Secondary battery assembly and secondary battery module including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery assembly. The secondary battery assembly according to the present invention may include: an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs; a pair of fixing frames coupled to the two ends of the electrode assembly to fix the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly; a casing having an internal space to accommodate the electrode assembly, and casing openings that communicatively connect the internal space to the outside; and a pair of caps coupled to the fixing frames so as to cover the casing openings, wherein at least a portion of each cap is made of a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

Description

Secondary battery assembly and secondary battery module including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0162763, filed November 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a secondary battery assembly.

[0005] Generally, secondary batteries, unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, are rechargeable and dischargeable. They are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and camcorders, as well as electric vehicles. In particular, lithium secondary batteries have a higher capacity than nickel-cadmium or nickel-hydrogen batteries and, due to their high energy density, are rapidly increasing in use.

[0006] In general, a pouch-type secondary battery can be manufactured by stacking or winding an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, embedding the electrode assembly in a battery case of a pouch sheet, and then injecting or impregnating the electrode assembly with an electrolyte.

[0007] The electrode assembly included in the secondary battery includes a separator and an electrode, and depending on the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly, it can be classified into a jelly-roll type in which a separator is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode in the form of sheets coated with an electrode active material and wound, a stack type in which a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes are sequentially stacked with a separator interposed between them, and a stack / folding type in which stacked unit cells are wound with a long separator film.

[0008] However, the current collector included in the electrode assembly is formed of a very thin metal foil material and is easily deformed by external force, so damage such as cracks or tears may occur on the surface due to impact applied to the electrode assembly. In particular, in the case of an electrode assembly with electrode tabs protruding on both sides, the electrode tabs may be pushed in the direction where the electrode assembly is located due to impact applied to the electrode assembly in the electric field direction, which may impact the current collector. The current collector that receives such impact has a problem in that the area where the electrode tabs and the current collector meet is bent, making it easy to be damaged.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for a secondary battery having a structure that stably protects and fixes the electrode assembly to prevent the above-mentioned problems, while facilitating electrical connection between the electrode assembly and the outside.

[0010] The background technology described above is something that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the disclosure of the present application, and cannot necessarily be said to be a publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the present application.

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems,

[0012] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery assembly that is easy to electrically connect to the outside.

[0013] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery assembly capable of preventing damage to an electrode tab due to external force.

[0014] A secondary battery assembly according to the present invention may include an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, a pair of fixing frames coupled to opposite ends of the electrode assembly to fix the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly, an outer material having an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly and an outer material opening communicating the internal space with the outside, and a pair of caps coupled to the fixing frames to cover the external material opening, at least a portion of which is formed of a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

[0015] The above fixed frame may include a metal part made of a metal material, in which a slit is formed to allow the electrode tab to be inserted, and an insulating part surrounding the metal part.

[0016] The cap may include a terminal portion that contacts the metal portion of the fixed frame so as to be electrically connected to the electrode tab, and a coupling portion that surrounds the terminal portion and is provided to be coupled to the fixed frame.

[0017] The above-mentioned connecting portion of the above-mentioned cap can be connected and fixed to the above-mentioned insulating portion of the above-mentioned fixed frame.

[0018] The above-mentioned connecting portion and the above-mentioned insulating portion can be magnetically attached to each other.

[0019] A guide groove formed by being recessed from the outer surface to a predetermined width may be formed in the insulating portion of the fixed frame, and a guide protrusion formed to be engaged with the guide groove may be formed in the connecting portion.

[0020] The above guide protrusion and the above guide groove may have a shape extending along the length direction of the slit so as to be slidably coupled to each other.

[0021] The above insulating portion may have a U-shape that is opened in the joining direction of the electrode assembly.

[0022] The above insulating portion may be configured to elastically deform in the width direction of the slit as the electrode tab is coupled to the slit.

[0023] The above terminal portion may be formed of a material including aluminum, copper, or all of these.

[0024] The apparatus may further include a support frame extending between the pair of fixed frames to support the pair of fixed frames.

[0025] The outer surface of the above fixed frame can be formed of a polypropylene material so as to be sealable with the exterior material.

