Electrode assembly holder and electrode tray comprising same

The electrode assembly holder with a cylindrical side wall and supporting bridges allows vertical transport of tabless electrode assemblies, addressing the need for damage prevention and contamination control during manufacturing.

WO2026101371A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-15LG 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
2025-09-09
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing equipment requires modification or new manufacturing to transport tabless electrode assemblies vertically without damaging the unbounded sections, necessitating a new type of transport tray.

Method used

An electrode assembly holder with a hollow cylindrical side wall portion and bridges supporting the unwound segments, along with holes for discharging foreign matter, allowing vertical stacking and transport without damage.

Benefits of technology

Enables safe vertical transport of tabless electrode assemblies by supporting the unwound segments and preventing contamination, facilitating efficient manufacturing processes.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided according to exemplary embodiments is an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly holder may comprise: a side wall unit in a hollow cylindrical shape, including a first part defining an accommodation space, a second part defining a discharge space, and a third part interposed between the first part and the second part; and a plurality of bridges connecting the third part of the side wall unit and intersecting one another in an intersecting part.
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Description

Electrode assembly holder and electrode tray including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly holder and an electrode tray including the same. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0158492, filed on November 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unit cells of secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch types depending on the type of case. In the case of cylindrical batteries, an insulating separator is interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode coated with active material, and this is wound to form a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly, which is then inserted into a battery can to constitute the battery.

[0003] As a type of cylindrical battery, a tabless cylindrical battery cell comprising a tabless electrode assembly is presented. The tabless electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode comprising segments of a non-existent portion on one long side and a negative electrode comprising segments of a non-existent portion on one long side are wound. The segments of the non-existent portion of the positive electrode protrude to the bottom of the electrode assembly, and the segments of the non-existent portion of the negative electrode protrude to the top of the electrode assembly. The segments of the non-existent portion protruding to the top and bottom are welded to the upper current collection plate and the lower current collection plate, respectively, and can be inserted into the battery can.

[0004] In the manufacturing process of tapless cylindrical battery cells, it is necessary to transport electrode assemblies in the form of wound jelly rolls. To prevent damage to the segments of the unbounded sections at both ends of the tapless electrode assemblies, the assemblies were transported by horizontally stacking them on trays. However, there was a problem in that existing equipment had to be modified or new equipment manufactured when vertical stacking was required. Consequently, a new type of transport tray was needed to vertically stack and transport tapless electrode assemblies without damaging the unbounded sections.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electrode assembly holder capable of storing and transporting an electrode assembly without damage.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an electrode assembly holder is provided. The electrode assembly holder is a hollow cylindrical side wall portion, wherein the side wall portion comprises a first portion defining a receiving space, a second portion defining a discharge space, and a third portion interposed between the first portion and the second portion; and may include a plurality of bridges connecting the third portion of the side wall portion and intersecting each other at the intersection portion.

[0007] The width of the above receiving space may differ from the width of the above discharge space.

[0008] The width of the above receiving space may be larger than the width of the above discharge space.

[0009] The width of the above receiving space may be 18.0 mm or more. The width of the above receiving space may be 24.0 mm or less. The width of the above discharge space may be 13.5 mm or more. The width of the above discharge space may be 19.5 mm or less.

[0010] The inner surface of the third part above can be aligned in a vertical direction with the inner surface of the second part above.

[0011] The above bridges can be arranged at the same angle around the above intersection.

[0012] It may further include a plurality of holes between the above bridges.

[0013] Each of the above multiple holes may have a fan shape.

[0014] The radius of each of the above plurality of holes may be 4.0 mm or more. The radius of each of the above plurality of holes may be 8.0 mm or less.

[0015] The number of the above plurality of holes may be 4 or more and 10 or less.

[0016] The above receiving space can be connected to the discharge space by the above plurality of holes.

[0017] Each of the above multiple holes may have the same shape.

[0018] The number of the above bridges may be 2 or more and 10 or fewer.

