Rechargeable lithium battery

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rechargeable lithium battery, and aims to provide a rechargeable lithium battery having excellent reliability by significantly reducing an electrical contact resistance between a substrate end and a case and reducing a change in battery resistance. To this end, the rechargeable lithium battery of the present disclosure includes a swelling band between an end portion of a substrate and a case, and the swelling band includes a film containing an organosilicon-based resin.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0037099 filed on March 18, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a rechargeable lithium battery. Background Art

[0003] A rechargeable battery may include an electrode assembly, a case accommodating the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and a cap assembly coupled to an upper end opening of the case to seal the case and allow current generated in the electrode assembly to flow to an external device.

[0004] As performance requirements for electronic / battery devices increase, rechargeable batteries installed in the devices require high output and high capacity. In order to provide a rechargeable battery with high output and high capacity, a substrate end structure of an electrode assembly that can effectively utilize the space inside the shell is being developed. The substrate end structure not only occupies a small space inside the shell to improve space efficiency, but is also used to transfer current and heat to the can. The substrate end structure may include a swellable band. The band does not swell before electrolyte injection, but swells after electrolyte injection. The swelling band can allow the electrode assembly to be bonded to the inner side of the cylindrical can body before electrolyte injection, and the band can swell after electrolyte injection to press the substrate end of the electrode assembly against the shell, thereby reducing the electrical contact resistance between the substrate end and the shell.

[0005] The above information disclosed is provided as background to the present disclosure and is intended to improve understanding only. This information may include information that does not constitute relevant art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a rechargeable lithium battery having excellent reliability by significantly reducing electrical contact resistance between an end portion of a substrate and a case and by having low variation in battery resistance.

[0007] However, the objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and those having ordinary skill in the art will clearly understand other unmentioned objects through this disclosure.

[0008] A rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment for achieving the above-mentioned object includes a swelling tape, and the swelling tape includes a film containing a silicone-based resin.

[0009] According to an embodiment, a rechargeable lithium battery includes: a case; an electrode assembly housed in the case and having a substrate end configured to contact the case; a cap assembly closing the case to seal the electrode assembly therein; and a swelling tape disposed inside the substrate end and pressing the substrate end against the case. The swelling tape includes a film containing a silicone resin. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings attached to the present disclosure illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the detailed description given below, are used to promote understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly in a rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a developed state of a substrate end portion of an electrode assembly in a rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 is a view illustrating a developed state of an end portion of a substrate of an electrode assembly in a rechargeable lithium battery according to another embodiment.

[0016] Figures 6 to 14 is a cross-sectional view of a swollen belt according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 15 is a view showing a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 16 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 17 is a view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment.

[0020] Figure 18 2 are views showing a vehicle body and a vehicle body component according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 19 1 is a view showing a vehicle body and a vehicle body component according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figures 20 to 23 A table showing examples and comparative examples according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the specification and claims shall not be limited to the general or dictionary meanings, but shall be interpreted as being consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concept of the terminology to best describe his / her invention.

[0024] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all the technical spirit, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0025] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. For example, when a first element is described as being “coupled to” or “coupled to” a second element, the first element may be directly coupled to or directly coupled to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled to or indirectly coupled to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0026] In the accompanying drawings, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals represent the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. In addition, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any of" modify the entire list of elements when following a list of elements, rather than the individual elements in that list. When a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term "use" and variations thereof may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize" and variations thereof, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation, not terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0027] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part.

[0028] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “under,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “upper” 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 in addition to covering the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “on” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “under” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure 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 also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, the description indicates the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and including the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0), that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification and the claims to explicitly describe any subranges contained within the range explicitly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification, so that amendments to explicitly describe any such subranges will meet the requirements.

[0031] When two compared elements, features, etc. are referred to as "the same," it can mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" can include situations where there is a low degree of variation considered in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Furthermore, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, this can mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0032] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be present in singular or plural form.

[0033] Arranging an arbitrary element “on (or under)” or “on (under)” another element may mean that the arbitrary element may be disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and another element may also be interposed between the element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or under) the element.

[0034] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, the components may be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other or another component may be “interposed” between the components.

[0035] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise specified, when "C to D" is stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0036] Will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A rechargeable lithium battery (hereinafter also referred to as a “rechargeable battery”) according to an embodiment is described.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A rechargeable battery 100 according to an embodiment may include an electrode assembly 120, a case 110 accommodating the electrode assembly 120 and an electrolyte, a swelling tape 130, a cap assembly 140, and an insulating plate 161 located between the electrode assembly 120 and a bottom 111 of the case 110 within the case 110, and an insulating plate 162 located between the electrode assembly 120 and the cap assembly 140. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery 100 may further include a center pin 150 coupled to the electrode assembly 120.

[0038] The housing 110 may include a bottom portion 111 and a cylindrical side portion 112 extending upward from the bottom portion 111. The upper portion of the housing 110 may be opened during the assembly process of the rechargeable battery. Therefore, during the assembly process, the electrode assembly 120 may be inserted into the housing 110, and then the electrolyte may be injected into the housing 110.

[0039] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , the case 110 is a cylindrical can and may include steel, a steel alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the case 110 may include a curling portion 113 that is recessed inward at the lower portion of the cap assembly 140 and a crimping portion 114 that is bent inward at the upper portion of the cap assembly 140 to prevent the electrode assembly 120 and the cap assembly 140 from separating outside the case 110.

