Battery cell

Abstract

A battery cell is provided, including: a can including a bottom member and a side wall member; a cap covering an opening of the can; and an electrode assembly disposed inside the can. A current collector plate is connected to an electrode tab disposed at a second end of the electrode assembly located at an opening end of the can among first and second ends in an axial direction. The current collector plate includes: an electrode tab connection portion which is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode tab; a can connection portion which is disposed further outward in a radial direction than the electrode tab connection portion, and which is in contact with and electrically connected to the can; and a conductive connection portion which electrically connects the can connection portion and the electrode tab connection portion. A periphery of one end of the side wall member and an outer periphery of the cap in the radial direction are seam-welded in a circumferential direction, and at least a portion of a thermal insulation member is interposed between the current collector plate and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

Description

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0083012, filed on June 27, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0069583, filed on May 28, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a welding heat insulation member for preventing welding heat generated in a welding process of a battery can, a current collector, and a cap from damaging a separator of an electrode assembly, an electrode assembly damage prevention structure using the same, and a battery cell using the same. BACKGROUND

[0003] A process of manufacturing a battery cell using a cylindrical can can include the following steps: deep drawing a metal sheet to form a circular bottom and a circular tubular sidewall member connected to the circular bottom and accommodating an electrode assembly therein; and then covering an open end of the sidewall member with a cap or a lid to complete the process. For ease of explanation, the cap or the lid will be collectively referred to as a cap hereinafter.

[0004] Meanwhile, among the end portions of the electrode assembly in the axial direction, the end portion facing the open end is provided with a current collector to be in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode tab of the electrode assembly. The current collector is connected to the cap or the sidewall member by welding or the like, thereby being in contact with and electrically connected to the cap or the sidewall member.

[0005] Cylindrical lithium ion batteries require excellent sealing to prevent performance degradation due to electrolyte leakage and to prevent ignition due to contact with air or moisture. For this purpose, seam welding using a laser in the assembly process of the cylindrical can and the cap is being developed.

[0006] It is well known that the laser seam welding technology ensures excellent sealing and mechanical strength by melting and joining the can and the cap using a laser. However, since the laser is a heat source having a high energy density, in the welding process, welding heat can be transferred to the outside of the welded portion. Therefore, there is a possibility that other components around the welded portion can be damaged by the welding heat.

[0007] In particular, the separator of the electrode assembly made of a microporous polymer film is more vulnerable to heat damage, such as deformation, loss, and melting, compared to steel, aluminum, and copper materials constituting the electrode assembly or other components. However, if this is prevented using a low energy density laser, there is a problem in that the width and penetration depth of the welding bead will be reduced, which can reduce the sealing performance and mechanical strength of the welded portion. In other words, the possibility of damage to the separator due to laser output and sealing performance tend to be a trade-off.

[0008] These characteristics make it difficult to optimize the laser process parameters. In addition, the process window can be narrowed during mass production, thereby potentially reducing the production yield of the product.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a method to prevent the damage to the separator due to welding heat when using a high energy density laser during laser seam welding. SUMMARY

[0010] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0011] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the related art, and thus aims to provide a method of preventing the damage to surrounding components due to welding heat generated during seam welding of a battery can.

[0012] The present disclosure aims to provide a method of seam welding a battery can using a high energy density laser to ensure welding quality while preventing the damage to surrounding components due to welding heat generated thereby.

[0013] The present disclosure aims to provide a method of improving yield by expanding the process window for seam welding of a battery can.

[0014] The present disclosure aims to provide a method for securing a process margin for laser seam welding of a battery can.

[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description, and will become more fully apparent when the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Further, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the devices shown in the claims and combinations thereof.

[0016] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0017] To achieve the above object, the present disclosure can be applied to a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a current collector electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a can accommodating the electrode assembly and the current collector.

[0018] The can includes a bottom member, a side wall member connected with the bottom member and extending to one side in an axial direction, and a cap covering an open end provided at one axial end of the side wall member.

[0019] The outer periphery of one end of the side wall member and the cap in the radial direction can be seam-welded in the circumferential direction.

[0020] The electrode assembly can have a jelly-roll form wound around a predetermined axis.

[0021] An electrode tab can be provided at one end of two axial ends of the electrode assembly facing the open end, and the current collector plate can be connected to the electrode tab.

[0022] The current collector plate can include an electrode tab connection portion in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode tab.

[0023] The current collector plate can include a can connection portion in contact with and electrically connected to the can.

[0024] The current collector plate can include a conductive connection portion provided between and connecting the can connection portion and the electrode tab connection portion.

[0025] The can connection portion and the electrode tab connection portion can be electrically connected to each other through the conductive connection portion.

[0026] The current collector plate can include an inner ring.

[0027] The inner ring can define a hole facing a hollow portion of a winding center of the electrode assembly.

[0028] The current collector plate can further include an outer ring provided outside the inner ring in the radial direction and extending to surround the inner ring.

[0029] The current collector plate can further include at least one first spoke and at least one second spoke connected to the inner ring and extending outward from the inner ring in the radial direction.

[0030] The first spoke can extend outward from the inner ring in the radial direction from a first position of the inner ring in the circumferential direction.

[0031] The second spoke can extend outward from the inner ring in the radial direction from a second position of the inner ring in the circumferential direction not overlapping the first position.

[0032] The first spoke and the second spoke can be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0033] The outer ring can be spaced apart from the first spoke and connected to the second spoke.

[0034] The outer ring can be disposed outward in the radial direction from a radially outer end of the first spoke.

[0035] The outer ring can be connected to a radially outer end of the second spoke.

[0036] The inner ring can be a closed loop shape or an open loop shape.

[0037] The outer ring can be a closed loop shape or an open loop shape.

