Electrode assembly, secondary battery, and battery unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, a secondary battery, and a battery unit and, more specifically, to an electrode assembly, a secondary battery, and a battery unit capable of efficient heat exchange. The electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of electrodes; a separator interposed between the plurality of electrodes; and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the plurality of electrodes to one side. The plurality of protrusions are at least partially non-overlapping in the thickness direction of the plurality of electrodes, and include a first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the electrodes and a second portion connecting the electrodes to the first portion, and the width of the second portion is less than the width of the first portion.

Description

Electrode assembly, secondary battery and battery unit

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0008169, filed January 18, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0004357, filed January 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, a secondary battery, and a battery unit, and more particularly, to an electrode assembly, a secondary battery, and a battery unit capable of efficient heat exchange.

[0005] Secondary batteries (rechargeable batteries) are rechargeable and dischargeable, unlike primary batteries, which are non-rechargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, and camcorders, while high-capacity batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles and other vehicles.

[0006] Secondary batteries can be utilized in the form of battery cells. A battery cell can be composed of an electrode assembly, in which a cathode, a separator, and anode are sequentially stacked within an outer shell, an outer shell housing the electrode assembly, and an electrolyte filling the inner space of the outer shell. For efficient operation of a battery cell, temperature optimization of the cathode and anode constituting the electrode assembly is essential. Roughly speaking, when the temperature of the cathode and anode is around 25°C, the efficiency of the battery cell increases, and its lifespan can also be extended.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional electrode assembly. The electrode assembly (1000) of Fig. 1 has a structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes (1100) and negative electrodes (1300) are laminated with a separator (1200) interposed therebetween, and such an electrode assembly (1000) can be accommodated in an outer material (not shown) to form a battery cell.

[0008] In the past, in order to control the temperature of a battery cell having such a structure, a method of contacting a cooling plate or a heating plate with the upper or lower surface of the battery cell was used. In this case, the cooling plate or heating plate is positioned adjacent to the uppermost or lowermost layer of the electrode assembly (1000), and as the thickness of the electrode assembly (1000) increases, there was a problem in that the temperature control of the electrode assembly (1000) was not effectively performed.

[0009] The present invention has been conceived in recognition of the above problems, and provides an electrode assembly capable of effectively controlling temperature, a secondary battery including the electrode assembly, and a battery unit including the secondary battery.

[0010] An electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of electrodes; a separator interposed between the plurality of electrodes; and a plurality of protrusions protruding to one side from the plurality of electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of protrusions non-overlaps with respect to a thickness direction of the plurality of electrodes, and wherein the protrusions include a first portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the electrode; and a second portion connecting the electrode and the first portion, wherein a width of the second portion may be formed to be narrower than a width of the first portion.

[0011] The plurality of protrusions may be arranged along the length direction of the plurality of electrodes.

[0012] The above protrusion may include an electrode-free portion protruding to one side from the electrode in the shape of a plate.

[0013] The electrode may include an electrode tab that protrudes in a direction different from the protrusion.

[0014] The above protrusions may include cathode protrusions formed on each of a plurality of cathodes.

[0015] The above protrusion further includes a cathode protrusion formed on each of the plurality of anodes, and the cathode protrusion and the anode protrusion can be arranged alternately with respect to the length direction of the plurality of electrodes.

[0016] The cathode protrusion may be spaced apart from the anode protrusion in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrodes.

[0017] Meanwhile, an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of positive electrodes; a plurality of negative electrodes; a separator interposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes; a plurality of positive electrode protrusions protruding from the plurality of positive electrodes to one side; and a plurality of negative electrode protrusions protruding from the plurality of negative electrodes to the other side, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of positive electrode protrusions non-overlaps with respect to a thickness direction of the plurality of positive electrodes, and at least a portion of the plurality of negative electrode protrusions non-overlaps with respect to a thickness direction of the plurality of negative electrodes, and wherein the protrusions include a first portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the electrodes; and a second portion connecting the electrodes and the first portion, wherein a width of the second portion may be formed narrower than a width of the first portion.

[0018] The plurality of positive protrusions may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of positive electrodes, and the plurality of negative protrusions may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of negative electrodes.

[0019] A secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly; and an outer case that accommodates the electrode assembly.

[0020] A battery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a secondary battery; and a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat with the protrusion.

[0021] The above heat exchange unit may include at least one of a heating unit for heating the protrusion; and a cooling unit for cooling the protrusion.