[0040] The electrode assembly 120 can be housed within the housing 110. The electrode assembly 120 can include a first electrode plate 121 having a first active material (e.g., graphite, carbon, etc.) coated on a conductive first substrate, and a second electrode plate 122 having a second active material (e.g., a transition metal oxide such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, etc.) coated on a conductive second substrate. A separator 123 can be positioned between the first and second electrode plates 121, 122 to prevent short circuits between the plates and enable the movement of lithium ions. In some embodiments, the first electrode plate 121, separator 123, and second electrode plate 122 can be stacked and then wound into a core.

[0041] The first substrate of the first electrode plate 121 may include copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or a Cu-Ni alloy. The second substrate of the second electrode plate 122 may include aluminum (Al), and the separator 123 may include polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0042] The first terminal tab 124 may protrude and extend downward and may be welded to the first electrode plate 121, and the second terminal tab 125 may protrude upward and may be welded to the second electrode plate 122. The reverse situation is also possible. In some embodiments, the first terminal tab 124 may include Cu, Ni, or a Cu-Ni alloy, and the second terminal tab 125 may include Al.

[0043] The first tab 124 of the electrode assembly 120 may be welded to the bottom 111 of the case 110. Thus, the case 110 may function as a first electrode (e.g., a negative electrode). Conversely, the second tab 125 may be welded to the bottom 111 of the case 110, thereby functioning as a second electrode (e.g., a positive electrode).

[0044] The first insulating plate 161 may be coupled to the housing 110 and have a first hole 161a formed at its center and a second hole 161b formed on the outside. The first insulating plate 161 may be placed between the electrode assembly 120 and the bottom 111. The first insulating plate 161 may prevent the electrode assembly 120 from electrically contacting the bottom 111 of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the first insulating plate 161 may prevent the second electrode plate 122 of the electrode assembly 120 from electrically contacting the bottom 111. The first hole 161a may allow the gas to quickly move upward through the center pin 150 when a large amount of gas is generated due to an abnormality in the rechargeable battery, and the second hole 161b may allow the first tab 124 to pass therethrough and be welded to the bottom 111.

[0045] The second insulating plate 162 may be coupled to the case 110 and have a first hole 162a formed at the center and a plurality of second holes 162b formed on the outside thereof. The second insulating plate 162 may be interposed between the electrode assembly 120 and the cap assembly 140. The second insulating plate 162 may prevent the electrode assembly 120 from electrically contacting the cap assembly 140. In some embodiments, the second insulating plate 162 may prevent the first electrode plate 121 of the electrode assembly 120 from electrically contacting the cap assembly 140. The first hole 162a may allow gas to quickly move to the cap assembly 140 when a large amount of gas is generated due to an abnormality in the rechargeable battery, and one second hole 162b may allow the second tab 125 to pass therethrough and be welded to the cap assembly 140. In addition, the remaining second holes 162b may allow the electrolyte to quickly flow into the case 110 during the electrolyte injection process.

[0046] In some embodiments, the diameter of the first hole 161a of the first insulating plate 161 and the diameter of the first hole 162a of the second insulating plate 162 can be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the center pin 150 to prevent the center pin 150 from electrically contacting the bottom 111 of the shell 110 or the cover assembly 140 due to external impact.

[0047] In some embodiments, center pin 150 may be in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube and may be coupled to the center of electrode assembly 120. Center pin 150 may be formed of steel, a steel alloy, Al, an Al alloy, or polybutylene terephthalate. Center pin 150 is used to suppress deformation of electrode assembly 120 during charging and discharging of the battery and serves as a passage for the movement of gas generated inside the rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, center pin 150 may be omitted.

[0048] The cap assembly 140 may include an upper portion 141 having a plurality of through-holes 141 a, a safety vent 142 located below the upper portion 141, and a connecting ring 143 located below the safety vent 142. The cap assembly 140 may also include a lower portion 144 located below the safety vent 142 and the connecting ring 143, having a plurality of through-holes 144 a, and electrically connected to the second terminal tab 125. In some embodiments, the cap assembly 140 may also include an insulating gasket 145 configured to insulate the upper portion 141, the safety vent 142, and the lower portion 144 from the side 112 of the housing 110.

[0049] The insulating gasket 145 can be substantially crimped between the crimping portion 113 and the crimping portion 114 formed in the side portion 112 of the housing 110. When abnormal internal pressure is generated inside the housing 110, the through-hole 141a of the upper portion 141 and the through-hole 144a of the lower portion 144 can discharge the gas inside the housing 110 to the outside of the housing. In some embodiments, when the safety vent 142 is flipped upward due to the gas inside the housing 110 passing through the through-hole 144a of the lower portion 144, the gas inside the housing 110 can be released to the outside of the battery through the through-hole 141a of the upper portion 141. When this occurs, the safety vent 142 is electrically separated from the lower portion 144, and the safety vent 142 is torn.

[0050] An electrolyte (not shown in the drawings) may be injected into the housing 110. The electrolyte enables the movement of lithium ions generated by electrochemical reactions at the first electrode plate 121 and the second electrode plate 122 within the battery during charging and discharging. The electrolyte may include a non-aqueous organic electrolyte that is a mixture of a lithium salt and a high-purity organic solvent. In some embodiments, the electrolyte may include a polymer such as in a polymer electrolyte or a solid electrolyte.

