Patent Abstract:
A rechargeable battery including at least one electrode assembly that performs charging and discharging; a case receiving the electrode assembly; a cap assembly coupled to the case and including at least one terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a lead tab electrically connecting the terminal and the electrode assembly; and a supporting member between the lead tab and the case, wherein the lead tab includes at least one coupling bar attached to the electrode assembly, and the supporting member includes a supporting protrusion coupled to one surface of the coupling bar and a base supported by an inner surface of the case.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field 
         [0002]    Embodiments relate to a rechargeable battery. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged, a rechargeable battery (i.e., a secondary battery or a secondary cell) may be repeatedly charged and discharged. A low-capacity rechargeable battery may be used for small portable electronic devices, e.g., mobile phones, notebook computers, camcorders, and the like. A large-capacity battery may be used as a power source for, e.g., driving a motor of a hybrid electric vehicle and the like. 
         [0005]    A high-power rechargeable battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte with high energy density has recently been developed. For example, the high-power rechargeable battery may be constructed as a high-capacity rechargeable battery having a plurality of rechargeable cells coupled to each other in series such that it may be used as a power supply for driving motors in electric vehicles requiring high power. 
         [0006]    A prismatic-shaped rechargeable battery may include an electrode assembly (including a positive electrode and a negative electrode with a separator interposed therebetween), a case (having a space for accommodating the electrode assembly), and a cap plate that seals the case and has a terminal inserted therein. The terminal may be electrically connected with the electrode assembly and may protrude outside of the case. The terminal may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly via the lead tab; and the lead tab may be fixed to the terminal and the electrode assembly. 
         [0007]    The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the described technology and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments are directed to a rechargeable battery. 
         [0009]    The embodiments may be realized by providing a rechargeable battery including at least one electrode assembly that performs charging and discharging; a case receiving the electrode assembly; a cap assembly coupled to the case and including at least one terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a lead tab electrically connecting the terminal and the electrode assembly; and a supporting member between the lead tab and the case, wherein the lead tab includes at least one coupling bar attached to the electrode assembly, and the supporting member includes a supporting protrusion coupled to one surface of the coupling bar and a base supported by an inner surface of the case. 
         [0010]    The supporting member may further include a supporting jaw, the supporting jaw extending around one surface of the coupling bar. 
         [0011]    The rechargeable battery may include a plurality of electrode assemblies, the lead tab may include a plurality of coupling bars attached to each electrode assembly, the supporting member may include a plurality of supporting protrusions, and the supporting jaw may protrude from the supporting protrusion. 
         [0012]    The supporting member may include a side end supporting plate protruding from side ends of the base, and the side end supporting plate may support an uncoated region of the electrode assembly and the inner surface of the case. 
         [0013]    The side end supporting plate may include a supporting jaw at an end thereof, the supporting jaw extending around one surface of the coupling bar. 
         [0014]    The coupling bar may include a protruding hook portion. 
         [0015]    The hook portion may be bent to protrude obliquely. 
         [0016]    The coupling bar may include an insertion tip under the hook portion, the coupling bar being separated from an uncoated region of the electrode assembly. 
         [0017]    The supporting protrusion may be positioned on the hook portion. 
         [0018]    The supporting protrusion may include an upper supporting protrusion and a lower supporting protrusion vertically separated from the upper supporting protrusion, and the hook portion may be positioned between the upper supporting protrusion and the lower supporting protrusion. 
         [0019]    The supporting protrusions may include a supporting jaw protruding laterally at a side thereof, the supporting jaw extending around one surface of the coupling bar, and the supporting jaw of the upper supporting protrusion and the supporting jaw of the lower supporting protrusion may protrude in different lateral directions. 
         [0020]    The upper supporting protrusion and the lower supporting protrusion may contact opposite surfaces of the coupling bar. 
         [0021]    The supporting member may further include a supporting jaw enclosing the coupling bar. 
         [0022]    The coupling bar may include a protruding hook portion, the supporting jaw may be under the supporting protrusion, and the hook portion may be between the supporting protrusion and the supporting jaw. 
         [0023]    The rechargeable battery may include a plurality of electrode assembles, the lead tab may include a plurality of coupling bars attached to the electrode assembles, and the supporting jaw may enclose the plurality of coupling bars and may include opposing plates and a connecting plate fixed to an end of the opposing plates. 
         [0024]    Each coupling bar may include a welding portion coupled to the electrode assembly by welding, a hook portion obliquely bent toward a neighboring coupling bar at the welding portion, and an insertion tip bent from the hook portion and extending toward a bottom of the case, the supporting protrusion may be inserted between neighboring welding portions, and at least one of the opposing plates may be inserted between the insertion tip and an uncoated region of the electrode assemblies. 
