Electrode assembly, battery cell, processing device thereof, battery pack containing the same, and vehicle

Abstract

Disclosed are an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a processing device thereof, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle. The electrode assembly includes an electrode cell body portion in which a separator film is layered between a first electrode sheet and a second electrode sheet in a sheet shape, the first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, and the separator film are coiled, and a coating-free portion is formed at a width direction end portion of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet. The electrode cell body portion includes a recessed portion configured at a core body side in the coating-free portion and having a height recessed in an axial direction compared to the coating-free portion configured at a radial direction outer side of the recessed portion. A radial direction outer side portion of the recessed portion in the coating-free portion of the electrode cell body portion forms a plurality of cutting lines. The plurality of cutting lines are arranged in a row to form a plurality of cutting line arrays. The cutting line arrays are formed by an ultrasonic vibration cutting portion. A predicted bending portion of the coating-free portion configured between two cutting line arrays adjacent in a circumferential direction is pressed down by a pressing portion to form a formed portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electrode assembly, a coating-free portion cutting device and a bending processing device for the electrode assembly, a battery cell including the electrode assembly, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte, and generates electric energy by a chemical reaction. In addition to portable devices, secondary batteries having high convenience of use based on a product group and high energy density and the like are widely used in electric vehicles (EV, Electric Vehicle) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV, Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and the like driven by an electric drive source.

[0003] The primary advantage of such a secondary battery is that the use of fossil fuels can be greatly reduced. The secondary battery has the advantage that no by-products are generated due to the use of energy. Therefore, the secondary battery is attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental protection and energy efficiency improvement.

[0004] The types of secondary batteries widely used at present include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and the like. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, i.e., a unit battery cell 100, is about 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells are sometimes connected in series to form a battery pack. Also, depending on the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells 100 are sometimes connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, depending on the required output voltage and / or charge and discharge capacity, the number of battery cells included in the above-described battery pack and the electrical connection method can be designed in various ways.

[0005] On the other hand, as a type of unit secondary battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, an angular battery cell, and a pouch-shaped battery cell are disclosed. In the cylindrical battery cell, a separator film as an insulator is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and the electrode assembly is formed in a jelly-roll shape by winding it, and is inserted into the inside of a battery can to constitute a battery. In addition, the coating-free portion of each of the above-described positive electrode and negative electrode can be connected to a strip-shaped electrode tab. The electrode tab realizes electrical connection between the electrode assembly and an electrode terminal exposed to the outside. For reference, the positive electrode terminal is a cover plate of a sealing body that seals the open port of the battery can, and the negative electrode terminal is the battery can. However, according to the existing cylindrical battery cell having such a structure, the current is concentrated on the strip-shaped electrode tab combined with the coating-free portion of the positive electrode and / or the coating-free portion of the negative electrode, so there is a problem that the resistance is large, a large amount of heat is generated, and the current collection efficiency is poor. That is, the cross-sectional area of the electrode tab is rapidly reduced, and a bottleneck phenomenon of current flow can occur.

[0006] The resistance and heat generation of a small cylindrical battery cell having a form factor of 18650 or 21700 do not become a big problem. However, in the case where the form factor is increased in order to apply the cylindrical battery cell to an electric vehicle, more heat is generated around the electrode tab during rapid charging, and thus there is a possibility that the cylindrical battery cell catches fire.

[0007] In order to solve such a problem, a cylindrical battery cell (so-called tab-less cylindrical battery cell) having a structure in which a positive electrode non-coated portion and a negative electrode non-coated portion are respectively located at the upper end and the lower end of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly is disclosed, and a current collecting plate is welded to such non-coated portions, thereby improving the current collecting efficiency.

[0008] The first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet have a structure in which an active material is coated on a sheet-shaped current collector, and include a non-coated portion on one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The electrode assembly is manufactured by sequentially stacking the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet together with two separator films and then winding in one direction. At this time, the non-coated portions of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet are disposed in opposite directions to each other.

[0010] After the winding process, the non-coated portion of the first electrode sheet and the non-coated portion of the second electrode sheet are bent toward the core side. Thereafter, the non-coated portions are respectively welded to a current collecting plate.

[0011] The positive electrode non-coated portion and the negative electrode non-coated portion do not have other electrode tabs combined therewith, the current collecting plate is connected to an external electrode terminal, and a current path is formed to have a large cross-sectional area in the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly, so that it has an advantage of being able to reduce the resistance of the battery cell. This is because the resistance is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of a passage through which current flows.

[0012] In the tab-less cylindrical battery cell, in order to improve the welding characteristics of the non-coated portion and the current collecting plate, it is necessary to apply strong pressure to the welding site of the non-coated portion and to bend the non-coated portion flat to the maximum.

[0013] However, when the welding site of the bent uncoated portion is bent, the uncoated portion can be irregularly deformed. In this case, the deformed portion can come into contact with the electrode plate of the opposite polarity, thereby causing an internal short circuit or a fine crack in the uncoated portion. Also, the uncoated portion adjacent to the core of the electrode assembly is blocked from the entire or a considerable portion of the hollow formed in the core of the electrode assembly when bent. In this case, a problem can occur in the electrolyte injection process. That is, the hollow in the core of the electrode assembly is used as a passage for injecting the electrolyte. However, if the corresponding passage is blocked, it is difficult to inject the electrolyte. Also, in the process of inserting the electrolyte injector into the hollow, interference occurs with the uncoated portion adjacent to the core, thereby causing a problem in which the uncoated portion can be torn.

[0014] Also, the bent portion of the uncoated portion of the welded current collector plate needs to overlap multiple layers, and there cannot be an empty space (void). Only then can sufficient welding strength be obtained, and even if the latest technology such as laser welding is used, it is possible to prevent the problem in which laser penetrates into the inside of the electrode assembly, thereby damaging the separator or the active material.

[0015] Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2022-0023100 (published on March 2, 2022) discloses a cylindrical secondary battery in which the current collecting structure is improved. In the cylindrical secondary battery, the current collector plate is welded to the end of the uncoated portion in a line contact manner, and thus there is a problem in that the welding cross-sectional area of the current collector plate and the uncoated portion is reduced due to a gap between the uncoated portions. Due to this, the resistance in the welding cross-sectional area as a current passage is increased, and thus the amount of heat generated in the battery cell is increased, and the possibility of fire can be increased.

[0016] Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-0110610 (published on September 22, 2016) discloses a secondary battery and a cylindrical lithium secondary battery. It is disclosed that in such a secondary battery, a first current collector plate is electrically connected to a first uncoated portion in a direct contact manner, and a second current collector plate is electrically connected to a second uncoated portion in a direct contact manner. In this structure, the first current collector plate and the second current collector plate are also connected to the ends of the first uncoated portion and the second uncoated portion, respectively, in a line contact manner, and thus there is a problem in that the contact cross-sectional area of the current collector plate and the uncoated portion is reduced due to a gap between the uncoated portions. There is a limitation in increasing the contact cross-sectional area. SUMMARY

[0017] TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[0018] The present application has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery cell processing apparatus, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, in which the welding cross-sectional area of the electrode assembly and the current collector plate is increased, thereby being able to expand the current path.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery cell processing apparatus, and a battery pack and vehicle including the electrode assembly, which can suppress the increase of heat generation in the battery cell and reduce the possibility of fire even when the electrode assembly is applied to a large-capacity battery cell.

[0020] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery cell processing apparatus, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the present invention, which can prevent the boundary between the part (formed part) formed by bending the part (expected bending part) and the part (non-bending part) that is not expected to be bent from being torn or irregularly deformed during the bending process of the uncoated part.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery cell processing apparatus, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the present invention, which prevent the uncoated portion adjacent to the core of the electrode assembly from blocking the cavity formed in the core of the electrode assembly when it is bent, thereby making the hollow portion of the core open in the axial direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide electrode assemblies, battery cells, battery cell processing apparatus, and battery packs and vehicles including the present invention, which can reduce the heat generation of battery cells or significantly reduce the possibility of explosion.

[0023] The technical problem addressed by this invention is not limited to the objectives described above. Other objectives and advantages of this invention not mentioned will be understood through the following description, and will be further clearly understood through embodiments of this invention. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objectives and advantages of this invention can be achieved through the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims.

[0024] means of solving technical problems

[0025] The present invention, which addresses the above-mentioned problems, can be applied to an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode sheet, a second electrode sheet having different polarities, and an electrode unit body comprising a separation membrane for achieving insulation between them, stacked and wound together.

[0026] The main body of the aforementioned electrode unit can be rolled into a gel roll.

[0027] The above-mentioned sheets can be stacked in the order of first electrode sheet, separation membrane, second electrode sheet, and separation membrane.

[0028] The winding process can be performed along the length of the stacked sheets. The axial length of the gel-roll-shaped electrode unit body thus formed can correspond to the width of the stacked sheets.

[0029] A non-coated portion in which the active material layer is not coated is provided at a width direction end portion of at least any one of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet. Thus, the non-coated portion is provided at an axial direction end portion of the electrode unit main body portion. The non-coated portion can be provided at either one side or both sides of the axial direction end portion of the electrode unit main body portion.

[0030] A plurality of cut lines formed by cutting a portion of the non-coated portion of the electrode unit main body portion of the electrode assembly in the axial direction are provided.

[0031] The plurality of cut lines can be arranged in a line in a radial direction of the electrode unit main body portion to constitute a cut line array.

[0032] The non-coated portion can be divided into a portion to be bent (a predicted bending portion) and a portion other than the predicted bending portion (a non-bending portion) by the cut line or the cut line array.

[0033] The forming process can be a bending process.

