Electrode current collector, electrode assembly comprising electrode current collector, and method for manufacturing electrode current collector

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrode current collector, an electrode assembly comprising the electrode current collector and a method for producing the electrode current collector, and the electrode current collector according to the invention is an electrode current collector comprising an electrode tab extending at an end, and an electrode current collector including a polymer layer and first and second metal layers laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer, in which the first metal layer has a metal rib extending to the polymer layer in the electrode tab.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0107719, filed on August 17, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0108651, filed on August 13, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to an electrode current collector, an electrode assembly including the electrode current collector, and a method of manufacturing the electrode current collector. BACKGROUND

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable, and have been the subject of much research and development in recent years due to their potential for miniaturization and large capacity. As technology development and demand for electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), mobile devices, and the like are increasing, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. However, the safety of secondary batteries has not kept pace with the pace of technological progress. To address this issue, there are methods of improving safety by establishing an electrical short before abnormal behavior of a secondary battery to exhaust energy or by shorting an electrical connection.

[0005] Secondary batteries are classified into button-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, square batteries, and pouch-type batteries according to the shape of the battery case. Among secondary batteries, an electrode assembly installed inside the battery case is a power generation element capable of charging and discharging, which has a stacked structure of electrodes and separators.

[0006] The electrode assembly can be roughly classified into a jelly-roll type in which sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes in which active materials are coated to current collectors are wound with separators interposed therebetween, a stacking type in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes with separators interposed therebetween are sequentially stacked, and a stacking / folding type in which stacked-type unit cells are wound with a long separator film. SUMMARY

[0007] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0008] The present application aims to provide an electrode current collector having improved weldability, an electrode assembly including the electrode current collector, and a method of manufacturing the electrode current collector.

[0009] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0010] The electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application is an electrode current collector including an electrode tab extending at an end portion, and can include: a polymer layer, and a first metal layer and a second metal layer laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer, wherein in the electrode tab, the first metal layer can have a metal rib extending to the polymer layer.

[0011] Further, the electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application is an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked, wherein the electrode can include an electrode current collector including an electrode tab extending at an end portion, and the electrode current collector can include a polymer layer, and a first metal layer and a second metal layer laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer in the stacking direction, wherein in the electrode tab, the first metal layer can have a metal rib extending to the polymer layer.

[0012] Further, the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application can include: a rib forming process for forming a metal rib extending in the stacking direction on the first metal layer; a polymer laminating process for laminating a polymer layer on the first metal layer after the rib forming process; a second metal layer laminating process for laminating a second metal layer on the polymer layer to form a stack after the polymer laminating process; and a tab forming process for cutting a portion of the stack at an end portion to form an electrode tab.

[0013] Advantageous Effects

[0014] According to the present application, in the electrode current collector in which the metal layers are laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer, the metal rib extending toward the polymer layer is provided in the metal layer at a portion where the electrode tab is formed, thereby having an effect of significantly improving the weldability. Further, as a result, there is an effect of significantly improving the weldability between the electrode tabs of the electrode current collector and the weldability between the electrode tab and the electrode lead wire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a main portion of one example of an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG. 4 A perspective view showing a main portion of another example of an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] FIG. 5 A sectional view showing a second example of an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] FIG. 6 A sectional view showing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] FIG. 7 A side view showing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] FIG. 8 A sectional view showing a secondary battery including an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG. 9 A sectional view showing a rib forming step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG. 10 A sectional view showing a polymer layering step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG. 11 A sectional view showing a second metal layering step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG. 12 A perspective view showing one example of a rib forming step and a polymer layering step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG. 13 A perspective view showing another example of a rib forming step and a polymer layering step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 14 A perspective view showing a second metal layering step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 15 A perspective view showing a tab forming step in a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The objectives, specific advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed and preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in this specification, when assigning reference numerals to elements in the various figures, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements as much as possible, even if they are shown in different figures. Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Moreover, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention will be omitted.

