Cylindrical battery and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cylindrical battery, which includes an electrode assembly and a top cover assembly located on the upper portion of the electrode assembly, wherein the top cover assemblies are electrically separated from each other by means of an insulating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0004258, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 13, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a cylindrical battery and a method of manufacturing the cylindrical battery. Technical Field

[0005] As energy prices rise due to the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental pollution is increasingly concerned, the demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy sources has become an important factor in future life. Therefore, research is being conducted on technologies for generating various electric powers such as nuclear power, solar power, wind power, and tidal power, and electric power storage devices for more efficiently using the generated energy are also attracting wide attention.

[0006] In addition, as mobile device technology continues to develop and the demand for such mobile devices continues to increase, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on batteries that can meet various needs. In particular, in terms of materials for batteries, the demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries and lithium ion polymer batteries is very high, and lithium secondary batteries have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0007] Secondary batteries can be classified based on the structure of the electrode assembly, which has a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked in a state where a separator is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. For example, the electrode assembly can be configured to have a wound (rolled) type structure in which a long sheet type positive electrode and a long sheet type negative electrode are wound with a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; or a stacked (laminated) type structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes cut into a predetermined unit size are sequentially stacked with a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. In recent years, in order to solve the problems caused by the wound type electrode assembly and the stacked type electrode assembly, a stacked / folded type electrode assembly, which is a combination of the wound type electrode assembly and the stacked type electrode assembly, has been developed. The stacked / folded type electrode assembly has an improved structure in which a predetermined number of positive electrodes and negative electrodes are sequentially stacked in a state where separators are respectively disposed between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes to form unit cells, and then a plurality of unit cells are sequentially folded in a state where they have been placed on a separator film.

[0008] These electrode assemblies are installed in a pouch-shaped casing, a cylindrical can, a prismatic casing, etc. according to the purpose of use to produce a battery.

[0009] Among them, the cylindrical battery has the advantages of being easy to manufacture and having a high energy density per unit weight. Therefore, the cylindrical battery is used as an energy source for various devices ranging from portable computers to electric vehicles.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional cylindrical battery.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1 , the cylindrical battery 100 is manufactured by accommodating the reel-type electrode assembly 120 in the cylindrical casing 130, injecting an electrolyte solution into the cylindrical casing 130, and coupling the top cover 140 to the upper end of the opening of the cylindrical casing 130.

[0012] The reel-type electrode assembly 120 has the following structure: in this structure, the positive electrode 121, the separator 122, and the negative electrode 123 are stacked in sequence and wound into a circle, and the cylindrical center pin 150 is inserted into the central portion of the electrode assembly 120 as its mandrel. The center pin 150 is used to fix and support the electrode assembly 120, and also serves as a channel for discharging the gas generated by the internal reaction during charging / discharging and operation. However, according to the specifications of the cylindrical battery 100, the center pin 150 may not be used.

[0013] During the charging / discharging process of the cylindrical battery 100, the electrodes of the electrode assembly 120 are repeatedly expanded and contracted. Therefore, a structural deformation occurs in which the electrode assembly 120 is twisted. In particular, the deformation occurs more severely in the central portion where the stress of the electrode assembly 120 is concentrated.

[0014] In addition, high heat energy is generated inside the cylindrical battery 100 during the charging / discharging process. However, the conventional cylindrical battery 100 does not have a system capable of quickly discharging the heat energy. In particular, recently, the demand for cylindrical batteries with high capacity and high output is increasing. Therefore, when using an electrode with an active material having a high load, there is a problem that a runaway may occur. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical problem

[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cylindrical battery capable of preventing deformation and runaway of an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the cylindrical battery.

[0017] However, the objects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical concept included in the present disclosure.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a cylindrical battery can be provided, which includes an electrode assembly and a top cover assembly located on the upper part of the electrode assembly, wherein the top cover assembly is electrically separated from each other by an insulator.

[0020] The top cover assembly can include a first top cover assembly and a second top cover assembly. The first top cover assembly can include a first top cover, a first current interruption device, and a first gas storage unit, and the second top cover assembly can include a second top cover, a second current interruption device, and a second gas storage unit.

