Electrode assembly protective coupling and secondary battery containing the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly protective coupling, and provides an electrode assembly protective coupling comprising an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, and a guard structure coupled to the electrode assembly to protect the electrode assembly from impact, wherein the guard structure includes a pair of fixing parts for fixing each electrode tab, and a support part provided to support the space between the pair of fixing parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0101846 filed on August 3, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly protection structure and a secondary battery including the same, and more particularly, to an electrode assembly protection structure in which a guard structure is coupled to an electrode assembly so as to protect the electrode assembly from impact, and a secondary battery including the same.

Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries have high applicability to various product groups and have electrical characteristics with high energy density. Such secondary batteries are applied not only to portable electronic devices but also to electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles driven by an electric drive source, power storage devices, etc. Secondary batteries have not only the primary merit of being able to significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also attract attention as a new energy source for enhancing environmental friendliness and energy efficiency in that no by-products are generated due to the use of energy.

[0004] The electrode assembly included in a secondary battery includes a separator and electrodes, and is divided into a jelly-roll type in which a separator is interposed between sheet-type positive and negative electrodes coated with an electrode active material and wound according to the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly, a stack type in which a number of positive and negative electrodes are sequentially laminated with a separator interposed therebetween, and a stack / folding type in which a unit cell of the stack type is wound with a long separation film.

[0005] However, the current collector included in the electrode assembly is made of a very thin metal foil material and is easily deformed by external forces, so damage such as cracks or tears may occur on the surface due to impacts applied to the electrode assembly. In particular, in electrode assemblies with electrode tabs protruding from both sides, impacts applied along the entire length of the electrode assembly can push the electrode tabs in the direction the electrode assembly is located, potentially impacting the current collector. Current collectors subjected to such impacts are prone to damage as the area in contact between the electrode tabs and the current collector can be bent. Therefore, the development of technology to solve the aforementioned problems is necessary. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides an electrode assembly protective coupling that can combine a guard structure with an electrode assembly to protect the current collector and electrode tab from impacts applied in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly, and a secondary battery including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a first embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides an electrode assembly protective coupler comprising an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, and a guard structure coupled to the electrode assembly to protect the electrode assembly from impact, wherein the guard structure includes a pair of fixing parts for fixing each electrode tab and a support part provided to support the space between the pair of fixing parts.

[0008] Furthermore, a slit groove can be formed in the fixing portion, recessed from one side, so that the electrode tab can be inserted.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixing portion may include a metal portion formed on one or both sides of the slit groove along the direction in which the slit groove is recessed, and which contacts the electrode tab.

[0010] Furthermore, the fixing portion may further include an elastic portion that surrounds the outer surface of the metal portion and brings the electrode tab into contact with the metal portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastic portion may include an elastic transmission portion formed along the longitudinal direction of the slit groove and enclosing one and the other surface of the metal portion, and an elastic deformation portion connecting the elastic transmission portions and elastically deforming when the space between the elastic transmission portions widens.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic portion may include an electrical insulating material.

[0013] Furthermore, the metal portion can be exposed from the elastic portion on its outer surface, and a joint can be formed where the electrode lead is joined.

[0014] Furthermore, the electrode lead may include a first portion that is joined to the joint and a second portion that protrudes outward from the first portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the support portion is positioned between the pair of fixing portions, and one end and the other end can be connected to the fixing portion at an offset position on one surface of the fixing portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the support portion can be positioned on the other side of the fixed portion.

[0017] Furthermore, the support portion may be provided in multiple quantities, and these multiple support portions may be spaced apart from each other in an oblique direction and arranged parallel to each other.

[0018] Furthermore, the support portion can be positioned above or below the slit groove, along the direction in which the slit groove is recessed.

[0019] Furthermore, the support portion may include an electrical insulating material.

[0020] Furthermore, the support portion can be a linear member having a predetermined cross-sectional shape.

