Electrode assembly and rechargeable battery having the same

Abstract

Disclosed are an electrode assembly and a rechargeable battery having the same. The electrode assembly includes: a first electrode including a first substrate and a first composite layer on the first substrate; a diaphragm; a second electrode including a second substrate and a second composite layer on the second substrate, and stacked and wound with the first electrode with a separator between the second electrode and the first electrode; a first electrode tab in a first uncoated region between the wound distal end of the first substrate and the first composite layer; a second electrode tab in a second uncoated area between the wound distal end of the second substrate and the second composite layer; a first insulator contacting the first composite layer at the first electrode and in the first uncoated region; and a second insulator contacting the first insulator at the first electrode and in the first uncoated area, where the first insulator and the second insulator contact each other at a distance from the second electrode tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rechargeable battery. Background Art

[0002] Rechargeable batteries are used for various purposes, such as powering small electronic devices (such as mobile phones and laptop computers) and powering motors for transportation vehicles (such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles). Rechargeable batteries can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch types according to their shape, and electrode assemblies can be classified into stacked or wound types.

[0003] A wound-type electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are wound together with a separator between them. Each electrode includes a substrate and a composite layer (active material layer) located on the substrate. The electrode assembly undergoes volume changes, expanding during charging and contracting during discharge, primarily due to changes in the negative electrode composite layer.

[0004] If a rechargeable battery is used for a long time, damage such as cracks or tears may occur in the substrate due to repeated volume changes in the electrode assembly, and such damage to the substrate may cause deterioration in output, lifespan, and safety of the rechargeable battery. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an electrode assembly that can maintain the output, lifespan, and safety of a rechargeable battery by reducing or preventing damage to a substrate even over a long period of use, and a rechargeable battery equipped with the same.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, an electrode assembly includes: a first electrode, including a first substrate and a first composite layer on the first substrate; a separator; a second electrode, including a second substrate and a second composite layer on the second substrate, the second electrode being stacked and wound with the first electrode with the separator between the second electrode and the first electrode; a first electrode tab, in a first uncoated region between a wound distal end of the first substrate and the first composite layer; a second electrode tab, in a second uncoated region between a wound distal end of the second substrate and the second composite layer; a first insulator, contacting the first composite layer at the first electrode and in the first uncoated region; and a second insulator, contacting the first insulator at the first electrode and in the first uncoated region, wherein the first insulator and the second insulator are in contact with each other at a certain distance from the second electrode tab along the length direction of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0007] The second electrode may be closer to the center of the electrode assembly than the first electrode, wherein, along the winding direction of the first and second electrodes, the winding distal end of the first substrate may be farther from the center of the electrode assembly than the winding distal end of the second substrate.

[0008] The first uncoated region may include an inner first uncoated region and an outer first uncoated region, wherein the first insulator and the second insulator may be in the inner first uncoated region and the outer first uncoated region.

[0009] The wound distal ends of the second electrode tab and the second substrate may be between the second insulator in the inner first uncoated region and the second insulator in the outer first uncoated region.

[0010] The first insulator and the second insulator may include a polymer film coated with an adhesive material on one surface facing the first uncoated region.

[0011] The first insulator and the second insulator may have respective different colors.

[0012] A width of the first insulator along a width direction of the first electrode may be greater than a width of the first substrate.

[0013] The winding start end of the first substrate may be at a distance from the winding start end of the second substrate along the winding direction.

[0014] The third electrode tab may be in the third uncoated region between the winding start end of the first substrate and the first composite layer, wherein the fourth electrode tab may be in the fourth uncoated region between the winding start end of the second substrate and the second composite layer, and wherein the fourth electrode tab may be between the winding start end of the second substrate and the winding start end of the first substrate along the winding direction.

[0015] The electrode assembly may further include a third insulator contacting the first composite layer in the third uncoated region and at a distance from a winding start end of the first substrate.

[0016] The fourth uncoated region may include an inner fourth uncoated region and an outer fourth uncoated region, wherein the fourth insulator may be in the inner fourth uncoated region and the outer fourth uncoated region, and wherein the winding start end of the first substrate may be between the fourth insulator in the inner fourth uncoated region and the fourth insulator in the outer fourth uncoated region.

[0017] According to one or more other embodiments, an electrode assembly includes: a first electrode, including a first substrate, a first uncoated region contacting the winding distal end of the first substrate, a third uncoated region contacting the winding starting end of the first substrate, and a first composite layer between the first uncoated region and the third uncoated region; a second electrode, including a second substrate, a second uncoated region contacting the winding distal end of the second substrate, a fourth uncoated region contacting the winding starting end of the second substrate, and a second composite layer between the second uncoated region and the fourth uncoated region, and is stacked and wound together with the first electrode with a separator between the second electrode and the first electrode; an insulator in the first uncoated region in an area facing the winding distal end of the second substrate; and another insulator in the fourth uncoated region in an area facing the winding starting end of the first substrate, wherein, along the winding direction of the first electrode and the second electrode, the winding distal end of the first substrate and the winding distal end of the second substrate are spaced apart from each other, and the winding starting end of the first substrate and the winding starting end of the second substrate are spaced apart from each other.

[0018] The insulator may include a first insulator contacting the first composite layer in the first uncoated region and a second insulator contacting the first insulator, wherein the second electrode may further include a second electrode tab, which is located at a certain distance from the portion of the first insulator contacting the second insulator along the winding direction in the second uncoated region.

[0019] The wound distal end of the second substrate and the second electrode tab may face the second insulator.

[0020] The electrode assembly may further include a third insulator in the third uncoated region, wherein the other insulator may include a fourth insulator in the fourth uncoated region, and wherein a winding-start end of the first substrate may face the fourth insulator.