[0021] The insulator can include an upper insulator and a lower insulator.

[0022] The upper insulator can have a "Π"-shaped cross-sectional shape.

[0023] The upper insulator can be coupled in a structure surrounding the middle part of the lower insulator.

[0024] The lower insulator can be located between the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device, and can electrically insulate the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device.

[0025] The upper insulator can be attached to the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device.

[0026] Even if any one of the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device is operated, the upper insulator can move upward and protrude outward.

[0027] When the first current interruption device or the second current interruption device is operated, the gas generated in the electrode assembly can be collected in the first gas storage unit and the second gas storage unit.

[0028] When the upper insulator moves upward to a height L1 or higher due to the pressure of the gas collected in the first gas storage unit and the second gas storage unit, the gas collected in the first gas storage unit and the second gas storage unit can be discharged to the outside.

[0029] The upper insulator can include a first upper insulator and a second upper insulator.

[0030] The first upper insulator and the second upper insulator can be configured to be separated from each other.

[0031] The first upper insulator is attached to the first current interruption device, and when the first current interruption device is operated, the first upper insulator can move upward and protrude.

[0032] A second upper insulator is attached to the second current interruption device, and when the second current interruption device is operated, the second upper insulator can move upward and protrude.

[0033] The electrode assembly includes a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, and the first electrode assembly can be located in the central portion of the second electrode assembly.

[0034] The first positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly can be electrically connected to the first top cover assembly, and the second positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly can be electrically connected to the second top cover assembly.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery is provided, the method including the steps of: winding a first positive electrode, a first separator, and a first negative electrode to manufacture a first electrode assembly; winding a second positive electrode, a second separator, and a second negative electrode to manufacture a second electrode assembly; inserting the first electrode assembly into the central portion of the second electrode assembly; electrically connecting the first positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly to the first top cover assembly; and electrically connecting the second positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly to the second top cover assembly.

[0036] According to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery is provided, the method including the steps of: winding a first positive electrode, a first separator, and a first negative electrode to manufacture a first electrode assembly; using the first electrode assembly as a mandrel, winding a stack of a second positive electrode, a second separator, and a second negative electrode to manufacture a second electrode stack; inserting the first electrode assembly into the central portion of the second electrode assembly; electrically connecting the first positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly to the first top cover assembly; and electrically connecting the second positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly to the second top cover assembly.

[0037] Beneficial effects

[0038] As described above, the cylindrical battery according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent damage or deformation of the cylindrical battery by using electrically separated top cover assemblies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a conventional cylindrical battery.

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 is along Figure 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the top cover assembly taken along line A-A' in

[0042] Figure 4 is showingFigure 3 Schematic diagram of the state where the upper insulator in

[0043] Figure 5 shows Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the insulator in

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a top cover assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a top cover assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 8 shows the manufacturing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the electrode assembly in

[0047] Figure 9 shows the manufacturing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the electrode assembly in Detailed embodiments

[0048] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement various embodiments. The present disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0049] In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as "including" a certain component, unless otherwise specified, it means that the part may also include other components without excluding other components.

[0050] In addition, throughout the specification, "upward" means a direction opposite to the direction of the gravitational force.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is along Figure 2 Schematic cross-sectional view of the top cover assembly taken along line A-A' in Figure 4 shows Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the state where the upper insulator in Figure 5 shows Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the insulator of

[0052] Refer to Figures 2 to 5, the cylindrical battery 200 may have a structure in which the wound electrode assembly 220 is inserted into a battery case (not shown). The positive electrode tab 230 may be formed in the upper part of the electrode assembly 220 to be electrically connected to the top cover assembly 210. The negative electrode tab 240 may be formed in the lower part of the electrode assembly 220 to be electrically connected to the battery case. The positive electrode tab 230 may include a first positive electrode tab 231 and a second positive electrode tab 232. The negative electrode tab 240 may include a first negative electrode tab 241 and a second negative electrode tab 242.

[0053] The top cover assembly 210 may include a first top cover assembly 211 and a second top cover assembly 212. The first top cover assembly 211 and the second top cover assembly 212 may be electrically separated by the insulator 250. The first top cover assembly 211 and the second top cover assembly 212 may be configured to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the insulator 250.

