Carrier

Abstract

A carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention penetrates a winding center hole of an electrode assembly that defines a core and an outer peripheral surface by winding a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode around a winding axis, and includes a center pin extending in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly, a support base located below the center pin and supporting the electrode assembly from below, and a base including at least a pair of bearings configured to be rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the winding axis and located below the support base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier. More specifically, it relates to a carrier for supporting and / or transporting an electrode assembly of a battery cell.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174176 filed on December 13, 2022, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are highly adaptable to a variety of products and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by an electric drive source. Such secondary batteries not only have the temporary advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also have the advantage of producing no by-products associated with energy use, and thus are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and improved energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of such a unit secondary battery cell, that is, a unit battery cell, is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in series to form a battery pack. In addition, depending on the charge and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells may be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be variously set according to the required output voltage and / or charge and discharge capacity.

[0005] On the other hand, conventional electrode assembly carriers included a component called an insert ring. The insert ring is a component required for the taping process and the insertion process of the electrode assembly. However, in carriers including such an insert ring, when proceeding with the taping process, the number of equipment units for raising / lowering the insert ring increases, and there is a problem that abnormal placement occurs when the insert ring is raised / lowered. This could cause equipment downtime and / or process issues.

[0006] In addition, when the insert ring was not properly placed during the process of placing the insert ring inside the carrier after a 180° rotation, there could be problems with abnormal placement of the electrode assembly such as tilting and / or pinching.

[0007] Also, when the insert ring inside the carrier came off during the rotary process, there was a problem of causing issues when proceeding with the process.

[0008] In addition, the insert ring was a point of operation management that needed to be managed during cleaning and wear, and was regarded as a problem from the perspective of operation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to enable two types of processes, such as the tape winding process (taping process) and the insertion process of the electrode assembly into the battery housing, while eliminating the insert ring, which is a management point of the carrier.

[0010] Specifically, another object of the present invention is to achieve simplification of the structure and simplification of the process compared to the insert ring carrier with a double structure by using the pin carrier type.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention further aims to eliminate the insert ring from the carrier and improve the causes of abnormal placement and removal during the process of the insert ring, which cause equipment immobility and process issues.

[0012] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems at all, and other problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] A carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode, which is wound around a winding axis to define a core and an outer peripheral surface, penetrating through a winding center hole of an electrode assembly, a center pin extending in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly, a support base located below the center pin for supporting the electrode assembly from below, and a base including at least a pair of bearings located below the support base and configured to be rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the winding axis.

[0014] Preferably, the base can be configured to rotate the support base.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the carrier can be configured not to include an insert ring.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the length of the center pin can be configured to be further smaller than the length of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction or equal to the length of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the center pin can have a shape in which the radius decreases as it progresses toward the end.

[0018] In another aspect of the present invention, the support base may support a current collector coupled on one side of the electrode assembly.

[0019] Here, the current collector may include a support portion disposed on one side of the electrode assembly, a tab coupling portion extending from the support portion and coupled to a first plain portion of the electrode assembly, and a housing coupling portion extending from the support portion and configured to be electrically coupled onto an inner surface of the battery housing.

[0020] Preferably, the housing coupling portion may include a contact portion coupled onto an inner surface of the battery housing and a connection portion connecting the support portion and the contact portion.

[0021] Preferably, the connection portion may have a structure that is convex on one side with respect to a virtual straight line connecting both longitudinal ends of the connection portion.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, the connection portion may have a shape in which its inclination gradually or progressively decreases as it advances toward the contact portion.

[0023] In still another aspect of the present invention, the support base may be configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly.

[0024] For example, the shape of the support base may be configured to match the shape of the connection portion of the current collector.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the support base may be configured to be even larger than the diameter of the winding center hole provided in the core of the electrode assembly.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the support base may be configured to be even larger than the diameter of the current collector hole formed in the center portion of the current collector.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, a carrier without an insert ring enables the support and rotation processes of the electrode assembly.