[0019] The above receiving space may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly in the form of a jelly roll. The electrode assembly may include segments of the unwound portion folded toward the winding center at both ends. The bridges may support the segments of the unwound portion of the electrode assembly.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an electrode tray is provided. The electrode tray may include a plurality of electrode assembly holders as described above; and a bottom plate that supports the electrode assembly holders from below.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, tabletless electrode assemblies can be transported by vertically loading them onto a tray. Holes are provided in the bottom portion of the electrode tray so that the electrode assemblies can be transported without damage to the electrode assemblies.

[0022] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an unfolded view showing the state of electrodes before winding according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrode tray according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly holder according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly holder according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly holder according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cylindrical battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] 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. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0032] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0033] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0034] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0035]

[0036] (1st embodiment)

[0037] FIG. 1 is an unfolded view showing electrodes (10, 20) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 1 shows the state of the electrodes (10, 20) before winding. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a holder (110) of an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a holder (110) of an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 shows a cross-section along P-P', Q-Q', and R-R' of FIG. 4.

[0039]

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) can be formed by sequentially stacking a first electrode (10), a separator, a second electrode (20), and a separator to form an electrode stack, and then winding the electrode stack along the length direction (Y direction). The winding axis portion of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) may be empty. The length direction (Y direction) of each of the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) may correspond to the circumferential direction of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30). The width direction (Z direction) of each of the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) may correspond to the winding axis direction of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30). The normal direction (X direction) of the surface of each of the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20) may correspond to the radial direction of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30).

[0041]

[0042] The first electrode (10) may include a current collector and an active material layer. The portion of the first electrode (10) coated with the active material may be a retaining portion (11). The portion of the first electrode (10) not coated with the active material may be an uncoated portion (12). The current collector may be exposed in the uncoated portion (12).

[0043] The unworn portion (12) may include segments (12S) arranged in the Y direction. The segments (12S) may be folded independently. In a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30), each of the segments (12S) may be folded toward the winding center of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30).

[0044] According to exemplary embodiments, the first electrode (10) may be an anode. The first electrode (10) may include an aluminum foil as a current collector. The first electrode (10) may be a positive electrode active material such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, or LiNi 1-x Co x O2(0.2≤x≤0.5), LiNi 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 Co1 / 3 O2, LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O2, LiMn2O4, LiMn 2-x M x O4 (M may include Al or Li, etc.), or LiFePO4, etc.

[0045]

[0046] The second electrode (20) may include a current collector and an active material layer. The portion of the second electrode (20) coated with the active material may be a retaining portion (21). The portion of the second electrode (20) not coated with the active material may be an uncoated portion (22). The current collector may be exposed in the uncoated portion (22).

[0047] The unworn portion (22) may include segments (22S) arranged in the Y direction. The segments (22S) may be folded independently. In the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30), each of the segments (22S) may be folded toward the winding center of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30).

[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, the second electrode (20) may be a negative electrode. The second electrode (20) may include a copper foil or a nickel foil as a current collector. The second electrode (20) may include lithium metal, graphite, coke, silicon, tin, etc. as a negative electrode active material.

[0049]

[0050] The electrode assembly (30) may be a tab-less type electrode assembly. The electrode assembly (30) may include segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) of the first electrode (10) protruding from the bottom of the electrode assembly (30), and segments (22S) of the unoccupied portion (22) of the second electrode (20) protruding from the top of the electrode assembly (30). Each of the segments (12S, 22S) of the unoccupied portions (12, 22) may be folded toward the winding center of the electrode assembly (30). Each of the segments (12S, 22S) of the unoccupied portions (12, 22) of the electrode assembly (30) may be welded to current collection plates (205A, 205B in FIG. 8) during the cell assembly process.

[0051]

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the electrode tray (100) may be a tray for transporting an electrode assembly (30) in the form of a jelly roll. For example, the electrode tray (100) may be used for transporting the electrode assembly (30) to insert the electrode assembly (30) into a can after the winding process of the electrode assembly (30). The electrode tray (100) may include a plurality of holders (110) and a bottom plate (105). The plurality of holders (110) may be placed on the bottom plate (105). The bottom plate (105) may support the plurality of holders (110) from below.

[0053] The holder (110) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (30). The electrode assembly (30) may be loaded into the holder (110) such that the unworn portion (12) of the first electrode (10) faces downward in the Z direction and the unworn portion (22) of the second electrode (20) faces upward in the Z direction.

[0054]

[0055] The holder (110) may include a side wall (111) and bridges (112).