[0038] Preferably, the outer ring can have a closed loop shape.

[0039] The electrode tab connecting portion can be disposed at least on the first spoke.

[0040] The electrode tab connecting portion can also be disposed at a first position of the inner ring in the circumferential direction.

[0041] The can connecting portion can be disposed on the outer ring.

[0042] The conductive connecting portion can be disposed at least on the second spoke.

[0043] The conductive connecting portion can also be disposed at a second position of the inner ring in the circumferential direction.

[0044] The conductive connecting portion can further be disposed at a third position arranged between the first position and the second position in the circumferential direction of the inner ring.

[0045] The conductive connecting portion can also be disposed at a first position of the inner ring in the circumferential direction.

[0046] The battery cell includes an insulating member that prevents heat generated when seam welding the side wall member and the cap from being transferred to the electrode assembly.

[0047] At least a portion of the insulating member is interposed between the current collector plate and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0048] The insulating member can be disposed to extend out from a space between the electrode tab connecting portion and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0049] The insulating member can be disposed to extend out from a space between the first spoke and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0050] The insulating member can not be interposed between the electrode tab connecting portion and the electrode assembly in the axial direction by a relief groove provided in the insulating member.

[0051] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between the second spoke and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0052] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between the outer ring and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0053] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between the second spoke and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0054] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between a second position in the circumferential direction of the inner ring and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0055] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between a third position in the circumferential direction of the inner ring and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0056] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between a first position in the circumferential direction of the inner ring and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

[0057] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed further outward than the electrode tab connecting portion in the radial direction.

[0058] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed further outward than the first spoke in the radial direction.

[0059] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between two electrode tab connecting portions adjacent in the circumferential direction.

[0060] At least a portion of the insulating member can be disposed between first spokes in the circumferential direction.

[0061] The insulating member can cover a space between the electrode tab connecting portion and the can connecting portion in the radial direction.

[0062] The insulating member can cover a space between the first spoke and the outer ring in the radial direction.

[0063] The insulating member can cover a space between the inner ring and the outer ring in the radial direction.

[0064] The insulating member can cover a space between the electrode tab connecting portion and the electrically conductive connecting portion in the circumferential direction.

[0065] The insulating member can cover a space between the first spoke and the second spoke in the circumferential direction.

[0066] The insulation member can cover a space between the electrode tab connection portion and the can connection portion in the radial direction and / or the circumferential direction.

[0067] The insulation member can include a high heat-resistant polymer material.

[0068] The insulation member can be a material that is substantially non-reactive with an electrolyte.

[0069] The insulation member can be chemically substantially stable to an electrolyte injected into the can.

[0070] The insulation member can include at least one of polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0071] The can connection portion or the outer ring can include a first region in contact with the sidewall member and a second region in contact with the cap.

[0072] The first region and the sidewall member can be joined by welding.

[0073] The second region and the cap can be joined by welding.

[0074] The first region and the second region can be welded at once.

[0075] The welding can be laser welding.

[0076] The first region can be an outer circumferential surface of the can connection portion or the outer ring facing and contacting an inner circumferential surface of the sidewall member in the radial direction.

[0077] The second region can be an outer axial surface of the outer ring facing and contacting an inner axial surface of the cap in the axial direction.

[0078] The cap can include an outer circumferential surface facing and contacting an inner circumferential surface of the sidewall member in the radial direction.

[0079] The battery cell can include a welded portion in which an inner circumferential surface of the sidewall member, an outer circumferential surface of the cap, and the first region and the second region of the can connection portion of the current collector plate or the outer ring are welded together.

[0080] The outer circumferential surface of the cap and the can connection portion or the outer circumferential surface of the outer ring can each be in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall member.

[0081] The axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the cap and the axial end of the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member facing each other in the axial direction can be exposed outside the axial direction.

[0082] The welding portion can be formed by laser irradiation from the outside of the battery cell in the axial direction to the axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the cap and the axial end of the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member.

[0083] The thermal conductivity of the current collector plate can be higher than the thermal conductivity of the side wall member. Thus, the welding heat can be distributed to the electrode assembly through the current collector plate.

[0084] When the welding heat is conducted through the current collector plate, the temperature can gradually decrease. Thus, it is preferable that the insulating member is interposed between the current collector plate and the electrode assembly at least in a portion corresponding to an initial path along which the welding heat is conducted.

[0085] The position at which the welding heat is first conducted in the current collector plate can be the outer ring. The welding heat can be conducted in the current collector plate in the order of the outer ring, the second spoke, the inner ring, and the first spoke, or in the order of the can connection portion, the conductive connection portion, and the electrode tab connection portion.

[0086] Thus, the insulating member can be provided at least between the can connection portion or the outer ring of the current collector plate and the electrode assembly. Preferably, the insulating member can be further provided between the conductive connection portion or the second spoke of the current collector plate and the electrode assembly.

[0087] In addition, the insulating member can be further provided between at least a portion of the inner ring and the electrode assembly.

[0088] Further, the welding heat can also be transferred to the electrode assembly by radiation.

[0089] Thus, it is preferable that the insulating member can cover a spacing space between the electrode tab connection portion and the can connection portion, or a spacing space between the outer ring and the inner ring and the first spoke and the second spoke, in the radial direction and / or the circumferential direction. Specifically, the insulating member can cover the electrode assembly such that the electrode assembly is not exposed through the spacing space.

[0090] Laser seam welding can be performed in the circumferential direction along the edge of the current collector plate. Thus, it is preferable that the insulating member can include a ring shape extending inward a predetermined distance in the radial direction from the edge of the current collector plate.

[0091] At this time, the insulating member can have a shape in which at least a portion corresponding to the electrode tab connecting portion or the first spoke of the current collector plate is deleted.