[0026] A secondary battery module may be provided including a plurality of secondary battery assemblies according to the present invention, wherein the secondary battery assembly may include an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, a pair of fixing frames that fix the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly and are electrically connected to the electrode tabs, and a pair of caps that are formed of at least a portion of a conductive material and are electrically connected to the pair of fixing frames.

[0027] A secondary battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can be easily electrically connected to the outside.

[0028] A secondary battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent damage to an electrode tab due to external force.

[0029] In addition, the configurations according to the embodiments of the present invention may include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art.

[0030] Figure 1 shows a plan view of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 is a front view showing the shape of a fixed frame of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a side view showing the shape of an electrode tab fixed by a fixed frame.

[0034] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 6 is a front view showing the structure of a cap of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the combined structure of a cap and a fixed frame of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state before the cap and the fixed frame of the secondary battery assembly according to Example 2 of the present invention are combined.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a combined state of a cap and a fixed frame of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the process of combining a cap and a fixed frame of a secondary battery assembly according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the shape of a secondary battery assembly according to the present invention surrounded by an outer material.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The following description is one of several aspects of the embodiments, and in describing one embodiment, detailed descriptions of well-known functions or configurations will be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

[0042] In this specification, when adding reference signs to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference signs are attached to identical or similar components throughout the specification. Components included in one embodiment and components that have common functions will be described using the same names in other embodiments. Terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on this disclosure. Therefore, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described above, and all variations equivalent to or equivalent to the claims, as well as the scope of the claims, are deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the structure of a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates a plan view of a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (10), a fixing frame (20), and a cap (40).

[0047] Electrode assembly (10)

[0048] The electrode assembly (10) may include a pair of electrode tabs (11). The electrode tabs (11) may be formed as a pair at opposite longitudinal ends of the electrode assembly (10). The electrode tabs (11) include a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab, and may protrude from opposite longitudinal ends of the electrode assembly (10). The electrode tabs (11) of the electrode assembly (10) may have a form in which multiple layers are overlapped and fixed in the form of metal foil. The electrode tabs (11) may be provided, for example, in a state in which multiple layers of rapid foil are ultrasonically welded and fixed to each other.

[0049] Fixed frame (20)

[0050] The fixed frame (20) can fix the electrode tab (11) formed on the electrode assembly (10).

[0051] A pair of fixing frames (20) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so as to fix each electrode tab (11) formed at both ends of the electrode assembly (10). Each of the fixing frames (20) is arranged at one end and the other end of the electrode assembly (10), and may fix the electrode tab (11) formed at one end of the electrode assembly (10) and the electrode tab (11) formed at the other end, respectively. For example, the fixing frame (20) may include a first frame (201) arranged at one end of the electrode assembly (10) to fix a positive electrode tab (positive electrode tab), and a second frame (202) arranged at the other end of the electrode assembly (10) to fix a negative electrode tab (negative electrode tab).

[0052] The fixed frame (20) may include a metal part (22) in which a slit (21) is formed so that an electrode tab (11) is inserted and provided, and an insulating part (23) surrounding the metal part (22) (see Fig. 3). More detailed information on the structure and function of the fixed frame (20) will be described later with reference to Fig. 3.

[0053] Cap (40)

[0054] The cap (40) may be provided to be coupled to the fixed frame (20) so that the electrode assembly (10) can be electrically connected to the outside. The caps (40) may be provided as a pair, and may be coupled to a pair of fixed frames (20) in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (10). Each cap (40) may overlap the fixed frame (20) in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (10). The caps (40) may be provided as a pair, for example, including a first cap (401) overlapping a first frame (201) of the fixed frame (20) and a second cap (402) overlapping a second frame (202) of the fixed frame (20).

[0055] The cap (40) may be provided to cover the exterior opening of the exterior material (60) to be described later. The cap (40) may be positioned in a pair of exterior openings formed in the exterior material (60) to seal the exterior openings.

[0056] The cap (40) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) so as to transmit power of the electrode assembly (10) to the outside. The cap (40) may be electrically connected to a fixing frame (20) that fixes the electrode tab (11) of the electrode assembly (10). That is, the cap (40) may be physically / electrically connected to the fixing frame (20). The cap (40) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) via the fixing frame (20).