[0031] Electrode current collector according to embodiments

[0032] FIG. 1 To show a perspective view of an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0033] FIG. 2 A cross-sectional view of an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] refer to FIG. 1 and 2 According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode current collector 110 includes an electrode tab 111 extending at an end, and the electrode current collector 110 includes a polymer layer 112 and a first metal layer 114 and a second metal layer 113 stacked on two surfaces of the polymer layer 112, wherein in the electrode tab 111, the first metal layer 114 has metal ribs 115 extending to the polymer layer 112.

[0035] More specifically, the electrode current collector 110 includes an electrode tab 111 extending at its end. That is, the electrode tab 111 can be formed by making a cut at the end of the electrode current collector 110.

[0036] Furthermore, the electrode current collector 110 includes a polymer layer 112 and a first metal layer 114 and a second metal layer 113 stacked on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112 in the stacking direction D. Here, the polymer layer 112 is a layer containing a polymer material, and the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 are layers containing a metallic material. Therefore, the electrode current collector 110 is configured such that the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 are stacked on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112, which can prevent fires due to excessive current density when formed only by metallic materials. Furthermore, the electrode current collector 110 can have the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 thinly formed on its two surfaces, thereby minimizing the risk of short circuits due to metal burrs, etc., in the event of breakage.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the thickness t3 of the polymer layer 112 can be 2 to 14 μm.

[0038] Also, for example, the thicknesses t1, t2 of the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 can be 0.2 to 3 μm. Here, specifically, for example, the thicknesses t1, t2 of the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 can be 0.2 to 2 μm.

[0039] Therefore, the thicknesses t1, t2 of the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 can be formed to have a lower limit value of 0.2 μm or more, so that the specific resistance can be low. Therefore, the function of the current collector foil as the electrical connection, which is a required characteristic, can not be limited. That is, the function as a battery can not be weakened.

[0040] On the other hand, the thicknesses t1, t2 of the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 can be formed to have an upper limit value of 2 μm or less, so that the energy density can be high. Further, the disadvantage of a conventional metal foil, that is, the adverse effect on the safety enhancement by electrical insulation during a pin test, can be significantly reduced. Specifically, the electrode current collector 110 is provided in a form in which the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 are laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112, so that the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 can collapse due to the shrinkage of the polymer layer in a pin test, so that the safety is enhanced by electrical insulation, but if the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 are too thick, the polymer layer 112 can not be able to function to enhance the safety, so that the safety can be reduced. Therefore, the thicknesses t1, t2 of the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 are formed to have an upper limit value of 2 μm or less, so that the polymer layer 112 containing a polymer material can function to enhance the safety. Here, the pin test is a test for safety by piercing a nail.

[0041] On the other hand, as one example, the thickness t1 of the first metal layer 114 can be the same as the thickness t2 of the second metal layer 113.

[0042] Further, as another example, the thickness t1 of the first metal layer 114 can be thicker than the thickness t2 of the second metal layer 113. Therefore, the electrode current collector 110 can be easily manufactured.

[0043] In the electrode tab, the metal rib 115 can be provided to extend from the first metal layer 114 to the polymer layer 112.

[0044] Further, the metal rib 115 can protrude from the inner surface of the first metal layer 114 to the polymer layer 112, and can be formed along the inner surface of the first metal layer 114.

[0045] Further, the metal rib 115 can contain the same material as the materials of the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113.

[0046] FIG. 3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main part of an electrode current collector according to a first example of the present application.

[0047] FIG. 4 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main part of an electrode current collector according to a second example of the present application.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, as a first example of the electrode current collector 110, the metal rib 115 can be formed in a rectangular wall form. FIG. 3 As an example, the metal rib 115 can be formed in a rectangular wall form, and a plurality of them can be provided at regular intervals.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 2, as another example, the metal rib 115' can be provided in a plurality of cylindrical forms. FIG. 4 Referring to FIG. 3, as a first example of the electrode current collector 210, the metal rib 115 can be formed in a rectangular wall form.