[0051] The swelling band 130 may be located on the inner side of the electrode assembly 120. In some embodiments, the swelling band 130 may be located on the inner side of the outermost first electrode plate 121 surrounding the electrode assembly 120. The swelling band 130 may be placed between the outermost first electrode plate 121 and the separator 123 forming the electrode assembly 120. In some embodiments, the first electrode plate 121 in the electrode assembly 120 may contact the side 112 of the housing 110. Specifically, the first substrate of the first electrode plate 121 may be in direct close contact with the side 112 of the housing 110. The first substrate in contact with the side 112 may be referred to as a substrate end portion. The bonding relationship between the first substrate, the substrate end portion, and the swelling band will be further described below.

[0052] In some embodiments, the winding rear end, which is located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly 120, ends with a terminating tape, and in this manner, the electrode assembly 120 does not unfold after winding. In some embodiments, the aforementioned swelling tape 130 may be used instead of the terminating tape. That is, the swelling tape 130 may not only be located inside the electrode assembly 120, but may also extend to the winding rear end to serve as a terminating tape that prevents the wound electrode assembly 120 from unfolding.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 , shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly 120 in a rechargeable battery 100 according to an embodiment. Here, the electrode assembly 120 is shown in an exaggerated manner for ease of understanding. For example, the first electrode plate 121, the separator 123, and the second electrode plate 122, which may be in close contact with each other, are shown as being separated from each other for ease of understanding.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the electrode assembly 120 may include a first electrode plate 121, a separator 123 positioned on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the first electrode plate 121, and a second electrode plate 122 positioned on the separator 123. The electrode assembly 120 may have a generally cylindrical shape by winding the first electrode plate 121, separator 123, and second electrode plate 122 into a generally circular shape while stacking them. In some embodiments, the portion where winding begins (the generally central region of the wound electrode assembly 120) may be defined as a winding front end, and the portion where winding ends (the generally outermost region of the wound electrode assembly 120) may be defined as a winding rear end. In some embodiments, the entire outermost region of the electrode assembly 120, including the winding rear end, may be defined as a substrate end 1218, and the substrate end 1218 may be in electrical, mechanical, and / or thermal contact with the housing 110 (i.e., the side portion 112).

[0055] As described above, in some embodiments, the swelling tape 130 may be used instead of the terminating tape 128, and thus the terminating tape 128 may be omitted. Here, the swelling tape 130 may extend from the inner side of the electrode assembly 120 to the winding rear end.

[0056] The electrode assembly 120 may include three electrical / thermal path members. The electrical / thermal path members may include a first tab 124 extending downward from the first electrode plate 121 of the electrode assembly 120 and electrically and / or thermally bonded to the bottom 111 of the housing 110, a substrate end 1218 disposed on the first electrode plate 121 of the electrode assembly 120 and electrically and / or thermally bonded to the side 112 of the housing 110, and a second tab 125 extending upward from the second electrode plate 122 of the electrode assembly 120 and electrically and / or thermally bonded to the cap assembly 140.

[0057] By positioning the swelling band 130 inside the electrode assembly 120 and pressing the substrate end 1218 against the side 112 of the housing 110, the contact resistance between the substrate end 1218 and the side 112 of the housing 110 can be minimized. In some embodiments, the swelling band 130 can be positioned on the inner surface 1212 of the substrate end 1218 (see FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ), and the swelling tape 130 can be placed between the substrate end 1218 and the diaphragm 123.

[0058] The length of the swelling tape 130 may be in the range of about 1% to about 100% of the length of the substrate end portion 1218. The winding turn length of the swelling tape 130 may be in the range of about 0.1 turns to about 1 turn of the winding turn length of the substrate end portion 1218. "1 turn" refers to the length of the substrate end portion 1218 or the first electrode plate 121 completely wrapping around the electrode assembly 120 once.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 , a view showing a developed state of a portion of a substrate end portion 1218 of an electrode assembly 120 in a rechargeable battery 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the swelling tape 130 may be attached to the inner surface 1212 of the substrate end portion 1218 and may have a generally rectangular shape. The height (vertical height) of the swelling tape 130 may be less than or equal to the height (vertical height) of the substrate end portion 1218, and the length (horizontal length) of the swelling tape 130 may be less than or equal to the length (horizontal length) of the substrate end portion 1218.

[0060] Reference Figure 5 , showing a view of a developed state of a portion of a substrate end portion 1218 of an electrode assembly 120 in a rechargeable battery 100 according to another embodiment. Figure 5 As shown in , the swelling tape 130 may include multiple sections. In some embodiments, the multiple sections of the swelling tape 130 may be attached to the inner surface 1212 of the substrate end portion 1218. In some embodiments, the multiple sections of the swelling tape 130 may be arranged at regular intervals. The spacing between the multiple sections of the swelling tape 130 shortens the electrolyte injection time, and the swelling of the swelling tape 130 occurs quickly. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent specific areas of the swelling tape 130 from excessively swelling or protruding after electrolyte injection.

[0061] The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, and the housing can also be configured as various other shapes, such as a circular shape or a bag shape. In addition, the housing can be formed of a metal such as Al, Al alloy or nickel-plated steel constituting a bag or a laminated film or plastic.

[0062] A rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a swelling belt, and the swelling belt includes a film containing a silicone resin. The film containing the silicone resin significantly reduces the electrical contact resistance between the substrate end and the shell, reduces the average battery resistance, and also reduces the variation in battery resistance, thereby providing excellent battery reliability. The film containing the silicone resin can absorb electrolyte and thereby swell. The film containing the silicone resin can swell only in the thickness direction and not in the in-plane direction. Therefore, by absorbing the electrolyte and swelling, which causes the substrate end of the electrode assembly to be strongly pressed against the side of the cylindrical can, the film containing the silicone resin can significantly reduce the electrical contact resistance between the substrate end and the side of the shell.

