Electrode assembly, battery cell, battery pack and vehicle comprising same

The electrode assembly with resin-coated tabs addresses the issue of internal short circuits by enhancing tab strength, ensuring battery stability and durability against external forces.

WO2026084506A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-23LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
Filing Date
2025-10-17
Publication Date
2026-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional secondary battery cells are prone to internal resistance abnormalities and short circuits due to the bending or deformation of electrode tabs, which can penetrate the separator and cause contact with the electrode, especially when subjected to external forces like vibration.

Method used

The electrode assembly features a resin coating on the non-welded portions of the electrode tabs, specifically designed with indentations and protrusions, to enhance the physical strength and prevent bending, thereby preventing short circuits.

Benefits of technology

The resin coating increases the physical strength of the electrode tabs, improving their release properties and preventing internal short circuits, ensuring battery stability and durability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An electrode assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is a jelly roll-type electrode assembly having a structure in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound in one direction, the first electrode comprising a first electrode in-tab and a first electrode outer tab attached to the first electrode and protruding in one direction parallel to the winding axis, wherein the first electrode in-tab and the first electrode outer tab each comprise a resin application portion coated with a resin on at least a partial area thereof.
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Description

Electrode assembly, battery cell, battery pack, and automobile including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same.

[0002] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, as they possess not only the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of generating no by-products from energy use.

[0003] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be varied depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] Meanwhile, in conventional cylindrical battery cells, a secondary battery is constructed by interposing an insulating separator between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, winding it to form a jellyroll-shaped electrode assembly, and inserting it into a battery can along with an electrolyte.

[0005] In the case of the electrode tabs that support and connect the jelly roll and the can (based on the negative electrode), if the can is dropped or moved due to impact such as vibration caused by an external force, it bends very easily or releases.

[0006] At this time, the twist shape had a problem in that the edge of the electrode tab could penetrate the separator or come into contact with the electrode, potentially causing internal resistance abnormalities and short circuits due to weak welding, etc.

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which can improve release properties by increasing the physical strength of an electrode tab by forming a resin coating portion on a non-welded portion of an electrode tab attached to an electrode.

[0008] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0009] An electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them are wound in one direction, wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode in tab and a first electrode outer tab attached to the first electrode and protruding in one direction parallel to the winding axis, and the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab each include a resin coating portion in which resin is applied to at least a portion of the area.

[0010] Here, in particular, the first electrode in tab is provided at the end located at the core of the two ends in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly, and the first electrode outer tab is provided at the end located at the outer end of the two ends in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly.

[0011] Here, in particular, the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab are each characterized by including an indentation attached to the first electrode and a protrusion protruding in the direction of the winding axis.

[0012] Here, in particular, the invention is characterized by including a weld portion that is welded to the first electrode at the insertion portion of the first electrode in-tap and the first electrode outer-tap, respectively, and the resin coating portion is provided in an area adjacent to the weld portion.

[0013] Here, in particular, the resin coating portion is provided in multiple numbers on the first electrode in-tap and the first electrode outer-tap, respectively, and is characterized in that the resin coating portion is simultaneously provided on an upper resin coating portion which is the upper part of the weldment and a lower resin coating portion which is the lower part of the weldment.

[0014] Here, in particular, the resin coating portion is characterized in that the area of ​​the upper resin coating portion is larger than the area of ​​the lower resin coating portion.

[0015] Here, in particular, the resin coating portion is characterized by the fact that at least one of UV resin and flexible resin is applied.

[0016] Here, in particular, the resin coating portion is characterized in that the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab are provided in an area excluding the bent area.

[0017] The resin coating portion is characterized in that the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab are provided in an area where they do not protrude from the electrode assembly.

[0018] Here, in particular, the first electrode is characterized by being a negative electrode.

[0019] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly according to the above-described embodiment; a battery can in which the electrode assembly is housed and which is electrically connected to the first electrode; a sealing body that seals the open end of the battery can; and a terminal electrically connected to the second electrode and having a surface exposed to the outside.

[0020] Meanwhile, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to the above-described embodiment as a battery pack.

[0021] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising at least one battery pack according to the above-described embodiment.

[0022] According to the present invention, internal short circuits caused by bending and deformation of the electrode tab can be prevented.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, the physical strength of the electrode tab welded portion can be increased to improve the release properties of the tab.

[0024] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0025] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the formation of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention included in the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration including an electrode tab of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention included in the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0030] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating a structure in which an inner tab and an outer tab are located at both ends of the electrode before winding of the electrode assembly of Figure 4.