[0021] A rechargeable battery according to one or more embodiments includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode and a first insulator and a second insulator at the first electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being stacked and wound with a separator therebetween; and a case accommodating and sealing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, wherein the first electrode includes a first substrate and a first composite layer on the first substrate, wherein the first electrode tab is in a first uncoated region between a wound distal end of the first substrate and the first composite layer, wherein the second electrode includes a second substrate and a second composite layer on the second substrate, wherein the second electrode tab is in a second uncoated region between a wound distal end of the second substrate and the second composite layer, wherein the first insulator contacts the first composite layer in the first uncoated region, wherein the second insulator contacts the first insulator in the first uncoated region, and wherein a portion of the first insulator contacting the second insulator is at a certain distance from the second electrode tab along a length direction of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0022] The first uncoated region may include an inner first uncoated region and an outer first uncoated region, wherein the first insulator and the second insulator may be in the inner first uncoated region and the outer first uncoated region, and wherein the wound distal ends of the second electrode tab and the second substrate may be between the second insulator in the inner first uncoated region and the second insulator in the outer first uncoated region.

[0023] The rechargeable battery may further include a fourth electrode tab, which may be in a fourth uncoated region between a winding start end of the second substrate and the second composite layer, wherein the fourth uncoated region may include an inner fourth uncoated region and an outer fourth uncoated region, wherein a fourth insulator may be in the inner fourth uncoated region and the outer fourth uncoated region, and wherein a winding start end of the first substrate may be between the fourth insulator in the inner fourth uncoated region and the fourth insulator in the outer fourth uncoated region.

[0024] The electrode assembly can protect the first uncoated area and can suppress damage to the first substrate due to long-term use. By increasing the insulation performance between the first electrode and the second electrode and reducing or preventing the possibility of rapid thickness increase in certain areas, long-term durability and safety can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments.

[0026] Figure 2 Shown in expanded state Figure 1 A partially cut-away perspective view of a portion of an electrode assembly is shown in FIG.

[0027] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows Figure 2 is a top plan view of the expanded state of the first electrode and the second electrode in the electrode assembly shown in .

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B sectional view of the first electrode shown in .

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B sectional view of the second electrode shown in .

[0030] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of an area around the wound distal ends of the first electrode and the second electrode in the electrode assembly shown in FIG.

[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 3A A partial enlarged view of .

[0032] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of an area around the winding start ends of the first electrode and the second electrode in the electrode assembly shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 9 yes Figure 3A A partial enlarged view of .

[0034] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0035] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to one or more other embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] By referring to the detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, it is easier to understand the aspects of some embodiments of the present disclosure and the methods for implementing them. The described embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the aspects of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Therefore, redundant, irrelevant or unrelated to the description of the embodiments, or processes, elements and techniques that are not necessary for a person of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects of the present disclosure may be omitted. Unless otherwise stated, the same figure numerals, characters or combinations thereof represent the same elements throughout the drawings and written descriptions, and therefore, their repeated descriptions may be omitted.

[0037] The described embodiments may have various modifications and may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments shown herein. When describing embodiments, the use of "may," "could," or "may not" corresponds to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] In view of the overall disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and replacements within the conceptual and technical scope of the disclosure, that the various features of the embodiments of the disclosure may be combined with each other in part or in whole, and that various interlocking and operations are technically possible, and that unless otherwise stated or implied, the various embodiments may be implemented independently of each other, or may be implemented together in association.

[0039] In the accompanying drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. In other words, because the sizes and thicknesses of the elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of description, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, the use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements.

[0040] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic illustrations of embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Furthermore, for purposes of describing embodiments according to the concepts of the present disclosure, the specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the illustrated shapes of elements, layers, or regions, but rather include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing.

[0041] For ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "under," "beneath," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," "upper," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "below," "beneath," or "beneath" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the example terms "below" and "beneath" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly. Similarly, when the first portion is described as being disposed “on” the second portion, this means that the first portion is disposed on the upper side or the lower side of the second portion based on the gravity direction without being limited to the upper side thereof.

[0042] In addition, the phrase "in a plan view" refers to when viewing an object portion from above, and the phrase "in a schematic cross-sectional view" refers to when viewing a schematic cross-section taken by vertically cutting an object portion from the side. The term "superimposed" or its variations means that a first object can be above or below or to one side of a second object, and vice versa. In addition, the term "superimposed" can include stacking, facing or facing, extending over..., covering or partially covering, or any other suitable term as will be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The expression "not superimposed" can include meanings such as "spaced apart from..." or "placed aside..." or "offset from..." and any other suitable equivalents as will be appreciated and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "facing" and "facing" can mean that a first object can be directly or indirectly opposite to a second object. In the case where a third object is between the first and second objects, although the first and second objects are still facing each other, they can be understood to be indirectly opposite to each other.

[0043] It will be understood that when an element, layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on," "on," "connected to," or "(operably or communicatively) coupled to" another element, layer, region, or component, it may be directly formed on, directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component, or indirectly formed on, indirectly on, indirectly connected to, or indirectly coupled to the other element, layer, region, or component such that one or more intervening elements, layers, regions, or components may be present. Additionally, this may be collectively referred to as being directly or indirectly coupled or connected, and integrally or non-integrally coupled or connected. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to another layer, region, or component, it may be directly electrically connected or directly electrically coupled to the other layer, region, and / or component, or one or more intervening layers, regions, or components may be present. The one or more intervening components may include switches, resistors, capacitors, etc. When describing the embodiments, unless explicitly described as directly connected, the expression of connection indicates electrical connection, and "directly connected / directly coupled to" or "directly on..." means that one component is directly connected to or directly coupled to another component, or is directly on another component without intervening components.