[0022] The above heat exchange unit may further include a clamping member that clamps the plurality of protrusions accommodated inside the outer material.

[0023] The above heating unit may include a wire provided inside the clamping member.

[0024] The above cooling unit may include a cooling path made of an insulating material.

[0025] The cooling path may be provided between the outer material and the clamping member or inside the clamping member.

[0026] An electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from a plurality of electrodes to one side, each of which may include a first portion extending along the length of the electrode and a second portion connecting the electrode and the first portion and having a relatively narrow width. In this case, the electrode assembly can effectively exchange heat with an external heat exchange unit, thereby advantageously controlling the temperature.

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional electrode assembly.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the specific shape of the protrusion in the electrode assembly of Fig. 2 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a secondary battery according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a battery unit according to the present invention.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange unit illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0036] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the heat exchange unit of Fig. 9.

[0037] 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. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0038] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0039] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0040] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly, a secondary battery, and a battery unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041]

[0042] electrode assembly

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0044] The electrode assembly (100) illustrated in FIG. 2 includes three cathodes (110a) and two anodes (110b), but this is exemplary, and the number of cathodes (110a) and anodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2, an electrode assembly (100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of electrodes (110), a separator (120) interposed between the plurality of electrodes (110), and a plurality of protrusions (111) protruding to one side from the plurality of electrodes (110). Here, at least some of the plurality of protrusions (111) may non-overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the plurality of electrodes (110). Specifically, the plurality of protrusions (111) may be arranged in the length direction of the electrode assembly (100) without all or some of them overlapping in the thickness direction of the electrode assembly (100).

[0046] A plurality of protrusions (111) are formed on one side of the electrode assembly (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the plurality of protrusions (111) can be coupled to a heat transfer unit (300) described later and exchange heat with it. In this case, there is an advantageous effect of being able to effectively control the temperature of the electrode assembly (100). In particular, the electrode assembly (100) according to the first embodiment does not have an upper surface or a lower surface that exchanges heat with the heat exchange unit (300), but rather, a plurality of protrusions (111) formed on one side of the electrode assembly (100) directly exchange heat with the heat exchange unit (300), so that even when the thickness of the electrode assembly (100) increases, the overall temperature of the electrode assembly (100) can be effectively controlled.

[0047] The electrode assembly (100) is an assembly composed of a plurality of electrodes (110) and separators (120) interposed between the electrodes (110), and may have various structures. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrode assembly (100) may have a stacked structure in which a plurality of electrodes (110) and separators (120) are alternately stacked.

[0048] In addition, although not shown in FIG. 2, the electrode assembly (100) may have a stack-folding structure in which electrodes (110) and separators (120) are laminated and folded, or a jelly-roll structure in which a laminate in which electrodes (110) and separators (120) are laminated is wound.

[0049] Meanwhile, the electrode (110) included in the electrode assembly (100) is a cathode (110a) or an anode (110b), and the electrode assembly (100) can be accommodated inside the outer material (200) in a state of being impregnated with an electrolyte.

[0050] The cathode (110a) emits electrons through a connected conductor, and may have a structure in which an active material, etc. is applied to a cathode substrate composed of a thin metal plate. At this time, a coating layer may be formed on at least a portion of the cathode (110a).

[0051] The positive electrode (110b) has a structure in which a mixture of an active material, a conductive material, and a binder is applied to a thin plate made of a metal such as aluminum, and a coating layer may be formed on at least a portion of the positive electrode (110b).

[0052] The separator (120) is a thin film of insulating material interposed between the electrodes (110), and electrodes (110) of different polarities can be positioned on each of one side and the other side of the separator (120). That is, the separator (120) can block direct contact between the negative electrode (110a) and the positive electrode (110b).

[0053] In addition, a plurality of pores having a diameter of 1 μm or less through which cations such as lithium pass are formed in the separator (120), and the separator (120) may be composed of various materials. For example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) may be used in the separator (120).