[0028] In addition, a structure in which a bearing is included inside the base of the carrier enables the taping process to be performed smoothly.

[0029] Ultimately, when inserting the electrode assembly into the battery housing, the insert ring becomes unnecessary during the rotation process. This can fundamentally prevent the problem of the inclination of the electrode assembly due to abnormal placement of the insert ring during the conveyance and placement of the insert ring. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve simplification of the equipment design and structure by eliminating the insert ring, and it is possible to remove the points of operation management.

[0030] In addition, by adding a bearing to smoothly rotate the carrier, it is possible to eliminate the cause of issues related to the progress of the taping process, which is the tape winding process.

[0031] However, the effects obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0032] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of further understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the content of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way, they are to be construed in meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention.

[0035]

[0036] ​FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a battery cell B according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a current collector 30 included in the battery cell B according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a coupling form between the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the current collector 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled onto one side of the electrode assembly 10.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell B according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly 10, a battery housing 20, and a current collector 30. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the shape of the battery cell B.

[0038] The electrode assembly 10 includes a first plain portion 11 and a second plain portion 12. More specifically, the electrode assembly 10 has a structure in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator sandwiched therebetween are wound around a winding axis to define a core and an outer peripheral surface with the separator sandwiched therebetween. That is, the electrode assembly 10 applied to the present invention may be a jelly roll type electrode assembly 10. In this case, an additional separator may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the electrode assembly 10 for insulation from the battery housing 20. The electrode assembly 10 may have a well-known winding structure in the art without limitation.

[0039] The first electrode includes a first current collector 30 and a first electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the first current collector 30. At one end of the first electrode in the width direction (the direction parallel to the height direction of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in FIG. 1), there is a plain portion where the first electrode active material is not coated. That is, the first electrode does not have the active material coated on the end of the long side along the winding direction, and includes a plain portion exposed outside the separator. Hereinafter, the plain portion that functions as the first electrode tab is referred to as the first plain portion 11. The first plain portion 11 is provided at the upper part in the height direction (the direction parallel to the height direction of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in FIG. 1) of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery housing 20. That is, the first electrode does not have the active material layer coated on the end of the long side, includes the first plain portion 11 exposed outside the separator, and at least a part of the first plain portion 11 is used as an electrode tab itself. The first plain portion 11 can be, for example, a negative electrode tab.

[0040] On the other hand, at least a part of the first plain portion 11 may include a plurality of divided pieces divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of divided pieces 11a can be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 in connection with FIG. 1, the plurality of divided pieces 11a of the bent first plain portion 11 can overlap multiple times to form a bent surface. In this case, the tab coupling portion 32 of the current collector 30 described later can be coupled on the bent surface. The tab coupling portion 32 can be coupled in a region where the plurality of divided pieces overlap multiple times. In this case, welding to a certain region can be performed with the tab coupling portion 32 placed on the bent surface of the first plain portion 11. That is, the tab coupling portion 32 can be coupled in a region where the plurality of divided pieces of the first plain portion 11 overlap multiple times.

[0042] The second electrode includes a second current collector 30 and a second electrode active material coated on one or both sides of the second current collector 30. At the other end of the second electrode in the width direction (the direction parallel to the height direction of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in FIG. 1), there is a plain portion where the second electrode active material is not coated. That is, the second electrode does not have the active material coated on the end of the long side along the winding direction and includes a plain portion exposed outside the separator. Hereinafter, the plain portion functioning as the second electrode tab is referred to as the second plain portion 12. The second plain portion 12 is provided at the lower part in the height direction of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery housing 20. That is, the second electrode does not have the active material layer coated on the end of the long side and includes the second plain portion exposed outside the separator, and at least a part of the second plain portion is used as an electrode tab by itself. The second plain portion 12 can be, for example, a positive electrode tab.

[0043] On the other hand, at least a part of the second plain portion 12 may include a plurality of divided pieces divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of divided pieces can be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. Referring to FIG. 1, the plurality of divided pieces of the bent second plain portion 12 can overlap multiple times to form a bent surface. In this case, the second current collector 30 described later can be coupled on the bent surface.