[0021] As a second embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a secondary battery including an electrode assembly protection assembly and a battery case in which the electrode assembly protection assembly is housed. The electrode assembly protection assembly includes an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, and a guard structure coupled to the electrode assembly to protect the electrode assembly from impact. The guard structure includes a pair of fixing portions for fixing respective electrode tabs, and a support portion provided to support between the pair of fixing portions.

[0022] As a third embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a guard structure including slit grooves and metal portions located on one or both sides of the slit grooves, a pair of provided fixing portions, and a support portion disposed between the pair of fixing portions and provided to support the pair of fixing portions.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] In the present invention, against an impact applied from the outside, the guard structure supports the electrode assembly so that the impact is not transmitted to the electrode assembly, thereby protecting the current collector and the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly.

[0024] Further, if the electrode tabs formed at both ends of the electrode assembly are pushed and inserted toward the slit grooves formed in the guard structure, the electrode assembly can be coupled to the guard structure, so that the simplicity of the assembly process can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] As a first embodiment of the present invention, it is an exploded perspective view showing a state where an electrode assembly and a guard structure are coupled. [Figure 2] It shows a cross-sectional view of the fixing portion of the present invention cut along the x-axis direction. (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state regarding the fixing portion, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a guide portion is formed in the fixing portion. [Figure 3]This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of an electrode tab inserted into a metal part and an electrode lead joined to the metal part, obtained by cutting the electrode assembly protection combination of the present invention in the y-axis direction. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the state of a guard structure including a second embodiment of the support part of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the state of a guard structure including a third embodiment of the support part of the present invention. [Figure 6] As a second embodiment of the present invention, this is a perspective view showing the state in which an electrode assembly protection combination is housed in a battery case.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0027] For the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention, a detailed description of parts not related to the explanation or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention is omitted. When assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0028] Also, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventors should interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept that conform to the technical idea of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain their invention in the best way.

[0029] First Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, in a first embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly protective coupling 10 is an electrode assembly 100 to which a guard structure 200 is coupled so as to protect the current collector and electrode tab 110 of the electrode assembly 100 from impact, and may include the electrode assembly 100 and the guard structure 200.

[0030] The electrode assembly 100 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrode tab 110.

[0031] The electrode assembly 100 is not limited to these, but can be, for example, a jelly roll type in which long sheet-like positive and negative electrodes are wound with a separator in between, or a stack type in which a large number of positive and negative electrodes cut into predetermined size units are stacked sequentially with a separator in between.

[0032] The positive electrode is formed by coating a positive electrode active material onto a positive current collector made of a thin metal foil, and may include a positive coated portion, which is the area coated with the positive electrode active material, and a positive plain portion, which is the area not coated with the positive electrode active material. Positive electrode tabs can be formed by extending the positive plain portion outward from the electrode assembly 100. If multiple positive electrode tabs extend outward from the positive plain portion, they can be formed by stacking and joining them together. The positive current collector may be made of aluminum material.

[0033] The negative electrode is formed by coating a negative electrode active material onto a negative current collector made of a thin metal foil, and may include a negative coated area where the negative electrode active material is coated, and a negative plain area where the negative electrode active material is not coated. Negative electrode tabs can be formed by extending the negative plain area outward. If multiple negative electrode tabs extend outward from the negative plain area, they can be formed by stacking and joining them together. The negative current collector may be made of copper material.

[0034] The electrode tab 110 includes a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab, and the electrode assembly 100 can be formed such that the electrode tabs 110 protrude from both ends of the electrode assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction y.

[0035] The guard structure 200 is coupled to the electrode assembly 100 and may include a pair of fixing parts 210 and support parts 220, 240, and 250.

[0036] The fixing part 210 can fix the electrode tab 110 formed on the electrode assembly 100.

[0037] A pair of fixing parts 210 can be arranged to be separated by a predetermined distance so as to be able to fix the respective electrode tabs 110 formed at both ends of the electrode assembly 100. Each fixing part 210 is positioned at one end and the other end of the electrode assembly 100, and can fix the electrode tab 110 formed at one end and the electrode tab 110 formed at the other end of the electrode assembly 100, respectively.