[0092] Advantageous Effects

[0093] According to the present disclosure, the influence of welding heat on the electrode assembly can be minimized by applying a welding insulation member. Accordingly, seam welding can be performed using a laser having a high energy density.

[0094] According to the present disclosure, the width and penetration depth of a welding bead can be sufficiently secured while minimizing the influence of welding heat on the electrode assembly. Accordingly, the sealing ability and mechanical strength of the welded portion can be sufficiently secured while preventing damage to the separator.

[0095] According to the present disclosure, it is easy to optimize the process variables of the laser, the process window can be widened during mass production, and a process margin can be secured to improve the production yield of products.

[0096] In addition to the above effects, specific effects of the present disclosure will be described below while explaining specific details for implementing the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0097] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment.

[0098] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly housed inside a can of Figure 1 before being wound.

[0099] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the electrode assembly of Figure 2 is in a stacked state before being wound.

[0100] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly in the form of a cylindrical jelly-roll assembled by winding the stack of Figure 3 .

[0101] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a first current collector plate is coupled to an electrode tab of a first electrode of an electrode assembly.

[0102] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second current collector plate is coupled to an electrode tab of a second electrode of an electrode assembly with an insulating member interposed therebetween.

[0103] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a second current collector plate is coupled to an electrode tab of a second electrode of an electrode assembly with an insulating member interposed therebetween.

[0104] Figure 8 is a side sectional view showing a process of housing an electrode assembly coupled with a current collector plate inside a can.

[0105] Figure 9 is a side sectional view showing a process of coupling a first current collector plate and a first electrode terminal of an electrode assembly housed inside a can.

[0106] Figure 10 is a side sectional view showing a process of covering an open end of a can housing an electrode assembly with a cap.

[0107] Figure 11 is a side sectional view showing a state in which an open end of a can housing an electrode assembly is covered with a cap.

[0108] Figure 12 is a side sectional view showing a process of seam welding a cap and a side wall member of a can and then injecting an electrolyte through an injection hole of the cap.

[0109] Figure 13 is a side sectional view showing a state in which an injection hole of a cap is sealed with a plug after an electrolyte is completely injected.

[0110] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a side wall member, a current collector plate, and a cap to be welded in a battery cell of Figure 11 .

[0111] Figure 15 is a plan view showing a second current collector plate. Figure 14

[0112] Figure 16

[0113] Figure 17 is a plan view showing an insulating member.

[0114] Figure 18 is a plan view showing an insulating member overlapping a second current collector plate.

[0115] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX of Figure 18 .

[0116] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX of Figure 18 .

[0117] Figure 21 is a flowchart for illustrating a battery cell manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. ​​

[0118] Figure 22 is a flowchart for illustrating a battery cell manufacturing process according to a modified example of the present disclosure.

[0119] Figure 23 and Figure 24 A battery pack using the battery cell of the present embodiment is shown, as well as a vehicle equipped with the battery pack.

[0120] Reference Signs

[0121] 10: can; 11: side wall member; 117: overhanging portion; 12: bottom member; 13: first electrode terminal (positive electrode terminal); 14: gasket; 15: second electrode terminal; 16: cap; 162: injection hole; 164: plug; 18: insulating member (welding heat insulating member); 181: outer ring; 182: centripetal extension portion; 183: spacing cover portion; 184: radial extension cover portion; 185: avoidance groove; 186: circumferential extension cover portion; 19: insulator; 20: electrode assembly; 21: first electrode; 22: second electrode; 23: metal foil; 24: active material layer; 25: coated portion; 26: uncoated portion; 27: electrode tab (slotted tab) 28: separator; 31: first current collector (positive electrode current collector); 312: terminal connecting portion; 313: ring portion; 314: electrode connecting portion; 32: second current collector (negative electrode current collector); 321: inner ring; 322: hole; 323: electrode tab connecting portion; 324: can connecting portion; 325: conductive connecting portion; 326: first spoke; 327: second spoke; 328: outer ring; 329: spacing; W: welding portion; 70: battery pack; 71: case; 72: battery cell; 80: vehicle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0122] The above objects, features and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus, those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily implement the technical idea of the present disclosure. In explaining the present disclosure, if it is considered that a detailed description of the well-known technology related to the present disclosure can unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, a detailed explanation is omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar components.

[0123] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe different elements, the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise stated, a first element can be a second element.

[0124] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element can be singular or plural.

[0125] In the following text, when an element is "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" another element, an element may be on the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, and an intermediate element may exist between an element and another element located on (or below) that element.

[0126] Additionally, when it is indicated that an element is “connected,” “linked,” or “coupled” to another element, the element may be directly connected or linked to the other element. However, it should be understood that there may be intermediate elements between each element, or each element may be “connected,” “linked,” or “coupled” to each other through another element.

[0127] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions. In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “including” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as possibly excluding certain components or steps, or possibly further including additional components or steps.

[0128] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise expressly stated, “A and / or B” means A or B or both A and B, and unless otherwise expressly stated, “C to D” means C or greater and D or less.

[0129] When explaining the implementation method, the axial direction refers to the direction in which the axis forming the winding center of the wound core electrode assembly extends, the radial direction refers to the direction approaching (centripetal) or away from (centrifugal) the axis, and the circumferential direction refers to the direction around the axis.

[0130] In the following text, refer to Figures 1 to 20 The following describes in detail the implementation of a battery cell that utilizes the welded heat-insulating component, i.e., the insulating component, of the present disclosure.

[0131] For example, the battery cell in this embodiment can be a cylindrical battery with an aspect ratio (defined as the value obtained by dividing the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell by its height, i.e., the ratio of diameter (Φ) to height (H)) greater than about 0.4.

