Cylindrical secondary battery and manufacturing method of secondary battery
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020210059131
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-05-07
Smart Images

Figure 112021053021806-PAT00005_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a cylindrical secondary battery with reduced electrode plate resistance and an improved current collection structure, and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery. Background Technology
[0002] Generally, a cylindrical secondary battery includes a cylindrical electrode assembly, a cylindrical can that accommodates the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and a cap assembly that is coupled to the top opening of the can to seal the can and allow current generated from the electrode assembly to flow to an external device.
[0003] Generally, secondary batteries contain various internal resistance elements, such as the substrate resistance or component resistance of the electrode assembly. To reduce these resistance elements, various research and development efforts are being made, including adding tabs or changing the material of the cap assembly.
[0004] In particular, for cylindrical secondary batteries, as capacity increases, the amount of weldable substrate (uncoated area) decreases, and as the spacing between substrates increases, a problem arises in which the thermal capacity of the weldment decreases. Furthermore, when welding after substrate compaction, voids are created, allowing welding heat to penetrate and potentially melting the electrode plate or separator due to the heat after welding the current collector plate. Therefore, there is a need for a method to resolve these issues.
[0005] The information described above disclosed in the background technology of this invention is intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. The problem to be solved
[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical secondary battery with reduced electrode plate resistance and an improved current collection structure, and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery. means of solving the problem
[0007] A cylindrical secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first electrode plate having a first electrode non-part formed thereon, a second electrode plate having a second electrode non-part formed thereon, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and a wound electrode assembly; a cylindrical can accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap assembly coupled to the can to seal the can; a first electrode current collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode non-part; and a second electrode current collector plate electrically connected to the second electrode non-part, wherein at least a portion of the first electrode non-part and the second electrode non-part are bent in one direction before being inserted into the can.
[0008] The first electrode non-conforming portion is bent by the first electrode current collector plate, and the second electrode non-conforming portion is bent by the second electrode current collector plate.
[0009] The first electrode current collector plate comprises a plurality of current collector members divided into multiple parts, and the current collector member of the first electrode current collector plate comprises a substrate current collector that is welded in contact with the first electrode non-contact portion, and the second electrode current collector plate comprises a plurality of current collector members divided into multiple parts, and the current collector member of the second electrode current collector plate comprises a substrate current collector that is welded in contact with the second electrode non-contact portion.
[0010] The first electrode blank portion and the second electrode blank portion are each characterized by being pressed and bent in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by the substrate current collection portions of the first electrode current collection plate and the second electrode current collection plate, respectively.
[0011] The first electrode blank portion and the second electrode blank portion are characterized by being inserted into a cylindrical jig and then bent by being pressed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by a plurality of sliding bars.
[0012] The first electrode plate is a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate is a positive electrode.
[0013] The first electrode blank and the second electrode blank are characterized by being arranged in opposite directions to each other.
[0014] The first electrode collector plate is electrically connected to the bottom surface of the can, and the second electrode collector plate is electrically connected to the cap assembly.
[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery comprising the steps of: winding an electrode assembly; pressing a substrate end of the electrode assembly to bend it in one direction; welding an electrode current collector plate to the bent substrate end; and inserting the electrode assembly into a cylindrical can and sealing it.
[0016] The above-described end is characterized by being bent by the electrode current collector plate.
[0017] The electrode current collector plate comprises a plurality of current collector members divided into multiple parts, and the current collector members include a substrate current collector that is welded to the end of the substrate.
[0018] The above-mentioned end is characterized by being pressed and bent in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by the above-mentioned current collector.
[0019] The above-described end is characterized by being inserted into a cylindrical jig and then bent by being pressed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by a plurality of sliding bars. Effects of the invention
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when welding a current collector plate, the substrate can be overlapped uniformly and consistently, which has the effect of increasing the amount of overlap. Accordingly, the current collection welding strength is increased and welding dispersion is reduced, thereby improving the current collection structure. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cylindrical secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly and a current collection structure according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view briefly illustrating the state of the electrode assembly before winding according to FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the first and second collector plates according to FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of pre-compacting a substrate of an electrode assembly according to FIG. 2. Figure 6 is a drawing comparing the state of the material when pre-compaction is not applied and when it is applied according to Figure 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a method for compacting a substrate of an electrode assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0022] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0023] Additionally, in the drawings below, the thickness or size of each layer is exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items and all combinations of one or more thereof. Furthermore, in this specification, the meaning of "connected" refers not only to cases where Member A and Member B are directly connected, but also to cases where Member C is interposed between Member A and Member B so that Member A and Member B are indirectly connected.