[0031] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the inner tab and outer tab of the electrode in Figure 4.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 7.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example in which molding occurs on the core and outer side of an electrode assembly.

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0036] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0037] The statement that two subjects of comparison are identical means that they are 'substantially identical.' Therefore, substantial identity may include deviations considered low in the industry, for example, deviations within 5%. Additionally, the statement that a parameter is uniform in a given area may mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0038] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0039] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0040] The fact that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0041] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0042] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0043] In this specification, "winding core" refers to an empty space provided at the innermost side of an electrode assembly, formed by winding a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly using a winding core.

[0044] In this specification, "In-tab" means a tab provided at the end located at the core of the two ends in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly.

[0045] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction following the length direction of the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10) wound in a jelly roll shape is referred to as the axial direction. The direction surrounding the winding axis is referred to as the circumferential direction or the periphery direction. The direction approaching the winding axis or moving away from the winding axis is referred to as the radial direction. In particular, the direction approaching the winding axis is referred to as the centripetal direction, and the direction moving away from the winding axis is referred to as the centrifugal direction.

[0046]

[0047] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention included in the battery cell of FIG. 1.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery cell (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly (10), a battery can (20), a seal (30), and a terminal (40).

[0049]

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrode assembly (10) includes a first electrode (100) having a negative electrode, a second electrode (200) having a positive electrode, a separator (300) interposed between the first electrode (100) and the second electrode (200), and an insulating layer covering at least a portion of the first electrode (100).

[0051] The first electrode (100) is a negative or positive electrode, and the second electrode (200) corresponds to an electrode having polarity opposite to that of the first electrode (100). The first electrode (100) and the second electrode (200) may have a sheet shape. The electrode assembly (10) may have, for example, a jelly-roll shape. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may be manufactured by sequentially stacking the first electrode (100), the separator (300), the second electrode (200), and the separator (300) at least once, and then winding the laminated structure based on the winding center (C). In this case, an additional separator (300) may be provided on the outer surface of the electrode assembly (10) to provide insulation from the battery can (20).

[0052] The first electrode (100) may include a first uncoated portion (100a) in which an active material layer is not coated at both ends in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis. The first electrode (100) may include a first retaining portion (100b) in which an active material layer is coated in an area excluding the first uncoated portion (100a). Specifically, the first electrode (100) includes a first electrode (100) current collector and a first electrode (100) active material coated on one or both sides of the first electrode (100) current collector. The area where the first electrode (100) active material is coated on the first electrode (100) current collector is referred to as the first retaining portion (100b) provided in the first electrode (100). At both ends of the roll direction (direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the first electrode (100), there may be a first uncoated portion (100a) where the active material of the first electrode (100) is not coated. At this time, a first electrode in tab (110) and a first electrode outer tab (120) may be provided at the first uncoated portions (100a) at both ends. That is, a first electrode in tab (110) is provided at the first uncoated portion (100a) at one end of the first electrode (100), and a first electrode outer tab (120) is provided at the first uncoated portion (100a) at the other end.

[0053] The second electrode (200) may include a second uncoated portion (200a) in which an active material layer is not coated at one end in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis. The second electrode (200) may include a second retaining portion (200b) in which an active material layer is coated in an area excluding the second uncoated portion (200a). The second electrode (200) includes a second electrode (200) current collector and a second electrode (200) active material coated on one or both sides of the second electrode (200) current collector. The area where the second electrode (200) active material is coated on the second electrode (200) current collector is referred to as the second retaining portion (200b) provided in the second electrode (200). A second uncoated portion (200a) in which the active material of the second electrode (200) is not coated may exist at one end of the roll direction (direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the current collector of the second electrode (200). An electrode tab (210) provided on the second electrode (200) may be provided in the second uncoated portion (200a). Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the first uncoated portion (100a) and the second uncoated portion (200a) may be collectively referred to as the uncoated portion (100a, 200a). Likewise, the first retaining portion (100b) and the second retaining portion (200b) may be collectively referred to as the retaining portion (100b, 200b).

[0054] In the first blank portion (100a) provided on the first electrode (100) and the second blank portion (200a) provided on the second electrode (200), electrode tabs protruding in opposite directions may be formed. For example, referring to FIG. 3, in the first blank portion (100a) provided on the first electrode (100), a first electrode in tab (110) and a first electrode outer tab (120) may protrude toward the upper direction in the height direction (direction parallel to the Z-axis) of the electrode assembly (10), and in this case, in the second blank portion (200a) provided on the second electrode (200), a second electrode tab (210) may protrude toward the lower direction in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10) (direction parallel to the Z-axis). Accordingly, the first non-removable portion (100a) provided on the first electrode (100) and the second non-removable portion (200a) provided on the second electrode (200) form electrode tabs that protrude in opposite directions along the width direction of the electrode assembly (10), that is, the height direction of the battery cell (1) (a direction parallel to the Z-axis).