[0132] Here, the shape factor refers to the value representing the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. A cylindrical battery cell can be, for example, a 46110 cell, a 48750 cell, a 48110 cell, a 48800 cell, or a 46800 cell. In the shape factor value, the first two digits represent the cell's diameter, the last two digits represent the cell's height, and the last digit, 0, indicates that the cell's cross-section is circular.

[0133] The battery cell according to this embodiment can be a substantially cylindrical battery cell having a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 110 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.418.

[0134] The battery cell according to another embodiment can be a substantially cylindrical battery cell having a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 75 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.640.

[0135] The battery cell according to still another embodiment can be a substantially cylindrical battery cell having a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 110 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.436.

[0136] The battery cell according to still another embodiment can be a substantially cylindrical battery cell having a diameter of about 48 mm, a height of about 80 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.600.

[0137] The battery cell according to still another embodiment can be a substantially cylindrical battery cell having a diameter of about 46 mm, a height of about 80 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.575.

[0138] The present disclosure can be applied to a battery cell having an aspect ratio of about 0.4 or less, such as a 18650 cell, a 21700 cell, or the like. The 18650 cell has a diameter of about 18 mm, a height of about 65 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.277. The 21700 cell has a diameter of about 21 mm, a height of about 70 mm, and an aspect ratio of 0.300.

[0139] The battery cell according to this embodiment includes an electrode assembly 20, current collectors 31, 32 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 20, and a can 10 accommodating the electrode assembly 20 and the current collectors 31, 32.

[0140] The can 10 includes a bottom member 12, a side wall member 11 connected to the bottom member 12 and extending in an axial direction, and a cap 16 covering an open end provided at one end of the side wall member 11 in the axial direction.

[0141] The bottom member 12 can have a disc shape with a hole formed at the center, and the side wall member 11 can have a circular tube shape.

[0142] The bottom member 12 and the side wall member 11 can be manufactured by forming a nickel-plated metal sheet on a surface of steel through a deep drawing process, and trimming it with a punch while the leading end of the side wall member 11 is held with a draw bead. Of course, the material of the can 10 is not limited thereto.

[0143] The first electrode terminal 13 can be fitted into the hole. The first electrode terminal 13 can be riveted and fixed to the bottom member 12 with the gasket 14 interposed between the first electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12. The gasket 14 is interposed between the first electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 to seal the inside and outside of the can 10, thereby preventing leakage of the electrolyte and electrically insulating the first electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12.

[0144] However, the connection method between the first electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 is not limited thereto. For example, various other fixing methods such as a bolt-nut connection method, a glass sealing method, or a chrome plating and PP-MAH thermal bonding method can also be applied as long as the structure can seal the first electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12 from each other and electrically insulate the first electrode terminal 13 and the bottom member 12.

[0145] The first electrode terminal 13 can have a first polarity, and the can 10 can have a second polarity. That is, the bottom member 12 of the can 10, the side wall member 11 connected with the bottom member 12, and the cap 16 connected with the side wall member 11 explained later can all have the second polarity.

[0146] Therefore, in the battery cell, both the first electrode terminal 13 and the second electrode terminal 15 can be disposed at an end portion in the axial direction, that is, a closed end portion provided with the bottom member 12. Then, in the battery cell, both the bus bar connected to the first electrode terminal 13 and the bus bar connected to the second electrode terminal 15 can be located at an upper portion of the battery cell.

[0147] In one example, the first electrode terminal 13 can be a positive electrode terminal, and the second electrode terminal 15 can be a negative electrode terminal, or vice versa.

[0148] The electrode assembly 20 is accommodated in the can 10. The electrode assembly 20 can be manufactured in a jelly-roll shape by preparing a first electrode 21, a second electrode 22, and a separator 28 extending in a length direction with a predetermined width as shown in FIG. 1A, forming a stack in which the first electrode 21, the separator 28, the second electrode 22, and the separator 28 are sequentially stacked as shown in FIG. 1B, and then winding the stack around a winding center axis as shown in FIG. 1C. Figure 2 Figure 3 The first electrode 21 can be a positive electrode, and the second electrode 22 can be a negative electrode, or vice versa. Figure 4

[0149] The first electrode 21 can be a positive electrode, and the second electrode 22 can be a negative electrode, or vice versa.

[0150] ​​The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are manufactured in a sheet form. The electrode sheet is manufactured in a form in which an active material layer 24 is coated on a surface of a metal foil 23. The electrode sheet has a coated portion 25 coated with the active material layer 24 and an uncoated portion 26 not coated with the active material layer 24. The positive electrode sheet has the uncoated portion 26 on one side in a width direction, and the negative electrode sheet has the uncoated portion 26 on the other side in the width direction.

[0151] The uncoated portion 26 is exposed or protrudes in the width direction in the stack. The uncoated portion 26 itself functions as an electrode tab 27.

[0152] The uncoated portion 26 can be slotted at predetermined intervals to form a flag-shaped slotted tab 27.

[0153] In an embodiment, the slotted tab 27 is illustrated as having an isosceles trapezoidal shape. However, the shape can be various, such as a semicircle, a semioval, a triangle, a rectangle, a parallelogram, and the like.

[0154] Further, in an embodiment, the slotted tabs 27 arranged along the length direction are exemplified as having the same width. However, the width of the slotted tabs can gradually or stepwise increase from the winding center toward the outer peripheral surface.

[0155] Further, in an embodiment, the height of the slotted tab 27 gradually increases from the winding center toward the outer peripheral surface. However, the height of the slotted tab can be implemented in a constant or gradually decreasing form.

[0156] Further, in an embodiment, a structure in which the slotted tab 27 is deleted in a predetermined section at the centripetal end of the uncoated portion 26 and in a predetermined section at the centrifugal end thereof is exemplified. However, it is of course possible that the slotted tab is not deleted at the centripetal end of the uncoated portion and that the slotted tab is not deleted at the centrifugal end of the uncoated portion.

