Secondary battery electrode and method for manufacturing secondary battery electrode

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery electrode and a method for manufacturing the same. The secondary battery electrode may include: an electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer on at least a portion of the substrate; a substrate tab extending from a region of the substrate without the active material layer to the outside of the substrate; a first coating layer on at least one of a first surface of the substrate tab and a second surface of the substrate tab opposite to the first surface of the substrate tab; and a second coating on at least one of a first side surface of the substrate tab and a second side surface of the substrate tab opposite to the first side surface of the substrate tab, and the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate tab may be connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery electrode comprising a coating disposed or placed on a substrate terminal piece and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery electrode (or a secondary battery electrode manufacturing method). Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources to drive motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and to store electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] When a secondary battery is used frequently or continuously, or exposed to harsh or extreme conditions, the positive and negative electrodes may more easily come into electrical contact. If two materials with different polarities in a secondary cell come into electrical contact, an internal short circuit may occur. An internal short circuit can cause the temperature of the secondary cell to rise rapidly, and in severe cases, may lead to a fire.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background art of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a secondary battery electrode designed to overcome the above-mentioned problems and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode (or a secondary battery electrode manufacturing method).

[0006] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, or will become apparent from the following description of this disclosure.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a secondary battery electrode includes: an electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer on at least a portion of the substrate; a substrate tab extending outward from a region of the substrate without the active material layer; a first coating on at least one of a first surface of the substrate tab and a second surface of the substrate tab opposite to the first surface of the substrate tab; and a second coating on at least one of a first side surface of the substrate tab and a second side surface of the substrate tab opposite to the first side surface of the substrate tab, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate tab can be connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate tab.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the substrate patch may include a first region adjacent to the active material layer and a second region extending from the first region in a direction away from the active material layer, and the first coating and the second coating may be applied to the first region.

[0009] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the width of the first coating in the width direction of the substrate terminal block can be equal to or greater than 9 mm.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the width of the second coating in the thickness direction of the substrate terminal block can be in the range of approximately 12 μm to approximately 18 μm.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the width of the second coating in the thickness direction of the substrate terminal block can be greater than the thickness of the substrate terminal block.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the extension direction of the substrate terminal block, the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating can each be in the range of approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 3.1 mm.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the thickness of the first coating and the thickness of the second coating can each be in the range of approximately 2 μm to approximately 8 μm.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second coating may include at least one of polyimide and ceramic.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in the extending direction of the substrate terminal block, the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating can be determined based on the height difference between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second coating can electrically insulate at least one of the first and second side surfaces of the substrate terminal block.

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first coating and the second coating can be formed integrally.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode includes: preparing an electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer disposed on at least a portion of the substrate; forming a substrate terminal piece extending outward from a region of the substrate without the active material layer; forming a first coating on at least one of a first surface of the substrate terminal piece and a second surface of the substrate terminal piece opposite to the first surface of the substrate terminal piece; and forming a second coating on at least one of a first side surface of the substrate terminal piece and a second side surface of the substrate terminal piece opposite to the first side surface of the substrate terminal piece, wherein the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal piece are connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal piece.

[0020] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the formation of the second coating may include forming the first coating and the second coating together by using a coating tape around the first surface, the second surface and the first side surface of the substrate terminal piece or around the first surface, the second surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal piece.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the formation of the second coating may include forming the second coating by applying a coating solution to at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block.

[0022] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the substrate patch may include a first region adjacent to the active material layer and a second region extending from the first region in a direction away from the active material layer, and a first coating and a second coating may be placed on the first region.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electrode plate may be a positive electrode plate, and the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating may be determined based on the height difference between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate in the extension direction of the substrate terminal piece.

[0024] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second coating can electrically insulate at least one of the first and second side surfaces of the substrate terminal block.

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first coating and the second coating can be formed integrally.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode includes: preparing an electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer disposed on at least a portion of the substrate; forming a first coating on at least a portion of a region of the substrate adjacent to the active material layer; forming a substrate tab by stamping the region of the substrate adjacent to the active material layer; and forming a second coating on at least one of a first side surface and a second side surface of the substrate tab.