[0063] In an embodiment, a rechargeable battery may include a carbonate-based solvent as an electrolyte, as will be described below.

[0064] Silicone-containing resin films are less likely to soften under high-temperature conditions or during repeated charging and discharging. Silicone-containing resin films have high heat resistance, thereby improving the reliability of rechargeable batteries. In this regard, the melting point, softening point, or maximum operating temperature of the silicone-containing resin film should be considered.

[0065] In some embodiments, the silicone resin-containing film may have a melting point or softening point of 200°C or higher, for example, a melting point or softening point in the range of 200°C to 250°C. Within this range, the silicone resin-containing film can maintain high heat resistance in an electrolyte. Furthermore, within this range, the silicone resin-containing film is less likely to soften in high-temperature environments, thus increasing the reliability of the rechargeable battery.

[0066] In another embodiment, in some cases, the melting point of the silicone resin-containing film cannot be observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In these cases, the maximum use temperature (continuous) can be an indicator of thermal resistance, and the maximum use temperature (continuous) can be 150°C or higher, for example, 150°C or higher and 250°C or lower. Within these ranges, the silicone resin-containing film is less likely to soften in high-temperature environments, and thus the rechargeable battery can be more reliable.

[0067] In one embodiment, the swollen tape may have a swelling amount of 250% or more and 500% or less.The "swelling amount" can be measured by the following method.

[0068] Cut the swollen tape into rectangular pieces 10 cm long and 5 cm wide to create a sample. To prepare the electrolyte, mix ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate in a weight ratio of 20 wt%: 70 wt%: 10 wt%. The rectangular sample is completely immersed in the electrolyte and left at an elevated temperature (e.g., 60°C) for 72 hours. Using the thickness of the swollen tape before immersion (T1) and the thickness of the swollen tape after immersion (T2), the swelling amount is calculated according to the following equation 1: [Equation 1] Swelling capacity: T2 / T1×100% The swelling tape according to the embodiment has a swelling amount of 250% or greater and 500% or less. When the swelling amount is 250% or greater, the electrical contact resistance between the substrate end and the cylindrical can can be significantly reduced. When the swelling amount is 500% or less, the strength of the swelling tape is not reduced, the force pressing the substrate end is not reduced, and no swelling occurs in the in-plane direction, which can help reduce the change in battery resistance. The swelling amount can be, for example, 300% or greater and 500% or less, or 400% or greater and 500% or less.

[0069] In some embodiments, the swelling tape can have excellent effects when used with the above-mentioned carbonate electrolyte. The carbonate electrolyte can include, for example, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate in a weight ratio of 5 wt % to 30 wt %: 50 wt % to 80 wt %: 5 wt % to 30 wt %.

[0070] In some embodiments, the silicone resin-containing film can be a non-fluoride-containing film that does not include fluoride. Therefore, the silicone resin-containing film does not release hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas during incineration, making it easier to comply with environmental regulations.

[0071] In some embodiments, the film containing a silicone resin may include one or more oligomers and polymers of a D-type silicone monomer. The film containing a silicone resin may include one or more polysiloxane oligomers and polysiloxane polymers containing repeating units of the following Chemical Formula 1: [Chemical Formula 1]

[0072] In Chemical Formula 1, * is a connecting portion of an element, R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1 to C20 alkyl group, a C2 to C20 alkenyl group, a C2 to C20 alkynyl group, a C3 to C20 cycloalkyl group, or a C6 to C20 aryl group, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0073] For example, R1 and R2 can each independently be a linear or branched C1 to C5 alkyl group, a C2 to C6 alkenyl group, a C2 to C6 alkynyl group, a C3 to C10 cycloalkyl group, or a C6 to C10 aryl group. In more specific examples, R1 and R2 can each independently be a methyl group, an ethyl group, a vinyl group, a phenyl group, a hexenyl group, etc.

[0074] The swelling amount of the swollen tape can be controlled by the type of substituent R1 or R2 in the polysiloxane oligomer or polysiloxane polymer, the weight average molecular weight or number average molecular weight of the polysiloxane oligomer or polysiloxane polymer, and the degree of crosslinking of the polysiloxane oligomer or polysiloxane polymer in the film containing the silicone resin.

[0075] The film containing the silicone-based resin may be cross-linked or non-cross-linked. When the film containing the silicone-based resin is cross-linked, the durability of the silicone-based resin in the film containing the silicone-based resin may be excellent.

[0076] The weight average molecular weight of the polysiloxane oligomer or polysiloxane polymer may be 1×10 4 g / mol or greater, for example, 1×10 4 g / mol to 1×10 6 g / mol. Within this range, the desired swelling amount can be easily provided. Here, the "weight average molecular weight" can be measured using gel permeation chromatography and calibrated with polystyrene.

[0077] The film containing the silicone resin can be produced by polycondensing an organosilicon monomer having an R1 or R2 group. The polycondensation reaction can be carried out by methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0078] The thickness of the silicone resin film of the swelling tape may be in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, for example, in the range of 25 μm to 100 μm or 25 μm to 50 μm. Within these ranges, the capacity of the rechargeable battery may not decrease.