[0034] The bending process can be a process in which the non-coated portion is laid down in the radial direction.

[0035] The bending process can be a process in which the non-coated portion is laid down toward the core side.

[0036] The shaped portion can be a portion between two adjacent cut line arrays.

[0037] The shaped portion can have a shape extending in the radial direction.

[0038] The two adjacent cut line arrays can be substantially parallel.

[0039] The electrode assembly can include a plurality of the shaped portions.

[0040] The non-bending portion can be arranged in a sector shape in a circumferential direction about the core portion of the electrode unit main body portion.

[0041] The non-bending portion can have a central angle of 30° to 180°. More specifically, the non-bending portion can have a central angle of 45° to 180°, and more preferably, the non-bending portion can have a central angle of 60° to 120°.

[0042] The non-bending portion can have a shape in which the non-coated portion extends in the axial direction without being bent.

[0043] The plurality of shaped portions can be arranged in a radial shape about the core portion of the electrode unit main body portion.

[0044] The shaped portion can be shaped such that the predicted bending portion is bent and laid down in a radial direction of the electrode unit body portion. The predicted bending portion can be laid down toward the core portion side.

[0045] The shaped portion can be formed in parallel with a radial direction of the electrode unit body portion.

[0046] The electrode unit body portion can be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0047] The core portion can be formed in a hollow shape that penetrates a center portion of the electrode unit body portion.

[0048] In order to prevent the shaped portion, which is the predicted bending portion that is laid down toward the core portion side when the predicted bending portion is laid down toward the core portion side, from being clogged, a portion of the uncoated portion that is disposed near the core portion side among the core portion and the outer peripheral portion of the electrode assembly can be deleted.

[0049] That is, in a winding direction, in a prescribed interval adjacent to the core portion, the uncoated portion can be in a deleted shape.

[0050] The deletion of the uncoated portion can be performed before a winding process after the electrode laminate is manufactured. Alternatively, the deletion of the uncoated portion can be performed in advance before the electrode laminate is manufactured, or after the winding process.

[0051] If the electrode laminate in which the uncoated portion shape of the core portion side is removed in this way is wound, before the predicted bending portion and the non-bending portion are divided in a circumferential direction by the cutting line, the uncoated portion near the core portion has already become a state in which the entire uncoated portion is deleted in the circumferential direction. That is, the predicted bending portion is not provided to the uncoated portion region of the core portion side. Therefore, even if the predicted bending portion is bent toward the core portion side, the laid down shaped portion does not obstruct the core portion of the electrode assembly.

[0052] The present application provides a battery cell including the electrode assembly.

[0053] The battery cell includes a battery can that houses the electrode assembly, is electrically connected to any one of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet, and has a first polarity; a sealing cap portion that seals an open end of the battery can; and a first current collecting plate that is electrically connected to the other one of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet and has a second polarity.

[0054] The first current collecting plate can be fixed and electrically connected to the shaped portion of the electrode assembly by welding or the like.

[0055] Any one of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet can be directly connected to the battery can or connected to the battery can through a second current collecting plate.

[0056] The battery can further include a support portion protruding further inward in the radial direction of the inner circumference of the battery can. The support portion can support the sealing cap portion.

[0057] The battery cell can further include an insulator for preventing short circuit of different polarities from each other.

[0058] The insulator can be interposed between the battery can and the sealing cap portion, thereby insulating therebetween. More specifically, the insulator can be interposed between the outer circumferential surface of the sealing cap portion and the inner circumferential surface of the battery can, and can be interposed between the support portion and the sealing cap portion.

[0059] The insulator can be interposed between the battery can and the first current collecting plate, thereby insulating therebetween. For example, the insulator can be interposed between the first current collecting plate and the support portion.

[0060] The present application provides a battery pack including at least one of the above-described battery cell.

[0061] The present application provides an automobile including at least one of the above-described battery pack.

[0062] The present application provides a processing apparatus for cutting and bending a coating-free portion of an electrode unit main body portion of an electrode assembly.

[0063] The processing apparatus can include a cutting device for cutting the coating-free portion.

[0064] The cutting device can include a cutting portion that moves in the axial direction of the electrode assembly to form a cutting line in the coating-free portion in the axial direction.

[0065] The processing apparatus can include the cutting device, and a punching portion that bends a predicted bending portion disposed between arrays of the cutting lines formed by the cutting device.

[0066] The punching portion can form a formed portion by pressing the predicted bending portion of the coating-free portion in the radial direction.

[0067] The predicted bending portion can be pressed in the radial direction, whereby a portion of the predicted bending portion corresponding to a lower end portion of the cutting line is bent and laid down in the radial direction.

[0068] The cutting portion can include a plurality of blades radially disposed in the cutting portion.

[0069] The blades can extend in the axial direction, and a cutting edge can be formed at a front end portion in the axial direction.

[0070] The cutting portion can further include a vibration generating portion. The vibration generating portion can generate micro-vibration.

[0071] The punching portion can be moved in a radial direction (a radial direction) of the electrode unit body portion to cause the intended bent portion of the coating-free portion to fall toward the core portion side of the electrode unit body portion.

[0072] The present application provides a method of manufacturing the above-described battery cell.

[0073] The manufacturing method of the battery cell includes a step of stacking a first electrode sheet and a second electrode sheet and a separator film and winding them to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0074] The electrode assembly can include an electrode unit body portion in which the plurality of electrode sheets and the plurality of separator films are wound together.

[0075] At least one of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet includes a coating-free portion in which an active material layer is not coated at either side end portion in a width direction. The coating-free portion extends in a length direction from the end portion in the width direction of the first electrode sheet and / or the second electrode sheet. When both the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet have the coating-free portion, the coating-free portions thereof can be respectively provided at both side end portions in the width direction.

[0076] Thus, it can be provided in a shape in which the coating-free portion extends and protrudes in the axial direction at the axial direction end portion of the electrode unit body portion.

[0077] In a state in which the plurality of electrode sheets and the separator film are stacked, a portion of the coating-free portion disposed close to the core side can be removed in the length direction by a predetermined length.

[0078] When the electrode stack is wound in a state in which a portion of the coating-free portion disposed close to the core side is thus removed, a core side coating-free portion region in which a portion of the coating-free portion in the axial direction is removed can be formed at the core side of the electrode unit body portion. As a result, the length by which the coating-free portion extends from the electrode unit body portion to the outside in the axial direction in the core side coating-free portion region can be shorter than the length by which the coating-free portion extends from the electrode unit body portion to the outside in the axial direction in a coating-free portion region disposed on the outside in the radial direction with respect to the coating-free portion region.

[0079] The removal of the coating-free portion can be performed before the winding process after the electrode stack is formed. Such processing can be performed, for example, by laser processing.

[0080] The removal of the coating-free portion can be performed in advance in a step of providing the electrode sheets before the electrode stack is formed. Such processing can be performed, for example, by a cutter having a blade that vibrates ultrasonically.

[0081] The removal of the coating-free portion can also be performed after the electrode stack is wound to form the electrode unit body portion. Such processing can be performed, for example, by a cutter having a blade that vibrates ultrasonically.

[0082] The electrode unit main body portion can be cylindrical.

[0083] The electrode unit main body portion can have a hollow core portion.

[0084] The battery cell manufacturing method can include a step of forming a cutting line in the axial direction at a prescribed position of the coating-free portion provided at the axial direction end portion of the electrode unit main body portion.

[0085] Specifically, the coating-free portion removal step can include a step of moving the cutting portion in the axial direction of the battery cell to cut the coating-free portion in the axial direction to a prescribed depth, thereby forming a cutting line in the coating-free portion in the axial direction.

[0086] The cutting depth can reach a position separated by a prescribed distance from the boundary portion between the coating-free portion and the coated portion toward the outside in the axial direction. That is, the cutting line can be formed to a position separated by a prescribed distance from the boundary portion between the coating-free portion and the coated portion toward the outside in the axial direction.

[0087] The cutting line can be formed in a plurality. The plurality of cutting line arrays defined by the plurality of cutting lines with respect to the electrode unit main body portion can be configured in a radial pattern.

[0088] The battery cell manufacturing method can further include a formed portion forming step of bending and laying down a portion located between a pair of cutting line arrays adjacent to each other, that is, a predicted bending portion, in the radial direction.

[0089] The bending process can be performed by pressing the predicted bending portion in the radial direction by a pressing portion.

[0090] The portion bent and formed by the bending process can be located at a portion corresponding to the depth direction end portion of the cutting line, that is, a position separated by a prescribed distance from the boundary portion between the coating-free portion and the coated portion toward the outside in the axial direction.

[0091] The formed portion formed by bending the predicted bending portion can be formed in a radial pattern with the core portion of the electrode unit main body portion as a center.

[0092] The formed portion can be formed in a shape in which the predicted bending portion of the coating-free portion is laid down toward the core portion side of the electrode unit main body portion.

[0093] The formed portion can be formed in the radial direction of the electrode unit main body portion.

[0094] The non-bent portion can be formed by cutting a portion separated by a prescribed distance from the boundary portion between the coating-free portion and the coated portion toward the outside in the axial direction.

[0095] The cutting portion can cut the coating-free portion by vibrating due to the vibration generation portion. The cutting portion can be an ultrasonic knife.

[0096] The coating-free portion in which the forming portion is formed can receive the first current collector plate. The portion of the first current collector plate that contacts the forming portion is welded to the forming portion.

[0097] The present application provides an electrode assembly manufactured by the manufacturing method of the above-described processing device.