[0054] The protrusion (111) is an electrode non-coated portion on which a coating layer is not formed, and may be a protrusion protruding to one side from a plate-shaped electrode (110). At this time, the plate-shaped electrode (110) may include an electrode tab (112) protruding in a different direction from the protrusion (111). That is, each of the plurality of electrodes (110) included in the electrode assembly (100) may include a protrusion (111) protruding to one side and an electrode tab (112) protruding to the other side. In addition, the protrusions (111) formed on one side of the electrode assembly (100) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0055] Specifically, each of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a) included in the electrode assembly (100) may include a negative electrode protrusion (111a) protruding to one side and a negative electrode tab (112a) protruding to the other side. That is, the negative electrode (110a) may include one side from which the negative electrode protrusion (111a) protrudes and the other side from which the negative electrode tab (112a) protrudes.

[0056] In addition, each of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) may include a positive electrode protrusion (111b) protruding to one side and a positive electrode tab (112b) protruding to the other side. That is, the positive electrode (110b) may include one side from which the positive electrode protrusion (111b) protrudes and the other side from which the positive electrode tab (112b) protrudes.

[0057] Here, the negative electrode protrusion (111a) and the positive electrode protrusion (111b) may protrude from the first side of the electrode assembly (100), and the negative electrode tab (112a) and the positive electrode tab (112b) may protrude from the second side of the electrode assembly (100). On the first side of the electrode assembly (100), the negative electrode protrusions (111a) and the positive electrode protrusions (111b) may be alternately arranged and spaced apart from each other. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the negative electrode protrusions (111a) and the positive electrode protrusions (111b) included in the negative electrode (110a) and the positive electrode (110b) laminated in the electrode assembly (100) may be alternately arranged from one side in the length direction of the electrode assembly (100) to the other side.

[0058] Fig. 3 is a front view showing the specific shape of the protrusion in the electrode assembly of Fig. 2 of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, the protrusion (111) may include a first portion (111') extending along the longitudinal direction of the electrode (110); and a second portion (111") connecting the electrode (110) and the first portion (111'). Here, the width of the second portion (111") may be formed to be narrower than the width of the first portion (111').

[0060] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the cathode protrusion (111a) may be configured with a relatively wide portion (111a') extending along the longitudinal direction of the cathode (110a) and a relatively narrow portion (111a") connecting the wide portion (111a') and the cathode (110a). In addition, the anode protrusion (111b) may be configured with a relatively wide portion (111b') extending along the longitudinal direction of the cathode (110b) and a relatively narrow portion (111b") connecting the wide portion (111b') and the anode (110b).

[0061] Specifically, the first portion (111a', 111b') of each of the cathode protrusion (111a) and the anode protrusion (111b) may have a relatively wider width than the second portion (111a", 111b"). In this case, since the first portion (111a', 111b') has a wide area, the clamping member can be easily clamped. At this time, a heat exchange unit composed of a heating portion and / or a cooling portion may be provided inside the clamping member, so that the protrusions (111a, 111b) can effectively exchange heat with the heat exchange unit.

[0062] That is, since the width of the first part (111a', 111b') constituting each of the negative protrusion (111a) and the positive protrusion (111b) is formed relatively wider than that of the second part (111a", 111b"), the electrode assembly (100) can be more easily combined with a clamping member having a heat exchange unit, and the heat exchange rate between the electrode assembly (100) and the heat exchange unit can be improved.

[0063] In particular, since only the first part (111a', 111b') clamped to the clamping member among the negative protrusion (111a) and the positive protrusion (111b) is formed with a wide width, the weight of the protrusions (111a, 111b) can be reduced compared to the case where the width of the entire negative protrusion (111a) and the positive protrusion (111b) is formed wide, and thus the energy density of the electrode assembly (100) can be reconsidered.

[0064] Meanwhile, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0065] The electrode assembly (100) illustrated in FIG. 4 includes three cathodes (110a) and two anodes (110b), but this is exemplary, and the number of cathodes (110a) and anodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4, in the electrode assembly (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, protrusions (111a) may be formed on each of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a) constituting the electrode assembly (100). Specifically, in the electrode assembly (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions (111a) may be formed only on the negative electrode (110a). At this time, one protrusion (111a) is formed on one negative electrode (110a), and the plurality of protrusions (111a) may all be formed on the same side of the electrode assembly (100).

[0067] The cathode (110a) and the anode (110b) are plate surfaces having a square plate shape and may have different sizes. For example, the cathode (110a) may have a relatively larger area than the anode (110b). The protrusion (111a) of the electrode assembly (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is formed only on the cathode (110a) having a relatively larger area, so that the protrusion (111a) may not be covered by the anode (110b) plate. In this case, all parts of the protrusion (111a) may be coupled to the heat transfer unit (300) described below, so that heat exchange between the protrusion (111a) and the heat transfer unit (300) may be efficiently performed.