[0027] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the first surface (e.g., top surface) and / or the second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the substrate terminal block may be protected by a first coating. In some embodiments, the first side surface and / or the opposite side surface (e.g., the second side surface) of the substrate terminal block may be protected by a second coating. As a result, exposure of the substrate terminal block can be prevented in electrode assemblies that have been repeatedly charged and discharged and / or exposed to thermal environments. In some embodiments, exposure of a portion of the substrate terminal block of the positive electrode and its potential to short-circuit with the negative electrode can be prevented. That is, by preventing contact between the positive and negative electrodes, fire can be prevented and integrity can be achieved.

[0028] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, even if the separator provided between the positive and negative electrode plates is damaged in a high-temperature environment, and the first and / or second coatings disposed on the substrate tabs of the positive electrode plate are damaged, a short circuit will not occur. Therefore, due to the second coating disposed on the side surface of the substrate tabs, the secondary battery including the electrodes according to embodiments of this disclosure can be used more safely due to the reduced fire risk.

[0029] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 Examples of a first electrode and a second electrode according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3 Examples of electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a substrate connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 Examples of embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 4 Examples of substrate terminals and coatings;

[0036] Figure 6 An example of the first and second electrodes experiencing a short circuit is shown in the comparative example of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 7 The image is of the first electrode assembly in the comparative example of this disclosure after a heat exposure test was performed on the first electrode assembly;

[0038] Figure 8 The image is of the second electrode assembly in the example of this disclosure after a heat exposure test has been performed on the second electrode assembly;

[0039] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary secondary battery electrode manufacturing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Figure 10 Another flowchart illustrating an exemplary secondary battery electrode manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as being consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is capable of being his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms and concepts in order to best interpret his / her invention.

[0042] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0043] It will be understood that when a component or layer is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or attached to the other component or layer, or one or more intermediate components or layers may be present. When a component or layer is described as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another component or layer, no intermediate components or layers are present. For example, when a first component is described as being "attached" or "connected" to a second component, the first component can be directly attached to or connected to the second component, or the first component can be indirectly attached to or connected to the second component via one or more intermediate components.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” preceding / following the list of elements modify the entire list of elements, but not individual elements in the list. When phrases 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 A, B, and C” are 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” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “roughly,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0045] It will be understood that while the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0046] For ease of description, this document uses spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “up” to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features can be oriented as “above” or “upon” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device can be positioned in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0048] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the enumerated ranges. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0 (and inclusive of both), i.e., 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 enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly enumerate any subranges contained within the scope expressly enumerated herein.

[0049] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” may mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of its mean.

[0050] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0051] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element may mean that the arbitrary element can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and other elements may also be positioned between the element and any element positioned on (or below) the element.

[0052] Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, the components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” the components.

[0053] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is used, it means A, B, or A and B. In other words, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C to D” is used, it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0054] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a secondary battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The secondary battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 110 and a housing 120.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 The secondary battery 100 can be a pouch-shaped secondary battery. However, the shape of the secondary battery 100 is not limited to this; the secondary battery 100 can be a cylindrical secondary battery, a prismatic secondary battery, or a button secondary battery, etc.

[0056] Electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm may be provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. Electrode assembly 110 may be constructed by winding or stacking the first electrode, the second electrode, and the diaphragm. (Reference) Figure 1 The electrode assembly 110 is shown as a wound type, but it can also be a stacked type. The shape of the electrode assembly 110 is not limited to the disclosed embodiment.

[0057] The secondary battery electrode according to one or more embodiments may refer to a first electrode or a second electrode included in the electrode assembly 110. The first electrode may include a first electrode plate (also referred to as a first substrate) having a first active material layer disposed on at least a portion of the first substrate. A first substrate tab 112 may extend outward from a first uncoated portion of the first active material layer of the first substrate where it is not located, and the first substrate tab 112 may be electrically connected to the housing 120 (e.g., a first terminal included in the housing 120).

[0058] The second electrode may include a second electrode plate (also referred to as a second substrate) having a second active material layer disposed on at least a portion of the second substrate. A second substrate tab 114 may extend outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate where the second active material layer is not disposed, and the second substrate tab 114 may be electrically connected to the housing 120 (e.g., a second terminal included in the housing 120).