[0098] The electrode unit main body of the electrode assembly has a first electrode sheet and a second electrode sheet in a sheet shape, and a separation film is laminated between the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet. The first electrode sheet, the second electrode sheet, and the separation film are formed with a coating-free portion in which an active material layer is not coated at the width direction end portions of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet.

[0099] The electrode assembly can include a recess portion disposed at the coating-free portion (15) of the electrode unit main body on the core portion side and having a height recessed in the axial direction compared to the coating-free portion disposed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the recess portion.

[0100] The electrode assembly can include a plurality of cutting lines disposed at the coating-free portion of the electrode unit main body at a position on the outer side in the radial direction of the recess portion and formed to a predetermined depth in the axial direction.

[0101] The electrode assembly can include a plurality of cutting line arrays in which the plurality of cutting lines are arranged in a row.

[0102] The electrode assembly can include a plurality of forming portions in which a predicted bending portion of the coating-free portion disposed between two adjacent cutting line arrays in the circumferential direction is pressed and laid down to form the plurality of forming portions.

[0103] The two adjacent cutting line arrays can be parallel and substantially extend in the radial direction.

[0104] The cutting depth of the cutting line can reach a predetermined portion separated by a certain distance from the boundary portion of the coating-free portion and the coated portion toward the outer side in the axial direction.

[0105] The recess portion can have a height corresponding to the predetermined portion in the axial direction.

[0106] The predicted bending portion can be bent and formed at a position corresponding to the predetermined portion in the axial direction.

[0107] The radial direction width of the recess portion can correspond to the axial direction height of the predicted bending portion measured from the lower end portion of the cutting line disposed adjacent to the recess portion in the radial direction.

[0108] Invention Effects

[0109] According to the present application, the shaped portion is welded in contact with the surface of the current collecting plate, so as the area of the shaped portion increases, the current path of the electrode assembly and the current collecting plate can relatively increase.

[0110] According to the present application, the shaped portion increases the current path corresponding to the area added by the interval between the uncoated portions, so even if applied to a large capacity battery cell, the increase in the heat generation amount of the battery cell can be suppressed, and the possibility of fire can be reduced.

[0111] According to the present application, the uncoated portion is cut in the axial direction by the ultrasonic vibration tool, so the cutting line can be accurately formed in the uncoated portion without causing deformation of the uncoated portion.

[0112] According to the present application, in the uncoated portion, the non-bent portion and the predicted bent portion are separated from each other in the peripheral direction by the cutting line, and then the predicted bent portion is pressed and laid down to form the shaped portion. Thereby, when the shaped portion is formed by pressing the predicted bent portion, the boundary portion of the shaped portion and the non-bent portion can be prevented from being torn or irregularly skewed and deformed.

[0113] According to the present application, the boundary portion of the shaped portion and the non-bent portion can be prevented from being torn or deformed, so the contact with the electrode sheet of the opposite polarity in the portion that is torn or deformed can be prevented.

[0114] According to the present application, the cutting line is formed in a part of the interval of the uncoated portion in the axial direction, so that the bending of the predicted bent portion is achieved at a height portion corresponding to the end portion in the depth direction of the above cutting line. Thereby, the boundary portion of the uncoated portion and the coated portion can be prevented from being torn or deformed when the uncoated portion is bent, so the active material coated on the coated portion can be prevented from falling off or weakening the adhesion. Thereby, the reduction in the performance and the capacitance of the battery cell can be suppressed.

[0115] According to the present application, the edge of the separation film can be prevented from being lifted or damaged by the torn or deformed portion of the boundary portion. Thereby, the short circuit of the first electrode sheet and the second electrode sheet can be prevented. Also, the heat generation amount of the battery cell can be reduced or the explosion possibility can be significantly reduced.

[0116] According to the present application, the shaped portion does not obstruct the hollow core portion of the electrode assembly. Thereby, the impregnation of the electrolyte can be further improved, and the space for the welding device or the like to enter and exit the above hollow portion can be ensured.

[0117] The above effects and the specific effects of the present application will be described below in explaining the specific matters for implementing the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0118] Figure 1 is a plan view briefly showing an electrode cell laminate according to the present application.

[0119] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state of cutting the electrode unit layer stack in the regret A-A direction. Figure 1

[0120] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state of manufacturing the electrode unit main body portion from the electrode unit layer stack. Figure 1

[0121] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a state of cutting the electrode unit main body portion by the cutting portion according to the present application.

[0122] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the cutting portion according to the present application.

[0123] Figure 6 is a back view showing the cutting portion according to the present application.

[0124] Figure 7 is a view showing an array of cutting lines formed in the coating-free portion of the electrode unit main body portion by the cutting portion from the axial direction.

[0125] Figure 8 and Figure 9 is a view showing a state of bending the intended bending portion of the electrode unit main body portion to form the shaped portion.

[0126] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of the battery cell according to the present application.

[0127] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly according to the present application.

[0128] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state of housing the electrode assembly in a battery pack case according to the present application.

[0129] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a state of providing the battery pack in a vehicle according to the present application.

[0130] Mark explanation

[0131] 10: electrode stack

[0132] 11: first electrode sheet

[0133] 12: second electrode sheet

[0134] 13: separator film

[0135] 14: coated portion

[0136] 15: coating-free portion ​​

[0137] 16: Boundary section

[0138] 100: Battery cell

[0139] 101: Battery pack casing

[0140] 110: Electrode assembly

[0141] 111: Electrode unit main body

[0142] 112: Core Section

[0143] 112a: Uncoated area and recessed portion on the core side

[0144] 113: Cutting line (cutting line array)

[0145] 115a: Non-bending part

[0146] 117: Molding Section

[0147] 117a: Expected bending section

[0148] 120: Battery can

[0149] 121: Main body of the battery tank

[0150] 122: Support section

[0151] 123: Clamping part

[0152] 130: First collector board

[0153] 132: Central Hole

[0154] 140: Second collector board

[0155] 150: Sealing cap

[0156] 151: Cover plate

[0157] 152: External terminal

[0158] 153: Ventilation panel

[0159] 155: Guidance Department

[0160] 157: Insulator

[0161] 210: Cutting Department

[0162] 211: Blade

[0163] 213: Vibration Generating Part

[0164] 215: First connecting hole portion

[0165] 220: Second Cutting Department

[0166] 221: second blade

[0167] 223: second vibration generating portion

[0168] 230: punch portion

[0169] 300: vehicle

[0170] C: deletion portion (core portion without coating)

[0171] θ1, θ2: central angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0172] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0173] The present application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and various modifications can be made, and can be implemented in various ways. Note that the present embodiments are provided in order to completely disclose the present application, and to completely inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the technical idea and scope of the present application, in addition to including the configuration of one embodiment and the configuration of another embodiment, or the addition of a configuration.

[0174] The drawings are only for helping understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical idea disclosed in the present specification is not limited to the drawings, and should be understood as including all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the idea and technical scope of the present application. In the drawings, the constituent elements are sometimes shown too large or too small in view of helping understanding, but should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present application thereto.

[0175] The terms used in the present specification are only terms used to describe specific concrete examples or embodiments, and are not used to limit the present application. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning. In the specification, the terms such as "include" or "comprise" are used to specify that there is the feature, number, step, action, constituent element, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. That is, the terms such as "include" or "comprise" in the specification should not be understood as excluding the possibility of existence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, actions, constituent elements, parts, or combinations thereof in advance.

[0176] The terms such as first, second, and the like including ordinal numbers can be used to describe various constituent elements, but the plurality of the above-described constituent elements are not limited to the plurality of the above-described terms. The plurality of the above-described terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0177] When described as a certain constituent element is "connected" or "engaged" with another constituent element, it can be directly connected or engaged with the other constituent element, but it should also be understood that another constituent element can be interposed therebetween. In contrast, when described as a certain constituent element is "directly connected" or "directly engaged" with another constituent element, it should be understood that no other constituent element is interposed therebetween.

[0178] When described as a certain constituent element is "on" or "under" another constituent element, it should be understood that another constituent element can be interposed therebetween, in addition to being disposed directly above the other constituent element.

[0179] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Terms, commonly used and defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in the present application.

[0180] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0181] For convenience of explanation, in the present specification, a direction along a length direction of a winding axis of the electrode assembly 110 wound in a jelly-roll shape will be referred to as an axis direction Y. In addition, a direction around the winding axis will be referred to as a circumferential direction X or a peripheral direction. In addition, a direction close to the winding axis or a direction away from the winding axis will be referred to as a radial direction or a radial direction Z. Among them, in particular, a direction close to the winding axis will be referred to as a centripetal direction, and a direction away from the winding axis will be referred to as a centrifugal direction.

[0182] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 The electrode stack 10 according to the embodiment of the present application includes a first electrode sheet 11, a second electrode sheet 12, and a separator film 13. The electrode stack 10 is configured by laminating the separator film 13 between the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 in a sheet shape. For example, the electrode stack 10 can be configured by laminating one first electrode sheet 11, one second electrode sheet 12, and two separator films 13. Also, the electrode stack 10 can be configured by laminating two or more first electrode sheets 11, two or more second electrode sheets 12, and three or more separator films 13. In such an electrode stack 10, as the number of laminated first electrode sheets 11, second electrode sheets 12, and separator films 13 increases, the winding time and the manufacturing time of the electrode assembly 110 of a desired diameter can be shortened.