[0068] Meanwhile, the plurality of protrusions (111a) formed on one side of the electrode assembly (100) may be arranged in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the plurality of protrusions (111a) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance along the longitudinal direction of the cathode (110a).

[0069] Each of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a negative electrode protrusion (111a) protruding to one side and a negative electrode tab (112a) protruding to the other side. That is, the negative electrode (110a) may include one side from which the negative electrode protrusion (111a) protrudes and the other side from which the negative electrode tab (112a) protrudes.

[0070] In addition, each of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a protruding positive electrode tab (112b). Specifically, the negative electrode protrusion (111a) may protrude from the first side of the electrode assembly (100), and the positive electrode tab (112b) and the negative electrode tab (112a) may protrude from the second side of the electrode assembly (100).

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cathode protrusion (111a) may be composed of a relatively wide first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the cathode (110a) and a relatively narrow second portion connecting the first portion and the cathode (110a).

[0072] Meanwhile, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0073] The electrode assembly (100) illustrated in FIG. 5 includes three cathodes (110a) and two anodes (110b), but this is exemplary, and the number of cathodes (110a) and anodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, in the electrode assembly (100) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, protrusions (111b) may be formed on each of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b) constituting the electrode assembly (100). Specifically, in the electrode assembly (100) according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusions (111b) may be formed only on the positive electrode (110b). At this time, one protrusion (111b) is formed on one positive electrode (110b), and the plurality of protrusions (111b) may all be formed on the same side of the electrode assembly (100).

[0075] Meanwhile, the plurality of protrusions (111b) formed on one side of the electrode assembly (100) may be arranged in various ways. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the plurality of protrusions (111b) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance along the longitudinal direction of the anode (110b).

[0076] Each of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a positive electrode protrusion (111b) protruding to one side and a positive electrode tab (112b) protruding to the other side. That is, the positive electrode (110b) may include one side from which the positive electrode protrusion (111b) protrudes and the other side from which the positive electrode tab (112b) protrudes.

[0077] In addition, each of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a protruding negative electrode tab (112a). Specifically, the positive electrode protrusion (111b) may protrude from the first side of the electrode assembly (100), and the positive electrode tab (112b) and the negative electrode tab (112a) may protrude from the second side of the electrode assembly (100).

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the anode protrusion (111b) may be composed of a relatively wide first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the anode (110b) and a relatively narrow second portion connecting the first portion and the anode (110b).

[0079] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0080] The electrode assembly (100) illustrated in FIG. 6 includes three cathodes (110a) and two anodes (110b), but this is exemplary, and the number of cathodes (110a) and anodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6, an electrode assembly (100) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of positive electrodes (110b), a plurality of negative electrodes (110a), a separator (120) interposed between the plurality of positive electrodes (110b) and negative electrodes (110a), a plurality of positive electrode protrusions (111b) protruding from one side of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b), and a plurality of negative electrode protrusions (111a) protruding from the other side of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a).

[0082] Here, the plurality of positive protrusions (111b) may be at least partially non-overlapping with each other in the thickness direction of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b), and the plurality of negative protrusions (111a) may be at least partially non-overlapping with each other in the thickness direction of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a).

[0083] In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of positive protrusions (111b) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of a plurality of positive electrodes (110a), and a plurality of negative protrusions (111a) may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of a plurality of negative electrodes (10a).

[0084] According to the electrode assembly (100) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of negative electrode protrusions (111a) and a plurality of positive electrode protrusions (111b) are formed on opposite sides of the electrode assembly (100), and a separate heat exchange unit (300) can be coupled to the plurality of negative electrode protrusions (111a) and the plurality of positive electrode protrusions (111b). In this case, there is an advantageous effect of being able to independently control the temperatures of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a) and the plurality of positive electrodes (110b).

[0085] Meanwhile, each of the plurality of negative electrodes (110a) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a protruding negative electrode protrusion (111a) and a negative electrode tab (112a). The negative electrode protrusion (111a) is a negative electrode non-coated portion on which a coating layer is not formed, and may protrude in a different direction from the negative electrode tab (112a).

[0086] Each of the plurality of positive electrodes (110b) included in the electrode assembly (100) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a protruding positive electrode protrusion (111b) and a positive electrode tab (112b). The positive electrode protrusion (111b) is a positive electrode non-coated portion on which a coating layer is not formed, and may protrude in a different direction from the positive electrode tab (112b).