[0044] In addition, in this specification, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed on another part, the formation direction is not limited to the upward direction, but includes forming the part on the side surface or in the downward direction. On the contrary, when a part of a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is formed "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly under" the other part, but also the case where there is another part between the part and the other part. At the same time, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between...", "immediately between..." or "adjacent to..." and "directly adjacent to..." can be interpreted similarly. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "between" two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

[0045] For the purposes of this disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of…” or “any one of…” or “one or more of…” when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z,” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z, or two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, or any variations thereof. Similarly, the expressions “at least one of A and B” and “at least one of A or B” may include A, B, or both. As used herein, "or" generally means "and / or," and the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the expression "A and / or B" may include A, B, or A and B. Similarly, expressions such as "at least one of," "a plurality of," "one of," and other prepositional / postpositional phrases, when preceding or following a list of elements, modify the entire list and not the individual elements of the list. When stating "C to D," unless otherwise specified, this means C or greater and D or less.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms do not correspond to a particular order, position, or priority and are merely used to distinguish one element, component, component, region, region, layer, section, or portion from another element, component, component, region, region, layer, section, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion described below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second or other element. The terms "first," "second," etc. may also be used herein to distinguish different categories or groups of elements. For simplicity, the terms "first," "second," etc. may respectively refer to "first category (or first group)," "second category (or second group)," etc.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to include the plural forms, and the plural forms are intended to include the singular forms. It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises," "having," and "comprising" and their variations indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. For example, "substantially" may include a range of + / - 5% of the corresponding value. As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and refers to within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure."

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments. Figure 2 Shown in expanded state Figure 1 A partially cut-away perspective view of a portion of an electrode assembly is shown in FIG.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, the electrode assembly 100 may be formed by a configuration in which a strip-shaped first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120 are stacked and wound with a separator 30 interposed therebetween. For example, the electrode assembly 100 may include the second electrode 120, the separator 130, the first electrode 110, and the separator 130 stacked and wound sequentially. In one or more embodiments, the second electrode 120 may be positioned closer to the winding center of the electrode assembly 100 than the first electrode 110.

[0052] The electrode assembly 100 may be configured in the form of a flat core. For example, in the process of winding the stack of the second electrode 120, the separator 130, the first electrode 110, and the separator 130, the stack may be bent around two winding axes AX1 and AX2, thereby configuring the electrode assembly 100 in the form of a flattened core.

[0053] exist Figure 2 , for ease of explanation, the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, and the separator 130 are schematically shown as having the same width, but at least two of the first electrode 110, the second electrode 120, or the separator 130 may have different widths. Many variations are possible, such as the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 having a width smaller than that of the separator 130.

[0054] Figure 3A and Figure 3B It shows Figure 2 is a top plan view of the expanded state of the first electrode and the second electrode in the electrode assembly shown in . Figure 4 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the first electrode shown in FIG. Figure 5 yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B sectional view of the second electrode shown in .

[0055] Figure 3A is a top plan view showing inner surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode. Figure 3B 1 is a top plan view showing outer surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode. The inner surface is the side located toward the winding center in the electrode assembly, and the outer surface is the side opposite to the inner surface. Figure 3B The first electrode and the second electrode shown in FIG are shown as Figure 3A The top and bottom of the first electrode and the second electrode shown in FIG are reversed. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The side facing downward is the inner surface, and the side facing upward is the outer surface.

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 5The first electrode 110 may include a first substrate 10 and a first composite layer 20 disposed on the first substrate 10. The first composite layer 20 may be positioned on the inner and outer surfaces of the first substrate 10 at a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from both ends of the first substrate 10. The ends of the first substrate 10 are a winding start end 11 and a winding end 12. The winding start end 11 may be positioned at the winding center of the electrode assembly 100. The winding end 12 may be positioned at the outermost edge of the electrode assembly 100.

[0057] The portion of the first substrate 10 that is not covered by the first composite layer 20 may be referred to as an uncoated area. The uncoated area located between the coiled distal end 12 of the first substrate 10 and the first composite layer 20 may be referred to as a first uncoated area 311, 312. The first uncoated areas 311, 312 may be classified as an inner first uncoated area 311 located on the inner surface of the first substrate 10 and an outer first uncoated area 312 located on the outer surface of the first substrate 10.

[0058] Along the length direction of the first electrode 110 ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B The length L1 of the inner first uncoated region 311 and the length L2 of the outer first uncoated region 312 measured in the direction L in the direction L in the inner first uncoated region 311 may be different from each other. For example, the length L2 of the outer first uncoated region 312 may be greater than the length L1 of the inner first uncoated region 311.

[0059] The first electrode 110 may include a first electrode tab 41 positioned between the wound distal end 12 of the first substrate 10 and the first composite layer 20. The first electrode tab 41 may include an overlapping portion 411 that overlaps either the inner first uncoated region 311 or the outer first uncoated region 312 (e.g., the outer first uncoated region 312), and an extending portion 412 that extends from the first substrate 10 toward one side (e.g., the upper side). The overlapping portion 411 may be fixed to the first substrate 10 using a method such as laser welding.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab 41 can be integrally formed with the first substrate 10. In one or more embodiments, the first electrode tab 41 can include an extension portion 412 extending from the first substrate 10 without an overlapping portion. In both cases, the first electrode tab 41 can transmit current from the first electrode 110 to the external terminal and can be positioned closer to the winding distal end 12 than the first composite layer 20.