[0183] The first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 each include a coated portion 14 coated with an active material and an uncoated portion 15 not coated with the active material. The uncoated portion 15 can be formed on one side in the width direction of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12. At least a part of the uncoated portion 15 can be used as an electrode tab by itself. In the case where the electrode assembly 110 is wound into a cylindrical shape, the uncoated portion 15 of the first electrode sheet 11 can be disposed on one side in the axial direction (the upper side or the lower side of the electrode assembly 110), and the uncoated portion 15 of the second electrode sheet 12 can be disposed on the other side in the axial direction. Figure 1

[0184] The uncoated portion 15 of the first electrode sheet 11 and the uncoated portion 15 of the second electrode sheet 12 can be formed to have the same width. Also, the uncoated portion 15 of the first electrode sheet 11 and the uncoated portion 15 of the second electrode sheet 12 can be formed to have different widths.

[0185] The first electrode sheet 11 can be a negative electrode sheet coated with a negative active material, and the second electrode sheet 12 can be a positive electrode sheet coated with a positive active material. The first electrode sheet 11 can be a positive electrode sheet coated with a positive active material, and the second electrode sheet 12 can be a negative electrode sheet coated with a negative active material.

[0186] The first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 include a current collector composed of a metal foil and an active material layer. The metal foil can be aluminum or copper. The active material layer can be coated on one side or both sides of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12.

[0187] The uncoated portion 15 can be formed to have a width that is significantly narrower than the width of the coated portion 14. The uncoated portion 15 can be formed in a band shape with a narrow width. Also, the uncoated portion 15 can be composed of a plurality of slits formed in a length direction of the uncoated portion 15 and formed in a tooth shape. The shape of the slits can be deformed into a quadrangular shape, a triangular shape, a semicircular shape, a semicircular-elliptical shape, a parallelogram shape, or the like.

[0188] The uncoated portion 15 described above can be a shape in which a part of an interval C on the side of the core is deleted. The corresponding interval can be removed by laser processing or the like before winding after the electrode layer stack 10 is formed.

[0189] Of course, the uncoated portion of the corresponding interval C can also be a shape in which it is deleted in advance in the electrode sheet providing step, and the core-side uncoated portion removal portion 112a can also be formed by post-processing after winding.

[0190] In the present application, the positive active material coated on the first electrode sheet 11 and the negative active material coated on the second electrode sheet 12 can use an active material known in the art without any limitation.

[0191] ​The above positive electrode active material can be a lithium intercalation material such as a layered compound of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or a compound substituted with one or more transition metals; a chemical formula Li 1+x Mn 2-x O4(wherein x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO3, LiMn2O3, LiMnO2, and the like; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); LiV3O8, LiFe3O4, V2O5, Cu2V2O7, and the like; a lithium nickel oxide expressed by a chemical formula LiNi 1-x M x O2(wherein M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, or Ga, and x = 0.01 to 0.3); a lithium manganese composite oxide expressed by a chemical formula LiMn 2-x M x O2(wherein M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn, or Ta, and x = 0.01 to 0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8(wherein M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn); LiMn2O4 in which a part of lithium in the chemical formula is substituted with an alkaline earth metal ion; a disulfide compound; a composite oxide formed of Fe2(MoO4)3, or a combination thereof. As the positive electrode active material, the above-described kinds can be used, but are not limited thereto.

[0192] The above positive electrode current collector has, for example, a thickness of 3 to 500 μm. As such a positive electrode current collector, any substance that does not cause a chemical change in the battery and has an electric conductivity can be used without any limitation. For example, the positive electrode current collector can use stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, a carbon fine electrode, or a substance in which a surface of aluminum or stainless steel is surface-treated with carbon fine, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The electrode current collector can also have a fine concavo-convex formed on a surface thereof to improve adhesion of the positive electrode active material. Such an electrode current collector can be formed in various modes such as a thin film, a sheet, a foil, a mesh, a porous body, a foamed body, a nonwoven fabric body, and the like.

[0193] The above positive electrode active material particles can also be mixed with a conductive material. For example, such a conductive material can be added at 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture containing the positive electrode active material. As such a conductive material, any substance that does not cause a chemical change in the battery and has high conductivity can be used without any limitation. For example, the conductive material can use graphite such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, and the like; carbon black such as acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, slot black, furnace black, lamp black, and the like; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers, metal fibers, and the like; metal powders such as fluorocarbon, aluminum, nickel powder, and the like; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide, potassium titanate, and the like; conductive oxides such as titanium oxide, and the like; conductive raw materials such as polystyrene derivatives, and the like.

[0194] Further, the negative electrode sheet is manufactured by coating the negative electrode active material particles on the negative electrode current collector and drying, and can also include the components such as the conductive material, the binder, the solvent, and the like as described above, as necessary.

[0195] The above negative electrode current collector has a thickness of, for example, 3 to 500 μm. As such a negative electrode current collector, any substance that does not cause a chemical change in the corresponding battery and has conductivity can be used without any limitation. For example, the negative electrode current collector can use copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, a carbon electrode, a substance that is surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like on the surface of copper or stainless steel, an aluminum-cadmium alloy, and the like. Further, as with the positive electrode current collector, fine irregularities can also be formed on the surface to enhance the binding force of the negative electrode active material, and can be used in various forms such as a thin film, a sheet, a foil, a mesh, a porous body, a foam, a nonwoven fabric body, and the like.

[0196] The above negative electrode active material can use, for example, carbon such as hard carbon, graphite-based carbon, and the like; Li x Fe2O3(0≤x≤1), Li x WO2(0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z a metal complex oxide of (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 elements of the periodic table, halogen; 0 < x ≤ 1; 1 ≤ y ≤ 3; 1 ≤ z ≤ 8); lithium metal; a lithium alloy; a silicon-based alloy; a tin-based alloy; an oxide such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5, and the like; a conductive polymer such as polyacetylene, and the like; a Li-Co-Ni-based material, and the like.

[0197] The binder polymer that can be used for the electrode sheet is a component that assists in the binding of the electrode active material particles and the conductive material, etc., and the binding to the electrode current collector, and is added, for example, at 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture containing the electrode active material. As examples of such a binder polymer, any one of the binder polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF), polyvinylidene fluoride-co-trichloroethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polybutylacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylacetate, polyethylene-co-vinyl acetate, polyethylene oxide, polyarylate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, cyanoethyl pullulan, cyanoethyl polyvinyl alcohol, cyanoethyl cellulose, cyanoethyl sucrose, pullulan, and carboxyl methyl cellulose, or a mixture of two or more of these, can be used, but is not limited to these.

[0198] Non-limiting examples of solvents used to manufacture the above-described electrode include acetone, tetrahydrofuran, methylene chloride, chloroform, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), cyclohexane, water, or a mixture thereof, and the like. Such solvents provide a proper degree of viscosity to form a slurry coating on the surface of the electrode current collector to the desired degree.

[0199] The separation membrane 13 has a porous polymer substrate and a porous coating layer including inorganic particles and a binder polymer on both surfaces of the porous polymer substrate.

[0200] The porous polymer substrate can be a polyolefin-based porous substrate.

[0201] The polyolefin porous substrate can be in the form of a film or a non-woven web. In this way, by having a porous structure, movement of electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes can be smoothly achieved. The porous structure can also increase the electrolyte impregnation property of the substrate itself, thereby enabling excellent ionic conductivity to be ensured, preventing an increase in electrical resistance within the electrochemical element, and thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the electrochemical element.

[0202] As the polyolefin porous substrate used in the present application, any of those commonly used for planar phase porous substrates of electrochemical elements can be used, and various materials or forms can be selected according to the purpose.

[0203] The polyolefin porous substrate can be a film or a non-woven web formed of high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, or a mixture of two or more of these, but is not limited to these.

[0204] The polyolefin porous substrate can have a thickness of 8 to 30 μm, but this is only an example, and a thickness outside of the above range can also be used in view of mechanical properties or high-rate charge / discharge characteristics of the battery.

[0205] The separation film 13 according to the present application can have a thickness of 1 to 100 μm or 5 to 50 μm. If the thickness of the separation film 13 is less than 1 μm, the function of the separation film 13 cannot be sufficiently exerted, and there is a possibility that the mechanical characteristics are deteriorated. If the thickness of the separation film 13 exceeds 100 μm, there is a possibility that the battery characteristics are deteriorated at the time of high-rate charge and discharge. Also, it can have a void ratio of 40 to 60%, and can have a permeability of 150 to 300 seconds / 100 mL.

[0206] In the case of using the separation film 13 according to the embodiment of the present application, the porous coating layer is provided on both sides of the porous polymer substrate, so that a uniform solid electrolyte interface layer can be formed by improving the impregnation property with respect to the electrolyte solution, and the permeability can be ensured to be superior compared to the conventional single-sided inorganic coating separation film 13. For example, it can be within 120 seconds / 100 cc. Also, even in the case of providing the inorganic porous coating layer on both sides, the thickness can be realized to be the same as that of the conventional single-sided inorganic coating separation film 13. For example, it can be within 15.0 μm.

[0207] Also, in the case of using the separation film 13 according to the embodiment of the present application, the stability of the separation film 13 is improved, so that the heat resistance and the compression resistance characteristics can be ensured. Specifically, the heat resistance characteristics having a heat shrinkage of 5% or less at 180°C can be ensured, and the puncture strength properties of 550 gf or more can be ensured, and in the case where the core deformation occurs in the battery cycle using such a separation film 13, the separation film 13 can be prevented from being damaged or punctured at the step portion.

[0208] An electrode assembly manufactured using the electrode laminate described above will be described.

[0209] Reference Figures 4 to 9 The electrode assembly 110 includes an electrode unit body portion 111, a plurality of non-bent portions 115a, and a plurality of formed portions 117.

[0210] The electrode unit body portion 111 is a cylindrical portion in which the separation film 13 is laminated between the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 in a state in which the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 are rolled in a jelly roll type. As described above, the width direction end portions of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 are formed with the non-coating layer portions 15 in which the active material layer is not coated, and these non-coating layer portions are respectively disposed on one side and the other side in the axial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111, and extend in the axial direction.