[0059] refer to Figure 1The first substrate terminal block 112 and the second substrate terminal block 114 may extend from the first electrode and the second electrode in the same direction, respectively, such that the first substrate terminal block 112 and the second substrate terminal block 114 are formed on the first side of the electrode assembly 110. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the first substrate terminal block 112 of the first electrode may be formed on the first side of the electrode assembly 110, and the second substrate terminal block 114 of the second electrode may be formed on the second side of the battery assembly 110.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 The first substrate terminal block 112 and the second substrate terminal block 114 formed on the first side of the electrode assembly 110 can be connected to an external terminal (not shown) by forming corresponding lead terminals, or they can be connected to an external terminal (not shown) via a strip terminal.

[0061] The first electrode can be used as a positive electrode. In this case, the first substrate may include, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer may include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode can be used as a negative electrode. In this case, the second substrate may include, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer may include, for example, graphite.

[0062] The separator can be used to prevent short circuits between the first and second electrodes while allowing lithium ions to migrate. For example, the separator can be, but is not limited to, polyethylene membranes, polypropylene membranes, and polyethylene-polypropylene membranes.

[0063] The housing 120 can accommodate the electrode assembly 110 and the electrolyte, and forms the outline of a secondary battery. For example, the housing 120 may include a receiving portion configured to receive the electrode assembly 110 and a cover configured to close the receiving portion. However, the shape of the housing 120 is not limited thereto, and the housing 120 may be configured in various shapes such as circular, prismatic, etc. The housing 120 may also be formed of metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel, laminated films for forming bags, or plastics.

[0064] refer to Figure 1 The housing 120 may include a receiving portion configured to receive the electrode assembly 110 and a cover configured to close the receiving portion. The electrode assembly 110 can be inserted through an opening formed in a first side of the receiving portion, and the opening in the receiving portion can be closed by the cover. The area where the receiving portion and the cover meet can be sealed using a sealing material.

[0065] In one embodiment, coating A 112a and coating B 114a can be formed on at least some portions of the first substrate terminal block 112 and the second substrate terminal block 114 by applying a coating solution or by using a coating tape to surround at least some portions of the first substrate terminal block 112 and the second substrate terminal block 114. For example, coating A 112a may include coating A_1 and coating A_2. Coating A_1 may be formed on at least one of a first surface of the first substrate terminal block 112 or a second surface of the first substrate terminal block 112 opposite to the first surface. In some embodiments, coating A_2 may be placed or formed on at least one of a first side surface of the first substrate terminal block 112 connecting the first surface of the first substrate terminal block 112 and the second surface of the first substrate terminal block 112, and a second side surface of the first substrate terminal block 112 opposite to the first side surface of the first substrate terminal block 112. Reference Figure 1 The A_1 coating and the A_2 coating can be integrally formed (e.g., formed as a single integral piece), but are not limited thereto. For example, the A_1 coating and the A_2 coating can be distinct from each other. Similarly, the B coating 114a may include the B_1 coating and the B_2 coating. The B_1 coating may be disposed on at least one of the first surface of the second substrate terminal block 114 or the second surface of the second substrate terminal block 114 opposite to the first surface. In some embodiments, the B_2 coating may be disposed on at least one of the first side surface of the second substrate terminal block 114 connecting the first surface of the second substrate terminal block 114 and the second surface of the second substrate terminal block 114, and the second side surface of the second substrate terminal block 114 opposite to the first side surface of the second substrate terminal block 114. Reference Figure 1 The B1 coating and the B2 coating can be formed integrally, but are not limited to this. For example, the B1 coating and the B2 coating can be distinguishable from each other.

[0066] In the above configuration, the first surface (e.g., top surface) and / or the second surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the first substrate terminal block 112 or the second substrate terminal block 114 may be protected by a first coating (e.g., coating A_1 or coating B_1). In some embodiments, the first side surface and / or the second side surface of the first substrate terminal block 112 or the second substrate terminal block 114 may be protected by a second coating (e.g., coating A_2 or coating B_2). In some embodiments, in electrode assemblies that have been repeatedly charged and discharged and / or exposed to thermal environments, exposure of the substrate terminal blocks may be reduced or prevented. In some embodiments, exposure of a portion of the substrate terminal block of the positive electrode may be reduced or prevented, as exposure of a portion of the substrate terminal block of the positive electrode may result in a short circuit with the negative electrode. In some embodiments, by preventing or reducing contact between the positive and negative electrodes, fire may be prevented or reduced, and integrity may be achieved.

