Electrode assembly and rechargeable battery comprising same

Abstract

Disclosed are an electrode assembly and a rechargeable battery comprising same. The electrode assembly according to one embodiment is an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates are wound with separators interposed therebetween. The outermost electrode plate among the plurality of electrode plates comprises: a penetration part located near an end portion of the outermost electrode plate; and a close contact part of which a peripheral portion is cut so as to protrude from the outermost electrode plate, and the portion is folded to be in close contact with the periphery of the penetration part in a state in which the close contact part has penetrated the penetration part.

Description

Electrode assembly and secondary battery including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly and a secondary battery including the same.

[0002] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity batteries with one electrode assembly packaged in a pack form are used in small portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and camcorders, and large-capacity batteries with dozens of electrode assemblies connected are widely used as power sources for driving motors in electric scooters, hybrid cars, and electric vehicles.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured in various shapes, among which a cylindrical secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a cylindrical can that accommodates the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, and a cap assembly that is joined to the upper opening of the can to seal the can and allow current generated from the electrode assembly to flow to an external device.

[0004] Recently, high-power, high-capacity secondary batteries are being studied. In the case of high-power cylindrical secondary batteries, cracks can occur due to the pressure generated between the can and the electrode assembly. In particular, cracks can occur due to the significant increase in pressure at discontinuous areas, such as tabs inside the electrode assembly, and at protruding areas, such as the finishing tape attached to the outside of the electrode assembly.

[0005] The present invention is intended to overcome the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly and a secondary battery including the same, wherein the end portion of the electrode assembly can be finished without a finishing tape that causes cracks.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0007] An electrode assembly according to the present invention is an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates are wound with a separator between them, wherein an outermost electrode plate located at the outermost end of the plurality of electrode plates includes a penetration portion located at a portion adjacent to an end of the outermost electrode plate and a contact portion in which a portion of the periphery is cut to protrude from the outermost electrode plate, and a portion of the periphery is folded while penetrating the penetration portion and is in close contact with the periphery of the penetration portion.

[0008] The above penetration portion may be formed to have a size corresponding to the above sealing portion.

[0009] The above penetration portion may be formed to have a relatively larger size than the above sealing portion.

[0010] The above-mentioned contact portion may be rectangular.

[0011] The above-mentioned contact portion may be triangular.

[0012] The above-mentioned sealing portion may be semicircular.

[0013] The above-mentioned adhesive portion may be in the shape of a ribbon.

[0014] The above ribbon-shaped adhesive portion can be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate.

[0015] The length between the contact portion and the penetration portion in the outermost electrode plate may correspond to the length of the circumference of the electrode assembly.

[0016] The above-mentioned penetration portions are plural, and each of the plurality of penetration portions can be positioned at a certain distance apart along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate.

[0017] The above-mentioned sealing portions may be multiple, and the number of the multiple sealing portions may be the same as the number of the penetration portions.

[0018] The above plurality of electrode plates may include a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly is an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates are wound with a separator between them, wherein an outermost electrode plate located at the outermost end of the plurality of electrode plates includes a contact portion in which a portion of the periphery is cut to protrude from the outermost electrode plate and a portion is folded to contact an end of the outermost electrode plate.

[0020] The end of the outermost electrode plate may be positioned at the part where the contact portion is folded.

[0021] The above-mentioned adhesive portion may be in the shape of a ribbon.

[0022] The above ribbon-shaped adhesive portion can be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate.

[0023] The length from the above-mentioned contact portion to the end of the outermost electrode plate may correspond to the length of the circumference of the electrode assembly.

[0024] The above plurality of electrode plates may include a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate.

[0025] A secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a case and an electrode assembly accommodated in the case.

[0026] The electrode assembly according to the present invention has the outermost electrode plate end capped with a sealing portion and a penetration portion. Therefore, unlike conventional electrode assemblies, the end cap is not capped with a sealing tape, thereby preventing cracks from forming due to the sealing tape. Consequently, the durability of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0027] Additionally, the outer part of the secondary battery can be finished with a cathode substrate without a non-conductor such as a finishing tape or separator, thereby contributing to output.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the secondary battery of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the secondary battery of Figure 1.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an excerpt of the electrode assembly of Fig. 3.

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the portion of the outermost electrode plate with the contact portion and the penetration portion is unfolded.

[0033] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a sealing part formed in a semicircle.

[0034] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a contact part made of triangles.