[0044] On the other hand, in the present invention, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation as long as they are known active materials in the art.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the battery housing 20 is a generally cylindrical container with an open portion formed on one side, and is made of a conductive metal material. The side surface of the battery housing 20 and the lower surface (the lower side surface with reference to FIG. 1) located on the opposite side of the open portion are usually integrally formed. That is, the battery housing 20 generally has a shape with an open upper end and a closed lower end in its height direction. The lower surface of the battery housing 20 may have a generally flat shape. The battery housing 20 accommodates the electrode assembly 10 through an open portion formed on one side in its height direction (a direction aligned with the Z-axis). The battery housing 20 may also accommodate the electrolyte together through the open portion.

[0046] The battery housing 20 may include a beading portion 21 formed at an end adjacent to the open portion provided at the upper end of the battery housing 20. The battery housing 20 may further include a crimping portion 22 formed on the beading portion 21. The beading portion 21 has a shape in which the periphery of the outer surface of the battery housing 20 is recessed to a predetermined depth. More specifically, the beading portion 21 may have a shape recessed inward in the region between the open portion formed on the side of the battery housing 20 and the accommodating portion for accommodating the electrode assembly 10.

[0047] The beading portion 21 may provide a support surface on which at least a part of the periphery of the current collector 30 described later can be placed and joined. That is, at least a part of the periphery of the current collector 30 of the present invention may be placed on the upper surface of the beading portion 21. In order to stably support at least a part of the periphery of the current collector 30, the upper surface of the beading portion 21 may have a shape extending along a direction substantially parallel to the lower surface of the battery housing 20, that is, along a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the battery housing 20. Referring to FIG. 4 in connection with FIG. 1, the beading portion 21 may function as a support portion 31 for fixing the contact portion 33a of the current collector 30.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 1, the crimping portion 22 is formed above the beading portion 21. The crimping portion 22 has a shape that extends and is bent so as to wrap around the periphery of the housing cover disposed above the beading portion 21. Due to such a shape of the crimping portion 22, the housing cover is fixed on the beading portion 21.

[0049] Next, based on FIGS. 1 to 4, the current collector 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0050] First, referring to FIG. 1, the current collector 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention is housed inside the battery housing 20, electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10, and electrically connected to the battery housing 20. That is, the current collector 30 electrically connects the electrode assembly 10 and the battery housing 20.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the current collector 30 includes a support portion 31 disposed on one side of the electrode assembly 10, a tab coupling portion 32 extending from the support portion 31 and coupled to the plain portion of the electrode assembly 10, and a housing coupling portion 33 extending from the support portion 31 and configured to be electrically coupled onto the inner surface of the battery housing 20.

[0052] The tab coupling portion 32 and the first housing coupling portion 33 are connected through the support portion 31 in a non-direct manner and are not directly connected to each other. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the cylindrical battery cell B of the present invention, the possibility of damage occurring at the coupling locations between the current collector 30 and the electrode assembly 10 and between the current collector 30 and the battery housing 20 can be minimized. The tab coupling portion 32 and / or the first housing coupling portion 33 can be provided with at least one or more. At least one of the tab coupling portions 32 and at least one of the first housing coupling portions 33 can be arranged, for example, in a substantially radial, cross-shaped, or a combined shape thereof, with respect to the central portion of the current collector 30. In another aspect, each of the plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 can be arranged between adjacent tab coupling portions 32.

[0053] The support portion 31 and the plurality of tab coupling portions 32 can be arranged on one side of the electrode assembly 10. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the support portion 31 and the plurality of tab coupling portions 32 can be arranged on the upper part of the electrode assembly 10. The tab coupling portion 32 is coupled to the first plain portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10. The tab coupling portion 32 can be coupled to the first plain portion 11 by welding, for example, along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. The tab coupling portion 32 can be coupled to the first plain portion 11 by welding in a state substantially parallel to the lower surface of the battery housing 20, for example.