[0057] The cap (40) may include a terminal portion (42) that is electrically connected by contact with the metal portion (22) of the fixed frame (20) and a coupling portion (43) surrounding the terminal portion (42) (see FIG. 6). The coupling portion (43) may be mechanically coupled to the fixed frame (20), specifically, to the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20). More detailed information on the structure and function of the cap (40) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0058] Support frame (30)

[0059] The secondary battery assembly according to Example 1 of the present invention may further include a support frame (30).

[0060] The support frame (30) is arranged between a pair of fixed frames (201, 202) spaced apart from each other, and can support between the pair of fixed frames (201, 202). When the secondary battery assembly is being transported, an impact may be applied in a direction that compresses the secondary battery assembly along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the secondary battery assembly, and the electrode tab (11) located at one end of the longitudinal direction of the secondary battery assembly may be damaged, such as by being bent, due to such impact. The electrode tab (11) may be formed of a current collector formed of a thin metal foil of about 10 μm as described above, and may be easily damaged if deformation, such as being bent, occurs. Therefore, the support frame (30) may be provided to support between a pair of fixed frames (201, 202) that fix the electrode tab (11) so that such impact is not transmitted to the electrode tab (11).

[0061] The support frame (30) can be coupled to the fixed frame (20) at a position that is biased to one side from the electrode assembly (10) by having one end and the other end coupled to the longitudinal end of the fixed frame (20).

[0062] The support frame (30) may be connected to the fixed frame (20) through a connecting member such as a screw or rivet, but is not limited thereto. The support frame (30) may be connected to the insulating member (23) of the fixed frame (20) to be described later.

[0063] The support frame (30) can be formed with a predetermined thickness and width so as not to be deformed by pressure applied along the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the electrode assembly (10), and can prevent external force applied to the fixed frame (20) from being transmitted to the electrode assembly (10) and the electrode tab (11).

[0064] The support frame (30) may be formed in a columnar shape having a predetermined cross-sectional shape so as to be able to withstand a force compressing the support frame (30). That is, the support frame (30) may be a linear member having a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The support frame (30) may be provided in the shape of a square column as illustrated, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in the shape of, for example, a circular column.

[0065] The support frame (30) may be formed of an electrically insulating material so that a pair of fixed frames (201, 202) are not electrically connected, and may be formed of a material such as plastic or rubber, for example.

[0066] Exterior material (60)

[0067] The outer covering (60) may be formed by rolling or folding a film-shaped sheet. The outer covering (60) may have an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly (10) and an outer covering opening for communicating the internal space with the outside. The outer covering openings may be provided in pairs along the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (10) to be accommodated. The sheet forming the outer covering (60) may be a sheet including a metal layer such as aluminum or stainless steel. The sheet may be a laminate sheet further including a resin layer laminated on the metal layer.

[0068] The outer material (60) can seal the electrode assembly (10) housed inside by sealing the cap (40) with the connecting portion (43) described later (see FIG. 6) and the outside. An electrolyte can be injected into the inner space of the sealed outer material (60) to activate the electrode assembly (10).

[0069] Figures 3 to 5 illustrate the shape and fixing structure of the fixing frame (20) of the secondary battery assembly according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a front view illustrating the shape of the fixing frame (20) of the secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the shape of the electrode tab (11) fixed by the fixing frame (20). Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view of Figure 4.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the fixed frame (20) may include a metal portion (22) and an insulating portion (23).

[0071] Metal part (22)

[0072] A slit (21) may be formed in the metal portion (22) to fix the electrode tab (11) of the electrode assembly (10) (see FIG. 3). The slit (21) may have a shape that is recessed from one side of the fixed frame (20). The electrode tab (11) may be inserted into the slit (21), and the slit (21) may be formed to have a width equal to or smaller than the thickness of the electrode tab (11) so as to fix the inserted electrode tab (11). For example, the slit (21) may be formed to include a shape in which the width gradually narrows along the direction in which the slit (21) is recessed so that the fixing force for fixing the electrode tab (11) is further strengthened as the electrode tab (11) is inserted along the direction in which the slit (21) is recessed.