[0035] Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views sequentially illustrating the process in which the sealing portion passes through the penetration portion in the electrode assembly of Figure 4.

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portion of the outermost electrode plate with a penetration portion is wound toward a contact portion.

[0037] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the end of the outermost electrode plate being completely rolled and the sealing portion being folded to penetrate the penetration portion.

[0038] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a sealing part according to a modified example.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views sequentially illustrating the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly of Figure 11.

[0041] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a portion of the outermost electrode plate with a contact portion is unfolded.

[0042] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing that the end of the outermost electrode plate is positioned adjacent to the contact portion.

[0043] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. The following embodiments may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Rather, these embodiments are provided to more faithfully and completely explain the present disclosure and fully convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0044] In addition, in the drawings below, the thickness and size of each layer are exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. In addition, the meaning of "connected" in this specification means not only when member A and member B are directly connected, but also when member C is interposed between member A and member B, so that member A and member B are indirectly connected.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the words "comprise" and "include" and / or "comprising" and "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, it is to be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, layer, or portion. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may also refer to a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0047] In addition, terms related to space, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper," may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature depicted in the drawings and other elements or features. These terms related to space are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention in various process states or usage states, and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, if an element or feature in the drawing is flipped, an element or feature described as "beneath" or "below" becomes "above" or "above." Therefore, "below" is a concept that encompasses "upper" or "below."

[0048] Hereinafter, a secondary battery in which an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can be installed will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the secondary battery of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the secondary battery of FIG. 1.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the secondary battery (100) includes a case (110), an electrode assembly (120), and a cap assembly (140).

[0051] The case (110) accommodates an electrode assembly (120) to be described later. The case (110) for this purpose may include a circular bottom portion (111) and a cylindrical side portion (112) extending upward from the bottom portion (111) by a certain length. During the manufacturing process of the secondary battery (100), the upper portion of the case (110) is open. Therefore, during the assembly process of the secondary battery, the electrode assembly (120) can be inserted into the case (110) together with an electrolyte.

[0052] The case (110) may include steel, a steel alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or an equivalent thereof. The case (110) may have a beading part (113) that is sunken inward at the bottom thereof with the cap assembly (140) as the center so that the electrode assembly (120) and the cap assembly (140) do not come off to the outside, and may have a crimping part (114) that is bent inward at the top thereof.

[0053] The electrode assembly (120) can be accommodated inside the case (110). The electrode assembly (120) includes a plurality of electrode plates (121, 122) and a separator (123). The plurality of electrode plates (121, 122) include a first electrode plate (121) and a second electrode plate (122). In addition, the electrode assembly (120) has an internal space created at the innermost side by winding the first electrode plate (121), the second electrode plate (122), and the separator (123).

[0054] The first electrode plate (121) may be, for example, a negative electrode plate. In this case, the second electrode plate (122) may be a positive electrode plate, and vice versa. For convenience of explanation, the following description will assume that the first electrode plate (121) is a negative electrode plate and the second electrode plate (122) is a positive electrode plate.

[0055] The negative plate is coated with a negative active material (e.g., graphite, carbon, etc.). The positive plate is coated with a positive active material (e.g., transition metal oxide (LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, etc.).

[0056] The separator (123) is positioned between the negative electrode plate (121) and the positive electrode plate (122) to prevent short circuit and only allow the movement of lithium ions.

[0057] The negative electrode plate (121), positive electrode plate (122), and separator (123) can be wound in a roughly cylindrical shape. The negative electrode plate (121) can include copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni) foil, the positive electrode plate (122) can include aluminum (Al) foil, and the separator (123) can include polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).

[0058] A negative electrode tab (124) that protrudes downward by a certain length may be welded to the negative electrode plate (121), and a positive electrode tab (125) that protrudes upward by a certain length may be welded to the positive electrode plate (122), but the opposite is also possible. The negative electrode tab (124) may include a copper or nickel material, and the positive electrode tab (125) may include an aluminum material.

[0059] The negative tab (124) of the electrode assembly (120) can be welded to the bottom (111) of the case (110). Therefore, the case (110) can operate as a negative electrode. Of course, conversely, the positive tab (125) can be welded to the bottom (111) of the case (110), in which case the case (110) can operate as a positive electrode.

[0060] A first insulating plate (126) may be interposed between the electrode assembly (120) and the bottom portion (111). The first insulating plate (126) is coupled to the case (110) and has a first hole (126a) in the center and a second hole (126b) on the outside thereof. This first insulating plate (126) may prevent the electrode assembly (120) from electrically contacting the bottom portion (111) of the case (110).