[0024] The terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, as used herein, "comprise, include" and / or "comprising, including" specify the presence of the mentioned features, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups.
[0025] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts, it is obvious that these components, parts, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or part from another region, layer, or part. Accordingly, the first component, part, region, layer, or part described below may refer to the second component, part, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
[0026] Spatial terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature depicted in the drawings and another element or feature. These spatial terms are intended to facilitate understanding of the invention according to various process or usage conditions of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, if an element or feature in the drawings is inverted, an element or feature described as "beneath" or "below" becomes "upper" or "on top." Therefore, "beneath" is a concept that encompasses "upper" or "below."
[0027] Hereinafter, a cylindrical secondary battery and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cylindrical secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly and a current collection structure according to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view briefly illustrating the state of the electrode assembly before winding according to FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a current collection plate according to FIG. 2.
[0029] First, the structure of the cylindrical secondary battery of the present invention will be described.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cylindrical secondary battery (10) may include a cylindrical can (110), an electrode assembly (130) inserted inside the can (110), a cap assembly (150) coupled to one end of the can (110), and a first electrode current collector (170) and a second electrode current collector (190) electrically connecting the electrode assembly (130) to the cap assembly (150).
[0031] The can (110) includes a circular bottom portion (110) and a side portion (130) extending upward from the bottom portion (110), and is in the shape of a cylinder (hereinafter referred to as the opening) with the top of the side portion (130) open. In the manufacturing process of the secondary battery (1000), an electrode assembly (300) is inserted into the can (100) along with an electrolyte through the opening of the can (100). The electrode assembly (130) is electrically connected to the can (110) and the cap assembly (150) by means of a first electrode plate (132) and a second electrode plate (134). The can (100) may be formed of steel, steel alloy, nickel-plated steel, nickel-plated steel alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, or an equivalent thereof, but the material is not limited thereto. With the electrode assembly (130) accommodated inside the can (110), the cap assembly (150) is inserted into the opening to close the opening.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrode assembly (130) includes a first electrode plate (132), a second electrode plate (134), and a separator (136).
[0033] The first electrode plate (132) may be a negative electrode plate having a negative active material layer (132c, e.g., graphite, carbon, etc.) formed on both sides of a copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni) foil (substrate). A first electrode uncoated portion (132a) may be formed on a part of the first electrode plate (132) where the negative active material layer (132C) is not applied.
[0034] The second electrode plate (134) may be an anode plate in which an anode active material layer (134c, e.g., a transition metal oxide (LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, etc.)) is formed on both sides of an aluminum (Al) foil (substrate). A second electrode uncoated portion (134a) in which the anode active material layer (134c) is not applied may be formed on a part of the second electrode plate (134).
[0035] The first electrode plate (132) and the second electrode plate (134) are commonly referred to as electrode plates. Additionally, the first electrode blank portion (132a) and the second electrode blank portion (134a) are also referred to as substrates.
[0036] A separator (136) may be interposed between the first electrode plate (132) and the second electrode plate (134) to prevent short circuits and allow only the movement of lithium ions. The separator (136) may be made of polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), but the present invention is not limited to the above materials.
[0037] The first electrode plate (132), the second electrode plate (134), and the separator (136) can be wound into a roughly cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 2 and accommodated inside a can (100). The first electrode plate (132) and the second electrode plate (134) can be arranged such that the first electrode uncoated portion (132a) and the second electrode uncoated portion (134a), which are not coated with active material for winding, are oriented in opposite directions.