[0061] The first electrode 110 may include a first protective layer 51. The first protective layer 51 may have an area larger than that of the overlapping portion 411 and may be fixed to the outer first uncoated region 312 to cover the overlapping portion 411. The first protective layer 51 may include a polymer film and may suppress wrinkles or cracks from occurring on the first substrate 10 around the first electrode tab 41. The first protective layers 51 are provided in a pair and may also be provided to the inner first uncoated region 311. The pair of first protective layers 51 may have the same size and may be provided in the same position to face each other, with the first substrate 10 between the pair of first protective layers 51.

[0062] The second electrode 120 may include a second substrate 60 and a second composite layer 70 positioned on the second substrate 60. The second composite layer 70 may be positioned on the inner and outer surfaces of the second substrate 60 at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) from both ends of the second substrate 60. The ends of the second substrate 60 are a winding start end 61 and a winding end 62. The definitions of the winding start end 61 and the winding end 62 are the same as those of the winding start end 11 and the winding end 12 described above, and therefore, repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0063] The portion of the second substrate 60 that is not covered by the second composite layer 70 may be referred to as an uncoated region. The uncoated region located between the coiled distal end 62 of the second substrate 60 and the second composite layer 70 may be referred to as a second uncoated region 321, 322. The second uncoated regions 321, 322 may be classified as an inner second uncoated region 321 located on the inner surface of the second substrate 60 and an outer second uncoated region 322 located on the outer surface of the second substrate 60. Along the length direction ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B A length L3 of the inner second uncoated region 321 and a length L4 of the outer second uncoated region 322 measured in a direction L in the direction of the axis may be the same.

[0064] The second electrode 120 may include a second electrode tab 42 positioned between the wound distal end 62 of the second substrate 60 and the second composite layer 70. The second electrode tab 42 may include an overlapping portion 421 overlapping either the inner second uncoated region 321 or the outer second uncoated region 322 (e.g., the inner second uncoated region 321), and an extending portion 422 extending from the second substrate 60 toward one side (e.g., the upper side). The overlapping portion 421 may be fixed to the second substrate 60 using a method such as laser welding.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the second electrode tab 42 can be integrally formed with the second substrate 60. In one or more embodiments, the second electrode tab 42 can include an extension portion 422 extending from the second substrate 60 without an overlapping portion. In both cases, the second electrode tab 42 can transmit current from the second electrode 120 to the external terminal and can be positioned closer to the winding distal end 62 than the second composite layer 70.

[0066] The second electrode 120 may include a second protective layer 52. The second protective layer 52 may have an area larger than that of the overlapping portion 421 and may be fixed to the inner second uncoated region 321 to cover the overlapping portion 421. The second protective layer 52 may include a polymer film and may suppress wrinkles or cracks from occurring on the second substrate 60 around the second electrode tab 42. The second protective layers 52 may be provided in a pair and may also be provided in the outer second uncoated region 322. The pair of second protective layers 52 may have the same size and may be provided in the same position to face each other, with the second substrate 60 between the pair of second protective layers 52.

[0067] The first substrate 10 may include a thin metal plate (e.g., aluminum foil or aluminum mesh) having excellent electrical conductivity. The first composite layer 20 may be produced by preparing a slurry including an active material, a conductive material, and a binder, applying the slurry to the first and second surfaces of the first substrate 10, and drying and pressing the applied slurry. The first substrate 10 provides a path for the movement of charges generated by the first composite layer 20 and supports the first composite layer 20.

[0068] The active material of the first composite layer 20 may include a compound that can perform reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium, and may include a composite oxide of lithium and cobalt, manganese, nickel, and / or a metal selected from a combination thereof. For example, the active material of the first composite layer 20 may include a transition metal oxide such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, Li(NiCoAl)O2, LiFePO4, and / or Li(NiCoMn)O2. The first electrode 110 may be referred to as a positive electrode.

[0069] The second substrate 60 may include a metal sheet having excellent electrical conductivity (e.g., copper foil, copper mesh, nickel foil, or nickel mesh). The second composite layer 70 may be produced by preparing a slurry including an active material, a conductive material, and a binder, applying the slurry to the first and second surfaces of the second substrate 60, and drying and pressing the applied slurry. The second substrate 60 provides a path for the movement of charges generated by the second composite layer 70 and supports the second composite layer 70.

[0070] The active material of the second composite layer 70 may include a material (eg, a carbon-based material) capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. The active material of the second composite layer 70 may include one or more of crystalline carbon or amorphous carbon. The second electrode 120 may be referred to as a negative electrode.

[0071] Separator 130 may include a porous substrate, or may include a porous substrate having a coating layer positioned on at least one surface. The porous substrate may include at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester, polycarbonate, or polyimide. The coating layer may include a binder, and the binder may include a polyvinylidene fluoride-based compound. Separator 130 insulates first electrode 110 from second electrode 120 while allowing the movement of lithium ions.

[0072] The first electrode tab 41 and the second electrode tab 42 may be positioned to be spaced apart by a certain distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) so as not to overlap. The first protective layer 51 and the second protective layer 52 may include a polymer film having an adhesive material applied to one surface. For example, the first protective layer 51 and the second protective layer 52 may include a polymer film such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. The first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are connected together with the two separators 130 along the length direction ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B The electrode assembly 100 is wound in a direction L) in the direction L to form the electrode assembly 100.

[0073] A typical electrode assembly undergoes volume changes, expanding during charging and contracting during discharging, primarily due to changes in the volume of the second composite layer. If a typical electrode assembly is used for an extended period, repeated volume changes can cause damage, such as cracks or tears, to the wound distal end of the first substrate. The electrode assembly 100 may include a first insulator 81 and a second insulator 82 to prevent damage to the first substrate 10.