[0050] FIG. 2 As an example, the metal rib 115 can be formed in a rectangular wall form, and a plurality of them can be provided at regular intervals.

[0051] Therefore, the end portion of the metal rib 115 is spaced apart from the second metal layer 113 at regular intervals, so that the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 can not be connected, thereby maintaining the safety effect of the metalized electrode current collector 110 in which the metal layers are laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112.

[0052] Further, the interval between the end portion of the metal rib 115 and the second metal layer 113 can be 2 to 8 μm. Therefore, the interval t0 between the end portion of the metal rib 115 and the second metal layer 113 is formed to have a lower limit value of 2 μm or more, so that the thermal safety can be significantly improved. On the other hand, the interval t0 between the end portion of the metal rib 115 and the second metal layer 113 is formed to have an upper limit value of 8 μm or less, so that the welding can be significantly facilitated.

[0053] FIG. 5 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of the electrode current collector according to the present application.

[0054] Further, referring to FIG. 3, as a second example of the electrode current collector 210, the end portion of the metal rib 115 can be in contact with the second metal layer 113. Therefore, the specific resistance can be reduced. FIG. 5 On the other hand, referring to FIG. 4, as a second example of the electrode current collector 210, the end portion of the metal rib 115 can be in contact with the second metal layer 113. Therefore, the specific resistance can be reduced.

[0055] FIG. 1 2 ​​​The electrode current collector 110 can include a main body 116 on which an electrode active material is coated on an outer surface, and an electrode tab 111 extending from the main body 116. In this case, the metal rib 115 can also be provided on the main body 116. That is, in the electrode current collector 110, the metal rib 115 can be provided to extend from the first metal layer 114 located on the main body 116 and the electrode tab 111 to the polymer layer 112.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1 and 2 The electrode current collector 110 configured as described above according to one embodiment of the present application has the metal rib 115 provided in the metal layer located at a portion where the electrode tab 111 is formed in the electrode current collector 110 in which the metal layers are stacked on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112, extending toward the polymer layer 112, thereby having an effect of significantly improving weldability. That is, when the electrode tabs 111 provided on the plurality of electrode current collectors 110, respectively, are welded to each other to form an electrode assembly, and when the electrode tab 111 and an electrode lead are welded, the metal rib 115 extends toward the polymer layer 112 at a welding portion, such that the thickness of the polymer layer 112 located at the welding portion is thinly formed, and the interval between the first and second metal layers 114 and 113 is narrowed, thereby having an effect of significantly improving weldability. Ultimately, when laser or ultrasonic welding is used, it is possible to prevent weldability from being deteriorated because laser or ultrasonic waves can not be able to penetrate the polymer layer 112.

[0057] Electrode assembly according to embodiments

[0058] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0059] FIG. 6 To show a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, and

[0060] FIG. 7 To show a side view of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 1 , 2 , 5 and 6, the electrode assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present application is an electrode assembly 100 in which electrodes 130 and separators 140 are alternately stacked, wherein the electrode 130 includes an electrode current collector 110 including an electrode tab 111 extending at an end portion, and the electrode current collector 110 includes a polymer layer 112 and a first metal layer 114 and a second metal layer 113 stacked on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112 in a stacking direction D, wherein in the electrode tab 111, the first metal layer 114 has a metal rib extending to the polymer layer 112.

[0062] The electrode assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present application is an electrode assembly 100 including the electrode current collector according to the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment will be described by omitting or briefly describing the overlapping content with the above-described embodiment and focusing on the differences.

[0063] More specifically, the electrode assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present application is a power-generating element capable of charging and discharging, and forms a structure in which the electrodes 130 and the separators 140 are combined and alternately stacked.

[0064] The electrode 130 includes the electrode current collector 110 including the electrode tab 111 extending at the end portion.