         [0025]    The rechargeable battery may include a plurality of electrode assemblies, and the base may include a protrusion unit that is bent and is inserted between uncoated regions of the electrode assemblies. 
         [0026]    The base may include a hole to discharge gas inside the electrode assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The embodiments will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II of  FIG. 1  in an X-Z plane. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 , taken along an X-Y plane. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the supporting member of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of a rechargeable battery according to another embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 6 , taken along an X-Y plane. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the supporting member of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  illustrates a transverse cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery according to yet another embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a supporting member of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the supporting member of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a supporting member and a lead tab of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 17A  illustrates an image showing deformation of a lead tab when applying an impact to the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 17B  illustrates an image showing deformation of a lead tab when applying an impact to a typical rechargeable battery. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0118340, filed on Nov. 25, 2010, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled: “Rechargeable Battery,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0047]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0048]    In the drawing figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. Further, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “under” another element, it can be directly under, and one or more intervening elements may also be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “between” two elements, it can be the only element between the two elements, or one or more intervening elements may also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment.  FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II of  FIG. 1  in an X-Z plane. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a rechargeable battery  101  according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly  10  (in which a positive electrode  11  and a negative electrode  12  are wound with an insulating separator  13  therebetween), a case  30  accommodating the electrode assembly  10  therein, and a cap assembly  20  coupled to an opening at one side of the case  30 . 
         [0051]    The rechargeable battery  101  according to the present embodiment may be a lithium ion rechargeable battery and may have an angular or prismatic shape, and such a rechargeable battery will be described as an example. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto; and the embodiments may be applied to other types of batteries, e.g., a lithium polymer battery, a cylindrical battery, and the like. 
         [0052]    The positive electrode  11  and the negative electrode  12  may include a current collector made of a thin metal foil and an active material on each current collector. Also, the positive electrode  11  and the negative electrode  12  may include a coated region (where the active material layer is formed on the current collector) and uncoated regions  111  and  121  (where the active material layer is not formed on the current collector). 
         [0053]    The positive electrode uncoated region  111  may be formed at one side end of the positive electrode  11  (relative to a length direction of the positive electrode  11 ); and the negative electrode uncoated region  121  may be formed at another side end of the negative electrode  12  (relative to a length direction of the negative electrode  12 ). As described above, the positive electrode  11  and the negative electrode  12  may be wound with the insulating separator  13  interposed therebetween. 
         [0054]    However, the embodiments are not limited thereto; and the electrode assembly  10  may have a structure, e.g., in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode that are formed as a plurality of sheets are stacked with the separator interposed therebetween. 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of electrode assemblies  10  may be inserted and installed in the case  30 . For example, the rechargeable battery  101  according to the present embodiment may include four electrode assemblies  10 . The electrode assembly  10  may have an approximate plate-like shape by being pressed after being wound; and a plurality of electrode assemblies  10  may be erected and disposed such that the uncoated regions  111  and  121  may be positioned at a side end inside the case  30 . 
         [0056]    The case  30  may form an entire exterior of the rechargeable battery  10 . The case  30  may be made of a conductive metal, e.g., aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The case  30  may include a space therein for accommodating the electrode assembly  10 . For example, the case  30  may have a rectangular parallelepiped angular shape having an opening at one end thereof to accommodate the electrode assembly  10  having a shape corresponding to the rectangular parallelepiped. In an implementation, the opening may face an upper direction in the case  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]    The cap assembly  20  may include a cap plate  25  covering the opening of the case  30 , a positive electrode terminal  21  protruding outside the cap plate  25  (and electrically connected to the positive electrode  11 ), and a negative electrode terminal  22  (electrically connected to the negative electrode  12 ). 
         [0058]    The cap plate  25  may be formed of a thin plate material and may be coupled to the opening of the case  30 . A sealing cap  23  may be installed in an electrolyte solution inlet  24  in the cap plate  25 ; and a vent plate  27  (having a notch  39   a  that is openable at a predetermined pressure) may be installed at a vent hole  28 . 
         [0059]    The positive electrode terminal  21  and the negative electrode terminal  22  may penetrate the cap plate  25  and may include flanges  21   a  and  22   a  in lower portions thereof and supported on a bottom of the cap plate  25 . Outer circumferential surfaces of upper columns of the positive electrode terminal  21  and the negative electrode terminal  22  protruding outside the cap plate  25  may be threaded; and nuts  29  may be fastened to the terminals  21  and  22  and may support the upper portions of the terminals  21  and  22 . 
         [0060]    In the present embodiment, the terminals  21  and  22  may be fixed by the nuts  29 , but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the terminals  21  and  22  may have a rivet structure or may be fixed through welding. 