[0074] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the coiled distal ends of the first electrode and the second electrode in the electrode assembly shown in FIG. Figure 6 In the figure, the diaphragm is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0075] Reference Figures 1 to 6In the wound electrode assembly 100, the wound distal end 12 of the first electrode 110 may be positioned farther from the center of the electrode assembly 100 along the winding direction of the stack than the wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120. In one or more embodiments, along the winding direction of the stack, the wound distal end 12 of the first electrode 110 may extend longer than the wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120. In this case, the winding direction of the stack is the direction from one end of the stack where winding begins to the opposite end.

[0076] The first electrode 110 may include a first insulator 81 and a second insulator 82 positioned in the inner first uncoated region 311 and the outer first uncoated region 312. In each of the inner first uncoated region 311 and the outer first uncoated region 312, the first insulator 81 may contact the first composite layer 20, and the second insulator 82 may contact the first insulator 81. The first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may each be positioned at a distance from the first electrode tab 41 and the first protective layer 51. In one or more embodiments, the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may be positioned between the first composite layer 20 and the first protective layer 51. The first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may include a polymer film coated with an adhesive material on one surface facing the first uncoated region.

[0077] The inner second uncoated region 321 of the second electrode 120 may face the first and second insulators 81 and 82 disposed in the outer first uncoated region 312, with the separator therebetween. The outer second uncoated region 322 and the wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120 may face the first and second insulators 81 and 82 disposed in the inner first uncoated region 311, with the separator therebetween. The wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120 and the second electrode tab 42 may be positioned between the inner first uncoated region 311 and the outer first uncoated region 312.

[0078] Portions CP1 and CP2 of the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 in contact with each other may be positioned at a distance from the second electrode tab 42 along the length direction (direction L) of the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120 and the second electrode tab 42 may be positioned farther from the center of the electrode assembly 100 along the winding direction of the stack than the portions CP1 and CP2 of the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 in contact with each other.

[0079] For example, the wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120 and the second electrode tab 42 may be positioned between the second insulator 82 disposed in the inner first uncoated region 311 and the second insulator 82 disposed in the outer first uncoated region 312 to face them. Figure 6, the distance between portion CP1 and the second electrode tab 42 is indicated as D1, and the distance between portion CP2 and the second electrode tab 42 is indicated as D2. A portion of the first insulator 81 may overlap with the first composite layer 20. The first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may overlap with each other, or their sides may contact each other. If the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 overlap with each other, the portions CP1 and CP2 of the first insulator 81 in contact with the second insulator 82 are overlapping portions of the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82. Figure 5 In FIG, the former case is shown as an example.

[0080] The first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may include a polymer film having an adhesive material coated on one surface. For example, the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may include a polymer film such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, or polystyrene.

[0081] The first substrate 10 can be manufactured by preparing a metal base material (aluminum base material) and cutting the metal base material into a plurality of first substrates 10 through a slitting process. Before the slitting process, the second insulator 82 can be attached to the metal base material, and during the slitting process, the metal base material and the second insulator 82 can be cut together to manufacture the first substrate 10. Next, the first composite layer 20 can be manufactured on both surfaces of the first substrate 10. The second insulator 82 is formed along the width direction of the first electrode 110 ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B The width of the substrate 10 in the direction W) may be the same as the width of the first substrate 10 .

[0082] The first insulator 81 may be inserted into the first electrode 110 and may be attached to the inner first uncoated region 311 and the outer first uncoated region 312 during the process of winding the first electrode 110 together with the two separators 130 and the second electrode 120. One edge of the first insulator 81 may overlap the first composite layer 20, and the opposite edge of the first insulator 81 may overlap the second insulator 82. For example, one edge of the first insulator 81 may cover the first composite layer 20 from above, and the opposite edge of the first insulator 81 may cover the second insulator 82 from above.

[0083] Figure 7 yes Figure 3A A partial enlarged view of the Figure 7 The width W1 of the first insulator 81 along the width direction (direction W) of the first electrode may be greater than the width W2 of the first substrate 10. In one or more embodiments, the first insulator 81 may include a pair of protruding regions 811 extending from the first substrate 10 to both sides (e.g., upper and lower sides).

[0084] Typical rechargeable batteries undergo thermal safety evaluations in high-temperature environments before being released. If the first insulator contracts due to heat in a high-temperature environment, the first composite layer 20 may be exposed and contact the second composite layer, potentially causing an internal short circuit. Even if the first insulator 81 contracts due to heat, the protruding region 811 of the first insulator 81 reduces or prevents exposure of the first composite layer 20, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of an internal short circuit in the electrode assembly. The width of the protruding region 811 may be approximately 0.1 mm, but is not limited to this example.

[0085] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The first electrode 110 includes a configuration in which the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 are arranged in the first uncoated regions 311 and 312 in contact with the wound distal end 12. The first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 can protect the first uncoated regions 311 and 312 in contact with the wound distal end 12 and can suppress damage (such as cracks or tears) to the first substrate 10 due to long-term use of the electrode assembly 100.

[0086] In one or more embodiments, the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 can improve the safety of the electrode assembly 100 by reliably insulating the first electrode 110 from the second uncoated regions 321 and 322 that are in contact with the wound distal end 62 of the second electrode 120. The separator 130 is located between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120, but in a high temperature environment, if the separator shrinks due to heat, or if the electrode assembly is deformed by external force and if the separator is damaged, the first electrode and the second electrode may directly contact each other.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the electrode assembly 100 arranges the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 in a region where the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 can directly face each other. Even if the separator 130 is damaged, the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 may not directly face each other, and as a result, an internal short circuit of the electrode assembly 100 may be effectively suppressed.

[0088] In one or more embodiments, the components of the electrode assembly 100 have relatively small thicknesses, and stacking portions between components may negatively impact other components, such as causing deformation, such as bending or stress concentration in other components in contact therewith due to increased thickness.