[0087] Here, the negative protrusion (111a) and the positive protrusion (111b) each protrude from opposite sides of the electrode assembly (100), and the negative tab (112a) and the positive tab (112b) may protrude from the same side of the electrode assembly (100). That is, the negative protrusions (111a) may protrude from the first side of the electrode assembly (100), and the positive protrusions (111b) may protrude from the second side (the side opposite to the first side) of the electrode assembly (100). In addition, both the negative tab (112a) and the positive tab (112b) may protrude from the third side of the electrode assembly (100).

[0088] Additionally, the cathode protrusion (111a) may be configured with a relatively wide first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the cathode (110a) and a relatively narrow second portion connecting the first portion and the cathode (110a). Similarly, the anode protrusion (111b) may be configured with a relatively wide first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the anode (110b) and a relatively narrow second portion connecting the first portion and the anode (110b).

[0089]

[0090] secondary battery

[0091] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a secondary battery according to the present invention.

[0092] The electrode assembly (100) of the secondary battery (10) illustrated in FIG. 7 includes three negative electrodes (110a) and two positive electrodes (110b), but this is merely exemplary, and the electrode assembly (100) of the secondary battery (10) according to the present invention may include a variety of negative electrodes (110a) and positive electrodes (110b). The electrode assembly (100) of the secondary battery (10) illustrated in FIG. 7 has protrusions (111a, 111b) formed only on one side, but this is merely exemplary, and the negative electrode protrusions (111a) and the positive electrode protrusions (111b) may be formed on one side and the other side of the electrode assembly (100), respectively.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, a secondary battery (10) according to the present invention may include the electrode assembly (100) described above and an outer case (200) that accommodates the electrode assembly (100). Unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged and discharged, the secondary battery (10) is a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, and may be a battery cell in which the electrode assembly (100) is accommodated inside the outer case (200). When these secondary batteries (10) are electrically connected, they become a battery module, and when a plurality of battery modules are connected, they can become a battery pack.

[0094] The outer case (200) is a case that accommodates the electrode assembly (100) and may be composed of various materials. For example, the outer case (200) may be a square case composed of a material such as metal or resin. In addition, the outer case (200) may be a pouch-shaped outer case composed of a laminate sheet comprising an inner resin layer, a metal layer, and an outer resin layer.

[0095] When the outer shell (200) is a pouch-type outer shell, the metal layer can serve as a substrate that maintains mechanical strength and a barrier layer that prevents the infiltration of moisture and oxygen. In addition to the function of preventing the inflow or leakage of foreign substances such as gas and moisture, the metal layer can be composed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy so that it can have the function of improving the strength of the battery case. Alloy numbers 8079, 1N30, 8021, 3003, 3004, 3005, 3104, 3105, etc. can be used as the aluminum alloy, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0096] The external resin layer coated on the outer surface of the metal layer must have excellent resistance to the external environment in order to protect the electrode assembly from the outside. Therefore, the external resin layer is required to have excellent tensile strength and corrosion resistance relative to its thickness. Polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, etc. can be used for this external resin layer.

[0097] The inner resin layer coated on the inner surface of the metal layer may be composed of a polyolefin-based resin. For example, the inner resin layer may be composed of CPP (Casted Polypropylene), chlorinated polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene propylene copolymer, polyethylene and acrylic acid copolymer, and polypropylene and acrylic acid copolymer.

[0098]

[0099] battery unit

[0100] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a battery unit (1) according to the present invention.

[0101] The electrode assembly (100) of the battery unit (1) illustrated in FIG. 8 includes three negative electrodes (110a) and two positive electrodes (110b), but this is merely exemplary, and the electrode assembly (100) of the battery unit (1) according to the present invention may include a variety of negative electrodes (110a) and positive electrodes (110b). In addition, the electrode assembly (100) of the battery unit (1) illustrated in FIG. 8 has protrusions (111a, 111b) formed only on one side, but this is merely exemplary, and the negative electrode protrusions (111a) and the positive electrode protrusions (111b) may be formed on one side and the other side of the electrode assembly (100), respectively.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, the battery unit (1) according to the present invention may include the secondary battery (10) described above and a heat exchange unit (20) coupled to the secondary battery (10). The heat exchange unit (20) may exchange heat with protrusions (111) of the secondary battery (10).