[0079] In some embodiments, the swelling tape may be formed solely of a film containing a silicone resin. In this case, the swelling tape may include one or more layers of a film containing a silicone resin.

[0080] In other embodiments, the swelling tape may include one or more of an adhesive layer and a base film in addition to the silicone resin film. Compared to a silicone resin film, the adhesive layer or base film may make the battery more reliable by reducing battery resistance and minimizing variations in battery resistance.

[0081] An adhesive layer can be laminated on one or both surfaces of the silicone resin-containing film to suppress expansion of the film in the in-plane direction and in the thickness direction. The adhesive layer can also enhance battery reliability (described below) by providing high adhesion strength to the silicone resin-containing film, base film, or electrode plate substrate. Furthermore, the adhesive layer can reduce variations in battery resistance.

[0082] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer may have an adhesive strength of 200 gf / 15 mm or greater, for example, 200 gf / 15 mm to 500 gf / 15 mm, to the film containing a silicone resin, the base film, or the substrate of the electrode plate. Within these ranges, even when the adhesive layer is exposed to an electrolyte, separation of the adhesive layer does not occur, wrinkles do not form on the swollen tape, and the film containing a silicone resin can expand only in the thickness direction and not in the in-plane direction.

[0083] The type of adhesive layer is not particularly limited, as long as it can provide the aforementioned functions. For example, the adhesive layer can be a (meth)acrylic adhesive layer, a silicone adhesive layer, an epoxy adhesive layer, a urethane adhesive layer, a rubber adhesive layer, or a hot melt adhesive layer. Suitable general compositions known to those skilled in the art can be used for the (meth)acrylic adhesive layer, the silicone adhesive layer, the epoxy adhesive layer, the urethane adhesive layer, the rubber adhesive layer, or the hot melt adhesive layer.

[0084] One or more adhesive layers may be included in the swelling tape.

[0085] The thickness of the adhesive layer may be 20 μm or less, for example, 5 μm to 20 μm. Within this range, the adhesive layer can be used in the swelling tape.

[0086] A base film may be included in the swelling tape to improve the mechanical strength of the swelling tape and help the substrate end of the electrode assembly be strongly pressed against the side of the cylindrical can when the film containing the silicone resin swells in the electrolyte.

[0087] The type of base film is not particularly limited, as long as it can provide the aforementioned functions. For example, the base film may be a polyolefin film, a polyester film, a polyimide film, or a polyvinylidene fluoride film. More specifically, polyolefin films such as cast polypropylene (CPP) film or oriented polypropylene (OPP) film, or polyester films such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) film, may be used as the base film.

[0088] One or more layers of base film may be included in the swelling tape.

[0089] The thickness of the base film may be 20 μm or less, for example, 5 μm to 20 μm. Within this range, the base film can be used in the swelling tape.

[0090] In one embodiment, the thickness of the swelling tape may be 150 μm or less, for example, 100 μm or less, for example, 50 μm or less. Within this range, the swelling tape can be easily applied to the battery, specifically, to the portion between the substrate end and the can, without reducing the battery capacity.

[0091] By controlling the stacking of the silicone resin-containing film, adhesive layer, and base film, the swelling tape can be implemented in various forms. In other embodiments, the swelling tape may be formed solely from the silicone resin-containing film. In further embodiments, the swelling tape may include an adhesive layer, a base film, and a silicone resin-containing film, wherein a stacking of one or more of the adhesive layer and the base film is laminated on one or both surfaces of the silicone resin-containing film.

[0092] The swelling zone may include a film containing a silicone resin located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly. In this manner, since the swelling of the film containing the silicone resin in the thickness direction is not disturbed, the contact resistance between the substrate end and the can can be reduced.

[0093] Figures 6 to 14 is a cross-sectional view of a swollen belt according to an embodiment.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 , the swelling zone may be formed only of the film 10 containing the silicone resin.

[0095] Reference Figure 7 The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone-based resin and an adhesive layer 20 laminated on one surface of the film 10 containing the silicone-based resin.

[0096] Reference Figure 8 , the swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone resin and a base film 30 laminated on one surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin. In this case, the swelling tape may be manufactured by laminating the film 10 containing a silicone resin and the base film 30 together without an adhesive layer and then pressing the film 10 containing a silicone resin and the base film 30 together.

[0097] Reference Figure 9The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone resin, and a base film 30 and an adhesive layer 20 sequentially laminated on one surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin. In this case, the swelling tape may be manufactured by laminating the film 10 containing a silicone resin and the base film 30 without an adhesive layer, pressing the film 10 containing a silicone resin and the base film 30 together, and then laminating the adhesive layer 20 on the base film 30.

[0098] Reference Figure 10 The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone-based resin, and an adhesive layer 20 and a base film 30 sequentially stacked on one surface of the film 10 containing the silicone-based resin.

[0099] Reference Figure 11 The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone resin. The swelling tape may further include an adhesive layer 20, a base film 30, and the adhesive layer 20 sequentially stacked on one surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin.

[0100] Reference Figure 12 The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone resin. The base film 30 may be laminated on one surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin, and the base film 30 may be laminated on the other surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin. In this case, the swelling tape may be manufactured by laminating and pressing the film 10 containing a silicone resin and the base film 30 together without an adhesive layer, and then laminating and pressing the base film 30 on the other surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin.