[0089] Assuming that the contact area between the first and second insulators overlaps the second electrode tab, the pair of second protective layers and the first and second insulators all overlap around the second electrode tab. In one or more embodiments, the area around the second electrode tab may deform convexly, which may damage adjacent components (such as the first and second substrates made of metal sheets).

[0090] Portions CP1 and CP2 of the first and second insulators 81 and 82 that contact each other are located at distances D1 and D2 from the second electrode tab 42 along the length direction (direction L) of the first and second electrodes 110 and 120. In one or more embodiments, the electrode assembly 100 can reduce or prevent the possibility of thickness increase in corresponding portions (e.g., around the second electrode tab 42). This configuration can reduce or eliminate risk factors that could damage the first and second substrates 10 and 60, and can improve the durability and safety of the electrode assembly 100.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 may have different colors to improve the accuracy of visual inspection. For example, during the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly 100, a visual inspection device may be used to check whether the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 are placed in designated locations and whether the first insulator 81 and the second insulator 82 have the correct width and length.

[0092] If the first and second insulators 81 and 82 have different corresponding colors, a visual inspector uses the color difference to clearly distinguish the first and second insulators 81 and 82, so that the respective positions, widths, lengths, etc. of the first and second insulators 81 and 82 can be accurately measured. The first and second insulators 81 and 82 may include any one of a combination of blue and red, blue and yellow, green and red, or green and yellow, but are not limited to these examples.

[0093] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the winding start ends of the first electrode and the second electrode in the electrode assembly shown in FIG. Figure 8 In the figure, the diaphragm is omitted for ease of understanding.

[0094] Reference Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 8The uncoated areas between the winding start end 11 of the first substrate 10 and the first composite layer 20 may be referred to as third uncoated areas 331 and 332. The third uncoated areas 331 and 332 may be classified as an inner third uncoated area 331 located on the inner surface of the first substrate 10 and an outer third uncoated area 332 located on the outer surface of the first substrate 10. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The length L5 of the inner third uncoated area 331 is measured in the direction L in FIG. Figure 3A ) and the length L6 of the outer third uncoated region 332 (see, for example, Figure 3B ) can be the same.

[0095] The first electrode 110 may include a third electrode tab 43 positioned between the winding start end 11 of the first substrate 10 and the first composite layer 20. The third electrode tab 43 may include an overlapping portion 431 overlapping an uncoated region of either the inner third uncoated region 331 or the outer third uncoated region 332 (e.g., the outer third uncoated region 332), and may include an extending portion 432 extending from the first substrate 10 toward one side (e.g., the upper side).

[0096] In one or more embodiments, the third electrode tab 43 can be integrally formed with the first substrate 10. In one or more embodiments, the third electrode tab 43 can include an extension portion 432 extending from the first substrate 10 without an overlapping portion. In both cases, the third electrode tab 43, like the first electrode tab 41, can transmit current from the first electrode 110 to an external terminal and can be positioned closer to the winding start end 11 than the first composite layer 20.

[0097] The first electrode 110 may include a third protective layer 53. The third protective layer 53 may have an area larger than that of the overlapping portion 431 and may be fixed to the outer third uncoated region 332 to cover the overlapping portion 431. The third protective layer 53 may be provided in a pair and may also be provided to the inner third uncoated region 331. The pair of third protective layers 53 may have the same size and may be provided in the same position to face each other, with the first substrate 10 between the pair of third protective layers 53.

[0098] The uncoated regions located between the winding start end 61 of the second substrate 60 and the second composite layer 70 may be referred to as fourth uncoated regions 341, 342. The fourth uncoated regions 341, 342 may be classified as an inner fourth uncoated region 341 located on the inner surface of the second substrate 60 and an outer fourth uncoated region 342 located on the outer surface of the second substrate 60. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The length L7 of the inner fourth uncoated region 341 is measured in the direction L) (see Figure 3A ) may be less than the length L8 of the outer fourth uncoated region 342 (see Figure 3B ).

[0099] The second electrode 120 may include a fourth electrode tab 44 positioned between the winding start end 61 of the second substrate 60 and the second composite layer 70. The fourth electrode tab 44 may include an overlapping portion 441 overlapping an uncoated region of either the inner fourth uncoated region 341 or the outer fourth uncoated region 342 (e.g., the inner fourth uncoated region 341), and an extending portion 442 extending from the second substrate 60 to one side (e.g., the upper side).

[0100] In one or more embodiments, the fourth electrode tab 44 can be integrally formed with the second substrate 60. In one or more embodiments, the fourth electrode tab 44 can include an extension portion 442 extending from the second substrate 60 without an overlapping portion. In both cases, the fourth electrode tab 44, like the second electrode tab 42, can transmit current from the second electrode 120 to the external terminal and can be positioned closer to the winding start end 61 than the second composite layer 70.

[0101] The second electrode 120 may include a fourth protective layer 54. The fourth protective layer 54 may have an area larger than that of the overlapping portion 441 and may be fixed to the inner fourth uncoated region 341 to cover the overlapping portion 441. The fourth protective layer 54 may be provided in a pair and may also be provided to the outer fourth uncoated region 342. The pair of fourth protective layers 54 may have the same size and may be provided in the same position to face each other, with the second substrate 60 between the pair of fourth protective layers 54.

[0102] The third electrode tab 43 and the fourth electrode tab 44 may be positioned at a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) apart so as not to overlap each other. The third protective layer 53 and the fourth protective layer 54 may include a polymer film having an adhesive material applied to one surface. For example, the third protective layer 53 and the fourth protective layer 54 may include a polymer film such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or polystyrene.