[0211] The electrode unit body portion 111 is formed by winding the electrode laminate body described above around a winding bar (not shown) and pulling the winding bar out of the electrode unit body portion 111. At this time, the more the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 and the separation film 13 are laminated in the electrode laminate body 10, the shorter the winding time and the manufacturing time of the electrode assembly 110 can be. The position where the winding bar described above is pulled out of the electrode unit body portion 111 constitutes a hollow core portion 112.

[0212] One side in the axial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111 has the uncoated portion 15 of the first electrode sheet 11 exposed at a certain height, and the other side in the axial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111 has the uncoated portion 15 of the second electrode sheet 12 exposed at a certain height.

[0213] Further, by the uncoated portion deletion portion C described above, a recessed portion 112a is formed in the uncoated portion interval adjacent to the core portion 112.

[0214] The cutting portion 210 cuts the uncoated portion 15 of the electrode unit body portion 111 in the axial direction. Thereby, a cutting line 113 is formed between the non-bent portion 115a and the intended bent portion 117a. The cutting line 113 described above divides the non-bent portion 115a and the intended bent portion 117a in the circumferential direction. That is, the cutting line 113 described above separates the non-bent portion 115a and the intended bent portion 117a from each other. The cutting line 113 described above is formed in a shape extending in the axial direction from the axial direction end portion of the uncoated portion 15 toward the electrode unit body portion 111 side. At this time, the non-bent portion 115a and the intended bent portion 117a are kept in a state standing in the axial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111 as they are.

[0215] Thereby, the uncoated portion 15 of the electrode unit body portion 111 described above forms the non-bent portion 115a and the intended bent portion 117a.

[0216] In order to prevent the buckling phenomenon that can occur when cutting the thin uncoated portion in the axial direction, the cutting portion 210 that cuts the cutting line 113 can use an ultrasonic knife.

[0217] The cutting portion 210 described above includes a plurality of blades 211 arranged in a direction corresponding to the radial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111 and a vibration generation portion 213 for fixing the blades 211.

[0218] The vibration generation portion 213 described above includes a circular plate and a vibration source for vibrating the circular plate.

[0219] The base end portions of the plurality of blades 211 can be fixed to the surface of the circular plate of the vibration generation portion 213 and extend in a direction corresponding to the axial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111, and the tip end portions are provided with sharp cutting edges.

[0220] The plurality of blades 211 are radially arranged with the center portion of the vibration generating portion 213 as a reference. For example, a pair of blades 211 for defining the intended bent portion 117a can be formed in a cross (+) shape at four places with the center portion of the vibration generating portion 213 as a reference. In contrast, the pair of blades 211 described above can be radially arranged at six places with a 60° interval. In contrast, a pair of second blades 221 can be radially arranged at three places with a 120° interval. The angle between such a pair of blades 211 can be appropriately selected in accordance with the diameter of the electrode unit body portion 111 or the capacity of the battery pack and the shape of the current collecting plate to be welded thereto.

[0221] In the embodiment, a straight line structure in which a pair of blades 211 for defining the intended bent portion 117a are arranged in parallel with each other is shown as a preferred structure. However, the pair of first blades 211 need not be strictly arranged in parallel. For example, the pair of blades 211 can be shaped such that the distance therebetween gradually becomes farther toward the centrifugal side or such that the distance therebetween gradually becomes farther toward the centripetal side. Also, an example in which the blades 211 are straight line shapes is shown, but it is not necessarily the case that the blades 211 are straight line shapes. For example, the blades 211 can also be gently curved shapes.

[0222] The distance in the circumferential direction between a pair of blades 211 and another pair of blades 211 adjacent thereto can become farther toward the centripetal direction and can become closer toward the centrifugal direction. That is, a sector of the non-bent portion 115a can be defined in this way.

[0223] The vibration generating portion 213 can include an ultrasonic vibrator. A first communication hole portion 215 is formed in the center portion of the vibration generating portion 213 so as to communicate with the core portion. The vibration generating portion 213 performs ultrasonic vibration when the blades 211 are moved in the axial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111 to cut the uncoated portion 15.

[0224] If the blades 211 press the uncoated portion 15 in the axial direction with a force other than that used for the processing of the cutting line 113, the uncoated portion 15 can be deformed, such as buckling, or the portion of the uncoated portion 15 near the cutting line 113 can be bent or folded.

[0225] In contrast, if the blades 211 perform ultrasonic vibration, the shearing of the uncoated portion 15 by the blades 211 is prevented from the phenomena described above, and the shearing processing is performed very smoothly. Thus, the cutting speed of the uncoated portion 15 can be increased, and a smooth cutting line 113 of the uncoated portion 15 can be formed. Such a vibration generating portion 213 can employ various vibrations as long as the blades 211 can be vibrated.

[0226] The plurality of non-bent portions 115a can be arranged at the same interval in the circumferential direction with the core portion 112 as the center. Also, the plurality of non-bent portions 115a can be formed in the same size and the same shape.

[0227] A recessed portion 112a is formed between the uncoated portion 15 and the core portion 112 on one side or both sides in the axial direction of the electrode unit main body portion 111. The recessed portion 112a is formed in a concentric shape with the core portion 112. The recessed portion 112a is formed in a ring shape around the core portion 112.

[0228] The height of the upper end portion of the recessed portion 112a can substantially correspond to the height of the lower end portion of the cut line 113. The radial direction width of the recessed portion 112a can be formed to be the same as or wider or narrower than the axial direction height of the uncoated portion 15 measured from the lower end portion of the cut line 113.

[0229] The plurality of formed portions 117 are formed by pressing and laying down the intended bent portion 117a of the uncoated portion 15 arranged between the non-bent portions 115a in a direction intersecting the axial direction, such as the radial direction. The plurality of formed portions 117 can be formed by pressing and laying down the intended bent portion 117a of the uncoated portion 15 using the punch 230 described below. At this time, the plurality of formed portions 117 can be formed by continuously and overlappingly laying down the plurality of non-cut pieces that constitute the intended bent portion 117a. Thus, the formed portion 117 can be formed obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the electrode unit main body portion 111 or can be formed flat after being completely laid down.

[0230] The plurality of formed portions 117 described above are portions that form a current path (current passage) after being welded to the current collector plates 130, 140. Further, the plurality of non-bent portions 115a can also be in contact with or welded to the current collector plates 130, 140, and thus can be electrified. Note that the non-bent portions 115a are welded (such as laser welding) to the current collector plates 130, 140 in a state of being in line contact with the current collector plates 130, 140, so the effect of the non-bent portions 115a on increasing the current path is not very large compared to the formed portions 117 described above. In contrast, the formed portions 117 are formed by laying down the intended bent portion 117a in the radial direction, so the formed portions 117 cover the interval in which the uncoated portion 15 is separated by a thickness corresponding to the separator 13. Such formed portions 117 are welded to the current collector plates 130, 140 in a state of being in surface contact, so as the area of the formed portions 117 increases, the current path of the electrode assembly 110 and the current collector plates 130, 140 can relatively increase. Such formed portions 117 increase the current path by an amount corresponding to the area of the interval between the uncoated portions 15, so even if applied to a large-capacity battery cell 100, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of heat generated by the battery cell 100 and reduce the possibility of fire.

[0231] If the non-bent portion 115a is not welded to the current collecting plate 130, 140 but is exposed, the impregnation of the electrolyte solution can be improved when the electrolyte solution is injected into the above-mentioned electrode assembly. By bending the non-cutting piece, the impregnation of the electrolyte solution can be reduced at the site of the above-mentioned formed portion 117, but the above-mentioned cutting surface portion 115a is adjacent to the above-mentioned formed portion 117, and is compensated for, so the impregnation of the electrolyte solution does not have other problems.

[0232] According to the present application, at the uncoated portion 15, the non-bent portion 115a and the intended bent portion 117a are separated from each other in the circumferential direction by the cutting portion which forms the cutting line in the axial direction, and then the intended bent portion 117a is pressed and laid down to form the formed portion 117. Thus, when the intended bent portion 117a is pressed to form the formed portion 117, the boundary portion 16 of the formed portion 117 and the non-bent portion 115a can be prevented from being torn or irregularly distorted.

[0233] Further, since the boundary portion 16 of the formed portion 117 and the non-bent portion 115a can be prevented from being torn or distorted, the contact with the electrode pieces 11, 12 of the opposite polarity at the portion which is torn or distorted can be prevented. Further, by preventing the boundary portion 16 of the uncoated portion 15 and the coated portion 14 from being torn or distorted, the active material coated on the coated portion 14 can be prevented from being separated from the coated portion 14 or the adhesion can be weakened. Thus, the reduction in the performance and capacity of the battery cell 100 can be suppressed.

[0234] Further, the edge of the separator 13 can be prevented from being warped or damaged due to the torn or distorted portion of the boundary portion 16. Thus, the short circuit of the first electrode piece 11 and the second electrode piece 12 can be prevented. Moreover, the amount of heat generation of the battery cell 100 can be reduced or the possibility of explosion can be significantly reduced.