[0055] Meanwhile, although FIG. 3 describes a structure in which the first electrode tap (110) and the first electrode outer tap (120) protrude in an upward direction, when inserted into a cylindrical battery can, they may be positioned in the opposite direction as in FIG. 2 and connected to each electrical terminal.

[0056] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration including electrode tabs of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention included in a battery cell of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a structure in which an inner tab and an outer tab are located at both ends of the electrode before winding of the electrode assembly of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagram of a part of the inner tab and outer tab of the electrode of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a release occurs in the core and outer parts of the electrode assembly.

[0059]

[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the electrode assembly (10) includes a first electrode in tab (110) provided at the end located at the core of the winding, which is one of the two ends of the electrode assembly (10) in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the first electrode (100). The first electrode in tab (110) is attached to the first electrode (100) and can protrude in one direction parallel to the winding axis. For example, the first electrode in tab (110) can protrude upward. The first electrode in tab (110) can maintain rigidity and prevent expansion stress inside the electrode assembly (10) from acting on the core of the winding. Accordingly, deformation of the core of the electrode assembly (10) is prevented, and short circuits caused by separator damage are prevented, thereby ensuring battery stability.

[0061] The above-mentioned core refers to a space provided at the innermost side of the electrode assembly, formed by winding a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly using a core. The above-mentioned space may be provided in a cylindrical shape.

[0062] The surface facing the above-mentioned core refers to the surface that comes into direct contact with the above-mentioned core.

[0063] The circumference portion (41R) of the above-mentioned core refers to the circumference of the core, which is an empty space formed by winding a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly. The width of the first electrode in tab (110) may be 85% or more, 90% or more, or 95% or more of the length of the circumference portion (41R) of the above-mentioned core, but is not limited thereto. When the width of the first electrode in tab (110) satisfies the above range, the first electrode in tab (110) is provided to surround the circumference portion (41R) of the above-mentioned core of the negative electrode, thereby increasing the internal rigidity of the above-mentioned core, and thus preventing expansion stress inside the electrode assembly from acting on the above-mentioned core. Therefore, it is advantageous for ensuring battery stability by preventing deformation of the above-mentioned core of the electrode assembly and preventing short circuits caused by damage to the separator. Here, the circumference portion (51R) of the above-mentioned electrode assembly refers to the circumference of the end portion in the direction of the winding axis of the above-mentioned electrode assembly (1).

[0064] Additionally, the first electrode (100) may further include a first electrode outer tab (120) located at the outer end of the two ends in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the resistance of the electrode assembly may be lowered compared to when the negative electrode (100) and the positive electrode (200) each have one tab, thereby increasing the energy density. At this time, the first electrode outer tab (120) may be formed with the same configuration as the first electrode in tab (110). That is, the first electrode outer tab (120) may be attached to the first electrode (100) and protrude in one direction parallel to the winding axis.

[0065] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the second electrode (200) may include a second electrode tab (210) attached to the second electrode (200) and protruding in a different direction parallel to the winding axis.

[0066]

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first electrode tap (110) is provided at the end located at the core of the first electrode (100) in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10), and the first electrode outer tap (120) is provided at the end located at the outer of the first electrode (100) in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (10). Here, the two ends of the first electrode (100) correspond to the first uncoated portion (100a) where the active material layer is not coated.

[0068] The first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120) may include at least one of copper and nickel having a thermal conductivity of about 90 W / (m·K) or more, wherein the thermal conductivity of the copper may be about 401 W / (m·K) and the thermal conductivity of the Ni may be about 91 W / (m·K).

[0069] The first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120) may be provided as a Clad tab having a copper layer containing copper and a nickel layer containing nickel bonded thereto, for example. In this case, heat generated in the electrode assembly can be transferred through the copper layer, which has good thermal conductivity, and thus can have a thermal conductivity similar to that of copper, which is advantageous for heat conduction.

[0070] The first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120) each include an indentation (110b, 120b) attached to the first electrode and a protrusion (110a, 120a) protruding in the direction of the winding axis.

[0071]

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, the inlet portions (110b, 120b) of the first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120) each include a weld portion (111a, 121a) that is welded to the first electrode (100), and the resin coating portion (112, 122) is provided in an area adjacent to the weld portion (111a, 121a).