         [0061]    The positive electrode terminal  21  may be electrically connected to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  by a lead tab  51 . The negative electrode terminal  22  may be electrically connected to the negative electrode uncoated region  121  by a lead tab  52 . The lead tabs  51  and  52  may be welded and fixed to the terminal flanges  21   a  and  22   a.  However, the embodiments are not limited thereto; and the electrode terminals  21  and  22  and the lead tabs  51  and  52  may be integrally formed. 
         [0062]    A terminal hole  213  (in which the positive electrode terminal  21  may be inserted) may be formed at the cap plate  25 . An outer gasket  214  and an inner gasket  215  may be installed at the terminal hole  213  for insulation and sealing. The outer gasket  214  may be partially inserted into the terminal hole  213  outside the cap plate  25  and may insulate the positive electrode terminal  21  and the cap plate  25  from each other. The inner gasket  215  (corresponding to an inside of the terminal hole  213 ) may insulate the cap plate  25  and the lead tab  51  inside the cap plate  25 . 
         [0063]    The cap plate  25  may have a terminal hole  223  (in which the negative electrode terminal  22  may be inserted); and an outer gasket  224  and an inner gasket  225  may be installed at the terminal hole  223  for insulation and sealing. The outer gasket  224  may be partially inserted into the terminal hole  223  outside the cap plate  25  to electrically insulate the negative electrode terminal  22  and the cap plate  25  from each other. The inner gasket  225  (corresponding to an inside of the terminal hole  223 ) may be included inside the cap plate  25  to electrically insulate the cap plate  25  and the lead tab  52  from each other. 
         [0064]    As described above,  FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 , taken along an X-Y plane. 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the lead tab and the supporting member will be described. 
         [0066]    The lead tab  52  and a supporting member  62  corresponding to the negative electrode terminal  22  may have the same structure as the lead tab  51  and a supporting member  61  corresponding to the positive electrode terminal  21 . Thus, a description of the lead tab  51  and the supporting member  61  connected to the positive electrode terminal  21  is the same description as the lead tab  52  and the supporting member  62  connected to the negative electrode terminal  22 . 
         [0067]    The lead tab  51  may include a connecting unit  512  (having a hole  513  into which the positive electrode terminal  21  may be inserted), a side plate  514  under the connecting unit  512  (and between a side section of the electrode assembly  10  and the case  30 ), and a coupling bar  515  under the side plate  514  (and attached to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10 ). In a state in which four coupling bars  515  are bent at the side plate  514  and disposed parallel to the positive electrode uncoated region  111 , the four coupling bars  515  may be coupled to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10  through, e.g., welding. 
         [0068]    Two coupling bars  515  may be inserted between facing positive electrode uncoated regions  111 ; and a coupling bar  515  may be coupled with a facing surface of the positive electrode uncoated regions  111  by, e.g., welding. Each coupling bar  515  may have the same structure. For example, each coupling bar  515  may include a welding portion  515   a  (bent at a side end and coupled to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  through welding), a hook portion  515   b  (protruding away from portions of the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10  to which the welding portion  515   a  is attached), and an insertion tip  515   c  (bent at an end portion of the hook portion  515   b  and formed parallel to the welding portion  515   a ). 
         [0069]    In an implementation, the hook portion  515   b  may protrude obliquely, e.g., at an angle of about 5° to less than about 90° with respect to the welding portion  515   a , toward an adjacent coupling bar  515 . In the present embodiment, the hook portion  515   b  may be bent, however the embodiments are not limited thereto; and the hook portion  515   b  may be made of various structures that protrude from the welding portion  515   a,  such as a protrusion shape. 
         [0070]    The insertion tip  515   c  may be bent at an end of the hook portion  515   b  and may extend toward a bottom of the case  30 . In an implementation, the insertion tip  515   c  may be separated from the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . Accordingly, an interval between two facing insertion tips  515   c  may be smaller than an interval between corresponding facing welding portions  515   a.  Thus, the insertion tip  515   c  may be positioned at a more inner side than a boundary between the electrode assemblies  10  and the facing insertion tips  515   c  may not contact one another. 
         [0071]    As described above, the bent portion may be at ends of the hook portion  515   b.  Thus, the hook portion  515   b  may be referred to as a non-continuous portion. The non-continuous portion as a portion that is protruded or bent such that one plane is completed means a portion at which the outer surface is bent. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the hook portion  515   b  may be formed such that ends of the coupling bars  515  are separated from each other at the electrode assembly  10 . Thus, the lead tab  51  may be easily inserted between the electrode assemblies  10 . 
         [0072]    The supporting member  61  may be positioned between the lead tab  51  and the inner surface of the case  30 . Thus, the supporting member  61  may support the lead tab  51  and the electrode assembly  10  to prevent movement and deformation thereof. 
         [0073]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a fixing member of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the supporting member  61  may include a plate-shaped base  612 , supporting protrusions  615  and  618  protruding from the base  612  toward the electrode assembly  10 , and a side end supporting plate  616  protruding from side ends of the base  612 . 