[0067] Figure 2 Examples of a first electrode 210 and a second electrode 220 according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. References Figure 2 The first electrode 210 may include a first electrode plate 214. The first electrode plate 214 may have a first active material layer 212. Hereinafter, reference numeral 212 may be used to indicate the first active material layer of the first electrode plate 214. The first electrode plate 214 may also be referred to as a first substrate. In some embodiments, the first active material layer 212 is disposed on at least a portion of the first substrate 214. For example, the first active material layer 212 may be disposed on at least one of a first surface of the first substrate 214 and a second surface of the first substrate 214 opposite to the first surface. In some embodiments, the first electrode 210 may include a first substrate tab 216 extending outward from a region of the first substrate 214 where the first active material layer 212 is not disposed. For example, the first substrate tab 216 may extend outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate 214 where the first active material layer 212 is not disposed.

[0068] Similarly, the second electrode 220 may include a second electrode plate 224 having a second active material layer 222. Hereinafter, reference numeral 222 may be used to indicate the second active material layer of the second electrode plate 224. The second electrode plate 224 may also be referred to as a second substrate. In some embodiments, the second active material layer 222 is disposed on at least a portion of the second substrate 224. For example, the second active material layer 222 may be disposed on at least one of a first surface of the second substrate 224 or a second surface of the second substrate 224 opposite to the first surface of the second substrate 224. Although Figure 2 Although not shown, the second electrode 220 may include a second substrate tab extending outward from a region of the second substrate 224 where the second active material layer 222 is not disposed.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In this document, the first substrate terminal block 216 and the second substrate terminal block are collectively referred to as substrate terminal blocks and are denoted by reference numeral 216, and are described with reference to the substrate terminal blocks. Similarly, the first substrate 214 and the second substrate 224 are collectively referred to as substrate 214, and the first active material layer 212 and the second active material layer 222 are collectively referred to as active material layer 212, and are described with reference to the substrate and the active material layer.

[0070] The first coating 230 may be disposed on at least one of a first surface of the substrate terminal block 216 and a second surface of the substrate terminal block opposite to the first surface of the substrate terminal block 216. For example, the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal block 216 may be surfaces opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the substrate terminal block 216. The first coating 230 may be disposed parallel to the active material layer 212. At least a portion of the first coating 230 may be disposed on the active material layer 212.

[0071] The second coating 240 may be disposed on the side surface of the substrate terminal block 216 that connects to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal block 216. For example, the second coating 240 may be disposed on at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface opposite to the first side surface of the substrate terminal block 216. For example, the first and second side surfaces of the substrate terminal block 216 may be opposite to each other in the width direction of the substrate terminal block 216 and connected to the side surfaces of the first and second surfaces of the substrate terminal block 216. The second coating 240 may be disposed perpendicular to the active material layer 212. At least a portion of the second coating 240 may be disposed on the active material layer 212. For example, at least a portion of the second coating 240 may be disposed on the side surface of the active material layer 212.

[0072] In embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode 210 can be a positive electrode, and the first electrode plate 214 can be a positive electrode plate. The second electrode 220 can be a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 224 can be a negative electrode plate.

[0073] In embodiments of this disclosure, one or more of the first coating 230 and the second coating 240 (e.g., each) may include an insulating material. In some embodiments, the insulating material may provide electrical insulation to reduce or prevent current from flowing through it. For example, one or more of the first coating 230 and the second coating 240 (e.g., each) may include at least one of organic and inorganic insulating materials. For example, one or more of the first coating 230 and the second coating 240 (e.g., each) may include at least one of polyimide and ceramic. In some embodiments, the first coating 230 may electrically insulate at least one of the first and second surfaces of the substrate tab 216 from an external object (e.g., another electrode plate). In some embodiments, the second coating 240 may electrically insulate at least one of the first and second side surfaces of the substrate tab 216 from an external object.

[0074] In embodiments of this disclosure, the height of the second electrode plate 224 in the extension direction of the substrate patch 216 may differ from the height of the first electrode plate 214 in the extension direction of the substrate patch 216. For example, the height of the second electrode plate 224 may be greater than the height of the first electrode plate 214. The height of the first coating 230 in the extension direction of the substrate patch 216 and the height of the second coating 240 in the extension direction of the substrate patch 216 may be determined based on the height difference "A" between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate in the extension direction of the substrate patch 216. For example, the height of the first coating 230 and the height of the second coating 240 may be greater than the height difference "A" between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. In some embodiments, the first coating 230 and the second coating 240 may prevent or hinder the electrical connection of the substrate patch 216 to the electrode plate and the substrate patch facing the substrate patch 216, and may prevent short circuits.

