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

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly having a structure in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween are wound in one direction, the electrode assembly comprising: a first uncoated portion provided at an end of the first electrode and configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode; and a first connection member configured to be at least partially coupled to the first uncoated portion along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode.

Description

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

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

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0148980 filed on October 28, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

[0005] Meanwhile, fuse devices currently used in battery cells include PTC thermistors (positive temperature coefficient thermistors) and TCOs (thermal cut-outs). However, PTCs and TCOs have the disadvantage that their internal resistance increases with repeated operation, thereby raising the overall resistance of the circuit.

[0006] In addition, all of the aforementioned devices operate by heat generated by overcurrent. That is, the aforementioned devices correspond to devices that operate to cut off the flow of current only when an overcurrent occurs in the circuit current path due to overcharging, etc., and the temperature rises as a result.

[0007] Therefore, in the case of the aforementioned components, they only operate to cut off the overcurrent after a situation has already arisen where safety may be threatened due to heat generation, and they cannot cut off the overcurrent immediately after a cause for the temperature increase occurs. As such, if the overcurrent is not cut off at an appropriate time even if the internal pressure increases due to an abnormal temperature rise inside the battery cell, safety issues such as ignition or explosion may occur.

[0008] Meanwhile, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional battery cell. Referring to FIG. 1, in the case of a conventional cylindrical battery cell (1'), a separator, which is an insulator, is interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and the separator is wound to form a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (A), which is then inserted into a battery can (B) to form a battery. Furthermore, the positive electrode unoccupied portion (C) and the negative electrode unoccupied portion (D) are designed to be located at the top and bottom of the electrode assembly (A), respectively, and these unoccupied portions (C, D) are folded and overlapped with each other. Additionally, a current collector (E) is welded to the folded surface of the unoccupied portions (C, D) so that the current collector (E) is connected to an external electrode terminal.

[0009] However, when these uncoupling parts (C, D) are bent and overlap each other, strong pressure must be applied to the bent portions of the uncoupling parts (C, D) to prevent the bent uncoupling parts (C, D) from lifting; otherwise, the fixation with the current collector (E) may be released. In this case, there is a problem in that the electrical conductivity between the electrode assembly (A) and the current collector (E) is reduced.

[0010] Furthermore, holes for injecting electrolyte are formed in the current collector (E), and the area that can be welded to the uncoordinated portions (C, D) is limited by the shape of the current collector (E). Consequently, there is a problem in that an electron movement path is not formed between the entire uncoordinated portions (C, D) and the current collector (E). In this case, the resistance of the current collector (E) may increase.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need to develop a structure that can minimize the resistance of the battery cell by securing an electron transport pathway between the external electrode terminal and the unoccupied portion of the electrode assembly.

[0012] The present invention, conceived in consideration of the aforementioned problems, aims to provide an electrode assembly with improved energy density and reduced resistance by securing an electron transport pathway between an external electrode terminal and a non-electrode portion of the electrode assembly.

[0013] In addition, the present invention has one objective of providing a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0014] 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.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides an 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 electrode assembly comprises: a first non-removable portion provided at the end of the first electrode and configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode; and a first connecting member configured to be at least partially connected to the first non-removable portion along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode.

[0016] The first non-reinforced portion comprises a plurality of first segments formed by being divided along the winding direction, and the first connecting member may be configured to be coupled to at least some of the plurality of first segments along the winding direction.

[0017] The first connecting member may have a first wire and a second wire configured to be connected to different regions of the first unconnected portion, at least partially.

[0018] The first wire and the second wire may be configured to be coupled to regions located at different turns of the first electrode.

[0019] The first connecting member may have a plurality of wires, and the first connecting member may have a first coupling portion configured such that at least some of the plurality of wires are interconnected.

[0020] The above first coupling part may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0021] The first connecting member can be coupled to the inner side of the first non-reinforcing part.

[0022] It may further include a second non-removable portion provided at the end of the second electrode and configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator along the longitudinal direction of the second electrode; and a second connecting member configured to be at least partially coupled to the second non-removable portion along the longitudinal direction of the second electrode.