[0056] The side wall portion (111) may include a first portion (111A), a second portion (111B), and a third portion (111C). The third portion (111C) may be interposed between the first portion (111A) and the second portion (111B).

[0057] The width (111AW) of the first part (111A) may differ from the width (111BW) of the second part (111B). The width (111AW) of the first part (111A) may be smaller than the width (111BW) of the second part (111B). The first part (111A) may include an inner surface (111AIS). The second part (111B) may include an inner surface (111BIS). The inner surface (111AIS) of the first part (111A) may not be aligned with the inner surface (111BIS) of the second part (111B) in the Z direction.

[0058] The width (111CW) of the third part (111C) may differ from the width (111AW) of the first part (111A). The width (111CW) of the third part (111C) may be greater than the width (111AW) of the first part (111A). The width (111CW) of the third part (111C) may be substantially the same as the width (111BW) of the second part (111B). The third part (111C) may include an inner surface (111CIS). The inner surface (111CIS) of the third part (111C) may not be aligned in the Z direction with the inner surface (111AIS) of the first part (111A). The inner surface (111CIS) of the third part (111C) can be aligned with the inner surface (111BIS) of the second part (111B) in the Z direction.

[0059] The first portion (111A) of the side wall portion (111) may include a portion where the width decreases at the top. The first portion (111A) of the side wall portion (111) may include an inwardly inclined surface at the top. When mounting the electrode assembly (30) to the holder (110), if the electrode assembly (30) is misaligned with the holder (110), the electrode assembly (30) may be moved along the inwardly inclined surface at the top of the first portion (111A) and loaded into the receiving space (113).

[0060]

[0061] The holder (110) may further include a receiving space (113) and a discharge space (114) inside. The receiving space (113) may be defined by a first part (111A) of the side wall portion (111). The discharge space (114) may be defined by a second part (111B) of the side wall portion (111).

[0062] The receiving space (113) may be a space for receiving an electrode assembly (30) in the form of a jelly roll. The receiving space (113) may have a width (113W) (or, diameter). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 15.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 17.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 18.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 20.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 30.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 24.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 23.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (113W) of the receiving space (113) may be about 22.0 mm or less.

[0063] The discharge space (114) may have a width (114W) (or diameter). The width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may differ from the width (113W) of the receiving space (113). The width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be smaller than the width (113W) of the receiving space (113). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 10.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 12.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 13.5 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the discharge space (114) may be about 16.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 25.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 23.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 19.5 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (114W) of the exhaust space (114) may be about 17.0 mm or less.

[0064] The discharge space (114) can be connected to the receiving space (113) through a plurality of holes (112H) between the bridges (112). Foreign matter in the receiving space (113) can be discharged into the discharge space (114) through the plurality of holes (112H).

[0065]

[0066] Each of the bridges (112) can connect the third portion (111C) of the side wall portion (111). According to exemplary embodiments, each of the bridges (112) can connect the opposing portions of the third portion (111C). The bridges (112) can intersect each other at the intersection (112IN). According to exemplary embodiments, the intersection (112IN) may be located in the center of the space defined by the third portion (111C). Each of the bridges (112) may have substantially the same thickness (112DP) in the Z direction. The bridges (112) may be arranged at a predetermined angle centered on the intersection (112IN). According to exemplary embodiments, the bridges (112) may be arranged at substantially the same angle centered on the intersection (112IN).

[0067] Each of the bridges (112) may have a width (112W). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W) of each bridge (112) may be about 1.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W) of each bridge (112) may be about 1.5 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W) of each bridge (112) may be about 2.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W) of each bridge (112) may be about 4.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W) of each bridge (112) may be about 3.5 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W) of each bridge (112) may be about 3.0 mm or less.

[0068] The first part (111A) of the side wall portion (111) can support the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) from the side. The bridges (112) can support the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) from below. The bridges (112) can support a plurality of bent segments (12S) of the unworn portion (12) of the first electrode (10) of the electrode assembly (30).

[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment including four bridges (112), but the number of bridges (112) is not limited thereto. The number of bridges (112) may be changed depending on the size or shape of the electrode assembly (30). According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112) may be two or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112) may be three or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112) may be four or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112) may be ten or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112) may be eight or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of bridges (112) may be six or fewer.