[0038] For example, the first electrode plate (132), which is the negative electrode plate, may be positioned so that the first electrode uncoated portion (132a) faces downward with respect to FIG. 1. The second electrode plate (134), which is the positive electrode plate, may be positioned so that it faces upward with respect to FIG. 1. A separator (136) may be positioned between the first electrode plate (132) and the second electrode plate (134) to insulate them from each other, so that winding can be performed. In the present invention, a process known as "pre-compaction" may be added to compact the first electrode uncoated portion (132a) and the second electrode uncoated portion (134a) in the direction of the winding axis before inserting the electrode assembly (130) into the can (110) (this will be described later). After pre-compacting the first electrode non-coated portion (132a) and the second electrode non-coated portion (134a), the first electrode current collector plate (170) and the second electrode current collector plate (190), which will be described later, can be connected to the first electrode non-coated portion (132a) and the second electrode non-coated portion (134a), respectively. By doing so, the can (110) and the cap assembly (150) are electrically connected to the electrode assembly (130).
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the current collector may include a first electrode current collector (170) that electrically connects the first electrode plate (132) to the bottom surface of the can (110), and a second electrode current collector (190) that electrically connects the second electrode plate (134) to the cap assembly (150). Accordingly, the first electrode current collector (170) may be referred to as a negative current collector, and the second electrode current collector (190) as a positive current collector.
[0040] The first electrode collector plate (170) is a plurality of plates having a roughly fan shape, and when the divided pieces are gathered, they can form a roughly circular shape. For example, in the present invention, each piece of the first electrode collector plate (170) may have a fan shape formed by dividing the circular plate into four parts. For convenience of explanation, each piece of the collector plate is defined as a collector member (170b). When the cylindrical secondary battery (10) is in the form of a center pin, when the collector members (170b) are gathered to form one first electrode collector plate (170), a hollow (170a) may be formed in the center of the first electrode collector plate (170) (through holes other than the hollow are for the injection of electrolyte). The first electrode collector plate (170) electrically connects the first electrode plate (132) to the bottom surface (111) of the can (110). To this end, each current collector member (170b) may have a plurality of substrate current collectors (172) and a can connection part (174) formed therein. The first electrode current collector plate (170) may be electrically connected to the first electrode non-contained part (132a) and the can (110).
[0041] The substrate current collection part (172) may be formed on each current collection member (170b) along the radial direction of the electrode assembly (130) for a predetermined length. The substrate current collection part (172) is formed to protrude along the radial direction in the remaining area excluding the hollow (170a) region of the first electrode current collection plate (170). The direction of protrusion of the substrate current collection part (172) is the direction of the cap assembly (150), that is, the direction away from the bottom surface (112) of the can (110). In this embodiment, since there are four current collection members (170b), the arrangement angle of the substrate current collection part (172) of the first electrode current collection plate (170) may be 90-degree intervals. At this time, the radial length of the substrate current collection part (172) may be the length obtained by subtracting the radius of the hollow (170a) from the radius of the first electrode current collection plate (170). For example, the substrate collector (172) may be formed with a protruding cross-section in the shape of a square or a circle. The protruding substrate collector (172) serves to push and press the first electrode uncoated portion (132a) in a certain direction during the substrate pre-compaction process. After the pre-compaction process is completed, the upper surface (upper surface based on FIG. 2) of the protruding surface of the substrate collector (172) may be welded to the first electrode uncoated portion (132a) that has been compacted in one direction. Accordingly, the upper surface of the substrate collector (172) is defined as the weld surface (172a).
[0042] The can connection portion (174) is the area of the current collector (170b) excluding the current collector portion (172), and is a surface facing the bottom portion (112) of the can (110). The can connection portion (174) may be directly electrically and physically connected to the bottom portion (112) of the can (110) by welding. Alternatively, the can connection portion (174) may be electrically connected to the bottom portion (112) of the can (110) by a separate lead tab or lead wire.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode collector plate (190) is installed symmetrically so as to face the first electrode collector plate (170) with the electrode assembly (130) in between.
[0044] The second electrode collector plate (190) is composed of a plurality of plates having a roughly fan shape, and when the divided pieces are gathered, they can form a roughly circular shape. For example, in the present invention, each piece of the second electrode collector plate (190) may have a fan shape formed by dividing a circular plate into four parts. For convenience of explanation, each piece of the collector plate is defined as a collector member (190b). When the cylindrical secondary battery (10) is in the form of a center pin, when the collector members (190b) are gathered to form a single second electrode collector plate (190), a hollow (190a) may be formed in the center of the second electrode collector plate (190) (through holes other than the hollow are for the injection of electrolyte). The second electrode collector plate (190) electrically connects the second electrode plate (134) to the cap assembly (150). To this end, each current collector member (190b) may have a plurality of substrate current collectors (192) and a cap connecting portion (194) formed therein. The second electrode current collector plate (190) may be electrically connected to the second electrode non-removable portion (134a) and the cap assembly (150).