[0023] The second connecting member may have a plurality of wires and a second coupling portion configured such that at least some of the plurality of wires are interconnected.

[0024] A battery cell according to the present invention may include an electrode assembly according to the present invention.

[0025] In addition, a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a battery housing configured to accommodate the electrode assembly and to be electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0026] In addition, a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a battery terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first connecting member.

[0027] A battery pack according to the present invention may include a battery cell according to the present invention.

[0028] An automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, a wire is connected to the unoccupied portion of an electrode assembly to secure an electron transport path between an external electrode terminal and the entire unoccupied portion. By doing so, an electrode assembly with improved energy density and reduced resistance can be provided.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, the configuration of the current collector can be omitted by directly welding a wire to the positive or negative terminal, thereby improving productivity.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell having a structure with reduced internal resistance, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile can be provided.

[0032] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional battery cell.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first connecting member coupled to a first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first electrode wound in an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a first connecting member coupled to a first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a first electrode wound in an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the upper side of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the upper side of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lower side of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the upper side of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lower side of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lower side of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] 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, and 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.

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0052] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0053] For convenience of explanation, in this specification, the direction following the length direction of the winding axis of an electrode assembly wound in a jelly roll shape is referred to as the axial direction. The direction approaching or moving away from the winding axis is referred to as the radial direction.

[0054]

[0055] First, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, an electrode assembly (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first connecting member coupled to a first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention wound.

[0057] An electrode assembly (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first electrode (10) having a first polarity, a second electrode (20) having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, and a separator (30) interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0058] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrode assembly (1) may have a structure in which a laminate comprising a first electrode (10), a second electrode (20), and a separator (30) is wound in one direction (winding direction).

[0059] The first electrode (10) may be provided with a current collector made of a metal foil. The metal foil may be aluminum or copper, and may be appropriately selected according to the polarity of the first electrode (10).

[0060] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3, the first electrode (10) may have a first active material layer (11) and a first non-active portion (12). The first active material layer (11) may be an area where the electrode active material is applied. The first active material layer (11) may be formed on at least one surface of the current collector.

[0061] The first uncoated portion (12) may be an area where the electrode active material is not coated. The first uncoated portion (12) may be provided at the long side end of the winding direction of the first electrode (10). The first uncoated portion (12) may extend along the length direction of the first electrode (10) from one end of the first electrode (10). Additionally, the first uncoated portion (12) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator (30). At least a portion of the first uncoated portion (12) may be used as an electrode tab itself.

[0062] Additionally, the second electrode (20) may have a second active material layer (21) and a second non-active portion (22). The second active material layer (21) may be an area where the electrode active material is applied. The second active material layer (21) may be formed on at least one surface of the current collector.

[0063] The second uncoated portion (22) may be an area where the electrode active material is not coated. The second uncoated portion (22) may be provided at the long side end of the winding direction of the second electrode (20). The second uncoated portion (22) may extend along the length direction of the second electrode (20) from one end of the second electrode (20). Additionally, the second uncoated portion (22) may be configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator (30). The second uncoated portion (22) may be provided on the opposite side of the first uncoated portion (12).

[0064] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode (10) is a positive electrode and the second electrode (20) is a negative electrode, and the embodiment is described mainly.

[0065] In addition, 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.

[0066] The separator (30) may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin-based polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., used alone or in a laminated form. As another example, the separator (30) may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc.

[0067] Meanwhile, an electrode assembly (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first connecting member (40). The first connecting member (40) may be configured to be at least partially coupled to the first non-reinforcing portion (12). The first connecting member (40) may be provided on at least one side of the inner and outer sides of the first non-reinforcing portion (12). The first connecting member (40) may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode (10).

[0068] The first connecting member (40) may be made of a material having electrical conductivity. For example, the first connecting member (40) may be made of a metal material. The first connecting member (40) may be partially welded to the first non-reinforced portion (12) to be joined.

[0069] The first connecting member (40) may be configured in the form of a thin wire. The thickness of the first connecting member (40) may be approximately between 10 μm and 50 μm.