[0054] On the other hand, not only the tab coupling portion 32 but also the support portion 31 can be coupled to the first plain portion 11. The tab coupling portion 32 and the first plain portion 11 can be coupled by welding. The support portion 31 and the tab coupling portion 32 can be located below the beading portion 21 when the beading portion 21 is formed on the battery housing 20.

[0055] The support portion 31 may be provided with a current collector hole H2 formed at a position corresponding to the winding center hole H1 formed at a substantially central portion of the electrode assembly 10. The winding center hole H1 and the current collector hole H2 that communicate with each other may function as a passage for inserting a welding rod for welding the terminal of the battery and the second current collector 30 or for irradiating a laser beam for welding the terminal and the lead tab.

[0056] The plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 may have a shape extending substantially radially from the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 toward the side wall of the battery housing 20. Each of the plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 may be positioned apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion 31. At least one first housing coupling portion 33 may be positioned between adjacent tab coupling portions 32. The plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 may be coupled to, for example, the beading portion 21 among the inner surfaces of the battery housing 20. The first housing coupling portion 33 may be particularly coupled to the upper surface of the beading portion 21. In the cylindrical battery cell B of the present invention, when such a structure is applied, through the step of accommodating the electrode assembly 10 in which the current collector 30 is coupled into the battery housing 20, the first housing coupling portion 33 can be naturally placed on the beading portion 21. Therefore, the welding process between the battery housing 20 and the current collector 30 can be easily performed. As the welding for coupling the battery housing 20 and the current collector 30, for example, laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or spot welding can be employed.

[0057] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 2, the first housing coupling portion 33 may include a contact portion 33a coupled to the inner surface of the battery housing 20 and a first connection portion 33b connecting the support portion 31 and the contact portion 33a. The first connection portion 33b and the contact portion 33a may have substantially the same width along the extending direction. The first tab coupling portion 32 may have a width larger than that of the first connection portion 33b. The contact portion 33a may have a width larger than that of the first connection portion 33b.

[0058] The contact portion 33a is coupled onto the inner surface of the battery housing 20. When the beading portion 21 is formed on the battery housing 20, the contact portion 33a can be coupled onto the beading portion 21 as described above. In this case, as described above, for stable contact and coupling, both the beading portion 21 and the contact portion 33a may have a shape extending along a direction substantially aligned with the lower surface of the battery housing 20, that is, a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the battery housing 20.

[0059] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the connection portion 33b before the sizing process may have a structure convex on one side with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection point between the connection portion 33b and the tab coupling portion 32, that is, a virtual straight line connecting both longitudinal ends of the connection portion 33b. For example, the connection portion 33b before the sizing process may have a structure convex upward with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection point between the connection portion 33b and the tab coupling portion 32, that is, a virtual straight line connecting both longitudinal ends of the connection portion 33b.

[0060] Therefore, preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the gradient of the connection portion 33b is not constant, and the gradient in the upper region is smaller than the gradient in the lower region with respect to a predetermined point. The predetermined point may be located above the intermediate point of the connection portion 33b. As an alternative, the connection portion 33b may have a shape convex upward with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the tab coupling portion 32 and the contact portion 33a. Also, the gradient of the connection portion 33b may decrease stepwise or gradually as the connection portion 33b advances toward the contact portion 33a.

[0061] Hereinafter, a carrier 1 capable of supporting and / or transporting and / or rotating the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 included in such a battery cell B will be described.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the process of mounting electrode assembly 10 and current collector 30 on carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the state where electrode assembly 10 and current collector 30 are mounted on carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining in detail how carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention supports electrode assembly 10 and current collector 30.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, the carrier 1 includes a center pin 100, a support base 200, and a base 300. More specifically, the carrier 1 passes through the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator sandwiched therebetween are wound around a winding axis to define a core and an outer peripheral surface, and extends in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly 10. The center pin 100, a support base 200 located below the center pin 100 and supporting the electrode assembly 10 from below, and at least a pair of bearings 310 located below the support base 200 and configured to be rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the winding axis. The carrier 1 may include a base 300.