[0045] The substrate current collector (192) may be formed on each current collector member (190b) along the radial direction of the electrode assembly (130) for a predetermined length. The substrate current collector (192) is formed to protrude along the radial direction in the remaining area excluding the hollow (190a) region of the second electrode current collector plate (190). The direction of protrusion of the substrate current collector (192) is a direction toward the bottom surface (112) of the can (110). In this embodiment, since there are four current collector members (190b), the arrangement angle of the substrate current collector (192) of the second electrode current collector plate (190) may be 90-degree intervals. At this time, the radial length of the substrate current collector (192) may be the length obtained by subtracting the radius of the hollow (190a) from the radius of the second electrode current collector plate (190). For example, the substrate current collector (192) may be formed to protrude in a square or circular cross-section. The protruding substrate collector (192) serves to push and press the second electrode uncoated portion (134a) in a certain direction during the substrate pre-compaction process. After the pre-compaction process is completed, the lower surface (lower surface based on FIG. 2) of the protruding surface of the substrate collector (192) can be welded to the second electrode uncoated portion (134a) that has been compacted in one direction. Accordingly, the lower surface of the substrate collector (192) is defined as the weld surface (192a).
[0046] The cap connection portion (194) is the area of the current collector member (190b) excluding the current collector portion (192), and is the surface facing the cap assembly (150). The cap connection portion (194) may be directly electrically and physically connected to the cap assembly (150) by welding. Alternatively, the cap connection portion (194) may be electrically connected to the cap assembly (150) by a separate lead tab or lead wire, etc.
[0047] A cylindrical secondary battery having the structure described above undergoes a substrate pre-compaction process before winding the electrode assembly (for convenience, the explanation is based on the second current collector plate, but the same process is applied to the first current collector plate as well).
[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of pre-compaction of the substrate of an electrode assembly according to FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a drawing comparing the state of the substrate with and without pre-compaction according to FIG. 5.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the pre-welding compaction process of the substrate can be performed using a second electrode collector plate (190) divided into four pieces. That is, after arranging each collector member (190b) in four directions, moving it along the winding axis direction from the outer circumference of the electrode assembly (130) causes the second electrode bare portion (134a) to be pressed. Accordingly, the second electrode bare portion (134a) is bent at a predetermined angle toward the winding axis direction. With the second electrode bare portion (134a) in a bent state, the second electrode collector plate (190) is welded to the bent portion of the second electrode bare portion (134a).
[0050] When the second electrode bare portion (134a) is bent, the amount of overlap of the substrate increases compared to the substrate without the pre-compaction process applied, as shown in FIG. 6. That is, when the pre-compaction process is not applied, the ends of the substrate are irregularly pressed and bent, resulting in irregular height of the ends or the amount of overlap of the substrate ends. However, when the pre-compaction process is applied, the second electrode bare portion (134a) is bent in the same direction, so the ends of the substrate overlap evenly, increasing the amount of overlap of the substrate ends compared to when the pre-compaction process is not applied. In addition, since the second electrode bare portion (134a) is bent evenly, the height of the ends of the substrate is uniformly aligned, so the amount of substrate welded increases during the welding of the second electrode collector plate (190), thereby improving tensile strength. Accordingly, the uniform alignment of the substrate improves resistance dispersion and improves welding quality.
[0051] As described above, the electrode assembly (130) of the present invention undergoes a pre-compaction process in which the substrate is bent in a certain direction using a current collector plate before welding with the current collector plate. However, in addition to the method described above, the substrate may also be pre-compacted using a separate jig.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a method for compacting a substrate of an electrode assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a separate jig (300) can be provided to pre-compact the substrate. The jig (300) is cylindrical in shape with a predetermined height and has an open bottom. Through the open bottom of the jig (300), the substrate end of the electrode assembly (130') (e.g., the second electrode non-part 134a', hereinafter the substrate end is referred to as 134a') is inserted into the interior of the jig (300).