[0075] Figure 3 An example of an electrode 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a substrate connector 312 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 Examples of substrate tabs 312 and coatings (e.g., first coating 320 and second coating 330) according to embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Electrodes 310, substrate tabs 312, and coatings (e.g., first coating 320 and second coating 330) may be respectively similar to... Figure 2 The electrodes (e.g., first electrode 210 or second electrode 220), substrate tabs 216, and coatings (e.g., first coating 230 and second coating 240).

[0076] Electrode 310 may include a substrate tab 312 extending from a first side of the substrate. A first coating 320 may be disposed on at least one of a first surface of the substrate tab 312 and a second surface of the substrate tab 312 opposite to the first surface of the substrate tab 312. A second coating 330 may be disposed on a side surface of the substrate tab 312 connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate tab 312 (e.g., at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface).

[0077] refer to Figure 3 The first coating 320 may be disposed relative to the boundary of the electrode plate included in the electrode 310 at the contact substrate terminal block 312. In another example, the first coating 320 may be disposed at a predetermined distance from the boundary of the contact point between the electrode plate included in the electrode 310 and the substrate terminal block 312 in a direction away from the substrate terminal block 312.

[0078] In embodiments of this disclosure, the height H1 of the first coating 320 in the extension direction of the substrate patch 312 and the height H2 of the second coating 330 in the extension direction of the substrate patch 312 may be substantially the same or similar to each other. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the height H1 of the first coating 320 and the height H2 of the second coating 330 may be different from each other. For example, each of the height H1 of the first coating 320 and the height H2 of the second coating 330 may be in the range of approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 3.1 mm.

[0079] In embodiments of this disclosure, the width W1 of the first coating 320 in the width direction of the substrate patch 312 may be equal to or greater than the width of the first surface of the substrate patch 312. For example, the width W1 of the first coating 320 may be approximately 9 mm or greater. The portion of the first coating 320 that extends beyond the width of the first surface may cover at least a portion of a side surface of the substrate patch 312.

[0080] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the substrate terminal block 312 in the height direction is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (See also...) Figure 4 Active material layers 420_1 and 420_2, similar to the first active material layer 212 or the second active material layer 222, can be disposed on a portion of the substrate terminal block 312. For example, the first active material layer 420_1 can be disposed on a portion of the first surface of the substrate terminal block 312. In some embodiments, the second active material layer 420_2 can be disposed on a portion of the second surface of the substrate terminal block 312 opposite to the first surface of the substrate terminal block 312.

[0081] In one embodiment, the substrate patch 312 may include a first region 412 adjacent to the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2 and a second region 414 extending from the first region 412 in a direction away from the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2. In some embodiments, the first region 412 adjacent to the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2 may be a region of the substrate patch 312 where no active material layer 420 is disposed, which has a predetermined first height in a direction away from the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2. For example, a first end of the first region 412 positioned in a direction away from the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2 may correspond to a first end of the first coating 320 positioned in a direction away from the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2. In some embodiments, the first region 412 and the first coating 320 may face each other. In some embodiments, the second region 414 extending in a direction away from the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2 may be a region having a preset or predetermined second height from the first end of the substrate terminal block 312, on which the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2 are not disposed.

[0082] In embodiments of this disclosure, a portion of the first coating 320 may be located on the active material layers 420_1 and 420_2 located on the substrate patch 312. For example, a portion of the first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320 may be located on the first active material layer 420_1 located on the first surface of the substrate patch 312. In some embodiments, a portion of the second segment 320_2 of the first coating 320 may be located on the second active material layer 420_2 located on the second surface of the substrate patch 312. In this case, Figure 4 The remaining portion of the first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320 that is not located on the first active material layer 420_1 may be spaced apart from the substrate patch 312. Similarly, the remaining portion of the second segment 320_2 of the first coating 320 that is not located on the second active material layer 420_2 may be spaced apart from the substrate patch 312. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the remaining portion of the first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320 that is not located on the first active material layer 420_1 may be disposed or arranged on the substrate patch 312 (e.g., directly thereon). In some embodiments, the first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320 may be bent relative to a first end of the first active material layer 420_1. Similarly, the remaining portion of the second segment 320_2 of the first coating 320 that is not located on the second active material layer 420_2 may be disposed on the substrate patch 312 (e.g., directly thereon). In some embodiments, the second segment 320_2 of the first coating 320 may be bent relative to a first end of the second active material layer 420_2.