[0070]

[0071] A plurality of holes (112H) may be formed between the bridges (112). Although FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment including eight holes (112H), the number of a plurality of holes (112H) is not limited thereto. The number of a plurality of holes (112H) may be changed depending on the size or shape of the electrode assembly (30).

[0072] According to exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple holes (112H) may be two or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple holes (112H) may be four or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple holes (112H) may be six or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple holes (112H) may be 20 or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple holes (112H) may be 16 or fewer. According to exemplary embodiments, the number of multiple holes (112H) may be 10 or fewer.

[0073] Multiple holes (112H) may be spaced apart from each other by bridges (112). According to exemplary embodiments, multiple holes (112H) may be arranged at equal intervals. However, the arrangement of multiple holes (112H) is not limited thereto, and multiple holes (112H) may be arranged at different intervals.

[0074] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the plurality of holes (112H) may have a fan shape. Each of the plurality of holes (112H) may have substantially the same shape. Each of the plurality of holes (112H) may have different shapes. Each of the plurality of holes (112H) may have a central angle (112HA) and a radius (112HR).

[0075] According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 15° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 30° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 40° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 60° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 120° or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 100° or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 90° or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA) may be about 70° or less.

[0076] According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR) may be about 2.0 mm or larger. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR) may be about 4.0 mm or larger. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR) may be about 5.0 mm or larger. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR) may be about 10.0 mm or smaller. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR) may be about 8.0 mm or smaller. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR) may be about 6.0 mm or smaller.

[0077] However, the shape of the plurality of holes (112H) is not limited to that described above. The shape of the plurality of holes (112H) may be varied depending on the shape of the bridges (112) or the size of the electrode assembly (30), etc.

[0078]

[0079] An electrode assembly holder (110) according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of bridges (112) to support a plurality of segments (12S) at the bottom of an electrode assembly (30) and to maintain the folded state of the plurality of segments (12S). A plurality of holes (112H) between the bridges (112) can prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the plurality of segments (12S) of the electrode assembly (30). Thus, the electrode assembly (30) can be loaded onto the holder (110) and transported without damage. In addition, foreign substances in the receiving space (113) can be discharged into the discharge space (114) through the plurality of holes (112H), thereby preventing contamination of the electrode assembly (30).

[0080]

[0081] (2nd Example)

[0082] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a holder (110') of an electrode tray (100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 shows cross-sections corresponding to P-P', Q-Q', and R-R' of FIG. 4.

[0083] In FIG. 6, the components having the same drawing numbers as FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 may be described as described above in the first embodiment, and such descriptions will be omitted. Hereinafter, the components of the second embodiment that differ from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0084]

[0085] Referring together to FIGS. 1 through 4 and FIG. 6, the holder (110') may include bridges (112') connecting a third portion (111C) of the side wall portion (111). The holder (110') may include a plurality of holes (112H') between the bridges (112'). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the holder (110') includes two bridges (112') and four holes (112H'). The bridges (112') may intersect at an intersection (112IN').

[0086] According to exemplary embodiments, each hole (112H') may have a fan shape. According to exemplary embodiments, each hole (112H') may have a central angle (112HA') and a radius (112HR').

[0087] According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 15° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 30° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 45° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 60° or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 120° or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 100° or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 90° or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the size of the central angle (112HA') may be about 70° or less.

[0088] According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR') may be about 2.0 mm or larger. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR') may be about 4.0 mm or larger. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR') may be about 5.0 mm or larger. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR') may be about 10.0 mm or smaller. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR') may be about 8.0 mm or smaller. According to exemplary embodiments, the radius (112HR') may be about 6.0 mm or smaller.

[0089] Each of the plurality of bridges (112') may have a width (112W'). According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W') of each of the plurality of bridges (112') may be about 2.5 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W') of each of the plurality of bridges (112') may be about 3.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W') of each of the plurality of bridges (112') may be about 4.0 mm or more. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W') of each of the plurality of bridges (112') may be about 7.0 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W') of each of the plurality of bridges (112') may be about 6.5 mm or less. According to exemplary embodiments, the width (112W') of each of the plurality of bridges (112') may be about 6.0 mm or less.