[0073] More specifically, the resin coating portions (112, 122) are provided in multiple numbers on the first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120), respectively, and the resin coating portions (112, 122) are simultaneously provided on the upper resin coating portion (112a, 122a) which is the upper part of the weld and the lower resin coating portion (112b, 122b) which is the lower part of the weld.

[0074] The resin coating portion (112, 122) may be provided such that the area formed on the upper part of the weld portion (111a, 121a) is larger than the area formed on the lower part of the weld portion (111a, 121a). That is, the area of ​​the upper resin coating portion (112a, 122a) may be larger than the area of ​​the lower resin coating portion (112b, 122b). This is because the portion where the resin coating portion is formed among the electrode tabs is an adjacent portion to the upper part of the current collector, and thus the upper resin coating portion (112a, 122a) can improve the release properties of the tabs by increasing the physical strength to prevent internal short circuits caused by bending and release of the electrode tabs, which are located on the upper part of the current collector, such as between the first electrode in-tap (110) and the first electrode outer-tap (120).

[0075] The resin coating portion (112, 122) may be formed by applying at least one of UV resin and flexible resin. Here, the UV resin or flexible resin applied to the resin coating portion (112, 122) provides strong adhesion to strengthen the bonding force with the electrode tab, which increases resistance to vibration or shock, thereby improving the durability of the battery. In addition, it protects against physical damage or corrosion, which can increase the reliability and lifespan of the battery. That is, UV resin and flexible resin have excellent chemical resistance and can maintain stability in various environments, which allows the battery to continuously perform even when exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or chemicals.

[0076] In addition, UV resin can be rapidly cured through UV lighting to produce cured resin with high hardness in a short period of time, thereby increasing productivity efficiency.

[0077] At this time, the resin coating portion (112, 122) may be provided in an area excluding the area where the first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120) are bent, and may be provided in an area where the first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120) do not protrude from the electrode assembly.

[0078] In addition, a resin coating portion can be formed on the electrode tab (210) of the second electrode (200) in the same way as the resin coating portion (112, 122) is formed on the first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120). That is, by forming a resin coating portion on the upper and lower parts of the welded portion, the physical strength can be increased to prevent internal short circuits caused by bending and release of the electrode tab, thereby improving the release properties of the tab.

[0079] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a deformation occurring in the core and outer side of an electrode assembly. As shown in FIG. 9, it was confirmed that in the case of a cylindrical battery, bending or warping occurs more easily when subjected to external force as one moves further away from the part other than the tab weld.

[0080] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present invention, by forming a resin coating portion on the welded portion of the first electrode in tab (110) and the first electrode outer tab (120), the expansion stress inside the electrode assembly (1) can be prevented from operating on the core portion due to increased internal rigidity, and mold release can be prevented even with external impacts such as dropping the can or vibration caused by external force. Accordingly, deformation of the core portion of the electrode assembly (1) is prevented, and short circuits caused by external impact are prevented, which is advantageous for ensuring battery stability.

[0081]

[0082] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery can (20) is a roughly cylindrical receptacle with an opening formed at the top, and is made of a conductive material such as, for example, metal. The material of the battery can (20) may be, for example, aluminum. The side (outer surface) and the bottom surface of the battery can (20) may be formed integrally. The bottom surface (a surface parallel to the XY plane) of the battery can (20) has a roughly flat shape. The bottom surface located opposite the opening is referred to as the closed portion. The battery can (20) accommodates an electrode assembly (10) through the opening formed at the bottom, and also accommodates an electrolyte.

[0083] The battery can (20) is electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The battery can (20) may be electrically connected to one of the first electrode (100) and the second electrode (200). For example, the battery can may be electrically connected to the first electrode (100) of the electrode assembly (10). In this case, the battery can (20) may have the same polarity as the first electrode (100).

[0084]

[0085] Referring to FIG. 2, the seal (30) may be made of, for example, a metal material to ensure rigidity. The seal (30) may cover an opening formed at the top of the battery can (20). That is, the seal (30) forms the upper surface of the battery cell (1). In the battery cell (1) of the present invention, the seal (30) does not have polarity even if it is made of a conductive metal material. Not having polarity means that the seal (30) is electrically insulated from the battery can (20) and the terminal (40). Therefore, the seal (30) does not function as a positive terminal or a negative terminal. Accordingly, the seal (30) does not need to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10) and the battery can (20), and its material does not necessarily have to be a conductive metal.