[0103] The first electrode 110 may include a third insulator 83. The third insulator 83 may contact the first composite layer 20 in each of the inner third uncoated region 331 and the outer third uncoated region 332 and may cover the third protective layer 53. The third insulator 83 may be positioned a certain distance from the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110. The third insulator 83 may protect the inner third uncoated region 331 and the outer third uncoated region 332 in contact with the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110, thereby suppressing damage (such as cracks or tears) to the first substrate 10 caused by long-term use of the electrode assembly 100.

[0104] Figure 9 yes Figure 3A A partial enlarged view of the Figure 9 The width W3 of the third insulator 83 along the width direction (direction W) of the first electrode 110 can be greater than the width of the first substrate 10. In one or more embodiments, the third insulator 83 can include a protruding region 831 extending from the first substrate 10 to both sides (e.g., the upper side and the lower side). Even if the third insulator 83 shrinks due to heat, the protruding region 831 of the third insulator 83 can reduce or prevent the possibility of internal short circuits in the electrode assembly 100 by ensuring that the first composite layer 20 is not exposed. The width of the protruding region 831 can be approximately 0.1 mm, but is not limited to this example.

[0105] Refer again Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 8 In the wound electrode assembly 100, the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110 can be positioned at a distance from the winding start end 61 of the second electrode 120 along the winding direction of the stack. The fourth electrode tab 44 can be positioned between the winding start end 61 of the second electrode 120 and the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110. The winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110 can be positioned between the inner fourth uncoated region 341 and the outer fourth uncoated region 342 of the second electrode 120. Specifically, it can be positioned between the fourth insulator 84 (to be described below) of the inner fourth uncoated region 341 and the fourth insulator 84 between the outer uncoated region 342 to face them.

[0106] The second electrode 120 may include a fourth insulator 84. The fourth insulator 84 may be positioned between the fourth protective layer 54 and the second composite layer 70 in the inner fourth uncoated region 341 and the outer fourth uncoated region 342. The fourth insulator 84 may be positioned in a portion facing the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110 in each of the inner fourth uncoated region 341 and the outer fourth uncoated region 342.

[0107] If the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110 is exposed due to shrinkage or deformation of the separator 130, the exposed winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110 may contact the fourth insulator 84. In one or more embodiments, even if the separator 130 shrinks or deforms, the fourth insulator 84 can reduce or prevent the possibility of an internal short circuit in the electrode assembly 100 by reducing or preventing the possibility of the winding start end 11 of the first electrode 110 contacting the inner fourth uncoated region 341 or the outer fourth uncoated region 342.

[0108] The second substrate 60 can be manufactured by preparing a metal base material (copper or nickel base material) and cutting the metal base material into a plurality of second substrates 60 through a slitting process. Before the slitting process, a fourth insulator 84 can be attached to the metal base material, and during the slitting process, the metal base material and the fourth insulator 84 can be cut together to manufacture the second substrates 60. Next, the second composite layer 70 can be manufactured on both surfaces of the second substrate 60. The width of the fourth insulator 84 along the width direction (direction W) of the second electrode 120 can be the same as the width of the second substrate 60.

[0109] The third insulator 83 and the fourth insulator 84 described above may include a polymer film (for example, a polymer film such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, or polystyrene) having an adhesive material coated on one surface.

[0110] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to one or more embodiments.

[0111] Reference Figure 10 , the rechargeable battery 300 according to one or more embodiments may include the electrode assembly 100 constructed as described above, and a case 200 that accommodates and seals the electrode assembly 100 and the electrolyte together. Figure 10 , the housing 200 is shown as a bag, for example, but the housing 200 may include a square metal can, and the open end of the metal can may be sealed with a cover plate.

[0112] The case 200 may include a lower case 210 and an upper case 220 integrally connected to the lower case 210. The lower case 210 may include a storage portion 211 and a sealing portion 212 surrounding the storage portion 211. The storage portion 211 may be formed as a concave space provided in the lower case 210 to accommodate the electrode assembly 100.

[0113] A portion of each of the first to fourth electrode tabs 41 to 44 may overlap with the sealing portion 212, and an end portion of each of the first to fourth electrode tabs 41 to 44 may be exposed to the outside of the sealing portion 212. A protective tape may be attached to the portion of the first to fourth electrode tabs 41 to 44 that overlaps with the sealing portion 212.

[0114] The electrode assembly 100 may be accommodated in the storage portion 211 , the upper case 220 may be overlapped with the lower case 210 and the electrode assembly 100 by folding, and an edge of the upper case 220 may be integrally joined with the sealing portion 212 by heat fusion.

[0115] Housing 200 may include a multilayer structure of metal sheets and polymer sheets. The metal sheet may be an aluminum sheet and may provide mechanical strength to housing 200. The polymer sheet may include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet, a nylon sheet, a PET-nylon composite sheet, or the like and may provide insulation and protection to housing 200. The metal sheet may be positioned between at least two polymer sheets.

[0116] Figure 11 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to one or more other embodiments. Except for the configuration described below, the rechargeable battery according to one or more other embodiments has the same or similar configuration as the rechargeable battery according to one or more of the above-described embodiments.

[0117] Reference Figure 11 In a rechargeable battery according to one or more other embodiments, the second electrode tab 42 and the fourth electrode tab 44 may be positioned on the opposite side from the first electrode tab 41 and the third electrode tab 43. For example, the first electrode tab 41 and the third electrode tab 43 may be positioned on one side of the electrode assembly 100 (e.g., the upper right side of the drawing for reference), and the second electrode tab 42 and the fourth electrode tab 44 may be positioned on the opposite side of the electrode assembly 100 (e.g., the lower left side of the drawing for reference). The second electrode tab 42 and the fourth electrode tab 44 may be arranged in various ways, as long as they do not contact the first electrode tab 41 and the third electrode tab 43.