         [0074]    The base  612  may have a plate shape that is continuous in a deposition direction of the electrode assembly  10 . A protrusion unit  617  (bent or protruding toward the electrode assembly  10 ) may be formed at a center of the base  612 . In an implementation, the base  612  may include a hole  613  (referring to  FIG. 3 ) to discharge gas from inside of the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0075]    As described above, the positive electrode uncoated region  111  may not include the active material layer and thus may be thinner than the coating portion (on which the active material layer is formed). Accordingly, the rolled and deposited positive electrode uncoated region  111  may be closely adhered to itself; and an inclined portion  111   a  (referring to  FIG. 3 ) may be formed at a portion of the positive electrode uncoated region  111  connected to the coating portion. 
         [0076]    The side end supporting plate  616  and the protrusion unit  617  may include inclined surfaces  616   a  and  617   a  in contact with the inclined portion  111   a.  Thus, the side end supporting plate  616  and the protrusion unit  617  may stably support the electrode assembly  10  and the lead tab  51  at the inclined portion  111   a.    
         [0077]    The supporting protrusions  615  and  618  may have a bar shape that protrudes toward the electrode assembly  10 . The supporting protrusions  615  and  618  may be coupled to the coupling bar  515 . The supporting protrusions  615  and  618  may include supporting jaws  615   a  and  618   a  at ends thereof that protrude laterally therefrom. The supporting protrusion  615  may protrude from an upper side of the base  612 ; and the supporting protrusion  618  may protrude from a lower side of the base  612 . The supporting jaws  615   a  and  618   a  may include an inclined surface such that they may contact with and may support the inclined portion  111   a  of the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . 
         [0078]    In an implementation, four supporting protrusions  615  may be formed at the upper portion of the base  612  and four supporting protrusions  618  may be formed at the lower portion of the base  612 . In addition, two of each supporting protrusions  615  and  618  may be positioned at the upper and lower portions of the base  612  at one side of the protrusion unit  617 ; and two of each supporting protrusions  615  and  618  may be inserted between the coupling bars  515 . The upper supporting protrusion  615  may be close to the welding portion  515   a  such that the supporting jaw  615   a  may be caught in the width direction end of or extend around the welding portion  515   a,  e.g., the supporting jaw  615   a  may grip the welding portion  515   a.  For example, one end (relative to the width direction) of the coupling bar  515  may contact the base  612  and another end of the coupling bar  515  may contact the supporting jaw  615   a  such that the supporting member  61  may stably support the lead tab  51 . 
         [0079]    The upper supporting protrusion  615  may be caught by or extend around the hook portion  512   b  of the lead tab  51  to downwardly support the lead tab  51 . An upper portion of the lead tab  51  may be fixed to the positive electrode terminal  21  and thus may be relatively strong against or resistant to an impact. However, a lower portion of the lead tab  51  may be free, thus being relatively weak against or sensitive to an impact. Accordingly, by installing the supporting member  61  under the lead tab  51 , the lead tab  51  may be further stably supported. 
         [0080]    As described above, according to the present embodiment, the base  612  may be supported by the inner surface of the case  30 ; and the protrusion unit  617 , the supporting protrusions  615  and  618 , and the side end supporting plate  616  may support the inclined portion  111   a.  Thus, the lead tab  51  and the electrode assemblies  10  may be further stably supported. For example, the supporting jaws  615   a  and  618   a  may be formed such that movement of the lead tab  51  inside the rechargeable battery  101  may be prevented. Accordingly, a single supporting member  61  may support both the lead tab  51  and the electrode assembly  10 . In addition, according to the present embodiment, two supporting members  61  and  62  may be installed at side ends of the electrode assembly  10  such that movement of the electrode assembly  10  in a side direction in the case  30  may be prevented. 
         [0081]      FIG. 17A  illustrates an image showing deformation of a lead tab when applying an impact to the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 17B  illustrates an image showing deformation of a lead tab when applying an impact to a conventional rechargeable battery. As shown in  FIG. 17A  and  FIG. 17B , when the supporting member  61  of an embodiment is not provided, the lead tab may be seriously transformed or moved in an inner direction of the case  30 ; and a position of the electrode assembly  10  may be changed. However, in the present embodiment, the lead tab may be only rarely or minimally transformed or moved. 
         [0082]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of a rechargeable battery according to another embodiment.  FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 6 , taken along an X-Y plane.  FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the supporting member of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , a rechargeable battery  102  according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly  10 , a case  31  receiving or accommodating the electrode assembly  10 , a lead tab  53  electrically connected to the electrode assembly  10 , and a supporting member  63  installed or coupled to the lead tab  53 . 