[0090] However, the shapes of the multiple bridges (112') and multiple holes (112H') are not limited to those described above and may be varied depending on the size, shape, or structure of the holder (110') and the electrode assembly (30).

[0091]

[0092] (3rd Example)

[0093] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cylindrical battery (200) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0094]

[0095] Referring together to FIGS. 1 to 5, FIGS. 7, and FIGS. 8, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include a step (P1) of forming a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30). The jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (30) may be formed by sequentially winding a first electrode (10), a separator, a second electrode (20), and a separator onto a core. Segments (12S) of the unwound portion (12) of the first electrode (10) may be located at the bottom of the electrode assembly (30), and segments (22S) of the unwound portion (22) of the second electrode (20) may be located at the top of the electrode assembly (30). The segments (12S, 22S) of the unwound portions (12, 22) at both ends of the electrode assembly (30) may be folded toward the winding center of the electrode assembly (30). According to exemplary embodiments, the cylindrical battery (200) may be a tapless type battery.

[0096] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P2) of loading an electrode assembly (30) onto an electrode tray (100). The electrode assembly (30) may be loaded onto a holder (110) of the electrode tray (100). The bent segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) located at the bottom of the electrode assembly (30) may be supported by bridges (112) of each holder (110).

[0097] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P3) of transporting the electrode assembly (30) to a required location and then unloading the electrode assembly (30) from the electrode tray (100). The electrode tray (100) includes bridges (112) and a plurality of holes (112H) so that the electrode assembly (30) can be vertically loaded and transported without damaging the segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12).

[0098] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P4) of welding segments (12S, 22S) of the unoccupied portions (12, 22) of the electrode assembly (30) to current collection plates (205A, 205B), respectively. The segments (12S) of the unoccupied portion (12) of the electrode assembly (30) may be welded to the first current collection plate (205A). The segments (22S) of the second unoccupied portion (22) of the electrode assembly (30) may be welded to the second current collection plate (205B).

[0099] A method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery (200) may include the step (P5) of inserting an electrode assembly (30) into a can (201). Subsequently, a first current collector plate (205A) may be welded to the bottom portion (201B) of the can (201). A second current collector plate (205B) may be welded to a top cap (202). The can (201) may serve as a positive terminal connecting the cylindrical battery (200) to the outside. The top cap (202) may serve as a negative terminal connecting the cylindrical battery (200) to the outside.

[0100] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A hollow cylindrical sidewall portion, wherein the sidewall portion comprises a first portion defining a receiving space, a second portion defining a discharge space, and a third portion interposed between the first portion and the second portion; and An electrode assembly holder comprising a plurality of bridges that connect the third portion of the above-mentioned side wall portion and intersect each other at the intersection portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the width of the receiving space is different from the width of the discharge space.

3. In Paragraph 2, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the width of the receiving space is greater than the width of the discharge space.

4. In Paragraph 3, The width of the above-mentioned receiving space is 18.0 mm or more, and The width of the above-mentioned receiving space is 24.0 mm or less, and The width of the above discharge space is 13.5 mm or more, and An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the width of the discharge space is 19.5 mm or less.

5. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the inner surface of the third part is aligned in a vertical direction with the inner surface of the second part.

6. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the above bridges are arranged at the same angle around the above intersection.

7. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized by further including a plurality of holes between the above bridges.

8. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that each of the above plurality of holes has a fan shape.

9. In Paragraph 8, The radius of each of the above plurality of holes is 4.0 mm or more, and An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the radius length of each of the plurality of holes is 8.0 mm or less.

10. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the number of the plurality of holes is 4 or more and 10 or less.

11. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the receiving space is in communication with the discharge space by the plurality of holes.

12. In Paragraph 7, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that each of the above plurality of holes has the same shape.

13. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the number of the above bridges is 2 or more and 10 or less.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above receiving space is configured to accommodate an electrode assembly in the form of a jelly roll, and The above electrode assembly includes segments of unwound portions folded toward the winding center at both ends, and An electrode assembly holder characterized in that the above bridges support the segments of the above-described non-described portion of the electrode assembly.

15. Multiple electrode assembly holders according to claim 1; and An electrode tray comprising a bottom plate that supports the electrode assembly holders from below.