[0065] Here, the electrode 130 can include the electrode current collector 110 and the electrode active material 120 coated on one or both surfaces of the electrode current collector 110. In this case, the electrode 130 can be formed with a coated portion in which the electrode active material 120 is coated on the electrode current collector 110 and an uncoated portion in which the electrode active material 120 is not coated on the electrode current collector 110. In this case, the electrode tab 111 can be located in the uncoated portion of the electrode current collector 110.

[0066] The electrode current collector 110 can include the polymer layer 112 and the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112 in the stacking direction D. In this case, in the electrode tab 111, the first metal layer 114 has the metal rib 115 extending to the polymer layer 112.

[0067] On the other hand, for example, the polymer layer 112 can be formed of a material including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

[0068] FIG. 8 A cross-sectional view of a secondary battery including an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0069] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 5 to 8In the electrode assembly 100, a plurality of electrodes 130 and separators 140 can be stacked. In this case, the electrode tabs 111 of the electrode current collectors 110 provided on each of the plurality of electrodes 130 are gathered and welded together, and the metal ribs 115 can be located at the welded portions R of the electrode tabs 111. In this case, the electrode leads 30 can be welded together at the welded portions R. Accordingly, when the metalized electrode current collectors 110 are welded, the metal ribs 115 can be located at the welded portions R of the electrode tabs 111, thereby significantly improving the weldability. That is, the weldability between the electrode tabs 111 and the weldability between the electrode tabs 111 and the electrode leads 30 can be significantly improved.

[0070] On the other hand, the electrode 130 can include a positive electrode 130a and a negative electrode 130b. Also, the separator 140 separates the positive electrode 130a and the negative electrode 130b from each other to electrically insulate them.

[0071] The positive electrode 130a can include a positive electrode current collector 110a and a positive electrode active material 120a provided on one surface of the positive electrode current collector 110a. In this case, the positive electrode 130a can include a positive electrode uncoated portion which is a region in which the positive electrode active material 120a is not coated.

[0072] The positive electrode active material 120a can be made of lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium iron phosphate, or a compound or mixture including one or more of these substances.

[0073] The negative electrode 130b can include a negative electrode current collector 110b and a negative electrode active material 120b provided on one surface of the negative electrode current collector 110b. In this case, the negative electrode 130b can include a negative electrode uncoated portion which is a region in which the negative electrode active material 120b is not coated.

[0074] For example, the negative electrode active material 120b can be made of artificial graphite, lithium metal, a lithium alloy, carbon, petroleum coke, activated carbon, graphite, a silicon compound, a tin compound, a titanium compound, or an alloy thereof. In this case, for example, the negative electrode active material 120b can further include a non-graphite silicon oxide (SiO), a silicon carbide (SiC), or the like.

[0075] On the other hand, the positive electrode current collector 110a and the negative electrode current collector 110b can include a polymer layer 112 and first and second metal layers 114 and 113 laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112 in the stacking direction D.

[0076] In this case, the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 located in the positive current collector 110a can include an aluminum material, and the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 located in the negative current collector 110b can include a copper material.

[0077] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 2 , as a first example, the metal rib 115 can extend from the first metal layer 114 to the polymer layer 112, and an end portion of the metal rib 115 can be spaced apart from the second metal layer 113 at regular intervals.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5 , as a second example, the metal rib 115 can extend from the first metal layer 114 to the polymer layer 112, and an end portion of the metal rib 115 can be in contact with the second metal layer 113.

[0079] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 8 , the secondary battery 10 can be manufactured by including the electrode assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present application, which is configured as described above. That is, the electrode assembly 100 can be accommodated in the pouch 20 to form the secondary battery 10. In this case, the secondary battery 10 can be formed by further including the electrode lead 30 connected to the electrode assembly 100 to electrically connect the same to the outside of the pouch 20.