[0054] The first positive electrode tab 231 may be electrically connected to the second top cover assembly 212. The second positive electrode tab 232 may be electrically connected to the first top cover assembly 211.

[0055] The insulator 250 may be formed in a structure that extends in the length and width directions of the top cover assembly 210 while passing through the central portion of the top cover assembly 210. The insulator 250 may include an upper insulator 250-1 and a lower insulator 250-2.

[0056] The first top cover assembly 211 may include a first top cover 211-1, a first current interruption device 211-2, a first gas storage unit 211-3, and a gasket 211-4. The first top cover 211-1 may form a positive electrode terminal in a form exposed to the outside. The first current interruption device 211-2 may be formed in the lower part of the upper insulator 250-1.

[0057] The second top cover assembly 212 includes a second top cover 212-1, a second current interruption device 212-2, a second gas storage unit 212-3, and a second gasket 212-4. The second top cover 212-1 may form a positive electrode terminal in a form exposed to the outside of the cylindrical battery 200. The second current interruption device 212-2 may be formed in the lower part of the upper insulator 250-1.

[0058] The upper insulator 250-1 may be configured to be attached to the first current interruption device 211-2 and the second current interruption device 212-2. Therefore, even if any one of the first current interruption device 211-2 and the second current interruption device 212-2 is operated, the upper insulator 250-1 may move upward and protrude to the outside.

[0059] For example, when operating the first current interruption device 211-2, the upper insulator 250-1 moves upward, and the second current interruption device 212-2 attached to the upper insulator 250-1 can also move upward together. Additionally, when operating the second current interruption device 212-2, the upper insulator 250-1 moves upward, and the first current interruption device 211-2 attached to the upper insulator 250-1 can also move upward together.

[0060] Furthermore, when the upper insulator 250-1 moves upward and protrudes outward, the operator can visually confirm the degree of protrusion of the upper insulator 250-1. And the degree of generation of internal gas can be grasped based on the degree of protrusion of the upper insulator 250-1.

[0061] The upper insulator 250-1 can have a "Π" - shaped cross - section cut along line A - A'. The upper insulator 250-1 can be formed at the middle part along the length direction Y of the lower insulator 250-2. The upper insulator 250-1 can be coupled in a structure surrounding the middle part of the lower insulator 250-2.

[0062] The lower insulator 250-2 can be located between the first current interruption device 211-2 and the second current interruption device 212-2. The first current interruption device 211-2 and the second current interruption device 212-2 can be configured to be electrically insulated from each other through the lower insulator 250-2.

[0063] When operating the first current interruption device 211-2 or the second current interruption device 212-2, the gas generated in the electrode assembly 220 is collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3 and the second gas storage unit 212-3. And when the upper insulator 250-1 moves upward to a height L1 or higher due to the pressure of the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3 and the second gas storage unit 212-3, the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3 and the second gas storage unit 212-3 can be discharged to the outside.

[0064] The first gas storage unit 211-3 can include a first recess 211-3-1 and a second recess 211-3-2. The first recess 211-3-1 can be a space formed by denting toward the first top cover 211-1. The second recess 211-3-2 can be a space formed by denting toward the upper insulator 250-1. The first gas storage unit 211-3 can be formed between the first top cover 211-1, the upper insulator 250-1, and the first current interruption device 211-2.

[0065] When the upper insulator 250-1 moves upward to the first height L1 or higher, the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3 can be discharged to the outside, and the second recess 211-3-2 is exposed to the outside.

[0066] The size of the path through which the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3 is discharged can be determined based on the height L3 and the width L2 of the second recess 211-3-2. In particular, when the width L2 is larger, the gas discharge path can be formed larger.

[0067] The first contact portion 211-5 can be the contact portion between the first top cover 211-1 and the first current interruption device 211-2. When the first current interruption device 211-2 moves upward, the first contact portion 211-5 is opened, and the internal gas can be collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3. Here, the opening of the first contact portion 211-5 means that the first top cover 211-1 and the first current interruption device 211-2 are separated. The internal gas can move through the space generated when the first top cover 211-1 and the first current interruption device 211-2 are separated, and thus be collected in the first gas storage unit 211-3.