         [0084]    The rechargeable battery  102  according to the present embodiment may have the same structure as that of the rechargeable battery according to the previous embodiment except for the lead tab  53  and the supporting member  63 . Thus, repeated and overlapping descriptions are omitted. In addition, the lead tab and the supporting member may be installed to the sides of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal; and the lead tab and the supporting member are of the same structure. 
         [0085]    In an implementation, two electrode assemblies  10  may be inserted and installed inside the case  31 . The lead tab  53  may be coupled with the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0086]    The lead tab  53  may include a connecting unit  531  (having a hole  532  in which a positive electrode terminal  21  may be inserted), a side plate  534  under the connecting unit  531  (the side plate  534  being between a side section of the electrode assembly  10  and the case  31 ), and a coupling bar  535  (under the side plate  534  and coupled with the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10 ). Each coupling bar  535  (which may be bent at the side plate  534  and may be disposed parallel to the positive electrode uncoated region  111 ) may be coupled to the uncoated region  111  of each positive electrode assembly  10  through, e.g., welding. 
         [0087]    In an implementation, two coupling bars  535  may be inserted between the positive electrode uncoated regions  111 ; and the coupling bar  535  may be coupled at a surface thereof facing the positive electrode uncoated region  111  through welding. Each coupling bar  535  may have the same structure; and the coupling bar  535  may include a welding portion  535   a  (bent at a side end of the side plate  534  and coupled to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  by welding), a hook portion  535   b  (curved or bent from the welding portion  535   a  toward the outside of the electrode assembly  10 ), and an insertion tip  535   c  at an end of the hook portion  535   b.    
         [0088]    In an implementation, the hook portion  535   b  may protrude obliquely, e.g., at an angle of about 5° to less than about 90° with respect to the welding portion  535   a , toward an adjacent coupling bar  535 . The insertion tip  535   c  may be continuously formed at an end of the hook portion  535   b  and may extend toward a bottom of the case  31  and may be separated from the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . Accordingly, an interval between two facing insertion tips  535   c  may be smaller than an interval between corresponding facing welding portions  535   a.  For example, the insertion tip  535   c  may be positioned at a more inner side than a boundary between the electrode assemblies  10  and the facing insertion tips  535   c  may not contact one another. 
         [0089]    As described above, according to the present embodiment, the hook portion  535   b  may be formed such that the lead tab  53  may be further easily inserted between the electrode assemblies  10 . 
         [0090]    The supporting member  63  may be positioned between the lead tab  53  and the inner surface of the case  31  to support the lead tab  53  and the electrode assembly  10 , thereby preventing undesirable movement and transformation. 
         [0091]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the supporting member  63  may include a plate-shaped base  632 , supporting protrusions  635  and  638  (protruding from the base  632  toward the electrode assembly  10 ), and a side end supporting plate  636  (protruding at side ends of the base  632 ). 
         [0092]    The base  632  may have a plate shape that is continuous in a deposition direction of the electrode assembly  10 . The base  632  may include a hole  633  therein to discharge gas from the inside of the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0093]    The rolled and deposited positive electrode uncoated region  111  may be closely adhered to itself. Thus, an inclined portion  111   a  may be formed at a portion of the uncoated region  111  contacting the coated region. The side end supporting plate  636  may include an inclined surface  636   a  in contact with the inclined portion  111   a.  Thus, the side end supporting plate  636  may stably support the electrode assembly  10  and the lead tab  53  at the inclined portion  111   a.    
         [0094]    The supporting protrusions  635  and  638  may have a bar shape that protrudes toward the electrode assembly  10 . The supporting protrusions  635  and  638  may have supporting jaws  635   a  and  638   a  protruding laterally therefrom. The supporting protrusion  635  may protrude at an upper portion of the base  632 ; and the supporting protrusion  638  may protrude at a lower portion of the base  632 . An inclined surface may be formed at an end of the supporting jaw  635   a  and  638   a  to be in contact with and support the inclined portion  111   a  of the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . 
         [0095]    In an implementation, e.g., two supporting protrusions  635  may be formed at the upper portion of the base  632  and two supporting protrusions  638  may be formed at the lower portion of the base  612 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Thus, the two supporting protrusions  635  and  638  may be inserted between the welding portions  535   a.  The upper supporting protrusion  635  may be close to the welding portion  535   a  such that the supporting jaw  635   a  may be caught at the width direction end of or extend around the welding portion, e.g., the supporting jaw  635   a  may grip the welding portion  535   a.  For example, one end (in a width direction) of the coupling bar  535  may contact the base  632  and another end thereof may contact the supporting jaw  635   a  such that the supporting member  63  may stably support the lead tab  53 . 