[0080] Method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to embodiments

[0081] Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0082] FIG. 9 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view to show a rib forming process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application, FIG. 10 FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view to show a polymer layer stacking process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application, and FIG. 11 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view to show a second metal layer stacking process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 9 to 11 , the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application is a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector, and the method includes: a rib forming process for forming a metal rib 115 extending in a stacking direction D on a first metal layer 114; a polymer layer stacking process for stacking a polymer layer 112 on the first metal layer 114 after the rib forming process; a second metal layer laminating process for laminating a second metal layer 113 on the polymer layer 112 after the polymer laminating process to form a stack S; and a tab forming process for opening a cut at an end of the stack S to form an electrode tab 111.

[0084] The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application is a method of manufacturing an electrode current collector, which is used to manufacture the above-mentioned electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application and the electrode current collector included in the electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0085] Therefore, the embodiment of the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application will be described by omitting or briefly describing the contents repeated with the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application and focusing on the differences.

[0086] FIG. 12 A perspective view for showing one example of the rib forming process and the polymer laminating process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0087] FIG. 13 A perspective view for showing another example of the rib forming process and the polymer laminating process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0088] More specifically, referring to FIG. 9 , 12 and 13, in the rib forming process, the metal rib 115 extending in the stacking direction D is formed on the first metal layer 114.

[0089] Further, in the rib forming process, the metal rib 115 can be formed by etching one surface of the first metal layer 114. In this case, in the rib forming process, a mask in which pattern holes are formed is laminated on one surface of the first metal layer 114, and then one surface of the first metal layer 114 is etched by pouring an etching solution on top of the mask so that the etching solution enters the portions in which the pattern holes are formed, thereby forming the metal rib 115 having a cross section corresponding to the pattern holes formed in the mask.

[0090] Further, in the rib forming process, the metal rib 115, 115' can be formed in the form of a multi-wall or a cylinder.

[0091] In the rib forming process, as one example, the metal rib 115 can be formed in a region in which the electrode tab 111 is formed on one surface of the first metal layer 114.

[0092] In the rib forming process, as another example, the metal rib 115 can be formed in the entire region of one surface of the first metal layer 114.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 10 In the polymer layering process, the polymer layer 112 can be formed by pouring a polymer on one surface of the first metal layer 114, thereby having a thickness greater than the height h1 of the metal rib 115 in the stacking direction D, as a first example.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2 And 10 In the polymer layering process, the polymer layer 112 can be formed by pouring a polymer on one surface of the first metal layer 114, thereby having a thickness greater than the height h1 of the metal rib 115 in the stacking direction D, as a first example.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 5 In the polymer layering process, the polymer layer 112 can be formed by pouring a polymer on one surface of the first metal layer 114, thereby having a thickness corresponding to the height h1 of the metal rib 115 in the stacking direction D, as a second example. That is, in the polymer layering process, the thickness t4 of the polymer layer 112 can be formed to be the same as the height of the metal rib 115 in the stacking direction D.

[0096] FIG. 14 A perspective view to show the second metal layer layering process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 11 And 14 In the second metal layer layering process, the stack S is formed by layering the second metal layer 113 on the polymer layer 112 after the polymer layering process.

[0098] Further, in the second metal layer layering process, the second metal layer 113 can be layered by depositing a metal on one surface of the polymer layer 112. Here, in the second metal layer layering process, the metal can be deposited on one surface of the polymer layer 112 by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) deposition method.

[0099] FIG. 15 A perspective view to show the tab forming process in the method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 15 In the tab forming process, the electrode tab 111 is formed by cutting an end portion of the stack S.

[0101] That is, in the tab forming process, the electrode tab 111 can be formed in a protruding shape by cutting one side of the stack S in which the first metal layer 114 and the second metal layer 113 are laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer 112.

[0102] Further, the tab forming process can include opening a cut to form the electrode tab 111 in the stack S using a punch or a laser.