[0118] While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical embodiments, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and functional equivalents thereof to be included therein.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly, comprising: a first electrode comprising a first substrate and a first composite layer on the first substrate; diaphragm; a second electrode comprising a second substrate and a second composite layer on the second substrate, the second electrode being stacked and wound with the first electrode with the separator between the second electrode and the first electrode; a first electrode tab in a first uncoated region between the rolled distal end of the first substrate and the first composite layer; a second electrode tab in a second uncoated region between the rolled distal end of the second substrate and the second composite layer; a first insulator at the first electrode and contacting the first composite layer in the first uncoated region; as well as a second insulator at the first electrode and contacting the first insulator in the first uncoated region, The first insulator and the second insulator contact each other at a distance from the second electrode tab along a length direction of the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein The second electrode is closer to the center of the electrode assembly than the first electrode, and Wherein, along the winding direction of the first electrode and the second electrode, the winding distal end of the first substrate is farther from the center of the electrode assembly than the winding distal end of the second substrate.

3. The electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The first uncoated region includes an inner first uncoated region and an outer first uncoated region, and The first insulator and the second insulator are in the inner first uncoated region and the outer first uncoated region.

4. The electrode assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The second electrode tab and the wound distal ends of the second substrate are between the second insulator in the inner first uncoated region and the second insulator in the outer first uncoated region.

5. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first insulator and the second insulator include a polymer film coated with an adhesive material on one surface facing the first uncoated area.

6. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The first insulator and the second insulator have respective different colors.

7. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein: A width of the first insulator along a width direction of the first electrode is greater than a width of the first substrate.

8. The electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The winding start end of the first substrate is at a distance from the winding start end of the second substrate along the winding direction.

9. The electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein The third electrode tab is in the third uncoated region between the winding start end of the first substrate and the first composite layer. The fourth electrode tab is in a fourth uncoated region between the winding start end of the second substrate and the second composite layer, and The fourth electrode tab is located between a winding start end of the second substrate and a winding start end of the first substrate along the winding direction. 10 . The electrode assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a third insulator contacting the first composite layer in the third uncoated region and at a distance from a winding start end of the first substrate.

11. The electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein The fourth uncoated region includes an inner fourth uncoated region and an outer fourth uncoated region, wherein the fourth insulator is in the inner fourth uncoated region and the outer fourth uncoated region, and The winding starting end of the first substrate is between the fourth insulator in the inner fourth uncoated area and the fourth insulator in the outer fourth uncoated area.

12. An electrode assembly, comprising: A first electrode comprising a first substrate, a first uncoated region contacting a winding distal end of the first substrate, a third uncoated region contacting a winding starting end of the first substrate, and a first composite layer between the first uncoated region and the third uncoated region; a second electrode comprising a second substrate, a second uncoated region contacting a winding distal end of the second substrate, a fourth uncoated region contacting a winding starting end of the second substrate, and a second composite layer between the second uncoated region and the fourth uncoated region, and being stacked and wound with the first electrode with a separator between the second electrode and the first electrode; an insulator in the first uncoated region in a region facing the distal end of the winding of the second substrate; as well as another insulator, in the fourth uncoated region in a region facing the winding start end of the first substrate, Along the winding direction of the first electrode and the second electrode, the winding distal end of the first substrate and the winding distal end of the second substrate are spaced apart from each other, and the winding starting end of the first substrate and the winding starting end of the second substrate are spaced apart from each other.

13. The electrode assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The insulator includes a first insulator contacting the first composite layer in the first uncoated region and a second insulator contacting the first insulator, The second electrode further includes a second electrode tab, and the second electrode tab is located in the second uncoated region at a distance from a portion where the first insulator contacts the second insulator along the winding direction.

14. The electrode assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The wound distal end of the second substrate and the second electrode tab face the second insulator.

15. The electrode assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a third insulator in the third uncoated region, in, the other insulator includes a fourth insulator in the fourth uncoated region, Wherein, the winding starting end of the first substrate faces the fourth insulator.

16. A rechargeable battery, comprising: an electrode assembly including first and second electrodes and first and second insulators at the first electrode, the first and second electrodes being stacked and wound with a separator therebetween; and a housing that holds and seals the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, The first electrode includes a first substrate and a first composite layer on the first substrate. The first electrode tab is in a first uncoated region between the winding distal end of the first substrate and the first composite layer. The second electrode includes a second substrate and a second composite layer on the second substrate. The second electrode terminal is in the second uncoated area between the winding distal end of the second substrate and the second composite layer. wherein the first insulator contacts the first composite layer in the first uncoated region, wherein the second insulator contacts the first insulator in the first uncoated region, and The portion where the first insulator contacts the second insulator is at a certain distance from the second electrode tab along the length direction of the first electrode and the second electrode.

17. The rechargeable battery according to claim 16, wherein The first uncoated region includes an inner first uncoated region and an outer first uncoated region, wherein the first insulator and the second insulator are in the inner first uncoated region and the outer first uncoated region, and The second electrode tab and the second substrate have their winding distal ends between the second insulator in the inner first uncoated region and the second insulator in the outer first uncoated region.

18. The rechargeable battery according to claim 17, further comprising a fourth electrode tab in a fourth uncoated region between a winding start end of the second substrate and the second composite layer, in, The fourth uncoated region includes an inner fourth uncoated region and an outer fourth uncoated region, wherein the fourth insulator is in the inner fourth uncoated region and the outer fourth uncoated region, and The winding starting end of the first substrate is between the fourth insulator in the inner fourth uncoated area and the fourth insulator in the outer fourth uncoated area.

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