[0038] The fixing portion 210 may include a slit groove 211, a metal portion 212, and an elastic portion 213.

[0039] Referring to Figures 2(a) and (b), a recessed slit groove 211 can be formed in the fixed portion 210 from one side of the fixed portion 210. An electrode tab 110 can be inserted into the slit groove 211, and the width of the slit groove 211 can be the same as or smaller than the thickness of the electrode tab 110, so that the metal portion 212 located on one or both sides of the slit groove 211 and the electrode tab 110 inserted into the slit groove 211 are in continuous contact. Here, one side of the fixed portion 210 may mean the region in the fixed portion 210 where the recessed slit groove 211 begins and the region around it.

[0040] The slit groove 211 can guide the electrode tab 110 inserted into the slit groove 211 so that it can move along the direction in which the slit groove 211 is recessed.

[0041] Since each of the slit grooves 211 formed in the pair of fixing parts 210 is formed to be recessed in the same direction relative to one side of the fixing part 210, the ease of coupling between the electrode assembly 100 and the guard structure 200 can be improved. The electrode assembly 100 can be simultaneously coupled to the guard structure 200 by inserting the electrode tabs 110 formed on both sides of the electrode assembly 100 in the direction in which the slit grooves 211 are recessed.

[0042] The slit groove 211 may have a shape in which its width gradually narrows along the direction x in which the slit groove 211 is recessed, and the more the electrode tab 110 is inserted along the direction x in which the slit groove 211 is recessed, the stronger the fixing force that secures the electrode tab 110 can be.

[0043] The metal part 212 is positioned along the direction x in which the slit groove 211 is recessed from one side of the fixed part 210, and can be located on one side or both sides of the slit groove 211. The metal part 212 can come into contact with the electrode tab 110 inserted into the slit groove 211.

[0044] Referring to Figure 3, the metal part 212 can directly contact the electrode tab 110 inserted into the slit groove 211 and be electrically connected to the contacting electrode tab 110. The metal part 212, which is electrically connected to the electrode tab 110, can electrically connect the electrode lead 300 joined to the metal part 212 to the electrode tab 110.

[0045] A pair of metal parts 212 can be arranged on opposite sides of the slit groove 211. The pair of metal parts 212 can be arranged parallel to each other so as to face each other.

[0046] The metal part 212 is formed of an electrically conductive metal material, but is not limited thereto; for example, it may include at least one of the following materials: gold, silver, copper, and aluminum.

[0047] The metal portion 212 can be formed to extend along the longitudinal direction x of the slot groove from the outer end to the inner end of the slot groove.

[0048] The metal portion 212 can be formed with a predetermined width along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the electrode assembly 100. The width of the metal portion 212 can be made longer than the length of the electrode tab 110 in the longitudinal direction (y-axis) that contacts the metal portion 212, so that the electrode tab 110, which is inserted into the slit groove 211 formed between the pair of metal portions 212 and contacts the metal portion 212, does not protrude outside the metal portion 212.

[0049] The metal portion 212 has an outer surface where the thickness portion of the metal portion 212 is exposed, which is exposed from the elastic portion 213 along the periphery of the metal portion 212, and a joint portion 212b can be formed on the outer surface of the metal portion 212 to which the electrode lead 300 is joined. The metal portion 212 can be formed in the shape of a metal block having a predetermined thickness so as to secure an area in which the metal lead can be joined at the joint portion 212b.

[0050] A pair of opposing metal parts 212 can be arranged to be separated by a predetermined distance in a direction away from each other, such that an electrode tab 110 is placed between them, and a slit groove 211 can be formed in the space formed by the separation of the pair of opposing metal parts 212.

[0051] Referring to Figure 2(b), a pair of opposing metal parts 212 may have a guide portion 212a formed on one side. The guide portion 212a may be an inclined surface formed on one side of the pair of opposing metal parts 212 such that the pair of opposing metal parts 212 are closer to each other along the direction (x-axis) in which the slit groove 211 is recessed. The guide portion 212a can guide the electrode tab 110 so that it is inserted into the slit groove 211.