[0235] Further, the intended bent portion 117a is pressed to form the formed portion 117 in a state where the intended bent portion 117a and the non-bent portion 115a are separated from each other in the circumferential direction at both sides of the intended bent portion 117a, so the plurality of non-cutting pieces of the intended bent portion 117a can be prevented from being inclinedly erected and spread due to the spring back phenomenon. Further, if the intended bent portion 117a is pressed with a very strong pressure by the punching portion 230, the formed portion 117 (the plurality of non-cutting pieces of the intended bent portion 117a) is maximally flattened to be closely adhered to the non-bent portion 115a. Thus, it is welded in a state where the formed portion 117 and the cutting portion surface are in contact with each other on the current collecting plate 130, 140, so the welded cross-sectional area can be significantly increased. Further, as the welded cross-sectional area is increased, the cross-sectional area of the current path is increased, so it has an advantage in that the resistance of the battery cell 100 can be significantly reduced. This is because the resistance is inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area of the passage through which the current flows.

[0236] The non-bent portion 115a is formed in a sector shape along the circumferential direction of the core portion 112 of the electrode unit body portion 111. The apex portion of the non-bent portion 115a faces the core portion 112. Since the non-bent portion 115a is formed in a sector shape, the respective shaped portions 117 can be radially arranged between the plurality of non-bent portions 115a with the core portion 112 as the center. Further, depending on the central angle of the sector-shaped non-bent portion 115a, the width of the outer periphery side of the shaped portion 117 can be the same as or greater than the width of the core portion 112 side.

[0237] Preferably, the above-described non-bent portion 115a can have a central angle θ1 of 60° to 120° (see FIG. 2). The central angle θ1 is the angle at which the two sides are separated from the apex of the sector. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 90°, four non-bent portions 115a can be formed in a cross shape along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 60°, six cutting surfaces can be formed along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 120°, three cutting surfaces can be formed along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the present application, the central angle of the above-described non-bent portion is not limited to the above-described range. For example, the above-described central angle can also be 45° or 30°, or can also be 180°. Figure 7 ). The central angle θ1 is the angle at which the two sides are separated from the apex of the sector. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 90°, four non-bent portions 115a can be formed in a cross shape along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 60°, six cutting surfaces can be formed along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 120°, three cutting surfaces can be formed along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the present application, the central angle of the above-described non-bent portion is not limited to the above-described range. For example, the above-described central angle can also be 45° or 30°, or can also be 180°.

[0238] It is predicted that the portion of the bent portion 117a that is separated by a certain distance from the boundary portion 16 between the coating-free portion 15 and the coated portion 14 toward the outer side in the axial direction is bent. This is the portion that corresponds to the height of the end portion of the cutting line 113. Thus, when the predicted bent portion 117a is bent, the coating-free portion 15 is bent at the position separated from the coated portion 14, so the deformation of the coating-free portion caused by the bending is not transmitted to the coated portion, and thus it is possible to prevent the active material coated on the coated portion 14 from falling off.

[0239] The above-described central angle of the non-bent portion 115a can be appropriately selected in consideration of the diameter of the electrode unit body portion 111, the capacitance of the battery cell 100, and the like. For example, as the diameter of the electrode unit body portion 111 increases, the central angle of the non-bent portion 115a can be formed to be close to 60°. This is because as the diameter of the electrode unit body portion 111 increases, the expansion of the cross-sectional area of the current path is advantageous in preventing heating or fire, so in order to increase the area of the shaped portion 117, the central angle of the non-bent portion 115a is reduced. Further, as the capacitance of the electrode unit body portion 111 increases, the central angle of the non-bent portion 115a can be formed to be close to 60°

[0240] The shaped portions 117 can be formed radially with the core portion 112 of the electrode unit body portion 111 as the center. In the case where four shaped portions 117 are formed in a cross shape, the central angle of the non-bent portion 115a constitutes 90°. In the case where six shaped portions 117 are formed radially with the core portion 112 as the center, the central angle of the non-bent portion 115a constitutes 60°. In the case where three shaped portions 117 are formed radially with the core portion 112 as the center, the central angle of the non-bent portion 115a constitutes 120°. The shaped portions 117 are formed radially with the core portion 112 as the center, so the current path can be dispersed uniformly in the circumferential direction of the electrode unit body portion 111.

[0241] The shaped portions 117 can be formed in a shape in which the predicted bent portions 117a of the uncoated portion 15 are laid down toward the core portion 112 side of the electrode unit body portion 111. By this, the shaped portions 117 are prevented from protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the electrode unit body portion 111, so the electrode assembly 110 can be smoothly put inside the battery can 120 at the time of manufacturing the battery cell 100. Also, the shaped portions 117 can be prevented from being caught in the battery can 120.

[0242] In the case where the predicted bent portions 117a are laid down toward the core portion 112 side of the electrode unit body portion 111, when the predicted bent portions 117a adjacent to the core portion 112 are laid down, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned core portion 112 is blocked.

[0243] The above-mentioned core portion 112 sometimes becomes a passage through which electrolyte solution is put, and sometimes can also become a passage through which a welding rod is inserted. Therefore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned core portion 112 be open in the axial direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1 (b) shows that, if the electrode assembly is manufactured as explained above in a state where a part of the uncoated portion on the core portion side is cut out in the section C in advance, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 shows that the shape of the uncoated portion adjacent to the core portion 112 is deleted, and the shaped portions 117 are formed in this state, as shown in Figure 8 , Figure 9 shows that the problem that the core portion 112 is blocked does not occur.

[0244] The shaped portions 117 can be formed side by side in the radial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111. The shaped portions 117 can be formed in a shape that is symmetrical with the core portion 112 of the electrode unit body portion 111 as the center. By this, the shaped portions 117 can form current paths of almost the same area in the radial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111.

[0245] A core portion 112 may be formed at the center of the electrode unit main body 111. The core portion 112 is formed into a hollow shape that penetrates the center of the electrode unit main body 111. The cross-section of the core portion 112 may be circular. Because the core portion 112 is formed into a hollow shape, after the electrode assembly 110 is inserted into the battery canister 120, the electrolyte injector (not shown) can inject electrolyte through the core portion 112. As a result, the electrolyte injection time can be shortened, thus shortening the manufacturing time of the battery unit 100. Furthermore, when the electrolyte injector is inserted into the core portion 112, it is possible to prevent the electrode plates 11, 12 or the separation membrane 13 near the core portion 112 from being stuck, torn, or damaged.

[0246] The electrode unit body 111 can be formed in a cylindrical shape. Therefore, it can be inserted in such a way that the outer side of the electrode unit body 111 is in close contact with the inner side of the cylindrical battery can 120.

[0247] Secondly, refer to Figure 10 The method for manufacturing the battery cell according to the present invention will be described.

[0248] A separation membrane 13 is stacked between the sheet-like first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 (S11). The structure comprising the stacked first electrode sheet 11, second electrode sheet 12, and separation membrane 13 is referred to as an electrode stack 10. In the electrode stack 10, the uncoated portion 15 of the first electrode sheet 11 protrudes to one side in the width direction of the electrode stack 10, and the uncoated portion 15 of the second electrode sheet 12 protrudes to the other side in the width direction of the electrode stack 10.

[0249] The first electrode sheet 11, the second electrode sheet 12, and the separation membrane 13 are gel-wound (S12). At this time, the electrode stack 10 is wound onto a winding rod to form an electrode assembly 110, and the winding rod is separated from the electrode assembly 110. At the center of the electrode assembly 110, the portion from which the winding rod is pulled out forms a hollow core portion 112. The core portion 112 is formed to extend through the axial direction of the electrode assembly 110. The more first electrode sheets 11, second electrode sheets 12, and separation membrane 13 are stacked in the electrode stack 10, the shorter the winding time and manufacturing time of the electrode assembly 110 can be.

[0250] Figure 1 The removal of a portion C of the uncoated part shown in (b) can be performed after the electrode laminate process (S11) and before the winding process (S12). This can be a process of cutting and removing a portion of the uncoated part by laser cutting.

[0251] The depth at which the uncoated portion 15 is removed in the aforementioned specified interval C and the depth of the aforementioned cutting line 113 can correspond to each other.

[0252] The cutting section 210 cuts the uncoated portion 15 of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12 radially by moving along the axial direction of the battery cell 100 (S13). At this time, the cutting section 210 cuts the uncoated portion 15 of the electrode cell body portion 111 along the axial direction, thereby separating the non-bent portion 115a and the predicted bent portion 117a in the peripheral direction. At this time, the non-bent portion 115a and the predicted bent portion 117a are maintained in a state of standing along the axial direction of the electrode cell body portion 111 as they are.

[0253] The predicted bent portion 117a of the uncoated portion 15 is laid down by the pressing of the punching section 230, thereby forming the shaped portion 117 (S14). The plurality of shaped portions 117 are formed by the predicted bent portion 117a of the uncoated portion 15 being laid down by the pressing of the punching section 230, which is described below. At this time, the plurality of non-cut sheets that constitute the predicted bent portion 117a in the plurality of shaped portions 117 can be continuously overlapped and laid down. Thus, the shaped portion 117 can be formed slightly inclined or flat with respect to the axial direction of the electrode cell body portion 111.

[0254] The lower end portion of the predicted bent portion 117a corresponding to the cutting depth of the cutting line 113 is bent to form the shaped portion 117.

[0255] The non-bent portion 115a is laser-welded to the current collector plates 130, 140 in a state of being in line contact with the current collector plates 130, 140. This can result in an effect of increasing the current path. In contrast, the shaped portion 117 is formed by laying down the predicted bent portion 117a in the radial direction, so the shaped portion 117 covers the interval separating the uncoated portion 15 corresponding to the thickness of the separation film 13. Such a shaped portion 117 is welded in a state of being in surface contact with the current collector plates 130, 140, so as the area of the shaped portion 117 increases, the current path of the electrode assembly 110 and the current collector plates 130, 140 can further increase. Such a shaped portion 117 increases the current path by an area corresponding to the addition of the interval of the uncoated portion 15, so even if applied to a large-capacity battery cell 100, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of heat generated by the battery cell 100 and reduce the likelihood of fire.