[0101] Reference Figure 13 The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone resin. A base film 30 may be laminated on one surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin. Another base film 30 and an adhesive layer 20 may be laminated in sequence on the other surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin. The swelling tape may be manufactured by laminating the base film 30, the film 10 containing a silicone resin, and the base film 30 without an adhesive layer, pressing, and then laminating the adhesive layer 20.

[0102] Reference Figure 14 The swelling tape may include a film 10 containing a silicone resin. The adhesive layer 20 and the film 10 containing a silicone resin may be sequentially laminated on one surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin. The adhesive layer 20 may be laminated on the other surface of the film 10 containing a silicone resin.

[0103] The swelling tape may include one or more of swellable inorganic particles and organic particles as long as the swelling amount of the film containing the silicone-based resin is not adversely affected.

[0104] The swelling tape can be manufactured by a method known in the art, such as using a laminate of a film containing a silicone-based resin, a base film, and an adhesive layer.

[0105] The swelling tape may be used for any rechargeable lithium battery without limitation as long as the rechargeable lithium battery includes a substrate end portion and a case, and the substrate end portion and the case are in contact due to the swelling tape.

[0106] The rechargeable lithium battery according to the embodiment may include an electrolyte, and the electrolyte may include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt. The non-aqueous organic solvent serves as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reaction of the battery can move.

[0107] The non-aqueous organic solvent may be a carbonate solvent, an ester solvent, an ether solvent, a ketone solvent, an alcohol solvent, an aprotic solvent, or a combination thereof.

[0108] As carbonate-based solvents, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), methylpropyl carbonate (MPC), ethylpropyl carbonate (EPC), ethylmethyl carbonate (MEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), and the like can be used.

[0109] As the ester solvent, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, decanoic acid lactone, mevalonolactone, valerolactone, caprolactone, etc. can be used.

[0110] Ether solvents include dibutyl ether, tetraglyme, diglyme, dimethoxyethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, and tetrahydrofuran. Ketone solvents include cyclohexanone, ethanol, isopropanol, and aprotic solvents include nitriles (such as R-CN (R is a C2 to C20 hydrocarbon group with a linear, branched, or cyclic structure, and may include a double bond, an aromatic ring, or an ether group)); amides (such as dimethylformamide); dioxolanes (such as 1,3-dioxolane and 1,4-dioxolane); and sulfolane.

[0111] As the non-aqueous organic solvent, one kind of the above-mentioned may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be mixed and used.

[0112] In some embodiments, a rechargeable lithium battery may include a carbonate solvent, and cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates may be mixed and used. The cyclic carbonate and chain carbonate may be mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 1:9. This allows the film containing the silicone resin to easily swell.

[0113] Lithium salts are materials that are dissolved in organic solvents and act as a lithium ion source in batteries to enable basic operation of rechargeable lithium batteries and facilitate the movement of lithium ions between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Representative examples of lithium salts include LiPF6, LiBF4, LiSbF6, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiAlO2, LiAlCl4, LiPO2F2, LiCl, LiI, LiN(SO3C2F5)2, Li(FSO2)2N (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI)), LiC4F9SO3, LiN(C x F 2x+1 SO2)(C y F 2y+1 SO2) (x and y are integers from 1 to 20), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, lithium difluorobis(oxalato)phosphate (LiDFBOP), lithium difluorobis(oxalato)borate (LiDFBOB), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), or two or more thereof.

[0114] A rechargeable lithium battery according to an embodiment includes a case, an electrode assembly, a cap assembly, and a swelling tape. The electrode assembly has a substrate end configured to electrically contact the case. The cap assembly is configured to close the case to seal the electrode assembly. The swelling tape is located inside the substrate end to press the substrate end against the case. The swelling tape includes the above-described swelling tape.

[0115] Hereinafter, each component included in the rechargeable battery according to the embodiment will be described.

[0116] The electrode core is formed by winding an electrode assembly, which is formed by stacking a negative electrode (eg, a first electrode plate), a positive electrode (eg, a second electrode plate), and a separator between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

[0117] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode substrate and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on the negative electrode substrate. The negative electrode substrate is, for example, a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material and also include a binder and / or a conductive additive.

[0118] The negative electrode active material includes a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0119] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions is a carbon-based negative electrode active material and may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon include graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite. Examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, and calcined coke.

[0120] As the negative electrode active material capable of doping and de-doping lithium, Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used. The Si-based negative electrode active materials can be silicon, silicon-carbon composites, SiO x (0 < x < 2), Si-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0121] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can have a form including silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0122] The silicon-carbon composite can further include crystalline carbon. The silicon-carbon composite can include, for example, a core including crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating located on the surface of the core.

[0123] The negative electrode active material layer can include, for example, 90 wt% to 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, 0.5 wt% to 5 wt% of the binder, and 0 wt% to 5 wt% of the conductive additive.

[0124] As the binder, a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof can be used. When using an aqueous binder as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound that can impart viscosity can be further included.

[0125] As the negative electrode current collector, a copper foil, a nickel foil, a stainless steel foil, a titanium foil, a nickel foam, a copper foam, a polymer substrate with a conductive metal coated thereon, or a combination thereof can be selected and used.

[0126] The positive electrode includes a positive electrode substrate and a positive electrode active material layer provided on the positive electrode substrate. The positive electrode substrate is, for example, a positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode active material layer can include a positive electrode active material and also includes a binder and / or a conductive additive.

[0127] Aluminum can be used as the positive electrode current collector. However, the positive electrode current collector is not limited to being made of aluminum.