[0052] The elastic portion 213 surrounds the outer surfaces of a pair of opposing metal portions 212, and can apply an elastic force to the metal portions 212 such that the electrode tab 110 located between the pair of metal portions 212 is in contact with the metal portions 212.

[0053] The elastic portion 213 surrounds the outer surfaces of a pair of opposing metal portions 212, thereby connecting the other sides of the opposing pair of metal portions 212.

[0054] The elastic portion 213 may include an electrically insulating material, such as plastic or rubber.

[0055] The elastic portion 213 may include an elastic transmission portion 213a and an elastic deformation portion 213b.

[0056] The elastic transmission section 213a can be configured to transmit the elastic force of the elastic deformation section 213b to the metal section 212, and a pair of these sections can be arranged facing each other. A pair of metal sections 212 are positioned between the pair of elastic transmission sections 213a, and the pair of metal sections 212, having received the elastic force transmitted via the pair of elastic transmission sections 213a, exert a force in a direction that brings them closer together, and the electrode tab 110 positioned between the pair of metal sections 212 can be fixed by the force exerted by the pair of metal sections 212.

[0057] The elastic transmission portion 213a can be coupled to the metal portion 212 such that it surrounds the outer surface of the metal portion 212 that is opposite to the surface of the metal portion 212 that contacts the electrode tab 110. In other words, the elastic transmission portion 213a can surround the metal portion 212 such that the outer surface of the metal portion 212 that is exposed is exposed.

[0058] A pair of opposing elastic transmission parts 213a can each have a metal part 212 bonded to their opposing inner surfaces.

[0059] The elastic transmission portion 213a can be connected to the metal portion 212 along the longitudinal direction (x-axis) of the metal portion 212 from one side to the other. Here, one side of the metal portion 212 may mean the region in the fixing portion 210 where the slit groove 211 begins to recess.

[0060] The width of the elastic transmission portion 213a can be the same as or similar to the width of the metal portion 212.

[0061] The elastically deformable portion 213b is formed on the other side of a pair of opposing elastic transmission portions 213a, and can connect the other sides of the pair of elastic transmission portions 213a, and can connect the other sides of the pair of metal portions 212.

[0062] The elastic transmission portion 213a can be formed to extend from one side of the elastic deformation portion 213b along the longitudinal direction x of the slit groove 211.

[0063] When the distance between one end of the pair of elastic transmission parts 213a widens so that the electrode tab 110 can be positioned in the slit groove 211, the elastic deformation part 213b located on the other side of the elastic transmission part 213a can deform so that one side adjacent to the metal part 212 is pulled by a tensile force, and the other side is deformed so that it is compressed by a compressive force. As the elastic deformation part 213b deforms, the elastic transmission part 213a can receive elastic force transmission from the elastic deformation part 213b. The shape of the elastic deformation part 213b can be changed within the range of elastic deformation.

[0064] The support parts 220, 240, and 250 are positioned between a pair of fixed parts 210 that are spaced apart from each other, and can support the space between the pair of fixed parts 210. During the process of transporting the secondary battery 1, an impact may be applied in a direction that compresses the secondary battery 1 along its longitudinal direction (y-axis), and such an impact may cause damage, such as bending, to the electrode tab 110 located at one end of the secondary battery 1 in the longitudinal direction. The electrode tab 110 is formed as a current collector made of a thin metal foil of about 10 μm, and can be easily damaged if deformation such as bending occurs, and the support parts 220, 240, and 250 can support the space between the pair of fixed parts 210 that fix the electrode tab 110 so that such impact is not transmitted to the electrode tab 110.

[0065] The support parts 220, 240, and 250 can be connected to the fixing part 210 at positions where one end and the other end are deflected in the opposite direction on one surface of the fixing part 210.

[0066] The support parts 220, 240, and 250 can be connected to the fixing part 210 via the connecting unit 230.

[0067] The connecting unit 230 can be, but is not limited to, a screw, a rivet, or the like.

[0068] The coupling unit 230 can connect support parts 220, 240, and 250 located between the pair of fixing parts 210 to any one of the fixing parts 210 of the pair. The coupling unit 230 can penetrate any one of the fixing parts 210 of the pair and connect to the fixing part 210 and the support parts 220, 240, and 250.