[0083] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, a first active material layer 420_1 is shown disposed on a first surface of the substrate terminal block 312, and a second active material layer 420_2 is shown disposed on a second surface of the substrate terminal block 312, but these are not intended to be limiting. For example, the first active material layer 420_1 may not be disposed on the first surface of the substrate terminal block 312, or the second active material layer 420_2 may not be disposed on the second surface of the substrate terminal block 312. In this case, the coating (e.g., the first coating 320) may be directly disposed on the substrate terminal block 312.

[0084] refer to Figure 5 Some areas of the substrate contact 312 may be surrounded by a first coating 320 and a second coating 330 on four sides. For example, a first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320 may be disposed on a first surface of the substrate contact 312, and a second segment 320_2 of the first coating 320 may be disposed on a second surface of the substrate contact 312. A first segment 330_1 of the second coating 330 may be disposed on a first side surface of the substrate contact 312 that connects to the first and second surfaces of the substrate contact 312, and a second segment 330_2 of the second coating 330 may be disposed on a second side surface of the substrate contact 312 opposite to the first side surface of the substrate contact 312. However, this is not intended to be limiting, and the first coating 320 may be disposed on only one of the first and second surfaces of the substrate contact 312, and / or the second coating 330 may be disposed on only one of the first and second side surfaces of the substrate contact 312.

[0085] In embodiments of this disclosure, the thickness D1 of the first coating 320 may be the same as or similar to the thickness D2 of the second coating 330. In another example, the thickness D1 of the first coating 320 and the thickness D2 of the second coating 330 may be different from each other. For example, each of the thickness D1 of the first coating 320 and the thickness D2 of the second coating 330 may be in the range of approximately 2 μm to approximately 8 μm.

[0086] In embodiments of this disclosure, the width W2 of the second coating 330 in the thickness direction of the substrate terminal block 312 may be greater than the thickness of the substrate terminal block 312. The portion of the second coating 330 that is greater than the thickness of the substrate terminal block 312 may be disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal block 312. In another example, the width W2 of the second coating 330 may be greater than the sum of the thickness of the substrate terminal block 312, the thickness of the first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320, and the thickness of the second segment 320_2 of the first coating 320. The area of ​​the second coating 330 may be disposed on at least one of the first segment 320_1 of the first coating 320 disposed on the first surface of the substrate terminal block 312 and the second segment 320_2 of the second coating 320 disposed on the second surface of the substrate terminal block 312.

[0087] Figure 6 The first and second electrodes are illustrated in a comparative example of this disclosure and are subjected to a short circuit. Figure 6 A comparative example shows the positive electrode 610 and the negative electrode 620 in the electrode assembly of a secondary battery. Figure 6 In the example shown, the membrane provided between the positive electrode 610 and the negative electrode 620 is not shown.

[0088] In the positive electrode 610, the first coating 614 may be disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal block 612. Figure 6 In the example shown, the second coating may not be provided on the opposite side surfaces of the first and second surfaces connected to the substrate terminal block 612.

[0089] along with Figure 6 As illustrated in the comparative example of a secondary battery, repeated charging and discharging may cause each of the positive electrode 610 and negative electrode 620 to repeatedly expand / contract. Furthermore, with repeated charging and discharging of the secondary battery, or depending on the usage environment, the positive electrode 610 and negative electrode 620 may be exposed to high temperatures and suffer thermal damage. Accordingly, the separator provided between the positive electrode 610 and negative electrode 620 may be damaged. Similarly, the first coating 614 disposed on the substrate tab 612 may also be damaged. For example, the separator and / or the first coating 614 may crack or shrink due to heat. In this case, the side surface of the substrate tab 612 may be more exposed to the outside or to components outside the substrate tab 612, and the substrate tab 612 may be more likely to come into contact with other electrodes (e.g., negative electrode 620). In this case, a short circuit may be formed by or more easily formed by the substrate tab 612.

[0090] In comparison, in reference Figure 2In the first electrode 210 described according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the side surface of the substrate tab 216 may be covered by the second coating 240. In this case, even if at least one of the diaphragm provided between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 and the first coating 230 is damaged, the side surface of the substrate tab 216 can still be covered by the second coating 240. Even if the second coating 240 is damaged, the substrate tab 216 can still be adequately covered by the remaining undamaged portion of the second coating 230.