[0070] Specifically, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the first connecting member (40) can be welded to the first non-existent portion (12) while the first electrode (10) is unfolded. Also, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the first connecting member (40) can be wound in the winding direction simultaneously with the first electrode (10) being wound in the winding direction. Accordingly, even when the first electrode (10) is wound, an electron transfer path between the first connecting member (40) and the first non-existent portion (12) can be formed.

[0071] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the contact area between the first non-transferable portion (12) and the first connecting member (40) can be maximized, thereby securing an electron movement path. As a result, the resistance of the electrode assembly (1) can be reduced.

[0072]

[0073] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a first connecting member coupled to the first electrode included in an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Meanwhile, the first blank portion (12) and / or the second blank portion (22) may be configured to be bent inward (radial direction of the electrode assembly (1)) during the winding process. Referring to FIG. 5, to facilitate the bending of the first blank portion (12), the first blank portion (12) and / or the second blank portion (22) may include a plurality of segments (13, 23) formed by dividing along the winding direction of the electrode assembly (1). These segments (13, 23) may be formed by notching the first blank portion (12) and / or the second blank portion (22) to a predetermined depth. That is, the first electrode (10) may have the first segment (13), and the second electrode (20) may have the second segment (23).

[0075] Multiple first segments (13) can be bent along the approximate radial direction of the electrode assembly (1). In this case, some of the segments (13, 23) adjacent to each other along the radial direction may overlap each other (see FIG. 8).

[0076] A plurality of first segments (13) may form a plurality of groups, and the first segments (13) belonging to each group may have substantially the same height (length in the Z direction) and / or width (length in the X direction) and / or spacing pitch.

[0077] Alternatively, the heights of the multiple segments (13, 23) may be configured at least partially differentially. For example, the height of the multiple segments (13, 23) may increase in stages from the core side to the outer side.

[0078] The number of first segments (13) belonging to each group may be increased or decreased compared to the illustration. The first segment (13) may have the shape of a geometric figure composed of at least one straight line and / or at least one curve. Preferably, the first segment (13) may be trapezoidal in shape, but may be modified into a square, parallelogram, semicircle, or semi-ellipse.

[0079] The structure of the first segment (13) as described above can be applied substantially identically to the second segment (23).

[0080] At this time, the first connecting member (40) may be configured to be connected to at least some of the plurality of first segments (13) along the winding direction. Preferably, the first connecting member (40) may be connected to all of the first segments (13).

[0081] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the entire first segment (13) and the first connecting member (40) are connected, thereby ensuring an electron movement path for all first segments (13). As a result, the resistance of the electrode assembly (1) can be reduced.

[0082]

[0083] The first connecting member (40) may have a plurality of wires (W1, W2). More specifically, the first connecting member (40) may have a first wire (W1) and a second wire (W2). The first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be defined as different unit wires constituting the first connecting member (40).

[0084] The first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be configured to be connected to different regions of the first non-reinforced portion (12) at least partially. That is, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be provided in different regions of the first non-reinforced portion (12).

[0085] As another example, the first electrode (10) may include a plurality of segmented regions. Each of the plurality of segmented regions may include a plurality of first segments (13). In this case, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be provided in different segmented regions among the plurality of segmented regions.

[0086] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the first wire (W1) can be coupled to the first segment (13) provided in the first region (A1), and the second wire (W2) can be coupled to the first segment (13) provided in the second region (A2).

[0087] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member (40) can be wound more easily during the winding process of the first electrode (10). In particular, as in the above embodiment of the present invention, when the first connecting member (40) is composed of a single wire rather than a plurality of wire units, it can be easily separated from the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) during the winding and forming process. Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force between the first connecting member (40) and the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) can be further improved. In addition, productivity can be improved during the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly (1).

[0088]

[0089] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a first electrode wound in an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Furthermore, the first electrode (10) may include a plurality of winding turn regions. Each of the plurality of winding turn regions may be a region located at the winding turn of the first electrode. Each of the plurality of winding turn regions may include a plurality of first segments (13). That is, each winding turn region may include a first segment (13) included in the region when the first electrode (10) is wound once.

[0091] At this time, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be configured to be coupled to regions (wound turn regions) located at different winding turns of the first electrode (10). That is, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be provided in different winding turn regions among a plurality of winding turn regions.