[0061] The first insulating plate (126) can prevent the positive electrode plate (122) of the electrode assembly (120) from making electrical contact with the bottom portion (111). The first hole (126a) can allow the gas to quickly move upward when a large amount of gas is generated due to an abnormality in the secondary battery. In addition, the negative electrode tab (124) can be welded to the bottom portion (111) by penetrating the second hole (126b).

[0062] A second insulating plate (127) can be interposed between the electrode assembly (120) and the cap assembly (140). The second insulating plate (127) is coupled to the case (110) and has a first hole (127a) in the center and a plurality of second holes (127b) on the outside thereof.

[0063] This second insulating plate (127) can prevent the electrode assembly (120) from making electrical contact with the cap assembly (140). The second insulating plate (127) can limit the electrical contact of the negative electrode plate (121) of the electrode assembly (120) with the cap assembly (140).

[0064] The first hole (127a) can allow the gas to quickly move to the cap assembly (140) when a large amount of gas is generated due to an abnormality in the secondary battery, and the second hole (127b) can allow the positive electrode tab (125) to pass through and be welded to the cap assembly (140). In addition, the remaining second hole (127b) can allow the electrolyte to quickly flow into the electrode assembly (120) during the electrolyte injection process.

[0065] A cap assembly (140) may include a cap-up (141) having a plurality of through holes (141e), a safety vent (142) positioned at the lower portion of the cap-up (141), a connecting ring (143) positioned at the lower portion of the safety vent (142), and a cap-down (144) positioned at the lower portion of the safety vent (142) and the connecting ring (143) and including a plurality of through holes (144a), and electrically connected to the positive tab (125). The cap-down (144) is disposed on the opposite side of the cap-up (141) with the safety vent (142) interposed therebetween. In addition, the cap assembly (140) may further include an insulating gasket (145).

[0066] An insulating gasket (145) insulates the cap-up (141), the safety vent (142), and the cap-down (144) from the side (112) of the case (110). This insulating gasket (145) can be substantially compressed between the beading portion (113) and the crimping portion (114) included in the side (112) of the case (110).

[0067] The through hole (141a) of the cap-up (141) and the through hole (144a) of the cap-down (144) can discharge internal gas to the outside when an abnormal internal pressure occurs inside the case (110). The internal gas inverts the safety vent (142) upward through the through hole (144a) of the cap-down (144), so that the safety vent (142) is electrically separated from the cap-down (144), and then the safety vent (142) is torn, allowing the internal gas to be discharged to the outside through the through hole (141a) of the cap-up (141).

[0068] An electrolyte (not shown in the drawing) may be poured into the inside of the case (110), which allows lithium ions generated by an electrochemical reaction in the negative electrode plate (121) and positive electrode plate (122) inside the battery to move during charging and discharging. This electrolyte may include a non-aqueous organic electrolyte that is a mixture of a lithium salt and a high-purity organic solvent. The electrolyte may include a polymer or solid electrolyte using a polymer electrolyte.

[0069] Although the electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is limited to being installed in a cylindrical secondary battery, it is not limited thereto, and any secondary battery including an electrode assembly formed of a type in which a plurality of electrode plates are wound with a separator in between can be applied.

[0070] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0071] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an excerpt of the electrode assembly of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a portion of the outermost electrode plate having a contact portion and a penetration portion is unfolded.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in an electrode assembly (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the outermost electrode plate (129) located at the outermost end among the plurality of electrode plates (121, 122) includes a penetration portion (P1) and a contact portion (M1).

[0073] Here, the reference numerals of the plurality of electrode plates (121, 122) are '121' and '122' as described above, but for the convenience of explanation, the outermost electrode plate (129) is described with a separate reference numeral '129'.

[0074] The penetration portion (P1) is located adjacent to the end of the outermost electrode plate (129). The penetration portion (P1) may have a size corresponding to that of the sealing portion (M1) described later. The shape of the penetration portion (P1) may be, for example, a square, but is not limited thereto, and any shape may be used as long as the sealing portion (M1) described later can pass through it.

[0075] Although not shown in the drawing, the penetration portion (P1) may be formed to be relatively larger in size than the contact portion (M1). Accordingly, the contact portion (M1) can pass more smoothly through the penetration portion (P1).