[0157] In the electrode assembly 20 in the form of a jelly-roll, the slotted tab 27 can be bent and flattened in the radial direction, as Figure 4 illustrated. The slotted tab 27 can be bent inward or outward in the radial direction. In an embodiment, a structure in which the slotted tab 27 is bent inward in the radial direction is exemplified.

[0158] In the process of forming the jelly-roll type electrode assembly 20 by winding the stack, the slotted tab 27 can be bent one by one. Alternatively, the slotted tab 27 can be bent immediately after the jelly-roll type electrode assembly is formed by winding the stack.

[0159] The slotted joints 27 of the first electrode 21 and the slotted joints 27 of the second electrode 22, which are bent and overlapped in the radial direction as described above, can be provided with planes substantially perpendicular to the axial direction at both axial end portions of the electrode assembly 20.

[0160] The substantially flat surfaces provided by bending the slotted joints 27 exposed at both ends in the axial direction of the electrode assembly 20 can be coupled to the first current collector 31 and the second current collector 32, respectively, as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0161] In an embodiment, it is exemplified that the first current collector 31 is a positive electrode current collector, and the second current collector 32 is a negative electrode current collector. The first current collector 31 can be made of aluminum, and the second current collector 32 can be made of copper.

[0162] The current collectors 31, 32 can be manufactured by punching, trimming, piercing, or bending a metal sheet.

[0163] Referring to Figure 5 , the first current collector 31 has a terminal connection portion 312 extending radially from the center, a ring portion 313 connecting a centrifugal edge of the terminal connection portion 312 in the circumferential direction, and an electrode connection portion 314 extending centripetally from the ring portion 313 but not connected to the terminal connection portion 312. The center of the terminal connection portion 312 covers at least a portion of the winding center hollow portion of the electrode assembly 20.

[0164] Before the electrode assembly 20 is inserted into the can 10, the electrode connection portion 314 is joined with the slotted joint 27 of the first electrode 21 of the electrode assembly 20 by laser welding or the like. The welding line of the laser can extend radially.

[0165] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 16 , the second current collector 32 includes an inner ring 321 defining a hole 322 corresponding to the winding center hollow portion of the electrode assembly 20 and provided to surround the winding center hollow portion, a first spoke 326 extending radially from the inner ring 321, a second spoke 327 extending radially from the inner ring 321, and an outer ring 328 disposed centrifugally with respect to the first spoke 326 and connected to a centrifugal end of the second spoke 327. The first spoke 326 and the second spoke 327 are connected to different positions of the inner ring 321 in the circumferential direction, i.e., a first position and a second position, respectively. In addition, the first spoke 326 and the second spoke 327 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the outer ring 328 is concentric with the inner ring 321 and is spaced apart radially outward from the inner ring 321 and the first spoke 326.

[0166] The embodiments illustrate that both the inner ring 321 and the outer ring 328 have a closed loop shape, but the shape is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the inner ring 321 can have a "C" shape, and the outer ring 328 can have a plurality of arc shapes intermittently formed and arranged in a circumferential direction.

[0167] The second current collector 32 includes an electrode tab connecting portion 323 in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode tab 27 of the second electrode 22 of the electrode assembly 20, a can connecting portion 324 in contact with and electrically connected to the can 10, and a conductive connecting portion 325 electrically connecting the electrode tab connecting portion 323 and the can connecting portion 324 to each other.

[0168] According to the embodiments, the electrode tab connecting portion 323 is illustrated as being arranged on the first spoke 326, but the arrangement of the electrode tab connecting portion 323 is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the electrode tab connecting portion 323 can be further arranged on the inner ring 321, specifically, at a first position in the circumferential direction thereof.

[0169] According to the embodiments, the can connecting portion 324 is illustrated as being provided on the outer ring 328. Although the embodiments illustrate that the can connecting portion 324 is provided entirely along the circumferential direction of the outer ring 328, the can connecting portion 324 is not necessarily provided entirely along the circumferential direction. For example, the can connecting portion 324 can be discontinuously provided along the circumferential direction of the outer ring 328.

[0170] According to the embodiments, the conductive connecting portion 325 is provided on the second spoke 327. However, the conductive connecting portion 325 can be further provided on the inner ring 321, specifically, at a second position in the circumferential direction, or in addition to the arrangement of the electrode tab connecting portion 323, can be further arranged at a third position between the first position and the second position in the circumferential direction.

[0171] In the embodiments, four first spokes 326 and four second spokes 327 are alternately provided at 90-degree intervals. That is, the spokes 326 and 327 can be arranged at 45-degree intervals. Meanwhile, four electrode tab connecting portions 323 are correspondingly provided at 90-degree intervals.

[0172] The can connecting portion 324 is provided more outward in the radial direction than the electrode tab connecting portion 323.

[0173] The electrode tab connecting portion 323 and the can connecting portion 324 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. In addition, the electrode tab connecting portion 323 and the conductive connecting portion 325 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the first spoke 326 and the outer ring 328 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction, and the first spoke 326 and the second spoke 327 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0174] The interval region can define a "U"-shaped interval space 329.

[0175] Therefore, the current movement path in the second current collector plate 32 can follow the order of the electrode tab connection portion 323, the conductive connection portion 325, and the can connection portion 324, or the order of the first spoke 326, the inner ring 321, the second spoke 327, and the outer ring 328, or the reverse order.

[0176] Similarly, the movement path of the welding heat due to the conduction in the second current collector plate 32 can follow the order of the can connection portion 324, the conductive connection portion 325, and the electrode tab connection portion 323, or the order of the outer ring 328, the second spoke 327, the inner ring 321, and the first spoke 326.