[0092] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the first wire (W1) can be coupled to the first segment (13) provided in the first winding turn area, and the second wire (W2) can be coupled to the first segment (13) provided in the Nth winding turn area.

[0093] Additionally, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be provided in at least some of the plurality of winding turn areas. That is, the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) may be provided in some of the winding turn areas, or they may be provided in every winding turn area.

[0094] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, mutual interference can be minimized by preventing multiple wires from overlapping during the winding process of the first electrode (10). In addition, the first connecting member (40) can be prevented from easily separating from the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13). Thus, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the fixing force between the first connecting member (40) and the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) can be further improved. In addition, productivity can be improved during the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly (1).

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the upper side of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring further to FIG. 8 in conjunction with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, one end of the wire (W1, W2) may be connected to the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13), and the other end of the wire (W1, W2) may be configured to be drawn out to the outside of the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13). The other end of the wire (W1, W2) may be a free end.

[0098] At this time, referring to FIG. 8, the first connecting member (40) may be provided with a first connecting portion (41). Specifically, at least some of the plurality of wires (W1, W2) may be configured to be interconnected. That is, the other end of the first wire (W1) may be configured to be connected to the other end of the second wire (W2). The first connecting portion (41) may be a part where the first wire (W1) and the second wire (W2) are connected. The plurality of wires (W1, W2) may be interconnected and wound.

[0099] The first coupling part (41) may be configured to function as a current collector. This first coupling part (41) may be configured to be electrically and / or physically connected to an external terminal. An electron passage between the external terminal and the first electrode (10) may be formed by the first coupling part (41).

[0100] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by directly welding the first connecting member (40) to the external terminal to replace a separate configuration of the current collector, a passage for electron movement between the external terminal and the first electrode (10) can be secured.

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the upper side of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] As another embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first connecting part (41) may be provided in multiple numbers. That is, it may be configured so that some of the multiple wires are interconnected.

[0104] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the first coupling part (41) is connected to an external terminal, the electron movement path can be distributed into multiple parts. Thus, even if one of the first coupling parts (41) is damaged, the connection with the external terminal can be maintained by another first coupling part (41), thereby ensuring the stability of the electrode assembly (1). In addition, since the connection position can be easily adjusted when connecting the first coupling part (41) to the external terminal, productivity can be improved.

[0105]

[0106] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the first connecting member (40) can be coupled to the inside of the first non-reinforced portion (12).

[0107] When the first connecting member (40) is joined to the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) and bent (formed), some of the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) may be configured to overlap each other along the radial direction. In this case, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting member (40) provided on the inner side of the first bare portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) may be minimized from being exposed to the outside.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the free end of the first connecting member (40) is drawn out to the outside of the first electrode (10), so that even if external pressure is applied, the state in which the first connecting member (40) is connected to the first non-reinforced portion (12) and / or the first segment (13) can be stably maintained.

[0109]

[0110] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the lower side of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] The structure of the first electrode (10) as described above can be substantially applied to the second electrode (20) as well. That is, the second active material layer (21), the second non-active portion (22), and the second segment (23) can be substantially identical to the first active material layer (11), the first non-active portion (12), and the first segment (13), respectively. However, the extension directions of the first non-active portion (12) and the first segment (13) and the second non-active portion (22) and the second segment (23) may be opposite to each other.

[0112] Additionally, an electrode assembly (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a second connecting member (50). The second connecting member (50) may be configured to be at least partially connected to the second non-reinforcing portion (22) along the longitudinal direction of the second electrode (20). The second connecting member (50) may be provided on the opposite side from the first connecting member (40). An embodiment of the first connecting member (40) described above may be applied substantially identically to the second connecting member (50).

[0113] Accordingly, the second connecting member (50) may have a second coupling part (51) configured such that at least some of the plurality of wires are interconnected. The second coupling part (51) may be configured to be connectable to an external terminal.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is an upper cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a lower cross-sectional view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the battery cell (100) of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (1), a battery housing (2), and a battery terminal (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention described above. The battery cell (100) may be a secondary battery configured to be capable of charging and discharging. The battery cell (100) may be, for example, a cylindrical battery.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13, the battery housing (2) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (1) through an opening formed on one side thereof. The battery housing (2) may have a closed portion formed on the opposite side of the opening. The battery housing (2) may include a conductive metal. The battery housing (2) may have a beading portion and a clamping portion adjacent to the opening side.