[0064] The carrier 1 can support and transport the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the carrier 1 can support and transport the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 coupled thereto.

[0065] The base 300 can maintain a fixed state. At least one bearing 310 may be included in the internal region of the base 300. Preferably, the base 300 may be configured to rotate the support base 200. More specifically, the bearing 310 included inside the base 300 may be structurally coupled to the support base 200. That is, as the bearing 310 rotates inside the base 300, the support base 200 connected to the bearing 310 can also rotate together. When the base 300 rotates the support base 200, the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30, which support and are in contact with the support base 200 from below, can also rotate together while the support base 200 rotates. In an embodiment of the present invention, since the base 300 includes the bearing 310, the rotation of the support base 200 can be performed more smoothly.

[0066] According to such a structure, the carrier 1 can perform the taping (tape winding) process of the electrode assembly 10. Here, the taping process is a process of winding a tape around the electrode assembly 10, and a 360° rotation of the electrode assembly 10 is required. In the present invention, since at least a pair of bearings 310 are provided on the base 300, the electrode assembly 10 mounted on the carrier 1 can be easily rotated.

[0067] Also, according to the above structure, the carrier 1 can perform the insertion process of the electrode assembly 10. For example, the carrier 1 can support the electrode assembly 10 from below. At this time, in a rotary facility for inserting the electrode assembly 10 into the battery housing 20, the carrier 1 can push up and insert the electrode assembly 10 located at the lower part into the battery housing 20 located at the upper part.

[0068] Moreover, according to the structure of the pin carrier 1 including the bearing 310, it becomes possible to simplify the structure and the process compared to the insert ring carrier 1 having a double structure. That is, the taping process, which is a tape winding process, can be successfully performed using the bearing 310 included in the carrier 1 of the present invention. Also, it becomes possible to successfully perform the process of fixing the electrode assembly 10 using the structure of the center pin 100 included in the carrier 1 of the present invention and inserting it into the battery housing 20.

[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 1 does not include an insert ring.

[0070] For example, referring to FIG. 5, it can be confirmed that, unlike the conventional carrier, the carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention does not include an insert ring. In this regard, the conventional carrier includes an insert ring, and in the taping process, after raising the insert ring through a cylinder to advance the winding of the tape, the insert ring is placed to complete the process. However, in such a case, when proceeding with the taping process, an increase in the equipment units required to raise or lower the insert ring has been inevitable. As a result, there has been a problem that abnormal placement occurs when the insert ring is raised or lowered, causing the equipment to stop or process issues. Also, after the electrode assembly 10 is rotated 180°, there have been cases where the insert ring cannot be normally placed during the process of placing the insert ring inside the carrier. That is, there has been a problem that abnormal placement such as tilting or pinching of the electrode assembly 10 occurs. Also, during the rotary process, the insert ring inside the carrier often falls out, ultimately causing issues when proceeding with the process. Moreover, the insert ring is a point of operation management that should be managed during cleaning and wear, and it has not been easy from the aspect of operation.

[0071] For this reason, conventionally, as an alternative to the insert ring carrier, an integrated pin carrier has also been applied. However, generally, in the case of a pin carrier used when transporting a raw material having a center hole, since it is integrated with the pin, there is a problem that it is not suitable for a winding process such as a taping process. Further, when using an integrated pin carrier, since there is no rotating part, there is a possibility of causing process and equipment issues in the taping process, which is a winding process of a rotary type tape. Therefore, there is an increasing voice that a carrier 1 that can proceed with the winding process without including an insert ring is necessary.

[0072] According to the carrier 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 1 does not include an insert ring. Instead, it includes a bearing 310 as a component for the rotation of the electrode assembly 10, and the bearing 310 may be included inside a base 300 located below the electrode assembly 10. A plurality of the bearings 310 may be provided, for example.