[0091] Figure 7 The image is of the first electrode assembly in the comparative example of this disclosure after a heat exposure test was performed on the first electrode assembly. Figure 8 The image is of the second electrode assembly in the example of this disclosure after a heat exposure test was performed on the second electrode assembly. Figure 7 The first electrode assembly shown may include a reference electrode assembly. Figure 6 The comparative examples described are substantially the same electrodes. For example, in the positive electrode that includes the first electrode assembly, the coating (e.g., the second coating) may not be provided on the opposite side surface of the substrate tab.

[0092] The first example 700 may show a portion of the first electrode assembly that has undergone a heat exposure test at approximately 130°C. (Reference) Figure 7 As can be seen in the first example 700, ignition has already begun in the first region 710. The first region 710 may be the region where the substrate tab of the positive electrode plate is located. In some embodiments, under high-temperature conditions, the diaphragm provided between the positive and negative electrode plates may be damaged, and the coating (e.g., the first coating) on ​​the first surface of the substrate tab of the positive electrode plate and on the second surface of the substrate tab opposite to the first surface of the substrate tab may be damaged, potentially increasing the risk of short circuits. Accordingly, the first electrode assembly, including the comparative example, may be susceptible to fire hazards.

[0093] Figure 8 Image 800 is a second electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure after a heat exposure test has been performed on the second electrode assembly. Figure 8 The second electrode assembly shown may include a reference electrode assembly. Figure 2 The described embodiments use substantially the same electrodes. For example, a coating (e.g., a second coating) may be applied to the first or opposite side surface of the substrate tab of the positive electrode included in the second electrode assembly.

[0094] Figure 8 Image 800 is an image of the second electrode assembly that has been subjected to a heat exposure test at approximately 130°C. Figure 8The second electrode assembly in image 800 has not yet been ignited. Instead, image 800 shows that the diaphragm included in the second electrode assembly has been partially broken / damaged due to thermal shrinkage. In some embodiments, even if the diaphragm provided between the positive and negative electrode plates is damaged at high temperatures, and the coating placed or disposed on the substrate tab of the positive electrode plate (e.g., Figure 2 Even if the first coating 230 and the second coating 240 are damaged, a short circuit will not occur. This is because the coatings (e.g., those on the side surfaces of the substrate terminals) are... Figure 2 The second coating 240), including electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure, allows the secondary battery to be used more safely due to the reduced risk of fire.

[0095] Figure 9 A flowchart 900 illustrates an exemplary secondary battery electrode manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may be equipment used to manufacture secondary battery electrodes according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] In one embodiment, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing method can be started in S910 by preparing an electrode plate having an active material layer disposed on at least a portion of a substrate using a secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus.

[0097] In one embodiment, in S920, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus can form a substrate terminal block extending outward from the portion of the substrate where no active material layer is provided.

[0098] In one embodiment, in S930, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may form a first coating on at least one of a first surface of the substrate terminal block and a second surface of the substrate terminal block opposite to the first surface of the substrate terminal block.

[0099] In one embodiment, in S940, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may form a second coating on at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal piece. For example, the first coating and the second coating may be formed together by using a coating tape around the first surface, the second surface and the first side surface of the substrate terminal piece, or around the first surface, the second surface and the opposite side surface of the substrate terminal piece. In another example, the second coating may be formed by applying a coating solution to at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal piece. In some embodiments, the first coating and the second coating may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto.

[0100] In one embodiment, the substrate tab includes a first region adjacent to the active material layer and a second region extending from the first region in a direction away from the active material layer, and a first coating and a second coating may be disposed in the first region.

[0101] In one embodiment, the electrode plate is a positive electrode plate, and the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating can be determined based on the height difference between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

[0102] In one embodiment, the second coating may electrically insulate at least one of the first and second sides of the substrate terminal block.

[0103] In one embodiment, the first coating may have a width of 9 mm or greater. The width of the second coating may range from 12 μm to 18 μm. The width of the second coating may be greater than the thickness of the substrate tab. The height of each of the first and second coatings may range from approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 3.1 mm. The thickness of each of the first and second coatings may range from approximately 2 μm to approximately 8 μm. The second coating may comprise at least one of polyimide and ceramic.