[0256] According to the manufacturing method of the present application, the shaped portion 117 is formed by pressing and laying down the predicted bent portion 117a after the non-bent portion 115a and the predicted bent portion 117a are separated from each other in the uncoated portion 15. Thus, when the shaped portion 117 is formed by pressing the predicted bent portion 117a, it is possible to prevent the boundary portion 16 of the shaped portion 117 and the non-bent portion 115a from being torn or irregularly distorted.

[0257] Further, it is possible to prevent the edge of the separation film 13 from being warped or damaged due to the tearing or deformation of the boundary portion 16. Thus, it is possible to prevent the short circuit of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat generation of the battery cell 100 or significantly reduce the possibility of explosion.

[0258] The non-bent portion 115a can be formed in a sector shape along the circumferential direction of the core portion 112 of the electrode cell body portion 111. The vertex portion of the non-bent portion 115a faces the core portion 112. The non-bent portion 115a is formed in a sector shape, so the respective shaped portions 117 can be radially arranged between the plurality of non-bent portions 115a with the core portion 112 as the center.

[0259] The non-bent portion 115a can have a central angle θ1 of 60° to 120°. For example, in the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 90°, four non-bent portions 115a are formed in a cross shape along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 60°, six cutting surfaces can be formed along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15. In the case where the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a is 120°, three cutting surfaces can be formed along the circumferential direction of the coating-free portion 15.

[0260] It is predicted that the portion of the bent portion 117a that is separated by a certain distance from the boundary portion 16 between the coating-free portion 15 and the coated portion 14 toward the outside in the axial direction is bent. This is the portion that corresponds to the height of the end portion of the cutting line 113. Thus, when the predicted bent portion 117a is bent, the coating-free portion 15 is bent at the position separated from the coated portion 14, so the deformation of the coating-free portion caused by the bending is not transmitted to the coated portion, and thus it is possible to prevent the active material coated on the coated portion 14 from falling off.

[0261] The shaped portion 117 can be radially formed with the core portion 112 of the electrode cell body portion 111 as the center. In the case where four shaped portions 117 are formed in a cross shape, the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a constitutes 90°. In the case where six shaped portions 117 are radially formed with the core portion 112 as the center, the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a constitutes 60°. In the case where three shaped portions 117 are radially formed with the core portion 112 as the center, the central angle θ1 of the non-bent portion 115a constitutes 120°. The shaped portion 117 is radially formed with the core portion 112 as the center, so the current path can be uniformly dispersed along the circumferential direction of the electrode cell body portion 111.

[0262] The molding portion 117 can be formed in a shape in which the intended bending portion 117a of the uncoated portion 15 is laid down toward the core portion 112 side of the electrode unit body portion 111. Thereby, the molding portion 117 is prevented from protruding outward from the outer peripheral surface of the electrode unit body portion 111, so the electrode assembly 110 can be smoothly inserted into the inside of the battery can 120 when the battery cell 100 is manufactured. Also, the molding portion 117 can be prevented from being caught in the battery can 120.

[0263] The molding portion 117 can be formed in a radial direction of the electrode unit body portion 111. The molding portion 117 can be formed symmetrically with the core portion 112 of the electrode unit body portion 111 as a center.

[0264] The cutting portion 210 cuts the uncoated portion 15 by vibrating by the vibration generating portion 213. The vibration generating portion 213 can include an ultrasonic vibrator. The cutting portion 210 cuts the uncoated portion 15 while vibrating, so the cutting performance and the cutting speed of the uncoated portion 15 can be improved.

[0265] A battery cell manufactured using the electrode assembly as described above is described.

[0266] Reference Figure 11 The battery cell 100 according to the present application includes an electrode assembly 110, a battery can 120, a sealing cover portion 150, and a first current collecting plate 130.

[0267] The electrode assembly 110 is substantially the same as the above, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0268] The battery can 120 accommodates the electrode assembly 110 in the inside thereof. The battery can 120 is electrically connected to any one of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12, and thus has a first polarity. The battery can 120 can be formed of an electrically conductive material so that current flows therethrough. For example, the battery can 120 can be manufactured of a material including a stainless steel material, an aluminum material, or the like. The battery can 120 can be formed in a cylindrical shape having an open end formed at one side.

[0269] The sealing cover portion 150 seals the open end of the battery can 120. The sealing cover portion 150 is provided so as to be insulated from the battery can 120. The sealing cover portion 150 prevents foreign matter or moisture from penetrating into the inside of the battery can 120.

[0270] The first current collector 130 is electrically connected to another of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12, and has a second polarity. The first current collector 130 can be disposed between the electrode assembly 110 and the sealing cover portion 150. The first current collector 130 is electrically connected to the sealing cover portion 150. The first current collector 130 can be welded to the uncoated portion 15 of the other of the first electrode sheet 11 and the second electrode sheet 12. In this case, the formed portion 117 of the uncoated portion 15 can be welded in a state of surface contact with the first current collector 130, and the non-bent portion 115a of the uncoated portion 15 can be welded in a state of line contact with the first current collector 130. As a result, the welding cross-sectional area of ​​the uncoated portion 15 and the first current collector 130 is increased, so the cross-sectional area of ​​the current path is increased, which can significantly reduce the resistance of the battery cell 100. Furthermore, the heat generation of the battery cell 100 can be reduced, and the possibility of the battery cell 100 catching fire can be reduced.

[0271] The first electrode 11 can be a negative electrode, and the second electrode 12 can be a positive electrode. Furthermore, the first electrode 11 can be a positive electrode, and the second electrode 12 can be a negative electrode.

[0272] Electrolyte is injected into the battery canister 120 through the core portion 112 of the electrode assembly 110.

[0273] The electrolyte can be of type A + B - Salts with similar structures. Among them, A... + Including Li + Na + K + Ions consisting of basic metal cations or combinations thereof. Additionally, B... - Including selection of F-, Cl - Br-, I - NO3 - N(CN)2 - , BF4-, ClO4-, AlO4-, AlCl4-, PF6-, SbF6 - AsF6 - BF2C2O4 - BC4O8 - (CF3)2PF4 - (CF3)3PF3 - (CF3)4PF2 - (CF3)5PF - (CF3)6P - CF3SO3 - C4F9SO3, CF3CF2SO3 - (CF3SO2)2N - (FSO2)2N- CF3CF2(CF3)2CO - (CF3SO2)2CH - (SF5)3C - (CF3SO2)3C - CF3(CF2)7SO3 - CF3CO2 - CH3CO2, SCN - and (CF3CF2SO2)2N - anions selected from the group consisting of any one or more of the above.

[0274] The electrolyte solution can also be used dissolved in an organic solvent. As the organic solvent, propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, diethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), γ butyrolactone, or a mixture thereof can be used.

[0275] The sealing cover portion 150 can further include an insulator 157 that covers the first current collecting plate 130 and is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the support portion 122 and the first current collecting plate 130. The insulator 157 achieves electrical insulation of the sealing cover portion 150 from the battery can 120.

[0276] The insulator 157 can be formed of a high molecular resin having insulating properties. For example, the insulator 157 can be formed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyimide, or polybutylene terephthalate.

[0277] The sealing cover portion 150 includes a cover plate 151 disposed in a manner to shield the open end of the battery can 120. The cover plate 151 can be formed in a disc shape as a whole. In the center portion of the cover plate 151, an external terminal 152 is protrusively formed toward the outside (the upper side of FIG. 1). Figure 13

[0278] ​The sealing cover portion 150 includes a vent plate 153 disposed on the lower side of the cover plate 151. The vent plate 153 is broken when the internal pressure of the battery can 120 reaches a predetermined pressure or more. Such a vent plate 153 prevents explosion of the battery cell 100.

[0279] The vent plate 153 and the first current collecting plate 130 are electrically connected by a guide portion 155. Also, the vent plate 153 is in contact with the cover plate 151, thereby forming a part of the current path.

[0280] The lower side of the open end of the battery can 120 is formed with a support portion 122 recessed toward the inside of the battery can 120. The vent plate 153 and the cover plate 151 are laminated on the upper side of the support portion 122.

[0281] The inner side surface of the support portion 122 and the peripheral portions of the vent plate 153 and the cover plate 151 sandwich an insulator 157. The insulator 157 covers the first current collecting plate 130, and the edges are sandwiched between the inner peripheral surface of the support portion 122 and the first current collecting plate 130. Such an insulator 157 constitutes a part of the sealing cover portion 150.

[0282] The open end of the battery can 120 is formed with a clamping portion 123 so as to press the cover plate 151 and the insulator 157. The clamping portion 123 is bent toward the inside of the open end of the battery can 120, thereby sealing between the periphery of the cover plate 151 and the open end of the battery can 120. The support portion 122 and the clamping portion 123 are crimped to fix the periphery of the first current collecting plate 130 and the vent plate 153, so that the movement of the first current collecting plate 130 and the vent plate 153 is limited, thereby being able to improve the assembly stability of the battery cell 100. Also, it is possible to prevent the air tightness of the battery can 120 from being leaked due to external impact.

[0283] Either one of the first electrode tab 11 and the second electrode tab 12 can be electrically connected to the battery can 120 through the second current collecting plate 140. At this time, the second current collecting plate 140 can be welded to the uncoated portion 15 formed in either one of the first electrode tab 11 and the second electrode tab 12. The uncoated portion 15 and the second current collecting plate 140 can be welded by laser welding through the non-bent portion 115a and the shaped portion 117 of the uncoated portion 15. Thereby, the welding cross-sectional area of the uncoated portion 15 and the second current collecting plate 140 is increased, so that the cross-sectional area of the current path is increased, thereby being able to significantly reduce the resistance of the battery cell 100. Also, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat generated in the battery cell 100, and to reduce the possibility of fire of the battery cell 100.