[0076] The contact portion (M1) is cut at a portion of its periphery so as to protrude from the outermost electrode plate (129), and a portion thereof is folded while penetrating the penetration portion (P1) to contact the periphery of the penetration portion (P1). When the outermost electrode plate (129) is unfolded, the contact portion (M1) can be positioned to be spaced apart from the penetration portion (P1). The shape of the contact portion (M1) can be, for example, a square.

[0077] Meanwhile, in the electrode assembly (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described penetration portions (P1) may be plural. More specifically, each of the plurality of penetration portions (P1) may be positioned spaced apart at a predetermined distance along the width direction (y-axis direction) of the outermost electrode plate (129). At this time, the number of the contact portions (M1) may also be plural, and the number of the plurality of contact portions (M1) may be equal to the number of the penetration portions (P1).

[0078] Meanwhile, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the aforementioned contact portion (M1) may be semicircular. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the contact portion (M1) may be triangular.

[0079] Hereinafter, a process in which the end of the electrode assembly (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above is finished by a sealing portion (M1) and a penetration portion (P1) will be described.

[0080] Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views sequentially illustrating the process in which the sealing portion passes through the penetration portion in the electrode assembly of Figure 4. Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a portion of the outermost electrode plate with the penetration portion is rolled toward the sealing portion, and Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the sealing portion is folded and passes through the penetration portion while the end of the outermost electrode plate is completely rolled.

[0081] First, returning to FIG. 5, the outermost electrode plate (129) of the electrode assembly (120) can be arranged in the state shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, referring to FIG. 8, the electrode plate of the electrode assembly (120) continues to be wound. The portion of the outermost electrode plate (129) of the electrode assembly (120) where the contact portion (M1) is located is first brought into contact with the wound inner side. Next, referring to FIG. 9, as the outermost electrode plate (129) of the electrode assembly (120) continues to be wound, the contact portion (M1) and the penetration portion (P1) can correspond to each other. Finally, the contact portion (M1) is folded and passes through the penetration portion (P1) to be brought into contact with the outer side.

[0082] Meanwhile, it may be desirable that the length (L1) between the contact portion (M1) and the penetration portion (P1) in the outermost electrode plate (129) corresponds to the length of the circumference of the electrode assembly (120). This may be to allow the outermost electrode plate (129) of the electrode assembly (120) to pass through the contact portion (M1) and the penetration portion (P1) while being wound as described above.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly (120) as described above has the end portion of the outermost electrode plate (129) finished with a sealing portion (M1) and a penetration portion (P1). Therefore, unlike the conventional electrode assembly (120), by not finishing with a sealing tape, cracks caused by the sealing tape can be prevented. Accordingly, the durability of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0084] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, after the electrode assembly (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed inside the case (110, see FIG. 2), the aforementioned contact portion (M1) can be welded to the case (110, see FIG. 2). That is, the contact portion (M1) can also be used as an electrode tab.

[0085] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a sealing part according to a modified example.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 10, the above-described contact portion (M2) may be in a ribbon shape. At this time, the number of contact portions (M2) may be one, unlike the aforementioned contact portions (M2). The ribbon-shaped contact portions (M2) may be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate (129). The penetration portion (P2) may also be formed in a perforated shape corresponding to the contact portion (M2).

[0087] Unlike the aforementioned adhesive portion (M2), the adhesive portion (M2) according to this modified example can be processed by punching or cutting only one portion without having to punch or cut multiple spaces to process the adhesive portion (M2) and the penetration portion (P2). In addition, when manufacturing the electrode assembly (120), the adhesive portion (M2) can be manufactured by folding it only once, so the manufacturing process can be relatively simplified.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 11, the outermost electrode plate (129) included in the electrode assembly (120) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a contact portion (M3).

[0090] The contact portion (M3) is cut at a portion of its periphery so as to protrude from the outermost electrode plate (129), and a portion thereof is folded to contact the end of the outermost electrode plate (129). That is, unlike the electrode assembly (120) described above, the outermost electrode plate (129) included in another embodiment of the present invention does not include a penetration portion (P1), but only includes a contact portion (M3).

[0091] In an electrode assembly (120) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the end of the outermost electrode plate (129) may be positioned at a portion where the contact portion (M3) is folded.

[0092] The above-mentioned contact portion (M3) may be ribbon-shaped. The above-mentioned ribbon-shaped contact portion (M3) may be arranged in parallel along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate (129).