[0103] The heat transfer unit (20) exchanges heat with a plurality of protrusions (111) formed on the electrode assembly (100), and can contact a portion of the outer material (200) that surrounds the protrusions (111). That is, the heat transfer unit (200) can contact the outer material (200) on one side and / or the other side of the electrode assembly (100) where the plurality of protrusions (111) are formed.

[0104] The heat exchange unit (20) may include at least one of a heating unit (21) that heats the protrusion (111); and a cooling unit (22) that cools the protrusion (111). Although FIG. 8 illustrates a heat exchange unit (20) including both the heating unit (21) and the cooling unit (22), only one of the heating unit (21) and the cooling unit (22) may be inserted into the heat exchange unit (20) of the secondary battery (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] The heat exchange unit (20) may further include a clamping member (23) that clamps a plurality of protrusions (111) accommodated inside the outer material (200). The clamping member (23) contacts the outer material (200) and clamps both sides of the plurality of protrusions (111), and may be formed in various ways.

[0106] For example, the clamping member (23) may be a U-shaped clamp having a heating member (21) and / or a cooling member (22) accommodated therein. This clamping member (23) may clamp both sides of each of a plurality of protrusions (111) arranged in a row on one side of the electrode assembly (100). That is, the heat exchange unit (20) having the clamping member (23) may be coupled to the side of the electrode assembly (100) where the protrusions (111) are formed, rather than the upper / lower surface of the electrode assembly (100).

[0107] Conventional secondary batteries are combined with a heat-conducting member (cooling member or heating member) provided near the upper or lower surface of the electrode assembly. This heat-conducting member is configured as a plate-like structure with a relatively large area. In this case, the heat-conducting member has a relatively large volume, which significantly reduces the energy density of the entire secondary battery.

[0108] On the other hand, in the secondary battery (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchange unit (20) may have a structure that clamps a plurality of protrusions (111) on one side and / or the other side of the electrode assembly (100). Unlike the conventional plate structure, this heat exchange unit (20) has a clamp structure formed in a U shape on one side and / or the other side of the secondary battery (10), and thus may have a smaller volume than the conventional one. Therefore, the secondary battery (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can overcome the conventional problem of significantly lowering the energy density when a heat transfer member is combined.

[0109] In particular, the clamping member (23) of the heat exchange unit (20) can clamp a portion having a relatively wide width among the protrusions (111a, 111b). Specifically, the clamping member (23) can clamp a first portion (111a') of the cathode protrusion (111a) and / or a first portion (111b') of the anode protrusion (111b). In this case, the clamping member (23) clamps a portion having a relatively wide width among the protrusions (111a, 111b), so that the heat exchange unit (20) can be firmly coupled to the protrusions (111a, 111b). That is, when the clamping member (23) clamps a portion of the protrusions (111a, 111b) that has a relatively wide width, the cathode protrusion electrode assembly (100) is more easily combined with the clamping member having the heat exchange unit, so that the heat exchange rate between the electrode assembly (100) and the heat exchange unit (20) can be improved.

[0110] Meanwhile, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange unit illustrated in Fig. 8.

[0111] Fig. 9 illustrates a cooling unit (22) provided inside a clamping member (23). This cooling unit (22) may be provided inside the clamping member (23) in various ways. For example, the cooling unit (22) may be provided at a location adjacent to a plurality of protrusions (111) among the internal locations of the clamping member (23).

[0112] In addition, the cooling unit (22) provided inside the clamping member (23) can be configured in various ways. As described above, the cooling unit (22) is a cooling channel made of an insulating material, and a cooling fluid can flow into the cooling channel.

[0113] Here, the heat generating part (21) that emits heat with a plurality of protrusions (111) is a wire that generates heat when an external power source is applied, and can be formed inside the clamping member (23). This heat generating part (21) can be formed at various locations inside the clamping member (23). For example, the heat generating part (21) can be formed on one side of the U-shaped clamping member (23). At this time, the cooling part (22) can be formed on the other side of the U-shaped clamping member (23). In this case, the heat generating part (21) can be positioned adjacent to one surface of the plurality of protrusions (111), and the cooling part (22) can be positioned adjacent to the other surface of the plurality of protrusions (111).

[0114] In this way, when the heating part (21) and the cooling part (22) are respectively arranged in opposite areas of the U-shaped clamping member (23), the heating part (21) and the cooling part (22) can be prevented from exchanging heat with each other, thereby increasing the heating and cooling efficiency of the plurality of protrusions (111).