[0069] Since the support parts 220, 240, 250 and the fixing part 210 are connected via the coupling unit 230, the support parts 220, 240, 250 and the fixing part 210 can be separated by removing the coupling unit 230 from the electrode assembly protective coupling body 10. The coupling unit 230 can connect the support parts 220, 240, 250 and the fixing part 210 to the size of the electrode assembly 100 according to its size.

[0070] Referring to Figure 1, in a first embodiment of the support portion 220, the support portion 220 can be positioned on the other side of the fixed portion 210. Here, the other side can be the region in the fixed portion 210 where the elastic deformation portion 213b is located. Since a slit groove is formed in the fixed portion 210 so as to recess from one side of the fixed portion 210, the support portion 220 can be positioned on the other side of the fixed portion 210 so as to secure space for the electrode assembly 100 coupled to the fixed portion 210 to be positioned between the pair of fixed portions 210. More specifically, the support portion 220 can be positioned between the pair of elastic deformation portions 213b, one end of the support portion 220 can be coupled to one of the elastic deformation portions 213b of the pair via a coupling unit 230, and the other end of the support portion 220 can be coupled to the other elastic deformation portion 213b of the pair via a coupling unit 230.

[0071] The support portion 220 can be formed with a predetermined thickness and width so as not to deform under pressure applied along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the electrode assembly 100, and so as not to transmit external forces applied to the fixing portion 210 to the electrode assembly 100 and electrode tab 110.

[0072] The support portion 220 can be positioned such that one side faces the direction (x-axis) in which the slit groove 211 is recessed, and the other side forms a plane with the other side of the elastically deformable portion 213b. By forming the support portion 220 and the elastically deformable portion 213b on the same plane, the side surface of the secondary battery 1 can be formed smoothly, and when multiple secondary batteries 1 are stacked, a natural arrangement can be formed.

[0073] The guard structure 200, which includes a pair of fixed parts 210 and support parts 220, is positioned around the electrode assembly 100 along the width direction (x-axis) and the longitudinal direction (y-axis), so as to prevent external forces applied along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the electrode assembly 100 from being transmitted to the electrode assembly 100 and electrode tabs 110, and can support against such external forces, thereby protecting the current collector and electrode tabs 110 of the electrode assembly 100 from external forces.

[0074] The support portion 220 can be formed in a column shape having a predetermined cross-sectional shape so as to be able to resist compressive forces on the support portion 220. The support portion 220 is not limited to this, but can be, for example, a rectangular prism or a cylinder.

[0075] The support portion 220 can be a linear member having a predetermined cross-sectional shape.

[0076] The support portion 220 can be made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic or rubber, so that the pair of fixing portions 210 are not electrically connected.

[0077] Referring to Figure 4, in a second embodiment relating to the support portion 240, the support portion 240 can be positioned between a pair of fixed portions 210 and positioned along the direction (x-axis) in which the slit groove 211 is recessed from one side of the fixed portion 210, either above or below the slit groove 211. More specifically, the support portion 240 can be positioned between a pair of elastic transmission portions 213a, with one end connected to one of the pair of elastic transmission portions 213a via a coupling unit 230, and the other end connected to the other of the pair of elastic transmission portions 213a via a coupling unit 230.

[0078] The support portion 240 can be formed with a predetermined thickness and width so as not to deform under external forces applied along the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 100, and so as not to transmit external forces applied to the fixing portion 210 to the electrode assembly 100 and the electrode tab 110.

[0079] The support portion 240 can be positioned so as to face one surface of the electrode assembly 100.

[0080] The guard structure 200, which includes a pair of fixed parts 210 and support parts 240, is positioned around the electrode assembly 100 along the width direction (x-axis) and the longitudinal direction (y-axis), so as to prevent external forces applied along the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly 100 from being transmitted to the electrode assembly 100 and electrode tabs 110, and can resist such external forces, thereby protecting the current collector and electrode tabs 110 of the electrode assembly 100 from external forces.