[0104] Figure 10 Another flowchart 1000 illustrates an exemplary secondary battery electrode manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may be an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may be used for performing and referring to... Figure 9 The described methods for manufacturing secondary battery electrodes differ from those for manufacturing secondary battery electrodes using different equipment. However, by referring to... Figure 10 The secondary battery electrode manufactured by the described secondary battery electrode manufacturing method can be used with reference to... Figure 9 The electrodes of the described secondary battery are the same.

[0105] In one or more embodiments, in S1010, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus can prepare an electrode plate having an active material layer disposed on at least a portion of a substrate.

[0106] In one or more embodiments, in S1020, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may form a first coating on at least a portion of the region adjacent to the active material layer on the substrate.

[0107] In one or more embodiments, in S1030, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing equipment can form substrate terminals by stamping a region in the substrate adjacent to the active material layer.

[0108] In one or more embodiments, in S1040, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus may form a second coating on at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block.

[0109] Figure 9 and Figure 10 The flowcharts and descriptions above are merely illustrative of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 And the flowcharts described above. For example, you can add / change / delete flowcharts and one or more operations (or steps) described above, change the order of one or more operations, and perform one or more operations simultaneously or together.

[0110] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, it is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and equivalent scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A secondary battery electrode, comprising: An electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer on at least a portion of the substrate; The substrate terminal block extends outward from a region of the substrate that does not have the active material layer; The first coating is applied to at least one of a first surface of the substrate terminal block and a second surface of the substrate terminal block opposite to the first surface of the substrate terminal block. as well as The second coating is applied to at least one of the first side surface of the substrate terminal block and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block opposite to the first side surface of the substrate terminal block. The first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block are connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal block.

2. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the substrate terminal includes a first region adjacent to the active material layer and a second region extending from the first region in a direction away from the active material layer, and The first coating and the second coating are applied to the first region.

3. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the width of the first coating in the width direction of the substrate terminal piece is equal to or greater than 9 mm.

4. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the width of the second coating in the thickness direction of the substrate terminal piece is in the range of 12 μm to 18 μm.

5. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the width of the second coating in the thickness direction of the substrate terminal block is greater than the thickness of the substrate terminal block.

6. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein in the extending direction of the substrate terminal piece, the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating are each in the range of 2.5 mm to 3.1 mm.

7. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first coating and the thickness of the second coating are each in the range of 2 μm to 8 μm.

8. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the electrode plate is a positive electrode plate.

9. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the second coating comprises at least one of polyimide and ceramic.

10. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 8, wherein the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating are determined based on the height difference between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate in the extending direction of the substrate terminal piece.

11. The secondary battery electrode of claim 1, wherein the second coating electrically insulates at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block.

12. The secondary battery electrode according to claim 1, wherein the first coating and the second coating are integrally formed.

13. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode, comprising: An electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer disposed on at least a portion of the substrate is prepared; Forming substrate terminals extending outward from a region of the substrate without the active material layer; A first coating is formed on at least one of the first surface of the substrate terminal block and the second surface of the substrate terminal block opposite to the first surface of the substrate terminal block; as well as A second coating is formed on at least one of the first side surface of the substrate terminal block and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block opposite to the first side surface of the substrate terminal block. The first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block are connected to the first surface and the second surface of the substrate terminal block.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the formation of the second coating comprises forming the first coating and the second coating together by using a coating tape around the first surface, the second surface and the first side surface of the substrate patch or around the first surface, the second surface and the second side surface of the substrate patch.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the formation of the second coating comprises forming the second coating by applying a coating solution to at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate tab.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the substrate tab includes a first region adjacent to the active material layer and a second region extending from the first region in a direction away from the active material layer, and The first coating and the second coating are placed on the first area.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the electrode plate is a positive electrode plate, and In the extending direction of the substrate terminal piece, the height of the first coating and the height of the second coating are determined based on the height difference between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the second coating electrically insulates at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface of the substrate terminal block.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the first coating and the second coating are integrally formed.

20. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode, comprising: An electrode plate having a substrate and an active material layer disposed on at least a portion of the substrate is prepared; A first coating is formed on at least a portion of the region of the substrate adjacent to the active material layer; A substrate terminal block is formed by stamping the region of the substrate adjacent to the active material layer. as well as A second coating is formed on at least one of the first side surface and the second side surface opposite to the first side surface of the substrate terminal block.

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