[0054] Additionally, the jig (300) is provided with a plurality of insertion holes (300a) penetrating the outer surface. The number of insertion holes (300a) can be formed to be equal to the number of substrate collection parts of the current collector plate. For example, if there are 4 substrate collection parts (192) in the second electrode current collector plate (190), the insertion holes (300a) can also be formed to be 4. The insertion holes (300a) are holes into which a separate sliding bar (310) is inserted, and can be formed with a shape and size corresponding to the shape and size of the sliding bar (310). Since the substrate of the electrode assembly (130') is inserted inside the jig (300), when the sliding bar (310) is inserted into the insertion holes (300a) and pushed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly (130'), the end of the substrate (134a') can be bent while being pushed in the direction of the winding axis. Accordingly, the substrate end (134a') can be bent into a shape identical or similar to that of the first embodiment. Then, the jig (300) and the sliding bar (310) are removed, and a current collector plate is welded to the bent substrate end (134a'). The same process can be applied to the first electrode-free portion as well. Accordingly, the same effect as in the first embodiment is produced by the substrate pre-compaction process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] The above description is merely one embodiment for implementing the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The technical spirit of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications can be made by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the invention belongs, without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the following patent claims. Explanation of the symbols
[0056] 10: Cylindrical secondary battery 110: Can 130: Electrode assembly 132: First electrode plate 132a: First electrode non-removable portion 134: Second electrode plate 134a: Second electrode non-electrode portion 136: Separator 170: 1st electrode current collector plate 190: 2nd electrode current collector plate
Claims
Claim 1 A cylindrical secondary battery comprising: a first electrode plate having a first electrode non-part formed therein, a second electrode plate having a second electrode non-part formed therein, and a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and a wound electrode assembly; a cylindrical can accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap assembly coupled to the can to seal the can; a first electrode collector plate electrically connected to the first electrode non-part and having a plurality of divided collector members; and a second electrode collector plate electrically connected to the second electrode non-part and having a plurality of divided collector members, wherein at least a portion of the first electrode non-part is pressed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by the collector members of the first electrode collector plate and is bent, and at least a portion of the second electrode non-part is pressed in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by the collector members of the second electrode collector plate and is bent. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A cylindrical secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode current collector plate comprises a current collector member divided into a plurality of parts, and the current collector member of the first electrode current collector plate comprises a substrate current collector member welded in contact with the first electrode non-contact portion, and the second electrode current collector plate comprises a current collector member divided into a plurality of parts, and the current collector member of the second electrode current collector plate comprises a substrate current collector member welded in contact with the second electrode non-contact portion. Claim 4 In claim 3, the first electrode non-removable portion and the second electrode non-removable portion are each pressed and bent in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by the substrate current collection portions of the first electrode current collection plate and the second electrode current collection plate, respectively, in a cylindrical secondary battery. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A cylindrical secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode plate is a negative electrode and the second electrode plate is a positive electrode. Claim 7 In claim 6, a cylindrical secondary battery in which the first electrode non-removable portion and the second electrode non-removable portion are arranged in opposite directions. Claim 8 In claim 7, a cylindrical secondary battery in which the first electrode collector plate is electrically connected to the bottom surface of the can and the second electrode collector plate is electrically connected to the cap assembly. Claim 9 A method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery comprising: a step of winding an electrode assembly; a step of pressing a substrate end of the electrode assembly to bend it in one direction; a step of welding an electrode current collector plate to the bent substrate end; and a step of inserting the electrode assembly into a cylindrical can and sealing it, wherein the bending step is characterized by pressing the substrate end of the electrode assembly in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly with the electrode current collector plate having a plurality of divided current collector members. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 In claim 9, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery comprising a current collector member that contacts and welds to the end of the substrate. Claim 12 A method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein the above-mentioned end is pressed and bent in the direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly by the above-mentioned current collector. Claim 13 delete
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Nonagueous electrolyte secondary battery
KR1020070074511A
Rechargeable battery
KR1020100096720A
Secondary battery
KR1020200094453A
Reed for sealed type battery, sealed type battery using the reed, and method of manufacturing the battery
JP2006331993A
Secondary battery and electrodes assembly using thesame and method for manufacturing secondary battery
KR1020060010484A