[0073] According to such a structure, by eliminating the insert ring from the carrier 1, it is possible to fundamentally prevent abnormal placement of the insert ring that causes equipment immobility and process issues. Further, it is possible to fundamentally block the problem that the insert ring is removed during the process.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, the electrode assembly 10 may have a generally cylindrical jelly roll shape. Here, the current collector 30 may be coupled onto one surface of the cylinder. In FIG. 6, the current collector 30 may be coupled to the lower surface of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 may be coupled onto the bent surface where the first plain portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10 is bent. For example, the bent surface and the support portion 31 may be coupled by welding. On the other hand, the tab coupling portion 32 extending from the support portion 31 may also be coupled onto the bent surface. On the other hand, the housing coupling portion 33 of the current collector 30 may extend in a direction away from the electrode assembly 10 from the support portion 31. That is, referring to FIG. 6, the housing coupling portion 33 may extend in the +X direction and the -Z direction.

[0075] In one aspect of the present invention, the central pin 100 may be provided at the center of the carrier 1. The central pin 100 may have the shape of a long rod such that the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 fits therein. The diameter of the central pin 100 may be configured to be smaller than or equal to the diameter of the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10. The central pin 100 may have a shape connected to the central column provided on the base 300. Since the central column of the base 300 is fixed to the base 300, the central pin 100 may also be in a fixed state. That is, the central pin 100 may not rotate in some cases.

[0076] The central pin 100 may include a main body portion 110 and a terminal portion 120. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the main body portion 110 of the central pin 100 may have a rod shape provided at the center of the carrier 1. That is, the main body portion 110 may be a generally cylindrical structure extending along the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly 10. The terminal portion 120 means a terminal region extending from the main body portion 110 to the terminal. The terminal portion 120 may have a shape in which the radius decreases as it progresses toward the terminal. That is, the central pin 100 may have a shape in which the radius decreases as it progresses toward the terminal. For example, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the terminal portion 120 may have a pointed shape. According to such a structure, the process of attaching the electrode assembly 10 to the central pin 100 can be easily performed. If the terminal portion 120 of the central pin 100 is round or has the same radius as the main body portion 110, since the radius difference from the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is not large, if there is a minute error, the region around the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is likely to be damaged by the central pin 100. Therefore, it is preferable that the terminal portion 120 has a shape in which the radius decreases as it progresses toward the terminal.

[0077] On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7, the length of the central pin 100 may be configured to be smaller than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly 10 in the winding axis direction.

[0078] If the length of the central pin 100 is longer than the length of the electrode assembly 10 in the winding axis direction, when the electrode assembly 10 is inserted into the battery housing 20, the electrode assembly 10 cannot be completely inserted to the bottom surface of the battery housing 20. Therefore, it is preferable that the length of the central pin 100 is configured to be smaller than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly 10 in the winding axis direction.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the support base 200 may include a support surface 210 and a support body 220. The support base 200 may support the current collector 30 coupled on one side of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the support surface 210 may support the current collector 30. The support body 220 means the body portion of the support base 200 extending downward from the support surface 210. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the support body 220 has a shape extending downward from the support surface 210 and has a shape in which its radius gradually or stepwise increases as it proceeds downward. That is, the support base 200 may be configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10.

[0080] For example, referring to FIG. 7, the housing coupling portion 33 of the current collector 30 may have a structure convex on one side with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection point between the connection portion 33b and the tab coupling portion 32, that is, a virtual straight line connecting both longitudinal ends of the connection portion 33b. Explaining with reference to the coordinate system of FIG. 7, the housing coupling portion 33 may have a structure convex in the -Z direction with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection point between the connection portion 33b and the tab coupling portion 32, that is, a virtual straight line connecting both longitudinal ends of the connection portion 33b. For example, the housing coupling portion 33 of the current collector 30 in FIG. 7 may be bent once at the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and may be bent once within the region of the connection portion 33b. Here, the bent angles may both be obtuse angles. That is, the connection portion 33b may have a shape in which its inclination gradually or stepwise decreases as it proceeds toward the contact portion 33a. That is, the housing coupling portion 33 may have a shape in which the length measured horizontally from the winding axis to the housing coupling portion 33 gradually increases. In other words, the radius of the housing coupling portion 33 measured horizontally from the winding axis may gradually increase as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10.