[0068] The second top cover assembly 212 can have the same structure as the first top cover assembly 211. Therefore, the details of the second top cover assembly 212 will be omitted.

[0069] The second gas storage unit 212-3 can have the same structure as the first gas storage unit 211-3. In addition, the second gas storage unit 212-3 can collect and discharge gas in the same manner as the first gas storage unit 211-3. Therefore, the details of the second gas storage unit 212-3 will be omitted.

[0070] The first gas storage unit 211-3 and the second gas storage unit 212-3 can contain a fire extinguishing gas. The fire extinguishing gas can be carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The fire extinguishing gas can prevent a fire caused by a runaway that may occur due to abnormal operation of the cylindrical battery 200.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a top cover assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Refer to Figure 6 , the top cover assembly 310 can include a first top cover assembly 311 and a second top cover assembly 312. The first top cover assembly 311 and the second top cover assembly 312 can be electrically separated by an insulator 350. The first top cover assembly 311 and the second top cover assembly 312 can be configured to be symmetric with respect to the insulator 350.

[0073] The insulator 350 may be formed as a structure extending in the length and width directions of the top cover assembly 310 while passing through the central portion of the top cover assembly 310. The insulator 350 may include a first upper insulator 350-1, a second upper insulator 350-2, and a lower insulator 350-3.

[0074] The first top cover assembly 311 may include a first top cover 311-1, a first current interruption device 311-2, a first gas storage unit 311-3, and a gasket 311-4. The first top cover 311-1 may be formed as a positive electrode terminal in a form exposed to the outside. The first current interruption device 311-2 may be formed below the first upper insulator 350-1.

[0075] The second top cover assembly 312 may include a second top cover 312-1, a second current interruption device 312-2, a second gas storage unit 312-3, and a second gasket 312-4. The second top cover 312-1 may be formed as a positive electrode terminal in a form exposed to the outside. The second current interruption device 312-2 may be formed below the second upper insulator 350-2.

[0076] The first upper insulator 350-1 may be configured to be attached to the first current interruption device 311-2. Thus, when the first current interruption device 311-2 is operated, the first upper insulator 350-1 may move upward and protrude.

[0077] The second upper insulator 350-2 may be configured to be attached to the second current interruption device 312-2. Thus, when the second current interruption device 312-2 is operated, the second upper insulator 350-2 may move upward and protrude.

[0078] The first upper insulator 350-1 and the second upper insulator 350-2 may be configured to be separated from each other. Thus, the first upper insulator 350-1 and the second upper insulator 350-2 may be separated and operated.

[0079] The first current interruption device 311-2 and the second current interruption device 312-2 may be configured to be electrically separated by the lower insulator 350-3. In addition, the first current interruption device 311-2 and the second current interruption device 312-2 do not affect each other's operation.

[0080] When the first current interruption device 311-2 is operated, the internal gas may be collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3. And, when the first upper insulator 350-1 moves upward to a height S1 or higher due to the gas pressure collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3, the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3 may be discharged to the outside.

[0081] The first gas storage unit 311-3 may include a first recess 311-3-1 and a second recess 311-3-2. The first recess 311-3-1 may be a space formed by recessing toward the first top cover 311-1. The second recess 311-3-2 may be a space formed by recessing toward the first upper insulator 350-1. The first gas storage unit 311-3 may be formed between the first top cover 311-1, the first upper insulator 350-1, and the first current interruption device 311-2.

[0082] When the first upper insulator 350-1 moves upward to a height S1 or higher, the second recess 311-3-2 is exposed to the outside, and the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3 can be discharged to the outside.

[0083] The size of the path through which the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3 is discharged can be determined based on the height S3 and the width S2 of the second recess 311-3-2. In particular, when the width S2 is larger, the gas discharge path can be formed larger.