[0177] The electrode tab connection portion 323 of the second current collector plate 32 can be joined with the slotted tab 27 of the second electrode 22 of the electrode assembly 20 by a laser welding method or the like before the electrode assembly 20 is put into the can 10. The welding line of the laser can extend radially.

[0178] According to the embodiment, a welding heat insulation member can be interposed between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20 to prevent the welding heat of the side wall member 11 and the cap 16, which will be explained later, from affecting the separator 28 of the electrode assembly 20. The welding heat insulation member can be the insulation member 18.

[0179] The insulation member 18 is preferably a material that is not reactive with the electrolyte and has high heat resistance. The insulation member 18 can be a polymer material. The insulation member 18 can be polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0180] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figures 16 to 20 , the insulation member 18 is interposed between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20 in the axial direction.

[0181] The insulation member 18 can include an outer ring 181 and a centripetal extension portion 182 extending inward from the outer ring 181 in the radial direction.

[0182] The centripetal extension portion 182 can extend inward from the radially outer edge of the insulation member 18 by a predetermined distance (d).

[0183] The insulation member 18 can have an avoidance groove 185 formed by deleting a portion corresponding to the electrode tab connection portion 323 of the second current collector plate 32. Four avoidance grooves 185 can also be provided at 90-degree intervals to correspond to the second current collector plate of the embodiment.

[0184] In a state where the insulating member 18 is interposed between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20, the outer ring 181 of the insulating member 18 covers a portion of the interval space 329 and the outer ring 328 of the second current collector plate 32, and the centripetal extension portion 182 of the insulating member 18 covers the remaining portion of the interval space 329 and the second spoke 327 of the second current collector plate 32.

[0185] When the portion of the insulating member 18 covering the outer ring 328 of the second current collector plate 32 is referred to as a circumferentially extending cover portion 186, the circumferentially extending cover portion 186 can be defined by a portion of the outer ring 181.

[0186] Further, when the portion of the insulating member 18 covering the second spoke 327 of the second current collector plate 32 is referred to as a radially extending cover portion 184, the radially extending cover portion 184 can be defined by a portion of the centripetal extension portion 182.

[0187] Further, when the portion of the insulating member 18 covering the interval space 329 of the second current collector plate 32 is referred to as an interval space cover portion 183, the interval space cover portion 183 can be defined by the remaining portion of the outer ring 181 and the remaining portion of the centripetal extension portion 182.

[0188] In other words, the outer ring 328 of the second current collector plate 32 is covered by the outer ring 181 of the insulating member 18, the second spoke 327 of the second current collector plate 32 is covered by the centripetal extension portion 182 of the insulating member 18, and the interval space 329 of the second current collector plate 32 is covered by the outer ring 181 and the centripetal extension portion 182 of the insulating member 18.

[0189] The insulating member 18 is interposed between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20 in the axial direction, and in a state where the relief groove 185 of the insulating member 18 is aligned with the first spoke 326 or the electrode tab connection portion 323 of the second current collector plate 32, the first spoke 326 or the electrode tab connection portion 323 of the second current collector plate 32 is joined to the electrode tab 27 of the second electrode 22 of the electrode assembly 20. The joining can be achieved by irradiating a laser onto the surface of the electrode tab connection portion 323, and the laser can be irradiated in a manner of scanning in the radial direction. The laser scanning can be performed a plurality of times, and can be performed at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction, respectively.

[0190] When the electrode tab connection portion 323 is welded, the welding is performed while applying pressure to the first spoke 326 toward the electrode tab 27, so the first spoke 326 can be elastically deformed in the axial direction from the inner ring 321 and come into close contact with the electrode tab 27. Accordingly, the first spoke 326 or the electrode tab connection portion 323 can be fitted into the relief groove 185 of the insulating member 18.

[0191] Then, since the circumferential surface of the first spoke 326 interferes with the circumferential surface of the escape groove 185, the position of the insulating member 18 is adjusted as shown in Figure 7 with the electrode tab 27 of the electrode assembly 20 being welded in a state.

[0192] As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the electrode assembly 20 is accommodated in the can 10 in a state in which the first current collector plate 31 is aligned to face the bottom member 12 of the can 10. At this time, the insulator 19 is interposed between the first current collector plate 31 and the bottom member 12 of the can 10 to electrically insulate the first current collector plate 31 and the bottom member 12.

[0193] Further, the terminal connection portion 312 of the first current collector plate 31 is joined to the first electrode terminal 13 fixed to the can 10 by resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or the like. A welding device for welding the first current collector plate 31 and the first electrode terminal 13 can approach the back surface of the center of the terminal connection portion 312 of the first current collector plate 31 from the open end of the can 10 through the winding center hollow portion of the electrode assembly 20 to perform welding. Of course, the first current collector plate 31 and the first electrode terminal 13 can also be joined by brazing or soldering. In other words, various methods can be employed as long as the first current collector plate 31 and the first electrode terminal 13 can be electrically connected to and fixed to each other.

[0194] In a state in which the electrode assembly 20 is accommodated inside the can 10 and the first current collector plate 31 is joined to the first electrode terminal 13, the electrode tab 27 of the second electrode 22 and the second current collector plate 32 are disposed to face the open end of the side wall member 11.

[0195] In this state, as shown in Figures 10 to 12 , the open end of the can 10 is covered by the cap 16, and the edge of the cap 16 is welded to the edge of the side wall member 11 and the second current collector plate 32. Further, the electrolyte is injected into the can 10 through the injection hole 162 of the cap 16.

[0196] After the electrolyte is injected, as shown in Figure 13 , the battery cell is completely assembled by covering and sealing the injection hole 162 of the cap 16 with the plug 164.