[0118] Meanwhile, the battery cell (100) may include a cap (4). The cap (4) may be configured to close the opening of the battery housing (2). The cap (4) may be secured by a crimping portion that extends from the beading portion of the battery housing (2) and is bent to wrap around the perimeter of the cap (4). A sealing member may be interposed between the cap (4) and the inner surface of the battery housing (2).

[0119] The battery housing (2) may be configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode (20) of the electrode assembly (1). In this case, the battery housing (2) may function as a second terminal of the battery cell (100).

[0120] Specifically, the battery housing (2) may be configured to be connected to the second coupling portion (51) of the electrode assembly (1). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the second coupling portion (51) of the electrode assembly (1) may be configured to be connected to the beading portion of the battery housing (2).

[0121] However, the location where the second connecting part (51) is connected is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawing, and it may be connected to another place in the battery housing (2).

[0122] Also, referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the battery terminal (3) may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (1) through a closed portion provided on the opposite side of the opening of the battery housing (2). The battery terminal (3) may be electrically connected, for example, to the first electrode (10) of the electrode assembly (1). In this case, the battery terminal (3) may function as the first terminal of the battery cell (100). The battery terminal (3) and the battery housing (2) may have opposite polarities to each other, and in this case, a sealing member may be provided between the battery housing (2) and the battery terminal (3) to prevent contact between these parts and to ensure the sealing of the battery housing (2).

[0123] The battery terminal (3) may be configured to be electrically connected to the first connecting member (40) of the electrode assembly (1). More specifically, the battery terminal (3) may be configured to be connected to the first coupling part (41) of the electrode assembly (1). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the first coupling part (41) of the electrode assembly (1) may be configured to be connected to the inner side of the battery terminal (3).

[0124] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the first connecting member (40) and / or the second connecting member (50) can be directly connected to the positive terminal and / or negative terminal, the configuration of the current collector can be omitted. As a result, productivity can be improved by reducing costs and time during the manufacture of the battery cell (100). In addition, since an electron movement path between all tabs of the electrode assembly (1) and the positive terminal and / or negative terminal can be secured, the internal resistance of the battery cell (100) can be reduced.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, since a current collector is not provided, the electrolyte can be directly injected into the interior of the electrode assembly (1), so impregnation can be improved.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lower side of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] In a battery cell (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first coupling portion (41) and the second coupling portion (51) of the electrode assembly (1) may be provided in multiple numbers. In this embodiment, the electrode assembly (1) shown in FIG. 9 may be included.

[0129] In particular, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, a plurality of second coupling parts (51) may be provided. The second coupling parts (51) may be coupled to the beading part of the battery housing (2). Furthermore, the second coupling parts (51) may be configured to be seated on the outer surface of the beading part.

[0130] Additionally, a plurality of second connecting portions (51) may be arranged spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the beading portion of the battery housing (2). The plurality of second connecting portions (51) may be arranged, for example, in a roughly radial, cross-shaped, or combined shape with respect to the winding axis of the electrode assembly (1).

[0131] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when an external impact is applied to the battery cell (100) of the present invention, the possibility of damage occurring at the joint portion between the second connecting member (50) and the battery housing (2) can be minimized.

[0132]

[0133] Meanwhile, unlike the structure of the battery housing (2) described above, the battery cell (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may not have a beading portion and a crimping portion provided in the battery housing (2). That is, the battery housing (2) of the present invention may be configured to have a constant radius in the entire radial area of ​​the side wall.

[0134] According to such a structure, by excluding the beading clamping structure from the battery cell (100), various process errors that may occur due to the beading clamping structure can be prevented. In addition, process simplification can be achieved by omitting the beading, clamping, and sizing processes. Furthermore, when the beading clamping structure is present, the phenomenon in which the energy density decreases due to an increase in dead space within the battery along the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly (100) can be prevented. That is, according to the above-described structure of the present invention, the energy density of the battery cell (100) can be improved.

