a second portion configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and attached below the electrode stack, and a third portion extending from the first portion to the second portion across the first electrodes and the second electrodes so as to fix the first electrodes and the second electrodes to each other together with the first portion and the second portion.

[0112] For example, the third portion of the circumferential fixing structure may be electrically insulated from the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

[0113] For example, the electrode assembly may further include first electrode tabs extending from the first electrodes, and second electrode tabs extending from the second electrodes, respectively. The peripheral fixing structure may further include a first tab extending from the first portion and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab so as to be connected with the first electrode tab, and a second tab extending from the second portion and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab so as to be connected with the first electrode tab.

[0114] For example, the third portion may include a cover portion forming a first side of the electrode assembly and having a continuous surface, and band portions forming a second side opposite to the first side of the electrode assembly and fastening the first electrodes and the second electrodes together with the cover portion.

[0115] For example, the band portions may include first band portions extending from the first portion, second band portions extending from the second portion, and protrusions formed by joining the first band portions and the second band portions and protruding from the second side of the electrode assembly.

[0116] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0117] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0118] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0119] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0121] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. Regarding the battery, case; and An electrode assembly disposed within the case, the electrode assembly comprising: First electrodes; Second electrodes each disposed between the first electrodes and configured to have a polarity different from that of the first electrodes; Separators that electrically separate the first electrodes and the second electrodes; and A circumferential securing structure is included that surrounds the first electrodes, the second electrodes, and the separators to fix the position between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, The above circumferential fixing structure is, A first part configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forming the upper portion of the electrode assembly; A second part configured to have the same polarity as the first electrodes and forming the lower portion of the electrode assembly; and A third portion extending from the first portion across the first electrodes and the second electrodes to the second portion so as to fix the first electrodes and the second electrodes to each other together with the first portion and the second portion, battery.

2. In paragraph 1, The third part of the above-mentioned circumferential fixing structure is, electrically insulated from the first electrodes and the second electrodes, battery.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above electrode assembly, First electrode tabs extending from each of the first electrodes; and Further comprising a second electrode tab extending from each of the second electrodes, The above circumferential fixing structure is, a first tab extending from the first portion and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab so as to be connected to the first electrode tab; and Further comprising a second tab extending from the second portion and aligned with respect to the first electrode tab so as to be connected to the first electrode tab; battery.

4. In paragraph 3, The first electrode tab is positioned between the first tab and the second tab of the circumferential fixing structure. battery.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The first part and the second part, Each of which includes an active material applied on a surface formed in a direction facing the inside of the electrode assembly. battery.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The third part above, A cover portion forming a first side of the electrode assembly and having a continuous surface; and forming a second side opposite to the first side of the electrode assembly, and including band parts that tighten the first electrodes and the second electrodes together with the cover part; battery.

7. In paragraph 6, The above electrode assembly, Further comprising a first insulating material disposed on the inner surface of the cover portion to attach the cover portion to the first electrodes and the second electrodes, and electrically insulating the cover portion from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. battery.

8. In paragraph 6, The above band parts are, First band portions extending from the first portion; Second band portions extending from the second portion; and formed by combining the first band parts and the second band parts, and including protrusions protruding from the second side of the electrode assembly, battery.

9. In paragraph 8, The above electrode assembly, Attaching the first band parts and the second band parts to form the protrusions, and further including a second insulating material that electrically insulates the band parts from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. battery.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above membranes are, a first separator attached to the first part; and Including separators including a second separator attached to the second part, battery.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first separator, Interposed between the first part and the first electrode among the second electrodes, The above second separator, Interposed between the second part and the second electrode among the second electrodes, battery.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above first part is, When the above electrode assembly is viewed from above, it overlaps with the second part, battery.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The first electrodes and the second electrodes, Forming an electrode stack having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, The above circumferential fixing structure is, Placed on four of the six sides of the electrode stack having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, battery.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, At least some of the above third part, formed from welding, battery.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The first part and the second part of the above-mentioned circumferential fixing structure, An active material is applied to one side of each electrode assembly facing the inside, The above first electrodes are, Active material is applied on each side, battery.

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