[0081] On the one hand, the support portion 31 supports the current collector 30 having such a shape from below. Therefore, it is preferable that the support portion 31 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the current collector 30. For example, the shape of the support base 200 may be configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10, which may substantially coincide with the shape in which the radius of the housing coupling portion 33 measured in the horizontal direction from the winding shaft gradually increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the support body 220 of the support base 200 may have a generally conical shape in which its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10. However, the support base 200 may have a conical shape cut by a substantially flat support surface 210.

[0082] According to such a structure, it becomes possible for the housing coupling portion 33 to be supported and protected by the support base 200. That is, the support base 200 having a shape substantially the same as the shape of the housing coupling portion 33 contacts the housing coupling portion 33 in a partial region and supports the housing coupling portion 33, so that the housing coupling portion 33 in an unstable state without being yet coupled to the battery housing 20 can be prevented from being damaged by other components.

[0083] As a more preferable embodiment, the shape of the support base 200 may be configured to match the shape of the connection portion 33b of the current collector 30. In this case, since the shape of the support body 220 of the support base 200 matches the shape of the housing coupling portion 33 of the current collector 30, particularly the shape of the connection portion 33b, it becomes possible for all points of the connection portion 33b to be contacted and supported by the support base 200. Thereby, the support and protection effects of the housing coupling portion 33 are further improved.

[0084] In still another aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the support base 200 may be configured to be even larger than the diameter of the winding center hole H1 provided in the core of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the diameter of the support surface 210 may be configured to be even larger than the diameter of the winding center hole H1 provided in the core of the electrode assembly 10. Thereby, it becomes possible for the electrode assembly 10 to be completely supported on the flat surface of the support base 200. If the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is even larger than the diameter of the support surface 210, there is a possibility that the winding region on the outer peripheral side of the electrode assembly 10 may flow downward along the inclined surface of the support body 220. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the support base 200 is configured to be even larger than the diameter of the winding center hole H1 provided in the core of the electrode assembly 10.

[0085] In the same spirit, the diameter of the support base 200 may be configured to be even larger than the diameter of the current collector hole H2 formed in the central portion of the current collector 30. More specifically, the diameter of the support surface 210 may be configured to be even larger than the diameter of the current collector hole H2 formed in the central portion of the current collector 30. Thereby, it becomes possible for the current collector 30 to be completely supported on the flat surface of the support base 200. More specifically, thereby, it becomes possible for the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 to be completely supported on the flat surface of the support base 200. If the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is even larger than the diameter of the support surface 210, there is a possibility that the winding region on the inner peripheral side of the electrode assembly 10 may protrude upward due to the shape of the support base 200 along the inclined surface of the support body 220. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameter of the support base 200 is configured to be even larger than the diameter of the current collector hole H2 formed in the central portion of the current collector 30.

[0086] On the other hand, the support base 200 may be in direct contact with the current collector 30. The support base 200 and the current collector 30 do not slip due to friction in the state of being in contact with each other. Therefore, if the support base 200 rotates, the current collector 30 in contact with the support base 200 can also rotate together.

[0087] In another aspect of the present invention, the radius of the support surface 210 may be configured to be further smaller than or equal to the radius of the support portion 31 of the current collector 30. Referring to FIG. 8, it is clear that the radius of the support surface 210 is the same as the radius of the support portion 31 of the current collector 30. Here, the radius of the support portion 31 means the distance from the winding shaft to the point where the support portion 31 is bent downward.