[0284] Also, the uncoated portion 15 formed in either one of the first electrode tab 11 and the second electrode tab 12 can be directly welded to the inner side surface of the battery can 120, of course.

[0285] Figure 12is a perspective view showing a state in which the electrode assembly according to the present application is housed in the battery pack case.

[0286] Referring to Figure 12 A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present application includes an assembly of electrically connecting cylindrical battery cells 100 and a battery pack case 101 housing the assembly. The cylindrical battery cells 100 can be any one of the cylindrical battery cells 100 according to the above-described embodiments. In the drawings, components such as bus bars (not shown) for electrically connecting the plurality of cylindrical battery cells 100, cooling units (not shown), external terminals (not shown), and the like are omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0287] The battery pack can be mounted on a vehicle 300. As an example, the vehicle 300 can be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0288] Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to the present application.

[0289] Referring to Figure 13 A vehicle 300 according to an embodiment of the present application includes the battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. The vehicle operates by receiving electric power from the battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0290] The present application has been described above with reference to the drawings, but the present application is not limited to the embodiments and the drawings disclosed in the present specification, and it should be understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present application. Also, even if the effects achievable based on a corresponding configuration are not explicitly mentioned in the above description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be understood that such effects are also achievable.

Claims

1. A trimming device for cutting at least a portion of an uncoated portion (15) of an electrode assembly (110) including an electrode unit body portion (111) wound in a state of a first electrode sheet (11) and a second electrode sheet (12) and a separator film (13) in a laminated sheet shape, the uncoated portion (15) being provided at a width direction end portion of at least either one of the first electrode sheet (11) and the second electrode sheet (12) and being exposed at a predetermined height at one side of the electrode unit body portion (111) in an axial direction, and a recess portion (112a) being provided in the uncoated portion (15) at a core side of the electrode unit body portion (111), the trimming device including a trimming portion (210) moving in the axial direction of the electrode assembly (110) to form a cutting line in the axial direction on the uncoated portion (15) extending in the axial direction, wherein the recess portion (112a) of the uncoated portion (15) extending outward from the electrode unit body portion (111) in the axial direction by a length smaller than a length by which the uncoated portion (15) disposed outward more than the recess portion (112a) in a radial direction extends outward from the electrode unit body portion (111) in the axial direction.

2. The trimming device according to claim 1, wherein the trimming portion (210) includes a plurality of blades (211) arranged in a radial shape and extending in the axial direction.

3. The trimming device according to claim 1, wherein the trimming portion (210) further includes a vibration generating portion (213).

4. An electrode assembly processing device including: the trimming device according to claim 1; and a press portion (230) pressing to lay down a predicted bending portion (117a) of the uncoated portion (15) from which the uncoated portion (15) is not cut to form a shaped portion (117), wherein the press portion (230) moves in the radial direction of the electrode unit body portion (111) to lay down the predicted bending portion (117a) of the uncoated portion (15) in the radial direction of the electrode unit body portion (111).

5. A method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) including: a step (S11) of manufacturing an electrode laminate by laminating a first electrode sheet (11), a second electrode sheet (12), and a separator film (13) in a laminated sheet shape; a step of removing a prescribed interval (C) of an uncoated portion (15) of the electrode laminate (10) arranged adjacent to a core side; a step (S12) of winding the electrode laminate (10) to manufacture an electrode unit body portion (111); a step of moving a trimming portion (210) in an axial direction of the electrode unit body portion (111) to form a cutting line (113) in the axial direction on the uncoated portion (15) of the electrode unit body portion (111); and a step of pressing a press portion (230) to lay down a predicted bending portion (117a) of the uncoated portion (15) from which the uncoated portion (15) is not cut to form a shaped portion (117). ​ a step of pressing a punch portion (230) against a predicted bending portion (117a) provided between two adjacent cutting lines (113) of the uncoated portion (15) to lay down the predicted bending portion (117a) in a radial direction, thereby forming a shaped portion (117), wherein a length of a core body side region of the uncoated portion (15) from which the prescribed interval (C) is removed and which extends outward in the axial direction from the electrode unit body portion (111) is shorter than a length of the uncoated portion (15) provided outward in the radial direction further than the core body side region and which extends outward in the axial direction from the electrode unit body portion (111).

6. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein a non-bending portion (115a) provided between two adjacent predicted bending portions (117a) is formed in a fan shape about the core body portion (112) of the electrode unit body portion (111).

7. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein the non-bending portion (115a) provided between two adjacent predicted bending portions (117a) has a central angle of 30° to 180°.

8. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein the shaped portion (117) is formed in a radial shape about the core body portion (112) of the electrode unit body portion (111).

9. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein the shaped portion (117) is formed in a shape in which the predicted bending portion (117a) of the uncoated portion (15) is laid down toward the core body portion (112) of the electrode unit body portion (111).

10. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein the shaped portion (117) is formed in a radial direction of the electrode unit body portion (111).

11. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein a cutting depth of the cutting line (113) reaches a prescribed portion separated by a certain distance from a boundary portion (16) between the uncoated portion (15) and the coated portion (14) to an outer side in the axial direction, the shaped portion (117) is formed by bending a lower end portion of the predicted bending portion (117a) corresponding to the cutting depth.

12. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein the cutting portion (210) cuts the uncoated portion (15) by vibrating with a vibration generating portion (213).

13. The method of manufacturing a battery cell (100) according to claim 5, wherein a depth at which the uncoated portion (15) is removed in the prescribed interval (C) and a depth of the cutting line (113) correspond to each other.

14. An electrode assembly (110) comprising: An electrode unit main body portion (111) in which a separator (13) is layered between a first electrode sheet (11) and a second electrode sheet (12) in a sheet shape, the first electrode sheet (11), the second electrode sheet (12), and the separator (13) being wound, and an uncoated portion (15) in which an active material layer is not coated being formed at a width direction end portion of the first electrode sheet (11) and the second electrode sheet (12); A recessed portion (112a) which is disposed on a core body side in the uncoated portion (15) of the electrode unit main body portion (111), and which has a height which is recessed in an axial direction compared to the uncoated portion (15) which is disposed on a radial direction outer side with respect to the recessed portion (112a); A plurality of cut lines (113) which are formed at a radial direction outer side portion of the recessed portion (112a) in the uncoated portion (15) of the electrode unit main body portion (111), and which are formed to a prescribed depth along the axial direction; A plurality of cut line arrays which are formed by the plurality of cut lines (113) being arranged in a row; And A plurality of formed portions (117) which are formed by a predicted bending portion (117a) of the uncoated portion (15) which is disposed between two of the cut line arrays which are adjacent in a circumferential direction being pressed and bent, wherein the length of the recessed portion (112a) of the uncoated portion (15) which extends outward in the axial direction from the electrode unit main body portion (111) is less than the length of the uncoated portion (15) which is disposed further outward in the radial direction than the recessed portion (112a) which extends outward in the axial direction from the electrode unit main body portion (111).

15. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 14, wherein An unbent portion (115a) which is disposed between two of the formed portions (117) which are adjacent in a circumferential direction is formed in a fan shape along a circumferential direction with the core body portion (112) of the electrode unit main body portion (111) as a center.

16. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 15, wherein The unbent portion (115a) has a central angle of 30° to 180°.

17. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 14, wherein The cut depth of the cut line (113) reaches a prescribed portion which is separated by a certain distance from a boundary portion (16) between the uncoated portion (15) and a coated portion (14) toward an outer side in the axial direction.

18. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 17, wherein The recessed portion (112a) has a height corresponding to the prescribed portion in the axial direction.

19. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 17, wherein The predicted bending portion (117a) is bent and formed at a portion corresponding to the prescribed portion in the axial direction.

20. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 14, wherein The formed portion (117) is formed in a radial shape with the core body portion (112) of the electrode unit main body portion (111) as a center.

21. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 14, wherein The above-mentioned shaped portion (117) is formed in a shape in which the above-mentioned intended bending portion (117a) is laid down toward the core portion (112) side of the above-mentioned electrode unit main body portion (111).

22. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 21, wherein The above-mentioned core portion (112) is formed in a hollow shape that penetrates a center portion of the above-mentioned electrode unit main body portion (111), and the above-mentioned shaped portion (117) does not obstruct the above-mentioned core portion (112) in the axial direction.

23. The electrode assembly (110) according to claim 14, wherein A radial direction width of the above-mentioned recessed portion (112a) corresponds to an axial direction height of the above-mentioned intended bending portion (117a) measured from a lower end portion of the above-mentioned cutting line (113) that is disposed adjacent to the above-mentioned recessed portion (112a) in the radial direction.

24. A battery cell (100) comprising: The electrode assembly (110) according to any one of claims 14 to 23; A battery can (120) that houses the above-mentioned electrode assembly (110) and is electrically connected to either one of the above-mentioned first electrode sheet (11) and the above-mentioned second electrode sheet (12) to have a first polarity; A sealing cover portion (150) that seals an open end of the above-mentioned battery can (120); and A first current collecting plate (130) that is electrically connected to the other one of the above-mentioned first electrode sheet (11) and the above-mentioned second electrode sheet (12) to have a second polarity.

25. The battery cell (100) according to claim 24, wherein The above-mentioned first current collecting plate (130) is welded to the above-mentioned shaped portion (117).

26. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell (100) according to claim 25.

27. A vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to claim 26.

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