[0135] Although not illustrated in the drawings, a battery cell (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode assembly (1), a battery housing (2), a battery terminal (3), and a lead. As with the above-described embodiment, the battery housing (2) may have an opening on one side and a closing on the other side.

[0136] The lead may be configured to cover the opening. The lead may be configured to have, for example, a roughly plate shape. The lead may be coupled to the opening of the battery housing (2). For example, the lead may be seated on the inner circumference of the upper edge of the opening of the battery housing (2).

[0137] At this time, the contact point between the inner surface of the battery housing (2) and the outer surface of the lead can be joined. For example, the inner surface of the battery housing (2) and the outer surface of the lead edge can be joined by welding, and the welded part may be located along the circumference of the inner surface of the upper edge of the opening of the battery housing (2).

[0138] Meanwhile, the battery housing (2) and the lead can be joined by a joining method other than welding, and the joining method is not limited to this.

[0139] At this time, a through hole may be formed in the lead so that a battery terminal (3) is coupled to the through hole. The battery terminal (3) may be configured to be exposed to the outside. In this case, the first connecting member (40) of the electrode assembly (1) may be coupled to the battery terminal (3), and the second connecting member (50) may be coupled to the closed side of the battery housing (2).

[0140] Alternatively, a through hole may be formed in the closed portion of the battery housing (2) so that a battery terminal (3) is coupled to the through hole. In this case, the lead may be configured to function as a cap (4). At this time, the first connecting member (40) of the electrode assembly (1) may be coupled to the battery terminal (3), and the second connecting member (50) may be coupled to the lead.

[0141]

[0142] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 15, a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention and a pack housing that accommodates the battery cell (100). A plurality of battery cells (100) may be provided, and the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other. The battery cell (100) of the present invention may be configured so that the battery terminal (3) and the closed portion of the battery housing (2) can function as a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, respectively. Accordingly, when arranging a plurality of battery cells (100) within the pack housing, electrical connection can be achieved at the top of the battery cell (100) by arranging the terminals (30) of all battery cells (100) so that they face upward.

[0144]

[0145] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 16, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (V) may be configured to operate by receiving power from the battery pack (200). The vehicle (V) may be, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0147]

[0148] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to 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.

Claims

1. An 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, A first non-removable portion provided at the end of the first electrode and configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode; and An electrode assembly characterized by including a first connecting member configured to be at least partially coupled to the first non-reinforcing portion along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first non-reinforced portion is provided with a plurality of first segmented pieces configured by being divided along the winding direction, and An electrode assembly characterized in that the first connecting member is configured to be coupled to at least some of the plurality of first segments along the winding direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, The first connecting member above is An electrode assembly characterized by having a first wire and a second wire configured to be coupled to different regions of at least partially the first unoccupied portion.

4. In Paragraph 3, An electrode assembly characterized in that the first wire and the second wire are configured to be coupled to regions located at different turns of the first electrode.

5. In Paragraph 1, The first connecting member has a plurality of wires, and An electrode assembly characterized by having a first coupling portion configured such that at least some of the plurality of wires are interconnected.

6. In Paragraph 5, An electrode assembly characterized by having a plurality of first coupling parts.

7. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly characterized in that the first connecting member is coupled to the inner side of the first non-reinforcing portion.

8. In Paragraph 1, A second non-removable portion provided at the end of the second electrode and configured to be exposed to the outside of the separator along the longitudinal direction of the second electrode; and An electrode assembly characterized by further including a second connecting member configured to be at least partially coupled to the second non-reinforcing portion along the longitudinal direction of the second electrode.

9. In Paragraph 8, The second connecting member above is equipped with a plurality of wires, and An electrode assembly characterized by having a second coupling portion configured such that at least some of the plurality of wires are interconnected.

10. A battery cell characterized by including an electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery cell characterized by further including a battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly and is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode.

12. In Paragraph 10, A battery cell characterized by further including a battery terminal configured to be electrically connected to the first connecting member.

13. A battery pack characterized by including a battery cell according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. An automobile characterized by including a battery pack according to paragraph 13.

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