[0073] Each of the slits (21) formed in a pair of fixed frames (201, 202) may be formed to be recessed in the same direction with respect to one side of each of the fixed frames (20). The metal portion (22) is formed along the direction in which the slit (21) is recessed from one side of the fixed frame (20), and may be provided on both sides of the slit (21). The pair of metal portions (22) provided on both sides of the slit (21) may be arranged in parallel to face each other. That is, the metal portions (22) may have the shape of a pair of rectangular frames spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The distance at which the pair of metal portions (22) are spaced apart from each other may correspond to the width of the slit (21).

[0074] The metal portion (22) can be in contact with the electrode tab (11) inserted into the slit (21) (see FIG. 5). The metal portion (22) is in direct contact with the electrode tab (11) inserted into the slit (21) and can be electrically connected to the electrode tab (11) with which it is in contact. The metal portion (22) is formed of an electrically conductive metal material and may include, for example, at least one material selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] Insulation (23)

[0076] The insulating portion (23) may be provided to surround the metal portion (22). The insulating portion (23) may be provided to surround the outer surfaces of a pair of metal portions (22) facing each other, and to apply elastic force to the metal portion (22) so that the electrode tab (11) located between the pair of metal portions (22) is brought into contact by the metal portion (22). The insulating portion (23) may connect the other sides of the pair of metal portions (22) by surrounding the outer surfaces of the pair of metal portions (22) facing each other. The insulating portion (23) may have, for example, a U-shape and surround the metal portion (22). The insulating portion (23) may be provided to be elastically deformed by a predetermined displacement in the width direction of the slit (21) between the pair of metal portions (22) when the electrode tab (11) is inserted into the slit (21) between the pair of metal portions (22). The electrode tab (11) of the electrode assembly (10) inserted into the slit (21) can be firmly fixed between a pair of metal parts (22) by the elasticity of the insulating part (23).

[0077] The insulating portion (23) may include an electrical insulating material and may be formed of, for example, a material such as plastic or rubber.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a front view showing the structure of the cap (40) of the secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the combined structure of the cap (40) and the fixed frame (20) of the secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cap (40) of the secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may include a terminal portion (42) and a connecting portion (43). The cap (40) may overlap the fixed frame (20) in the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (10).

[0080] Terminal section (42)

[0081] The terminal portion (42) may be in contact with the metal portion (22) of the fixed frame (20). The terminal portion (42) may be provided to be in contact with and electrically connected to the metal portion (22) of the fixed frame (20). The terminal portion (42) may be formed by including a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to the metal portion (22). The terminal portion (42) may be provided in the form of a rectangular metal frame having a predetermined thickness corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the metal portion (22) of the fixed frame (20). The terminal portion (42) may be formed by including, for example, at least one material selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, copper, and aluminum, but is not limited thereto.

[0082] The terminal portion (42) may be provided so as to transmit power of the electrode assembly (10) to the outside. In other words, the terminal portion (42) may be provided so as to function as a terminal through which the electrode assembly (10) can be electrically connected to the outside. The terminal portion (42) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) by making contact with the metal portion (22) of the fixed frame (20) that fixes the electrode tab (11) of the electrode assembly (10) and thereby being electrically connected. The terminal portion (42) of the cap (40) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) via the metal portion (22) of the fixed frame (20).

[0083] Joint (43)

[0084] The connecting portion (43) may be provided to surround the terminal portion (42) and be connected and fixed to the fixed frame (20). The connecting portion (43) may be formed in a shape that surrounds the rectangular terminal portion (42). For example, the connecting portion (43) may be formed in a rectangular shape with a larger width and area than the terminal portion (42) and made of a non-metallic material. The connecting portion (43) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer surface of the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20). The connecting portion (43) may overlap, for example, the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20).

[0085] The joint (43) can be made of polypropylene material to enable sealing with the exterior material (60) (see FIG. 11) described later.

[0086] The joint portion (43) of the cap (40) and the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20) may each be provided with joint members for mutual coupling. That is, the joint portion (43) of the cap (40) may be provided with a member for coupling with the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20), and the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20) may be provided with a member for coupling with the joint portion (43) of the cap (40).