[0197] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, in a structure in which the injection hole is not provided in the cap 16, the battery cell can be completely assembled by first injecting the electrolyte into the can 10 before covering the open end of the can 10 with the cap 16, and then covering the open end of the can 10 with the cap 16 and welding the edge of the cap 16 to the edge of the side wall member 11 and the second current collector plate 32.

[0198] AsFigure 14 As shown, the portion where the edge of the side wall member 11 and the edge of the cap 16 meet is exposed outward in the axial direction. The laser for seam welding this portion can be irradiated to the portion where the edge of the side wall member 11 and the edge of the cap 16 meet in the axial direction. Further, the portion where the laser is irradiated can be relatively moved along the circumferential direction of the can 10, so that the welding portion W can be continuously formed.

[0199] In the battery cell, the welding portion W is formed at the abutting region of the side wall member 11, the cap 16, and the second current collector plate 32.

[0200] As shown, in the process of forming the welding portion W, the welding heat is conducted along the side wall member 11, and also along the second current collector plate 32. Figure 15 As shown, in the process of forming the welding portion W, the welding heat is conducted along the side wall member 11, and also along the second current collector plate 32.

[0201] The second current collector plate 32 can be made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the side wall member 11, for example, copper. Further, the second current collector plate 32 is in contact with the side wall member 11. Therefore, when the welding heat generated by the laser in the side wall member 11 is conducted along the axial direction of the side wall member 11, the welding heat is distributed to the electrode assembly 20 through the second current collector plate 32, thereby preventing the welding heat from being conducted along the axial direction of the side wall member 11 and being transferred to the separator 28 at the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface of the electrode assembly 20 facing the side wall member 11, thereby damaging the corresponding portion of the separator 28.

[0202] Further, the welding heat conducted to the second current collector plate 32 moves along the outer ring 328, the second spoke 327, the inner ring 321, and the electrode tab connecting portion 323 of the second current collector plate 32. Further, as the welding heat moves, its temperature gradually decreases. At this time, since the insulating member 18 is interposed between the outer ring 328 and the second spoke 327 of the second current collector plate 32 having a relatively high temperature and the electrode assembly 20, it is possible to prevent the high-temperature heat from being transferred to the inside of the electrode assembly 20 through the electrode tab 27 and affecting the front axial end of the separator 28.

[0203] According to the embodiment, since the insulating member 18 extends from the outer radial edge by a predetermined distance (d), the inner ring 321 can not be covered. Further, the insulating member 18 can be configured not to cover the electrode tab connecting portion 323 by the relief groove 185. Since the temperature of the welding heat reaching the inner ring 321 and the electrode tab connecting portion 323 through conduction is relatively low, there is no need to worry that the heat thus transferred to the electrode assembly 20 will damage the separator 28.

[0204] Meanwhile, the insulating member 18 covers the interval space 329 of the second current collector plate 32 located between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20. Therefore, the portion of the electrode assembly 20 corresponding to the interval space 329 is covered by the insulating member 18.

[0205] Since the outer ring 328 of the second current collector plate 32 is very close to the area where welding heat is generated, there is a problem that heat radiated from the heated outer ring 328 can be transferred to the electrode assembly 20 corresponding to the above area through the spacing space 329.

[0206] However, according to the embodiment, since the insulating member 18 covers the electrode assembly 20, the radiated heat is shielded so that the radiated heat does not damage the separator 28 of the electrode assembly 20.

[0207] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 21 , a method for manufacturing the above battery cell is described.

[0208] According to the method of manufacturing the battery cell, first, the can 10 in which the first electrode terminal 13 is fixed to the bottom member 12 is prepared, and the first current collector plate 31 and the second current collector plate 32 are prepared to be joined to the electrode assembly 20 at both axial ends, respectively. At this time, the insulating member 18 is interposed between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20.

[0209] Further, the electrode assembly 20 is inserted and accommodated in the can 10 with the first current collector plate 31 facing the bottom member 12. Then, the second current collector plate 32 is located at the open end of the can 10. During the accommodation of the electrode assembly 20 in the can 10, the radially outer edge of the second current collector plate 32 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11.

[0210] Next, the first current collector plate 31 is joined to the first electrode terminal 13.

[0211] Further, the open end of the side wall member 11 is covered by the cap 16, and the edge of the cap 16 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11 and the upper end of the edge of the second current collector plate 32.

[0212] Next, a laser is irradiated to the joint portion of the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the cap 16, so that the can connection portion 324 of the side wall member 11, the cap 16, and the second current collector plate 32 are welded together. Thus, the welding portion W joins all of the side wall member 11, the cap 16, and the second current collector plate 32.

[0213] At this time, the overhanging portion 117 of the side wall member 11 which protrudes further outward in the axial direction than the cap 16 is welded into the welding area of the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the cap 16 to secure a sufficient welding pool.

[0214] Although the energy density of the laser is high, since the thermal conductivity of the second current collector plate 32 is high, it is possible to prevent high-temperature heat from being transferred through the side wall member 11 to the separator 28 at the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly 20 and damaging the separator 28. In addition, since the insulating member 18 covers the electrode assembly 20, the welding heat transferred through the second current collector plate 32 does not affect the separator 28 of the electrode assembly 20.

[0215] After the seam welding is completed as described above, the electrolyte is injected into the inside of the can 10 through the injection hole 162 of the cap 16.

[0216] After the electrolyte is completely injected, the injection hole 162 of the cap 16 is covered and sealed by the plug 164. Since the plug 164 can be sealed using a known technique, a detailed description is omitted.