[0093] In addition, the length (L2) from the above-described contact portion (M3) to the end of the outermost electrode plate (129) may correspond to the length of the circumference of the electrode assembly (120). Accordingly, as described above, the contact portion (M3) may be folded and brought into close contact with the end of the outermost electrode plate (129).

[0094] Hereinafter, a process in which the end of the electrode assembly (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above is closed by a sealing portion (M3) will be described.

[0095] Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views sequentially illustrating the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly of Figure 11. Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a portion of the outermost electrode plate with a contact portion is unfolded, and Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an end portion of the outermost electrode plate is positioned adjacent to the contact portion.

[0096] First, referring to Fig. 12, the outermost electrode plate (129) of the electrode assembly (120) can be placed in the state shown in Fig. 12. Thereafter, referring to Fig. 13, the electrode plates of the electrode assembly (120) are continuously wound. The portion of the outermost electrode plate (129) of the electrode assembly (120) where the contact portion (M3) is located is first wound into contact with the portion.

[0097] Next, returning to Fig. 11, as the electrode plates of the electrode assembly (120) continue to be wound, the end of the outermost electrode plate (129) is positioned adjacent to the contact portion (M3). Finally, the contact portion (M3) is folded and comes into contact with the end of the outermost electrode plate (129).

[0098] Unlike the electrode assembly (120) described above, the electrode assembly (120) according to another embodiment of the present invention does not have a portion where the end of the outermost electrode plate (129) protrudes to the right with respect to the direction shown in the drawing with respect to the contact portion (M3). Therefore, the end of the outermost electrode plate (129) can be neatly organized.

[0099] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the drawings and detailed description of the invention described so far are merely exemplary of the present invention, and are used solely for the purpose of explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the meaning or scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible from the present invention. Accordingly, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

[0100] - Explanation of symbols -

[0101] 100: Secondary battery

[0102] 110: Case 120, 220: Electrode assembly

[0103] 121: First electrode plate 122: Second electrode plate

[0104] 123: Separator 129: Outermost electrode plate

[0105] M1, M2, M3: Sealing parts P1, P2: Penetrating parts

Claims

1. An electrode assembly in which multiple electrode plates are wound with a separator between them. Among the above electrode plates, the outermost electrode plate located at the outermost end is A penetration portion located adjacent to the end of the outermost electrode plate; and An electrode assembly including a sealing portion, a portion of which is cut to protrude from the outermost electrode plate, and a portion of which is folded while penetrating the penetration portion to adhere to the periphery of the penetration portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above penetration portion is an electrode assembly having a size corresponding to the above sealing portion.

3. In paragraph 1, An electrode assembly in which the above penetration portion is formed in a size relatively larger than the above sealing portion.

4. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned adhesive part is a square electrode assembly.

5. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned adhesive part is a triangular electrode assembly.

6. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned sealing portion is a semicircular electrode assembly.

7. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned adhesive part is an electrode assembly having a ribbon shape.

8. In paragraph 8, An electrode assembly in which the above ribbon-shaped adhesive portion is arranged parallel along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate.

9. In paragraph 1, An electrode assembly wherein the length between the contact portion and the penetration portion in the outermost electrode plate corresponds to the length of the circumference of the electrode assembly.

10. In paragraph 1, An electrode assembly having a plurality of penetration portions, each of which is positioned at a set distance apart along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate.

11. In Article 10, An electrode assembly wherein the above-mentioned sealing portions are plural, and the number of the plural sealing portions is the same as the number of the penetrating portions.

12. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of electrode plates is an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate.

13. An electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode plates are wound with a separator between them, Among the above electrode plates, the outermost electrode plate located at the outermost end is An electrode assembly including a sealing portion, a portion of which is cut to protrude from the outermost electrode plate and a portion of which is folded to seal against an end of the outermost electrode plate.

14. In paragraph 13, An electrode assembly in which the end of the outermost electrode plate is positioned at the part where the sealing portion folds.

15. In paragraph 13, The above-mentioned adhesive part is an electrode assembly having a ribbon shape.

16. In paragraph 15, An electrode assembly in which the above ribbon-shaped adhesive portion is arranged parallel along the width direction of the outermost electrode plate.

17. In paragraph 13, An electrode assembly in which the length from the above-mentioned contact portion to the end of the outermost electrode plate corresponds to the length of the circumference of the electrode assembly.

18. In paragraph 13, The above plurality of electrode plates is an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate.

19. Case; and An electrode assembly accommodated in the case; A secondary battery wherein the electrode assembly is an electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images