[0084] The first contact portion 311-5 may be a contact portion between the first top cover 311-1 and the first current interruption device 311-2. When the first current interruption device 311-2 moves upward, the first contact portion 311-5 is opened and the discharged gas can be collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3. Here, the first contact portion 311-5 being opened means that the first top cover 311-1 and the first current interruption device 311-2 are separated. The internal gas can move through the space generated when the first top cover 311-1 and the first current interruption device 311-2 are separated, and thus be collected in the first gas storage unit 311-3.

[0085] The second top cover assembly 312 may have the same structure as the first top cover assembly 311. Therefore, the details of the second top cover assembly 312 will be omitted.

[0086] The second gas storage unit 312-3 may have the same structure as the first gas storage unit 311-3. In addition, the second gas storage unit 312-3 can collect and discharge gas in the same manner as the first gas storage unit 311-3. Therefore, the details of the second gas storage unit 312-3 will be omitted.

[0087] The first gas storage unit 311-3 and the second gas storage unit 312-3 may contain a fire extinguishing gas. The fire extinguishing gas may be carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The fire extinguishing gas can prevent a fire caused by a runaway that may occur due to abnormal operation of the cylindrical battery.

[0088] When the first upper insulator 350-1 and the second upper insulator 350-2 move upward and protrude outward, the operator can visually confirm the protruding degree of the first upper insulator 350-1 and the second upper insulator 350-2. In addition, the degree of generation of internal gas can be grasped based on the protruding degree of the first upper insulator 350-1 and the second upper insulator 350-2.

[0089] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a top cover assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Referring to Figure 7 , the top cover assembly 410 may include a first top cover assembly 411 and a second top cover assembly 412. The first top cover assembly 411 and the second top cover assembly 412 may be electrically separated by an insulator 450.

[0091] The insulator 450 may be formed in a structure extending in the length and width directions of the top cover assembly 410 while passing through the central portion of the top cover assembly 410. The insulator 450 may include an upper insulator 450-1 and a lower insulator 450-2.

[0092] The first top cover assembly 411 may include a first top cover 411-1, a first current interruption device 411-2, a first gas storage unit 411-3, and a gasket 411-4. The first top cover 411-1 may be formed as a positive electrode terminal in a form exposed to the outside. The first current interruption device 411-2 may be formed below the upper insulator 450-1.

[0093] The second top cover assembly 412 may include a second top cover 412-1, a second current interruption device 412-2, a second gas storage unit 412-3, and a second gasket 412-4. The second top cover 412-1 may be formed as a positive electrode terminal in a form exposed to the outside. The second current interruption device 412-2 may be formed below the upper insulator 450-1.

[0094] The upper insulator 450-1 may be configured to be attached to the first current interruption device 411-2 and the second current interruption device 412-2. Therefore, even if any one of the first current interruption device 411-2 and the second current interruption device 412-2 is operated, the upper insulator 450-1 can move upward and protrude. For example, when the first current interruption device 411-2 is operated, the upper insulator 450-1 moves upward and the second current interruption device 412-2 attached to the upper insulator 450-1 may also move upward together. In addition, when the second current interruption device 412-2 is operated, the upper insulator 450-1 moves upward, and the first current interruption device 411-2 attached to the upper insulator 450-1 may also move upward together.

[0095] When the upper insulator 450-1 moves upward and protrudes outward, the operator can visually confirm the degree of protrusion of the upper insulator 450-1. In addition, the degree of generation of internal gas can be grasped by the degree of protrusion of the upper insulator 450-1.

[0096] When the first current interruption device 411-2 or the second current interruption device 412-2 is operated, the internal gas can be collected in the first gas storage unit 411-3 and the second gas storage unit 412-3. However, contrary to the above-described embodiment, according to this embodiment, even if the upper insulator 450-1 moves upward to the second height M1 or higher by the gas pressure collected in the first gas storage unit 411-3 and the second gas storage unit 412-3, the gas collected in the first gas storage unit 411-3 and the second gas storage unit 412-3 is not discharged to the outside. However, when excessive gas is generated due to heating from the outside or the like and the current interruption devices 411-2 and 412-2 exceed the second height M1, the upper insulator 450-1 and the current interruption devices 411-2 and 412-2 are discharged to the outside together, and the internal gas can be discharged to the outside.