[0086] When the battery can (20) of the present invention is provided with a beading portion, the seal (30) may be seated on the beading portion formed on the battery can (20). Additionally, when the battery can (20) of the present invention is provided with a crimping portion, the seal (30) may be fixed by the crimping portion. A sealing gasket may be interposed between the seal (30) and the crimping portion of the battery can (20) to ensure airtightness of the battery can (20).

[0087]

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal (40) may be electrically connected to the other of the first electrode (100) and the second electrode (200). That is, the terminal (40) may have opposite polarity to the battery can (20). For example, the terminal (40) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (100) of the electrode assembly (10). Also, the surface of the terminal (40) may be exposed to the outside.

[0089] The terminal (40) may be made of a conductive metal material. The terminal (40) may, for example, penetrate approximately the center of a closure formed at the bottom of a battery can (20). A portion of the terminal (40) may be exposed to the bottom of the battery can (20), and the remaining portion may be located inside the battery can (20). The terminal (40) may be fixed on the inner surface of the closure of the battery can (20), for example, by riveting. The terminal (40) may penetrate an insulator and be coupled to a first electrode tab (110, 120) provided on a current collector plate or a first electrode (100). In this case, the terminal (40) may have a first polarity. Thus, the terminal (40) may function as a first electrode (100) terminal in the battery cell (1) of the present invention. When the terminal (40) has a first polarity in this way, the terminal (40) is electrically insulated from the battery can (20) having a second polarity. Electrical insulation between the terminal (40) and the battery can (20) can be realized in various ways. For example, insulation can be realized by interposing an insulating gasket between the terminal (40) and the battery can (20).

[0090]

[0091] The cylindrical battery cell (1) according to the above-described embodiment can be used to manufacture a battery pack.

[0092] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an assembly in which battery cells (1) are electrically connected and a pack housing (2) that accommodates the same. The battery cells (1) are the battery cells (1) according to the embodiment described above. In the drawings, for convenience of drawing, components such as a busbar, a cooling unit, and an external terminal (40) for electrically connecting the battery cells (1) are omitted.

[0094] The battery pack (3) can be mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a four-wheeled vehicle or a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0095]

[0096] Figure 8 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of Figure 7.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 8, a vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) operates by receiving power from the battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098]

[0099] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0100]

[0101] Embodiments of the present invention can be used industrially by providing an electrode assembly, a battery cell, a battery pack, and an automobile including the same, which can prevent internal short circuits caused by bending and deformation of the electrode tab and improve the deformability of the tab by increasing the physical strength of the electrode tab weldment.

Claims

1. A jellyroll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them are wound in one direction, The first electrode comprises a first electrode in tab attached to the first electrode and protruding in one direction parallel to the winding axis, and a first electrode outer tab. An electrode assembly characterized in that the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab each include a resin coating portion in which resin is applied to at least a portion of the area.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first electrode in tab is provided at the end located at the core of the winding portion among the two ends of the first electrode in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly, and The electrode assembly is characterized in that the first electrode outer tab is provided at the outer end of the two ends of the first electrode in a direction perpendicular to the winding axis of the electrode assembly.

3. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly characterized in that the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab each include an indentation attached to the first electrode and a protrusion protruding in the direction of the winding axis.

4. In Paragraph 3, It includes a welded portion that is welded to the first electrode at the insertion portion of the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab, respectively. An electrode assembly characterized in that the resin coating portion is provided in an area adjacent to the weld portion.

5. In Paragraph 1, The resin coating portions are provided in plurality on the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab, respectively. An electrode assembly characterized by the above resin coating portion being simultaneously provided in an upper resin coating portion, which is the upper part of the weldment, and a lower resin coating portion, which is the lower part of the weldment.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above resin coating portion is an electrode assembly characterized by the fact that the area of ​​the upper resin coating portion is wider than the area of ​​the lower resin coating portion.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above resin coating portion An electrode assembly characterized by having at least one of UV resin and flexible resin applied.

8. In Paragraph 1, The electrode assembly is characterized in that the resin coating portion is provided in an area excluding the region where the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab are bent.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above resin coating portion is provided in an indentation portion which is an area where the first electrode in tab and the first electrode outer tab do not protrude from the electrode assembly, characterized in that the electrode assembly.

10. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly characterized in that the first electrode is a negative electrode.

11. An electrode assembly described in any one of claims 1 to 10; A battery can that accommodates the electrode assembly and is electrically connected to the first electrode; A sealing body for sealing the open end of the above-mentioned battery can; and A cylindrical battery cell characterized by including a terminal electrically connected to the second electrode and having a surface exposed to the outside.

12. A battery pack characterized by including a cylindrical battery cell according to claim 11.

13. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to Clause 12.

Citation Information

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