[0087] For example, a first coupling unit (24) may be provided in the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20), and a second coupling unit (44) may be provided in the coupling portion (43) of the cap (40).

[0088] The first coupling unit (24) and the second coupling unit (44) may be magnets that are provided so that mutual attraction is applied. In other words, the coupling portion (43) of the cap (40) and the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20) may be coupled in a manner in which they are magnetically attached to each other.

[0089] The first coupling unit (24) and the second coupling unit (44) are provided at positions where they contact each other when the insulating portion (23) and the coupling portion (43) overlap, and can be magnetically attached to each other. The first coupling unit (24) and the second coupling unit (44) may be magnets having the same size and shape, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first coupling unit (24) and the second coupling unit (44) may be cylindrical magnets having a predetermined thickness. The first coupling unit (24) and the second coupling unit (44) may be arranged in a recessed form from the mutually contacting surfaces of the insulating portion (23) and the coupling portion (43), respectively.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state before coupling of a cap (40) and a fixed frame (20) of a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a coupled state of a cap (40) and a fixed frame (20) of a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupling process of a cap (40) and a fixed frame (20) of a secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0092] In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, there may be a difference from Embodiment 1 in that the coupling of the cap (40) and the fixed frame (20) is achieved through a physical interlocking structure rather than through a magnetic force. Except for the difference, it should be noted that the contents of the secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention described above can be commonly applied to Embodiment 2 as well. Therefore, the contents common to Embodiment 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 2 will be described focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the cap (40) and the fixed frame (20) of the secondary battery assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention can be fixedly coupled in a manner that mechanically interlocks with each other.

[0094] In this case, a guide groove (26) may be formed in the insulating portion (23) of the fixed frame (20), and a guide protrusion (46) may be provided in the joining portion (43) of the cap (40). The guide groove (26) and the guide protrusion (46) may be formed to interlock with each other.

[0095] Guide groove (26) and guide projection (46)

[0096] The guide groove (26) may be formed by being recessed into the outer surface of the insulating portion (23) with a predetermined width. The guide groove (26) may be formed by being recessed into both upper and lower ends of the insulating portion (23), for example. That is, the guide groove (26) may be provided in pairs. The guide groove (26) may have a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the insulating portion (23) with a predetermined width.

[0097] A guide arm (45) having a guide protrusion (46) formed thereon may be provided at the joint portion (43) of the cap (40). The guide arm (45) may protrude from both upper and lower ends of the joint portion (43) in a direction toward the electrode assembly (10). The guide arms (45) may be provided as a pair facing each other in parallel, and may have a shape extending along the length direction of the cap (40) in the form of a flat plate having a predetermined thickness.

[0098] The guide protrusion (46) and the guide groove (26) may have a shape extending along the length direction of the slit (21) so as to be slidably coupled to each other.

[0099] The guide protrusion (46) may be formed to protrude from the inner surfaces facing each other of a pair of guide arms (45). The guide protrusion (46) may be formed to protrude with a width corresponding to the width of the guide groove (26) formed in the insulating portion (23). The guide protrusion (46) may have a shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the guide arm (45). For example, the guide protrusion (46) may be formed to have a length corresponding to the length of the guide groove (26) formed in the insulating portion (23).

[0100] The guide protrusion (46) can be coupled in a sliding manner to the guide groove (26). That is, as the cap (40) slides on the fixed frame (20) in the longitudinal direction of the guide protrusion (46), the guide protrusion (46) of the cap (40) and the guide groove (26) of the fixed frame (20) can be coupled by sliding while engaging with each other. By adopting this mechanical coupling method between the cap (40) and the fixed frame (20), the stability of the coupling can be improved and the phenomenon of the cap (40) being unintentionally detached from the fixed frame (20) can be prevented.

[0101] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the shape of a secondary battery assembly according to the present invention surrounded by an outer material (60).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 11, the secondary battery assembly according to the present invention may further include an outer material (60) that surrounds the fixed frame (20), the support frame (30), and the cap (40) so that the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated therein.