[0115] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the heat exchange unit of Fig. 9.

[0116] FIG. 10 illustrates a cooling unit (22) for cooling a plurality of protrusions (111) provided between an outer material (200) and a clamping member (23). This cooling unit (22) may be provided between the outer material (200) and the clamping member (23) in various ways. For example, the cooling unit (22) may be fitted into a space formed between the outer material (200) and the clamping member (23).

[0117] This cooling unit (22) absorbs heat from a plurality of protrusions (111) and can be configured in various ways. For example, the cooling unit (22) can be a cooling channel made of an insulating material. A cooling fluid can flow into this cooling channel. The cooling fluid can sequentially exchange heat with a plurality of protrusions (111) formed on one side of the electrode assembly (100) while passing through the cooling channel.

[0118] At this time, a heat generating part (21) that emits heat through a plurality of protrusions (111) may be formed inside the clamping member (23). The heat generating part (21) may be configured in various ways. For example, the heat generating part (21) may be a wire that generates heat when an external power source is applied. Such a wire may be positioned adjacent to a portion of the outer material (200) that surrounds the plurality of protrusions (111).

[0119]

[0120] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0121]

[0122] [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1: Battery unit 10: Secondary battery

[0124] 20: Heat exchange unit 21: Heating unit

[0125] 22: Cooling part 23: Clamping member

[0126] 100: Electrode assembly 110: Electrode

[0127] 111: Protrusion 112: Electrode tab

[0128] 120: Separator 200: Outer material

Claims

1. Multiple electrodes; A separator interposed between the plurality of electrodes; and Including a plurality of protrusions protruding from one side of the plurality of electrodes, The plurality of protrusions are at least partially non-overlapping with respect to the thickness direction of the plurality of electrodes, The above protrusion is, a first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the electrode; and A second part comprising the above electrode and the above first part, An electrode assembly in which the width of the second portion is formed narrower than the width of the first portion.

2. In claim 1, An electrode assembly in which the plurality of protrusions are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrodes.

3. In claim 1, The above protrusion is, An electrode assembly including an electrode blank portion protruding to one side from the above electrode in the shape of a plate.

4. In claim 3, The above electrodes are, An electrode assembly including an electrode tab protruding in a direction different from the above protrusion.

5. In claim 1, The above protrusion is, An electrode assembly comprising cathode protrusions formed on each of a plurality of cathodes.

6. In claim 5, The above protrusion further includes a plurality of anode protrusions formed on each of the anodes, An electrode assembly in which the cathode protrusions and the anode protrusions are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrodes.

7. In claim 6, An electrode assembly in which the cathode protrusion is spaced apart from the anode protrusion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of electrodes.

8. Multiple anodes; Multiple cathodes; A separator interposed between the plurality of positive and negative electrodes; A plurality of anode protrusions protruding from the plurality of anodes to one side; and Including a plurality of cathode protrusions protruding from the other side of the plurality of cathodes, The above plurality of anode protrusions are at least partially non-overlapping with each other in the thickness direction of the above plurality of anodes, The above plurality of cathode protrusions are such that at least some of them do not overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the above plurality of cathodes, The above protrusion is, a first portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the electrode; and A second part comprising the above electrode and the above first part, An electrode assembly in which the width of the second portion is formed narrower than the width of the first portion.

9. In claim 8, The above plurality of anode protrusions are arranged along the length direction of the above plurality of anodes, An electrode assembly in which the plurality of cathode protrusions are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the plurality of cathodes.

10. Electrode assembly according to claim 1; and A secondary battery including an outer material accommodating the above electrode assembly.

11. A secondary battery according to claim 9; and A battery unit including a heat exchange unit that exchanges heat with the above protrusion.

12. In claim 11, The above heat exchange unit, A heating part for heating the above protrusion; and A battery unit comprising at least one cooling member for cooling the protrusion.

13. In claim 12, The above heat exchange unit, A battery unit further comprising a clamping member that clamps the plurality of protrusions accommodated within the outer shell.

14. In claim 13, The above heating part, A battery unit including a wire provided inside the above clamping member.

15. In claim 13, The above cooling unit, A battery unit comprising a cooling passage made of insulating material.

16. In claim 15, A battery unit in which the cooling path is provided between the outer material and the clamping member or inside the clamping member.

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