[0097] The first gas storage unit 411-3 may be a space formed by being recessed toward the first top cover 411-1. The first gas storage unit 411-3 may be formed between the first top cover 411-1, the upper insulator 450-1, and the first current interruption device 411-2.

[0098] The first contact portion 411-5 may be a contact portion between the first top cover 411-1 and the first current interruption device 411-2. When the first current interruption device 411-2 moves upward, the first contact portion 411-5 is opened and the internal gas can be collected in the first gas storage unit 411-3. Here, the first contact portion 411-5 being opened means that the first top cover 411-1 and the first current interruption device 411-2 are separated. The internal gas can move through the space generated when the first top cover 411-1 and the first current interruption device 411-2 are separated, and thus be collected in the first gas storage unit 411-3.

[0099] The second top cover assembly 412 may have the same structure as the first top cover assembly 411. Therefore, the details of the structure of the second top cover assembly 412 will be omitted.

[0100] The second gas storage unit 412-3 may have the same structure as the first gas storage unit 411-3. In addition, the second gas storage unit 412-3 can collect and discharge gas in the same manner as the first gas storage unit 411-3. Therefore, the details of the second gas storage unit 412-3 will be omitted.

[0101] The first gas storage unit 411-3 and the second gas storage unit 412-3 may contain a fire extinguishing gas. The fire extinguishing gas may be carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The fire extinguishing gas can prevent a fire caused by a runaway that may occur due to abnormal operation of the cylindrical battery.

[0102] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing of Figure 2 the electrode assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing of Figure 2 the electrode assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to Figure 2 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the electrode assembly 220 may include a first electrode assembly 221 and a second electrode assembly 222. The first electrode assembly 221 may be located in the central portion of the second electrode assembly 222.

[0104] The first electrode assembly 221 may have a structure in which a first positive electrode 221-1, a first separator 221-2, and a first negative electrode 221-3 are wound in a certain order. A first positive electrode tab 231 may be formed on the upper portion of the first electrode assembly 221 to be electrically connected to the first top cover assembly 211. A first negative electrode tab 241 is formed on the lower portion of the first electrode assembly 221 to be electrically connected to the battery case.

[0105] The second electrode assembly 222 may have a structure in which a second positive electrode 222-1, a second separator 222-2, and a second negative electrode 222-3 are wound in a certain order. A second positive electrode tab 232 is formed on the upper portion of the second electrode assembly 222 to be electrically connected to the second top cover assembly 212. A second negative electrode tab 242 may be formed on the lower portion of the second electrode assembly 222 to be electrically connected to the battery case.

[0106] In the first electrode assembly 221, the first negative electrode 221-3 may include a negative electrode active material. In the second electrode assembly 222, the second negative electrode 222-3 may include a negative electrode active material. The content of silicon in the first negative electrode 221-3 may be 25% to 75% relative to the content of silicon (Si) in the second negative electrode 222-3. The loading amount of the negative electrode active material in the first negative electrode 221-3 may be 40% to 70% relative to the loading amount of the negative electrode active material in the second negative electrode 222-3.

[0107] With such a structure, during the charging / discharging process of the cylindrical battery 200, the structure of the electrode assembly 220 can be prevented from deforming due to the volume expansion and heat generation of the first negative electrode 221-3 and the second negative electrode 222-3.

[0108] The electrode assembly 220 can be manufactured by various methods. As an example, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by separately winding the first electrode assembly 221 and the second electrode assembly 222, or alternatively, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by inserting the first electrode assembly 221 into the central portion 260 of the second electrode assembly 222. The first electrode assembly 221 can be manufactured by winding a stack of a first positive electrode 221-1, a first separator 221-2, and a first negative electrode 221-3. The second electrode assembly 222 can be manufactured by winding a stack of a second positive electrode 222-1, a second separator 222-2, and a second negative electrode 222-3. At this time, the second electrode assembly 222 can be wound using a mandrel (not shown) having a diameter d2 equal to that of the central portion 260. In addition, the diameter d2 of the central portion 260 can be equal to the diameter d1 of the first electrode assembly 221.