[0128] As the positive electrode active material, a compound capable of reversibly inserting and extracting lithium (lithiated insertion compound) can be used. Specifically, one or more of composite oxides of lithium and metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used. The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide. Specific examples of the composite oxide include lithium nickel oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate compound, cobalt-free lithium nickel manganese oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0129] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following chemical formulas can be used. Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D<00000(0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.5,0≤c≤0.05);Li a Mr 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.5,0≤c≤0.05);Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.5,0≤c≤0.5,0<α<2);Li a Ni 1-b- c Mr b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.5,0≤c≤0.5,0<α<2);Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2(0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤b≤0.9,0≤c≤0.5,0≤d≤0.5,0≤e≤0.1);Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8,0.001≤b≤0.1);Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8,0.001≤b≤0.1);Li a Mr 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8,0.001≤b≤0.1);Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8,0.001≤b≤0.1);Li a Mr 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8,0≤g≤0.5);Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3(0≤f≤2);Li aFePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8). In these chemical formulas, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare earth element, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; and L 1 It is Mn, Al or a combination thereof.

[0130] The amount of the positive electrode active material may be in the range of 90 wt % to 99.5 wt % relative to 100 wt % of the positive electrode active material layer, and the amount of the binder and the conductive additive may each be in the range of 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % relative to 100 wt % of the positive electrode active material layer.

[0131] As described above, the electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0132] In one embodiment, in a rechargeable lithium battery, the swelling zone is located between the substrate end and the case, and the film containing the silicone-based resin may contact the substrate end, or the base film or the adhesive layer may contact the substrate end.

[0133] Figure 15 is a view showing a battery module according to an embodiment.

[0134] Reference Figure 15 , the battery module 1000 includes a plurality of battery cells 100 (eg, the rechargeable lithium batteries 100 described above) arranged in one direction.

[0135] The battery module further includes housings 1061, 1062, 1063, and 1064, in which a plurality of battery cells 100 are housed. Housings 1061 to 1064 may include a pair of end plates 1061 and 1062 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 100, a side plate 1063 connecting the pair of end plates 1061 and 1062, and a bottom plate 1064. The side plates 1063 may support the side surfaces of the battery cells 100, and the bottom plate 1064 may support the bottom surfaces of the battery cells 100. Furthermore, the pair of end plates 1061 and 1062, the side plates 1063, and the bottom plate 1064 may be connected by members such as bolts 1065.

[0136] Figure 16 and Figure 17 is a view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] The battery pack 2000 according to the embodiment includes an assembly of electrically connected individual batteries and a pack case accommodating the batteries. For convenience, components such as bus bars, cooling units, external terminals, etc. for electrical connection of the batteries are omitted in the drawings.

[0138] The battery pack 2000 may include a plurality of battery modules 1000 (eg, including the battery modules 1000 described above). Figure 15 The battery module 1000 described above is provided with a stack housing 2100 for accommodating the battery module 1000. The stack housing 2100 may include a first stack housing 2101 and a second stack housing 2102, which are joined together in a facing direction with the plurality of battery modules 1000 interposed therebetween. The plurality of battery modules 1000 may be electrically connected to one another using busbars 2200. In other embodiments, the plurality of battery modules 1000 may be electrically connected to one another in series, in parallel, or through a combination of series and parallel connections to achieve a desired electrical output.

[0139] Figure 18 and Figure 19 are views illustrating a vehicle body and a vehicle body component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] exist Figure 18 and Figure 19 In the embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack 2000 (described above) may be installed in the vehicle 3000. The vehicle 3000 may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the vehicle may be a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0141] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown in FIG, a vehicle 3000 according to an embodiment includes a battery module 1000 and / or a battery pack 2000 including the battery module 1000. The vehicle 3000 operates by receiving power from the battery module 1000 and / or the battery pack 2000 including the battery module 1000.

[0142] Specifications of components used in the swelling tape according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be as follows.

[0143] (1) Silicone resin-containing film A: cross-linked structure, maximum operating temperature (continuous) exceeding 200°C, LPS-AF500 (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.), thickness of 100 μm, 80 μm, 40 μm, or 25 μm.

[0144] (2) Silicone resin-containing film B: melting point in the range of 200°C to 250°C, FK-strong (SiliconeTechno Co., Ltd.), thickness 25 μm.

[0145] (3) Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix membrane: melting point is 175℃, maximum operating temperature (continuous) exceeds 150℃, PVDF homopolymer, thickness 40μm.

[0146] (4) CPP-based substrate film: GCP (YoulChon Chemical, Co., Ltd.), thickness 15 μm.

[0147] (5) OPP-based substrate film: BOPOS (YoulChon Chemical, Co., Ltd.), thickness 15 μm.

[0148] (6) PET-based substrate film: Lumirror (Toray Co., Ltd.), thickness 15 μm.

[0149] (7) Acryl adhesive layer.

[0150] (8) Rubber adhesive layer.

[0151] (9) Silicone adhesive layer.

[0152] (10) Hot melt adhesive layer.

[0153] The above film containing silicone resin, base film and adhesive layer are used to produce a Figures 6 to 14 The specifications of the swelling zone are shown in Figures 20 to 23 Tables 1 to 4 in.

[0154] The swelling amount and adhesive strength of the manufactured swollen tape were measured as follows.