[0081] The support portion 240 can be positioned such that one end is on the same plane as one end of the elastic transmission portion 213a, and the other end is on the same plane as the other end of the elastic deformation portion 213b.

[0082] The support portion 240 can be made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic or rubber, so that the pair of fixing portions 210 are not electrically connected.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5, in a third embodiment of the support portion 250, a plurality of support portions 250 can be arranged between a pair of fixed portions 210 and positioned on the other side of the fixed portions 210. Here, one side and the other side of the fixed portion 210 can mean that one side is the region in the fixed portion 210 where the slit groove 211 begins to recess and the region around it, and the other side is the region in the fixed portion 210 where the elastically deformable portion 213b is located.

[0084] Since multiple support parts 250 are arranged, the external force applied to the electrode assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction (y-axis) can be distributed and supported by each support part 250.

[0085] Multiple support parts 250 can be arranged parallel to each other and connected in a zigzag pattern, moving diagonally away from each other from the upper end to the lower end on the other side of the fixing part 210. The zigzag arrangement allows the multiple support parts 250 to resist bending forces not only when external forces are applied along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the electrode assembly 100, but also when a swelling or bending phenomenon occurs in the electrode assembly 100, causing the electrode assembly 100 to deform and bending forces to be applied to the multiple support parts 250, as these forces complement each other. Due to the positional differences between the multiple support parts 250, if one support part 250 is subjected to a tensile force due to a bending force, the other support parts 250 are subjected to a compressive force, thus preventing the support part 250 receiving the tensile force from deforming due to the bending force.

[0086] The support portion 250 may include an outer support portion 251 and an inner support portion 252. When multiple support portions 250 are arranged in a zigzag pattern, the outer support portion 251 may be located relatively outside the fixing portion 210, and the inner support portion 252 may be located relatively inside the fixing portion 21. The outer support portion 251 and the inner support portion 252 can each distribute and resist external forces applied to the electrode assembly 100 in the longitudinal direction (y-axis), and can resist bending forces complementaryly to each other.

[0087] The support portion 250 can be formed in a columnar shape with a long length along the longitudinal direction y of the electrode assembly 100 so that it can connect multiple fixed portions 210 that are spaced apart from each other.

[0088] The cross-sectional shape of the support portion 250 is not limited to this, but can be, for example, circular, square, elliptical, polygonal, etc.

[0089] The electrode lead 300 can be joined to the joint portion 212b of the metal portion 212 and electrically connected to the electrode tab 110 via the metal portion 212.

[0090] Multiple electrode leads 300 are provided, and each electrode lead 300 can be joined to a pair of metal parts 212 included in each of the pair of fixed parts 210 by methods such as welding or soldering.

[0091] The electrode lead 300 may include a first part 310 and a second part 320.

[0092] The first part 310 is joined to the joint 212b formed on the outer surface of the metal part 212, and since the first part 310 is joined to each of the pair of opposing metal parts 212, it is possible to connect the pair of metal parts 212. By joining the first part 310, the separation distance between the pair of opposing metal parts 212 can be fixed, and the electrode tab 110 located between the pair of metal parts 212 can be fixed more firmly.

[0093] Part 1 310 can be joined to a predetermined position on the outer surface where the thickness portion of the metal part 212 is exposed.

[0094] The second part 320 can be formed to be bent outward relative to the first part 310 and extend outward. More specifically, the second part 320 can be bent perpendicular to the first part 310 and project outward.

[0095] The electrode lead 300 can be formed by joining a first part 310 and a second part 320 to each other, or by bending a single member.

[0096] Part 2 320 allows the electrode assembly protective coupling 10 to protrude outside the battery case 20 when it is housed in the battery case 20.

[0097] Second Embodiment Referring to Figure 6, in a second embodiment of the present invention, the secondary battery 1 may include an electrode assembly protective coupling 10 and a battery case 20.

[0098] A detailed explanation of the electrode assembly protective coupling 10 can be found by referring to the above description.