[0103] The present application has been described in detail by the specific embodiments above, but this is intended to specifically describe the present application, and the present application is not limited thereto. It is believed that various variations and changes are possible within the technical idea of the present application for those skilled in the art.

[0104] Further, the specific scope of protection of the present application will be explicitly described by the claims attached to the present patent.

[0105] [List of reference numerals]

[0106] 10: secondary battery

[0107] 20: pouch

[0108] 30: electrode lead

[0109] 100: electrode assembly

[0110] 110, 210: electrode current collector

[0111] 110a: positive electrode current collector

[0112] 110b: negative electrode current collector

[0113] 111: electrode tab

[0114] 112: polymer layer

[0115] 113: second metal layer

[0116] 114: first metal layer

[0117] 115, 115': metal rib

[0118] 116: main body

[0119] 120: electrode active material

[0120] 120a: positive electrode active material

[0121] 120b: negative electrode active material

[0122] 130: electrode

[0123] 130a: positive electrode

[0124] 130b: negative electrode

[0125] 140: separator

[0126] D: stacking direction

[0127] R: weld

[0128] S: stack

Claims

1. An electrode current collector comprising an electrode tab extending at an end portion, the electrode current collector comprising: a polymer layer and a first metal layer and a second metal layer laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer, wherein in the electrode tab, the first metal layer has metal ribs extending to the polymer layer.

2. The electrode current collector according to claim 1, wherein the metal ribs protrude from an inner surface of the first metal layer to the polymer layer and are formed along the inner surface of the first metal layer.

3. The electrode current collector according to claim 2, wherein the metal ribs are formed in the form of rectangular walls and are provided in a plurality at regular intervals.

4. The electrode current collector according to claim 2, wherein the metal ribs are provided in the form of a plurality of cylinders.

5. The electrode current collector according to claim 2, wherein end portions of the metal ribs are spaced apart from the second metal layer at regular intervals.

6. The electrode current collector according to claim 5, wherein the interval between the end portions of the metal ribs and the second metal layer is 2 to 8 μm.

7. The electrode current collector according to claim 2, wherein the metal ribs are in contact with the second metal layer.

8. The electrode current collector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a main body coated with an electrode active material on an outer surface; and the electrode tab extending from the main body, wherein the metal ribs are further provided on the main body.

9. An electrode assembly in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked, wherein the electrode comprises an electrode current collector comprising an electrode tab extending at an end portion, and the electrode current collector comprises a polymer layer and a first metal layer and a second metal layer laminated on both surfaces of the polymer layer in a stacking direction, wherein in the electrode tab, the first metal layer has metal ribs extending to the polymer layer.

10. A method of manufacturing an electrode current collector, the method comprising: a rib forming process for forming metal ribs extending in a stacking direction on a first metal layer; a polymer laminating process for laminating a polymer layer on the first metal layer after the rib forming process; a second metal layer laminating process for laminating a second metal layer on the polymer layer after the polymer laminating process to form a stack; and a tab forming process for cutting a notch at an end portion of the stack to form an electrode tab.

11. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the rib forming process, the metal ribs are formed by etching one surface of the first metal layer.

12. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the rib forming process, the metal ribs are formed in the form of a plurality of walls or pillars.

13. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the polymer layer-stacking process, the polymer layer is formed by casting the polymer on one surface of the first metal layer, so as to have a thickness greater than the height of the metal rib in the stacking direction.

14. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the polymer layer-stacking process, the polymer layer is formed by casting the polymer on one surface of the first metal layer, so as to have a thickness corresponding to the height of the metal rib in the stacking direction.

15. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the second metal layer-stacking process, the second metal layer is stacked by depositing metal on one surface of the polymer layer.

16. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the rib-forming process, the metal rib is formed in a region in which the electrode tab is formed on one surface of the first metal layer.

17. The method of manufacturing an electrode current collector according to claim 10, wherein in the rib-forming process, the metal rib is formed in the entire region of one surface of the first metal layer.

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