         [0096]    The upper supporting protrusion  635  may be caught by or extend around the hook portion  535   b  to downwardly support the lead tab  53 . The upper portion of the lead tab  53  may be fixed to the positive electrode terminal  21 , thus being relatively strong against an impact. However, the lower portion of the lead tab  53  may be free, thus being relatively weak against an impact. In the present embodiment, if the supporting member  63  is installed under the lead tab  53 , the lead tab  53  may be further stably supported. 
         [0097]    As described above, the base  632  may be supported by the inner surface of the case  31 , and the supporting protrusions  635  and  638  and the side end supporting plate  636  may be supported by the inclined portion  111   a  such that one supporting member  63  may stably support both the lead tab  53  and the electrode assemblies  10 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 9  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rechargeable battery according to yet another embodiment. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the rechargeable battery  103  according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly  10 , a case  32  receiving or accommodating the electrode assembly  10 , a lead tab  54  electrically connected to the electrode assembly  10 , and a supporting member  64  coupled with the lead tab  54 . 
         [0100]    The rechargeable battery  103  according to the present embodiment has the same structure as that of the rechargeable battery according to the previous embodiments except for the lead tab  54  and the supporting member  64 . Thus, repeated and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 
         [0101]    One electrode assembly  10  may be inserted and installed inside the case  32 . The lead tab  54  may be fixed and installed to a positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0102]    The lead tab  54  may include a connecting unit (with the positive electrode terminal  21  inserted therein), a side plate (under the connecting unit and between a side section of the electrode assembly  10  and the case  32 ), and a coupling bar  545  (under the side plate and coupled with the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10 ). In an implementation, the lead tab  54  may have one coupling bar  545 . 
         [0103]    The supporting member  64  may include a plate-shaped base  642  and side end supporting plates  645  and  646  protruding from side ends of the base  642 . 
         [0104]    One side end supporting plate  646  may have an inclined surface that is in contact with an inclined portion  111   a  of the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . Another side end supporting plate  645  may have a supporting jaw  645   a  protruding laterally therefrom. The side end supporting plate  645  may be close to the lead tab  54  such that the supporting jaw  645   a  may be caught at the width direction end of or extend around the coupling bar  545 , e.g., the supporting jaw  645   a  may grip the coupling bar  545 . One width direction end of the coupling bar  545  may contact the base  642  and another end thereof may contact the supporting jaw  645   a  such that the supporting member  64  may stably support the lead tab  54 . Also, the supporting jaw  645   a  may contact the inclined portion  111   a.    
         [0105]    Accordingly, the supporting jaw  645   a  may support the lead tab  54 , the base  642  may be supported by the inner surface of the case  32 , and the inclined surface and the supporting jaw  645   a  may support the inclined portion  111   a  such that the lead tab  54  and the electrode assembly  10  are stably supported by one supporting member  64 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a supporting member of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment. 
         [0107]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the present embodiment has the same structure as that of the rechargeable battery of the previous embodiments except for the supporting member. Thus, repeated and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 
         [0108]    A supporting member  65  may include a plate-shaped base  652 , supporting protrusions  655  and  658  protruding from the base  652  toward the electrode assembly  10 , and a side end supporting plate  656  protruding from side ends of the base  652 . 
         [0109]    The base  652  may have plate shape and may be continuous in a deposition direction of the electrode assembly  10 . The base  652  may include a hole therein to discharge gas inside the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0110]    The side end supporting plate  656  may have an inclined surface  656   a  in contact with an inclined portion  111   a  of the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . Thus, the side end supporting plate  656  may stably support the electrode assembly  10  and the lead tab  51  at the inclined portion  111   a.    
         [0111]    The supporting protrusions  655  and  658  may include an upper supporting protrusion  655  protruding from the base  652  and a lower supporting protrusion  658  under the upper supporting protrusion  655 . The upper supporting protrusion  655  and the lower supporting protrusion  658  may face opposite surfaces of the coupling bar  515 . For example, the upper supporting protrusion  655  may contact an inner surface of the coupling bar  515 ; and the lower supporting protrusion  658  may contact an outer surface of the coupling bar  515 . 
         [0112]    The upper supporting protrusion  655  may have a bar shape protruding toward the electrode assembly  10 . The upper supporting protrusion  655  may include a supporting jaw  655   a  at an end thereof and protruding laterally toward an outside thereof. The upper supporting protrusion  655  may be inserted between and may support a welding portion  515   a  of the lead tab  51 . 
         [0113]    In an implementation, e.g., two upper supporting protrusions  655  may protrude from an upper end of the base  652 . An end of the supporting jaw  655   a  may include an inclined surface in contact with and supporting the inclined portion of the positive electrode uncoated region. In addition, the upper supporting protrusion  655  may be caught by or may extend around the hook portion  515   b  that is positioned thereunder, thereby providing downward support. 