[0103] Exterior material (60)

[0104] The outer covering (60) may be formed by rolling or folding a film-shaped sheet. The sheet forming the outer covering (60) may be a sheet including a metal layer such as aluminum or stainless steel. The sheet may be a laminate sheet further including a resin layer laminated on the metal layer.

[0105] The outer material (60) can seal the electrode assembly (10) housed inside from the outside by being sealed with the joint portion (43) of the cap (40). The joint portion (43) of the cap (40) can be sealed with the outer material (60) along the outer circumference. The joint portion (43) of the cap (40) can be made of a polypropylene material so as to be sealable with the outer material (60) as described above. An electrolyte can be injected into the internal space of the sealed outer material (60) to activate the electrode assembly (10).

[0106] The present invention can be provided in the form of a secondary battery module. The secondary battery module according to the present invention can include a plurality of the secondary battery assemblies described above. Specifically, each of the plurality of secondary battery assemblies included in the secondary battery module according to the present invention can be formed by including an electrode assembly including a pair of electrode tabs, a pair of fixing frames that fix the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly and are electrically connected to the electrode tabs, and a pair of caps that are formed of at least a portion of a conductive material and are electrically connected to the pair of fixing frames and the electrode assembly.

[0107] In the above description, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0108] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0109]

[0110] [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10: Electrode assembly

[0112] 11: Electrode tab

[0113] 20: Fixed frame

[0114] 201: First frame

[0115] 202: Second Frame

[0116] 21: Slit

[0117] 22: Metal department

[0118] 23: Insulation

[0119] 26: Guide groove

[0120] 30: Support frame

[0121] 40: Cap

[0122] 401: First Cap

[0123] 402: Second Cap

[0124] 42: Terminal section

[0125] 43: Joint

[0126] 44: Combination Unit

[0127] 45: Guide arm

[0128] 46: Guide protrusion

[0129] 60: Exterior material

Claims

1. An electrode assembly comprising a pair of electrode tabs; A pair of fixing frames coupled to both ends of the electrode assembly to fix the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly; An outer material having an internal space for accommodating the electrode assembly and an outer material opening for communicating the internal space with the outside; and A secondary battery assembly comprising a pair of caps coupled to the fixed frame to cover the outer casing opening, at least a portion of which is formed of a conductive material so as to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

2. In paragraph 1, The above fixed frame, A metal part formed with a slit into which the electrode tab is inserted and made of a metal material; and A secondary battery assembly, comprising an insulating member surrounding the metal member.

3. In paragraph 2, The above cap, A terminal portion that comes into contact with the metal portion of the fixed frame so as to be electrically connected to the electrode tab; and A secondary battery assembly, comprising a joining portion that surrounds the terminal portion and is arranged to be joined to the fixed frame.

4. In paragraph 3, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the connecting portion of the cap is connected and fixed with the insulating portion of the fixed frame.

5. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the above-mentioned connecting portion and the above-mentioned insulating portion are magnetically attached to each other.

6. In paragraph 4, A guide groove is formed in the insulating portion of the fixed frame, which is sunken from the outer surface to a predetermined width, A secondary battery assembly, wherein a guide protrusion is formed on the above-mentioned joint to be engaged with the above-mentioned guide groove.

7. In paragraph 6, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the above guide protrusion and the above guide groove have a shape extending along the length direction of the slit so as to be coupled by sliding with each other.

8. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the insulating portion has a U-shape that is opened in the joining direction of the electrode assembly.

9. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the insulating portion is configured to elastically deform in the width direction of the slit as the electrode tab is coupled to the slit.

10. In paragraph 3, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the terminal portion is formed of a material including aluminum, copper, or all of these.

11. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery assembly further comprising a support frame extending between the pair of fixed frames to support the pair of fixed frames.

12. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery assembly, wherein the outer surface of the above fixed frame is formed of a polypropylene material so as to be sealable with the above outer material.

13. A secondary battery module including a plurality of secondary battery assemblies, The above secondary battery assembly, An electrode assembly comprising a pair of electrode tabs; A pair of fixing frames that fix the electrode tabs of the electrode assembly and are electrically connected to the electrode tabs; and A secondary battery module comprising a pair of caps, at least one portion of which is formed of a challenging material and electrically connected to the electrode assembly by the pair of fixed frames.

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