[0155] (1) Swelling amount (unit: %): The manufactured swollen tape was cut into 10 cm long and 5 cm wide to prepare a rectangular sample of the swollen tape. To prepare the electrolyte, three carbonate solvents (ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate) were mixed in a weight ratio of 20 wt%:70 wt%:10 wt%. The rectangular sample was completely immersed in the electrolyte and placed at 60°C for 72 hours. Using the thickness T1 of the film containing the silicone resin before immersion and the thickness T2 of the film containing the silicone resin after immersion, the swelling amount was calculated according to Equation 1: [Equation 1] Swelling capacity: T2 / T1×100% (2) Adhesion strength (unit: gf / 15 mm): A rectangular sample prepared by cutting the fabricated swollen tape into pieces 10 cm long and 5 cm wide was laminated on an aluminum substrate (thickness: 30 μm) and left at room temperature for 24 hours. The force applied when the swollen tape was peeled off at a peel angle of 180° and a peel speed of 50 mm / min was then measured.

[0156] (3) Battery resistance (unit: milliohms (mΩ)): A positive electrode slurry was prepared by mixing 97 wt% of LiCoNiAl as a positive electrode active material, 1.5 wt% of carbon nanotubes as a conductive additive, and 1.5 wt% of polyvinylidene fluoride as a binder and adding water. The prepared positive electrode slurry was applied on an Al foil, and the positive electrode slurry and the Al foil were dried and rolled to manufacture a positive electrode. A negative electrode active material slurry was prepared by mixing 97.4 wt% of a negative electrode active material, 1.0 wt% of carboxymethyl cellulose, 1.5 wt% of styrene-butadiene rubber, and 0.1 wt% of carbon nanotubes as a conductive additive. Artificial graphite was used as a negative electrode active material. The prepared negative electrode slurry was applied on a copper foil, and the negative electrode slurry and the copper foil were dried and rolled to manufacture a negative electrode. An electrode assembly was manufactured using the manufactured positive and negative electrodes and a separator, and cylindrical batteries of the example and comparative example were manufactured. The battery was driven to measure the battery resistance, and a change in the battery resistance was obtained. The battery resistance is for a 21,700 cell, 4,000mAh type. The test results are shown in Figures 20 to 23 As shown in Tables 1 to 4.

[0157] like Figures 20 to 23 As shown in the table, the swollen tape having the film containing the silicone-based resin has low battery resistance variation, thereby providing excellent reliability.

[0158] According to one aspect, a rechargeable lithium battery has excellent reliability because electrical contact resistance between an end portion of a substrate and a case is significantly low and variation in battery resistance is low.

[0159] According to another aspect, a battery pack manufactured using the rechargeable lithium battery as described herein and a vehicle including the same may be provided.

[0160] Effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other unmentioned technical effects through the description herein.

[0161] The present disclosure has been described above using only some embodiments and drawings, and the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and drawings. Instead, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes within the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A rechargeable lithium battery, comprising: case; an electrode assembly housed in the housing and having a substrate end configured to contact the housing; a cap assembly closing the housing to seal the electrode assembly in the housing; as well as a swelling zone located inside the end of the substrate and pressing the end of the substrate against the housing, Wherein, the swelling belt comprises a film containing silicone resin.

2. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1, wherein The swelling tape is configured to swell by 250% or more and 500% or less in an electrolyte. 3 . The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1 , further comprising an electrolyte comprising a carbonate-based solvent.

4. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 3, wherein The carbonate solvent includes one or more of dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate, methylpropyl carbonate, ethylpropyl carbonate, methylethyl carbonate, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and butylene carbonate.

5. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1, wherein The silicone-based resin-containing film has a melting point of 200° C. or higher.

6. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1, wherein The film containing a silicone resin includes one or more of an oligomer and a polymer of a D-type silicone monomer.

7. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1, wherein The film containing the silicone resin includes one or more of a polysiloxane oligomer and a polysiloxane polymer, and the polysiloxane oligomer and the polysiloxane polymer include a repeating unit of the following Chemical Formula 1: [Chemical Formula 1] wherein * is a connecting portion of an element, R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, a linear or branched C1 to C20 alkyl group, a C2 to C20 alkenyl group, a C2 to C20 alkynyl group, a C3 to C20 cycloalkyl group, or a C6 to C20 aryl group, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

8. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 7, wherein The one or more of the polysiloxane oligomer and the polysiloxane polymer has a 1×10 4 g / mol or more weight average molecular weight.

9. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1, wherein The swelling tape further includes one or more of an adhesive layer and a base film.

10. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 9, wherein The swelling tape includes: (1) the film containing the silicone resin; and (2) the adhesive layer, the base film, the second film containing the silicone resin, or a laminate of two or more of the adhesive layer, the base film, and the second film containing the silicone resin, laminated on one surface or both surfaces of the film containing the silicone resin.

11. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 10, wherein The film containing the silicone-based resin is located at the outermost portion of the swelling zone.

12. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 9, wherein The adhesive layer is a (meth)acrylic adhesive layer, a silicone adhesive layer, an epoxy adhesive layer, a urethane adhesive layer, a rubber adhesive layer or a hot melt adhesive layer.

13. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 9, wherein The base film is a polyolefin film, a polyester film, a polyimide film or a polyvinylidene fluoride film.

14. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 13, wherein The base film is a cast polypropylene film, a stretched polypropylene film, a polyethylene terephthalate film or a polybutylene terephthalate film.

15. The rechargeable lithium battery according to claim 1, wherein The swelling zone is placed between the end of the substrate and the separator.

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