         [0114]    The lower supporting protrusion  658  may have a bar shape that protrudes toward the electrode assembly  10 . The lower supporting protrusion  658  may include a supporting jaw  658   a  at one end thereof that faces the electrode assembly  10 . The lower supporting protrusion  658  may be positioned outside the insertion tip  515   c , thereby supporting the lead tab  51 . 
         [0115]    Two lower supporting protrusions  658  may protrude from a lower end of the base  652 . An end of the supporting jaw  658   a  may have an inclined surface that is in contact with the inclined portion  111   a  of the positive electrode uncoated region  111 . 
         [0116]    The upper supporting protrusion  655  may be close to the welding portion  515   a  such that the supporting jaw  655   a  may be caught by the width direction end of or extend around the welding portion  515   a.  The lower supporting protrusion  658  may be close to the insertion tip  515   c  such that the supporting jaw  658   a  may be caught by the width direction end of or may extend around the insertion tip  515   c.    
         [0117]    One end (in the width direction) of the coupling bar  515  may contact the base  632 ; and another end may contact the supporting jaws  655   a  and  658   a  such that the supporting member  65  may stably support the lead tab  51 . Also, the supporting jaws  655   a,    658   a  may be respectively positioned at the upper and the lower portions of the hook portion such that the supporting member  65  may be prevented from being substantially moved in the length direction of the lead tab  51 . 
         [0118]    If the supporting member  65  were to be moved on the lead tab  51  as a result of an impact, the supporting member  65  may not stably support the lead tab  51 . However, according to the present embodiment, substantial movement of the supporting member  65  may be prevented, thereby stably supporting the lead tab  51 . In addition, according to the present embodiment, the upper supporting protrusion  655  may support between the coupling bars  515  and the lower supporting protrusion  658  may support outside the coupling bar  515 , thereby further stably supporting the lead tab  51 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a supporting member, a lead tab, and an electrode assembly of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment.  FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the supporting member of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0120]    Referring to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , a rechargeable battery  104  according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly  10 , a case  31  receiving or accommodating the electrode assembly  10 , a lead tab  51  electrically connected to the electrode assembly  10 , and a supporting member  67  installed or coupled to the lead tab  51 . 
         [0121]    The rechargeable battery  104  according to the present embodiment has the same structure as that of the rechargeable battery according to the previous embodiments except for the supporting member  67 . 
         [0122]    In an implementation, e.g., four electrode assemblies  10  may be inserted and installed inside the case  30 ; and the lead tab  51  may be installed or coupled to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  and the negative electrode uncoated region  121  of the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0123]    The lead tab  51  may include a connecting unit  512  (having a hole  513  into which the positive electrode terminal  21  is inserted), a side plate  514  under the connecting unit  512  and between a side section of the electrode assembly  10  and the case  30 , and coupling bars  515  under the side plate  514  and adhered or coupled to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10 . In the state in which four coupling bars  515  are bent at the side plate  514  and disposed parallel to the positive electrode uncoated region  111 , the coupling bars  515  may be coupled to the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of each electrode assembly  10  through welding. 
         [0124]    The supporting member  67  may be positioned between the lead tab  51  and an inner surface of the case  30  to support the lead tab  51  and the electrode assembly  10 , thereby preventing movement and transformation. 
         [0125]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the supporting member  67  may include a supporting protrusion  678  protruding from a plate-shaped base  672  toward the electrode assembly  10  as well as a side end supporting plate  676  protruding from side ends of the base  672 . 
         [0126]    The base  672  may have a plate shape that is continuous in a deposition direction of the electrode assembly  10 . A protrusion unit  677  that extends toward the electrode assembly  10  may be formed at a center of the base  672 . Also, the base  672  may include a hole  673  therein to discharge gas inside the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0127]    The side end supporting plate  676  and the protrusion unit  677  may include inclined surfaces  676   a  and  677   a  in contact with the inclined portion  111   a  of the electrode assembly  10 . Thus, the side end supporting plate  676  and the protrusion unit  677  may stably support the electrode assembly  10  and the lead tab  51  at the inclined portion  111   a.    
         [0128]    The supporting protrusion  678  may protrude toward the electrode assembly  10  under the hole  673 . In an implementation, two supporting protrusions  678  may be formed at each side of the protrusion unit  677 . Thus, the two supporting protrusion  678  may be inserted between the neighboring welding portions  515   a  and may be caught by a hook portion  515   b  that is positioned thereunder to provide downward support. 
         [0129]    A supporting jaw  675  enclosing two neighboring insertion tips  515   c  may be formed under the supporting protrusion  678 . Thus, two supporting jaws  675  may be formed with the protrusion unit  677  interposed therebetween. 