[0099] The battery case 20 can be manufactured by molding a pouch film, which can be manufactured by laminating a first insulating layer, a metal layer, and a second insulating layer in sequence.

[0100] The battery case 20 may include a recessed housing portion for housing the electrode assembly protective coupling 10, and a sealing portion that allows the battery case 20 to be sealed by heat-sealing the periphery of the housing portion.

[0101] The secondary battery 1 can be manufactured by housing the electrode assembly protective coupling 10 in the housing portion of the battery case 20, and then sealing the sealing portion.

[0102] Third Embodiment In a third embodiment of the present invention, the guard structure 200 may include a pair of fixing parts 210, which include a slit groove 211 and a metal part 212 located on one or both sides of the slit groove 211, and a support part 220, which is disposed between the pair of fixing parts 210 and provided to support the pair of fixing parts 210. A detailed description of the fixing parts 210 and the support part 220 can be made by reference to the description given in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1 Secondary battery 10 Electrode assembly protection combination 20 Battery Cases 100 electrode assembly 110 Electrode Tabs 200 Guard Structure 210 Fixed part 211 Slit groove 212 Metal parts 212a Guide section 212b Joint 213 Elastic part 213a Elastic transmission section 213b Elastic deformation section 220, 240, 250 support part 251 Outer support part 252 Inner support part 230 coupling units 300 electrode leads 310 Part 1 320 Part 2

Claims

1. An electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, It includes a guard structure that is coupled to the electrode assembly and protects the electrode assembly from impact, The aforementioned guard structure is A pair of fixing parts for securing each electrode tab, An electrode assembly protective coupling, including a support portion provided to support the space between the pair of fixed portions.

2. The aforementioned fixing part includes, The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 1, wherein a recessed slit groove is formed on one side so that the electrode tab can be inserted.

3. The aforementioned fixing part is The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 2, comprising a metal portion formed on one or both sides of the slit groove along the direction in which the slit groove is recessed, and in contact with the electrode tab.

4. The aforementioned fixing part is The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 3, further comprising an elastic portion provided so as to surround the outer surface of the metal portion and for bringing the electrode tab into contact with the metal portion.

5. The elastic portion is An elastic transmission portion is formed along the longitudinal direction of the slit groove and encloses one and the other surfaces of the metal portion, The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic deformation portion that connects the elastic transmission portions and whose shape is elastically deformed when the space between the elastic transmission portions widens.

6. The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 4, wherein the elastic portion includes an electrical insulating material.

7. The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 4, wherein the metal portion is exposed from the elastic portion on its outer surface and has a joint portion formed therein where the electrode lead is joined.

8. The electrode lead is The first part is joined to the aforementioned joint, The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 7, further comprising a second part that protrudes outward from the first part.

9. The aforementioned support portion is Displaced between the pair of fixed parts, The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 2, wherein one end and the other end are coupled to the fixing part at a deflected position on one surface of the fixing part.

10. The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 9, wherein the support portion is located on the other side of the fixed portion.

11. Multiple support members are provided. The aforementioned plurality of support parts are The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 10, wherein the electrodes are spaced apart from each other in diagonal directions and arranged parallel to each other.

12. The aforementioned support portion is The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 9, which is positioned above or below the slit groove along the direction of the recess of the slit groove.

13. The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 9, wherein the support portion includes an electrical insulating material.

14. The electrode assembly protective coupling according to claim 9, wherein the support portion is a linear member having a predetermined cross-sectional shape.

15. Electrode assembly protective coupling, The battery case includes the electrode assembly protective coupling, The electrode assembly protective coupling is An electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, It includes a guard structure that is coupled to the electrode assembly and protects the electrode assembly from impact, The aforementioned guard structure is A pair of fixing parts for securing each electrode tab, A secondary battery, including a support portion provided to support the space between the pair of fixed portions.

16. A guard structure for protecting an electrode assembly, A pair of fixing parts are provided, including a slit groove and metal parts located on one or both sides of the slit groove, A guard structure comprising a support portion positioned between a pair of the aforementioned fixed portions and provided to support the pair of aforementioned fixed portions.

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