[0088] According to such a structure, the contact area between the current collector 30 and the support base 200 can be maximized. Thereby, the anti-slip effect is improved when the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 rotate. Further, according to the structure in which the radius of the support surface 210 is the same as the radius of the support portion 31 of the current collector 30, the area where the current collector 30 contacts the support base 200 becomes wider, so that the support and protection effects of the current collector 30 are further improved.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how the carrier 1 rotates the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 9, the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 coupled thereto can be externally fitted onto the central pin 100 of the carrier 1. More specifically, the central pin 100 can be inserted into the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector hole H2 of the current collector 30. At this time, with the current collector 30 positioned on the lower surface of the electrode assembly 10, the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 can be mounted on the central pin 100. As a result, the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 can contact the support surface 210 of the support base 200. On the other hand, the support base 200 is structurally connected to a bearing 310 contained within the base 300. Therefore, if the bearing 310 contained within the base 300 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9, the support base 200 connected to the bearing 310 can also rotate in the direction of the arrow. Thereby, the current collector 30 that was in direct contact with the support base 200 can also rotate in the direction of the arrow. Eventually, the electrode assembly 10 coupled to the current collector 30 can also rotate in the direction of the arrow. On the other hand, although not shown in the figure, the rotation of the bearing 310 can be performed by a separate power driving source.

[0091] According to the embodiment of the present invention as described above, the carrier 1 without an insert ring enables the support and rotation processes of the electrode assembly 10. Also, due to the structure in which the bearing 310 is included inside the base 300 of the carrier 1, the taping process can be smoothly performed. Eventually, when inserting the electrode assembly 10 into the battery housing 20, the insert ring becomes unnecessary during the rotation process. Thereby, when transporting the electrode assembly 10 and placing the insert ring, the problem of the inclination of the electrode assembly 10 caused by the abnormal placement of the insert ring can be fundamentally prevented. Furthermore, the simplification of the equipment design and structure can be achieved by eliminating the insert ring, and the points of operation management can be removed. Also, by adding the bearing 310, the rotation of the carrier 1 can be smoothly performed, thereby eliminating the cause of issues related to the progress of the taping process, which is a tape winding process.

[0092] As described above, the present invention has been explained by way of limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0093] B Battery cell 10 Electrode assembly 11 Plain part 12 Second plain part H1 Take-up center hole 20 Battery housing 21 Beading part 22 Crimping part 30 Current collector 31 Support part 32 Tab connection part 33 Housing connection part 33a Contact part 33b Connection part H2 Current collector hole 1 Carrier 100 Center pin 110 Main body part 120 End part 200 Support base 210 Support surface 220 Support main body 300 Base 310 Bearing

Claims

1. A center pin that penetrates through the winding center hole of an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode are wound around a winding axis, and extends in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly; A support base located below the center pin for supporting the electrode assembly from below; A base located below the support base and including at least a pair of bearings configured to be rotatable on a plane perpendicular to the winding axis; A carrier including the above.

2. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the base is configured to rotate the support base.

3. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the carrier does not include an insert ring.

4. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the length of the center pin is smaller than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction.

5. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the center pin has a shape in which the radius decreases as it progresses toward the end.

6. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the support base supports a current collector coupled on one side of the electrode assembly.

7. The current collector includes: A support portion disposed on one side of the electrode assembly; A tab coupling portion extending from the support portion and coupled to the first plain portion of the electrode assembly; A housing coupling portion extending from the support portion and configured to be electrically coupled on the inner surface of the battery housing; The carrier according to claim 6 including the above.

8. The housing coupling portion includes: A contact portion coupled on the inner surface of the battery housing; A connection portion connecting the support portion and the contact portion; The carrier according to claim 7 including the above.

9. The connection portion: The carrier according to claim 8, having a structure that is convex on one side with respect to a virtual straight line connecting both ends in the longitudinal direction of the connection portion.

10. The connection portion: The carrier according to claim 8, having a shape in which the inclination gradually or progressively decreases as it progresses toward the contact portion.

11. The carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the support base is configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly.

12. The carrier according to claim 8, wherein the shape of the support base is configured to match the shape of the connection portion of the current collector.

13. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the support base is even larger than the diameter of the winding center hole provided in the core of the electrode assembly.

14. The carrier according to claim 6, wherein the diameter of the support base is even larger than the diameter of the current collector hole formed in the central portion of the current collector.

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