[0217] Meanwhile, hereinafter, another embodiment of a method for manufacturing the above-described battery cell is described with reference to Figure 22

[0218] First, the can 10 in which the first electrode terminal 13 is fixed to the bottom member 12 is prepared, and the electrode assembly 20 to which the first current collector plate 31 and the second current collector plate 32 are respectively joined to both axial ends is prepared. At this time, the insulating member 18 is interposed between the second current collector plate 32 and the electrode assembly 20.

[0219] In addition, the electrode assembly 20 is inserted and accommodated in the can 10 so that the first current collector plate 31 faces the bottom member 12. Then, the second current collector plate 32 is positioned at the open end of the can 10. During the accommodation of the electrode assembly 20 in the can 10, the radially outer edge of the second current collector plate 32 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11.

[0220] Next, the first current collector plate 31 is joined to the first electrode terminal 13.

[0221] In this state, the electrolyte is injected into the can 10 through the open end of the can 10.

[0222] After the electrolyte is completely injected, the open end of the side wall member 11 is covered with the cap 16 so that the edge of the cap 16 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11 and the upper end of the edge of the second current collector plate 32.

[0223] Next, a laser is irradiated to the butted portion of the inner circumferential surface of the side wall member 11 and the outer circumferential surface of the cap 16 so that the can connection portion 324 of the side wall member 11, the cap 16, and the second current collector plate 32 are welded together. Thus, the welding portion W joins all of the side wall member 11, the cap 16, and the second current collector plate 32.

[0224] As Figure 23 ​As shown, the battery cell 72 manufactured by the above-described welding structure and welding process can be accommodated in the case 71 of the battery pack 70. As shown, the battery pack 70 can be configured using a battery module as an intermediate assembly form, or the battery pack 70 can be directly configured without the battery module.

[0225] Since the above-described battery cell 72 itself has a large volume, there is no particular difficulty in implementing the battery pack 70 even without using an intermediate structure called a battery module. In addition, the battery cell 72 has a lower internal resistance and a higher energy density. Therefore, the energy density of the battery pack 70 equipped with the battery cell 72 can be implemented even higher.

[0226] The battery pack 70 having an increased energy density can store the same amount of energy while reducing its volume and load. Therefore, if the battery pack 70 using the above-described battery cell 72 is mounted on a vehicle such as a vehicle 80 using electric power as an energy source, as shown, the driving distance per energy of the vehicle can be further increased. Figure 24

[0227] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and are not restrictive, and the scope of the present disclosure will be defined by the appended claims rather than the above-described detailed description. In addition, the meaning and scope of the appended claims, and all changes and modifications that can be derived from equivalent concepts thereof, should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0228] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the example drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the specification, and it is obvious that those skilled in the art can make various modifications within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. In addition, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present disclosure are not explicitly described and explained when explaining the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is obvious that the effects predictable by the configuration should be recognized.​

Claims

1. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: A battery cell includes a can including a bottom member, a side wall member connected to the bottom member and extending from the bottom member to one side in an axial direction, and a cap covering an open end provided at one end of the side wall member in the axial direction; and an electrode assembly housed inside the can, wherein a current collector plate is connected to an electrode tab provided at a second end among first and second ends located on both axial sides of the electrode assembly, at the open end of the can, wherein the current collector plate includes: an electrode tab connecting portion in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode tab; a can connecting portion provided further outward in a radial direction than the electrode tab connecting portion, in contact with and electrically connected to the can; and a conductive connecting portion electrically connecting the can connecting portion and the electrode tab connecting portion, wherein a periphery of one end of the side wall member and an outer periphery of the cap in the radial direction are seam-welded in a circumferential direction, wherein at least a portion of an insulating member is interposed between the current collector plate and the electrode assembly in the axial direction, wherein the current collector plate includes: a surrounding inner ring defining a hole facing a winding center hollow of the electrode assembly; at least one first spoke and at least one second spoke extending outward from the inner ring in the radial direction and spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction; and an outer ring extending outward of the inner ring in the radial direction to surround the inner ring, wherein the inner ring, the first spoke, the second spoke, and the outer ring are located on the same plane, and wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is provided between the outer ring and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

2. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is provided further outward in the radial direction than the electrode tab connecting portion.

3. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is provided between two electrode tab connecting portions adjacent in the circumferential direction.

4. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is provided between the can connecting portion and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

5. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the insulating member covers a space between the electrode tab connecting portion and the can connecting portion in the radial direction.

6. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the insulating member covers a space between the electrode tab connecting portion and the conductive connecting portion in the circumferential direction.

7. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the insulating member is provided outside a space between the electrode tab connecting portion and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

8. The battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, the outer ring is spaced apart from the first spoke and connected to the second spoke.

9. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the outer ring has a closed loop shape.

10. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein, the electrode tab connecting portion is provided at least on the first spoke, wherein the conductive connecting portion is provided at least on the second spoke, and wherein the can connecting portion is provided on the outer ring.

11. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is provided further outward than the first spoke in the radial direction.

12. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein, at least a portion of the insulating member is provided between the first spokes in the circumferential direction.

13. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is provided between the second spoke and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

14. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the insulating member is provided outside the space between the first spoke and the electrode assembly in the axial direction.

15. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the insulating member covers the space between the first spoke and the outer ring in the radial direction.

16. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the insulating member covers the space between the first spoke and the second spoke in the circumferential direction.

17. The battery cell of claim 8, wherein the insulating member covers the space between the inner ring and the outer ring in the radial direction.

18. The battery cell of claim 1, wherein the insulating member comprises a high heat-resistant polymer material.

19. The battery cell of claim 18, wherein, the insulating member is chemically substantially stable to electrolyte injected into the can.

20. The battery cell of claim 18, wherein, the insulating member does not react with electrolyte.

21. The battery cell of claim 18, wherein, the insulating member comprises at least one of PC, PEN, PEEK, and PET.

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