[0109] The electrode assembly 220 can be manufactured by a process including the following: First, the first electrode assembly 221 is manufactured, and then a stack of a second negative electrode 222-1, a second separator 222-2, and a second negative electrode 222-3 is wound using the first electrode assembly 221 as a mandrel.

[0110] A cylindrical battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrode assembly and a top cover assembly that are electrically separated in one structure, so that deformation of the electrode assembly that occurs during the charge / discharge process can be minimized. In particular, stress concentration in the central portion of the electrode assembly can be prevented.

[0111] In addition, each electrode assembly can be controlled by an electrically separated top cover assembly, thereby providing a system capable of quickly discharging heat energy generated inside.

[0112] Based on the above disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various applications and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0113] Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 210, 310, 410: Top cover assembly

[0115] 211-1, 311-1, 411-1: First top cover

[0116] 212-1, 312-1, 412-1: Second top cover

[0117] 211-2, 311-2, 411-2: First current interruption device

[0118] 212-2, 312-2, 412-2: Second current interruption device

[0119] 250, 350, 450: Insulator

Claims

1. A cylindrical battery, comprising an electrode assembly and a top cover assembly located on an upper portion of the electrode assembly, Among them, The top cover assembly includes a first top cover assembly and a second top cover assembly. The first top cover assembly includes a first top cover, a first current interruption device, and a first gas storage unit. And the second top cover assembly includes a second top cover, a second current interruption device, and a second gas storage unit. The first top cover assembly and the second top cover assembly are electrically separated from each other by an insulator. Wherein, the insulator includes an upper insulator and a lower insulator. Wherein, the upper insulator is attached to the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device. Wherein, even if any one of the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device is operated, the upper insulator moves upward and protrudes outward. Wherein, when the first current interruption device or the second current interruption device is operated, the gas generated in the electrode assembly is collected in the first gas storage unit and the second gas storage unit, and Wherein, when the upper insulator moves upward to a height L1 or higher due to the pressure of the gas collected in the first gas storage unit and the second gas storage unit, the gas collected in the first gas storage unit and the second gas storage unit is discharged to the outside.

2. The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, Among them, The upper insulator has a "Π" - shaped cross - sectional shape.

3. The cylindrical battery according to claim 2, Among them, The upper insulator is coupled in a structure surrounding an intermediate portion of the lower insulator.

4. The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, Among them, The lower insulator is located between the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device, and electrically insulates the first current interruption device and the second current interruption device.

5. The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, Among them, The upper insulator includes a first upper insulator and a second upper insulator.

6. The cylindrical battery according to claim 5, Among them, The first upper insulator and the second upper insulator are configured to be separated from each other.

7. The cylindrical battery according to claim 6, Among them, The first upper insulator is attached to the first current interruption device, and when the first current interruption device is operated, the first upper insulator moves upward and protrudes.

8. The cylindrical battery according to claim 6, Among them, The second upper insulator is attached to the second current interruption device, and when the second current interruption device is operated, the second upper insulator moves upward and protrudes.

9. The cylindrical battery according to claim 1, Among them, The electrode assembly includes a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly, and the first electrode assembly is located at a central portion of the second electrode assembly.

10. The cylindrical battery according to claim 9, Among them, A first positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly is electrically connected to the first top cover assembly, and a second positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly is electrically connected to the second top cover assembly.

11. A method for manufacturing the cylindrical battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: Wind a first positive electrode, a first separator, and a first negative electrode to fabricate a first electrode assembly; Wind a second positive electrode, a second separator, and a second negative electrode to fabricate a second electrode assembly; Insert the first electrode assembly into a central portion of the second electrode assembly; Electrically connect a first positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly to a first top cover assembly; And Electrically connect a second positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly to a second top cover assembly.

12. A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the steps of: Wind a first positive electrode, a first separator, and a first negative electrode to fabricate a first electrode assembly; Using the first electrode assembly as a mandrel, wind a stack of a second positive electrode, a second separator, and a second negative electrode to fabricate a second electrode assembly; Electrically connect a first positive electrode tab of the first electrode assembly to a first top cover assembly; And Electrically connect a second positive electrode tab of the second electrode assembly to a second top cover assembly.

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