         [0130]    The supporting jaw  675  may include a connecting plate  675   a  (connecting two opposing plates  675   b ) and an inclined surface  675   c  at an edge of the connecting plate  675   b  (in contact with the inclined portion  111   a ). In addition, an inner surface of the connecting plate  675   a  may contact the lead tab  51 . The opposing plate  675   b  may be inserted between the insertion tip  515   c  and the uncoated region  111 , thereby enclosing and supporting the lead tab  51  outside the lead tab  51 . 
         [0131]    Accordingly, the supporting jaw  675  may stably support the lead tab  51  in an inner direction of the rechargeable battery. In addition, the supporting jaw  675  may be positioned under the hook portion  515   b  such that the supporting member  67  may be prevented from being moved upwardly; and the supporting protrusion  678  may be positioned on the hook portion  515   b  such that the supporting member  67  may be prevented from being moved downwardly. 
         [0132]      FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of a rechargeable battery according to still another embodiment.  FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rechargeable battery of  FIG. 14 . 
         [0133]    Referring to  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , a rechargeable battery  105  according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly  10 , a case  31  receiving the electrode assembly  10 , a lead tab  53  electrically connected to the electrode assembly  10 , and a supporting member  68  installed to the lead tab  53 . 
         [0134]    The rechargeable battery  104  according to the present embodiment may have the same structure as that of the rechargeable battery according to the previous embodiments, except for the configuration of the supporting member  68 . Thus, repeated and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 
         [0135]    In an implementation, two electrode assemblies  10  may be inserted and installed in the case  31 ; and the positive electrode uncoated region  111  of the electrode assembly  10  and the negative electrode uncoated region  121  may be coupled with the lead tab  53 . 
         [0136]    The supporting member  68  may be positioned between the lead tab  53  and an inner surface of the case  31  to support the lead tab  51  and the electrode assembly  10 , thereby preventing movement and transformation. 
         [0137]    The supporting member  68  may include a supporting protrusion  688  protruding toward the electrode assembly  10  between a plate-shaped base  682  and a side end supporting plate  686  protruding at side ends of the base  682 . 
         [0138]    The base  682  may have a plate shape continuous in a deposition direction of the electrode assembly  10 . Also, the base  682  may include a hole  683  therein to discharge gas inside the electrode assembly  10 . 
         [0139]    The side end supporting plate  686  may have an inclined surface  686   a  in contact with the inclined portion  111   a.  Thus, the side end supporting plate  686  may stably support the electrode assembly  10  and the lead tab  53  at the inclined portion  111   a.    
         [0140]    Two supporting protrusions  688  protruding toward the electrode assembly  10  may be under the hole  683 , thereby being inserted between welding portions  535   a  adjacent to two supporting protrusions  688  such that two supporting protrusions  688  may be caught by the hook portion  535   b  to provide downward support. 
         [0141]    A supporting jaw  675  enclosing two neighboring insertion tips  535   c  may be formed under the supporting protrusion  688 . The supporting jaw  685  may include two opposing plates  685   b  and a connecting plate  685   a  (connecting the opposing plates  685   b ), an inclined surface  685   c  may be formed at the end of the supporting jaw  685  and may contact the inclined portion  111   a,  and the inner surface of the connecting plate  685   b  may contact the lead tab  53 . Accordingly, the supporting unit  685  may stably support the lead tab  53  in an inner direction of the rechargeable battery. 
         [0142]    In addition, the supporting jaw  685  may be positioned under the hook portion  535   b  such that the supporting member  67  may be prevented from being moved upwardly. The supporting protrusion  678  may be positioned on the hook portion  535   b  such that the supporting member  67  may be prevented from being moved downwardly. 
         [0143]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a supporting member and a lead tab according to still another embodiment. The rechargeable battery according to the present embodiment has the same structure as that of the rechargeable battery according to the previous embodiments except for the structure of a lead tab  56 . Thus, repeated and overlapping descriptions are omitted. 
         [0144]    A lead tab  56  according to the present embodiment may include a coupling bar  565  attached to the positive electrode uncoated region. The coupling bar  565  may include a hook portion  565   b  with a protrusion shape that protrudes toward the coupling bar  565  neighboring the welding portion  565   a  of the bar shape in a welding portion  565   a.    
         [0145]    A supporting protrusion  615  may be positioned at an upper portion of the hook portion  565   b;  and a supporting protrusion  618  may be positioned at a lower portion of the hook portion  565   b.  Accordingly, the supporting protrusions  615  and  618  may support the hook portion  565   b  such that the supporting member  61  may be prevented from being moved in the up and down directions of the lead tab  56 . 
         [0146]    By way of summation and review, in general, due to an external vibration or impact, contact between a lead tab and an electrode assembly and contact between the lead tab and a terminal may be deteriorated. If the contact between the lead tab and the terminal or the electrode assembly is bad, not only may the output be deteriorated, but resistance heat may also be generated in the contact. If the heat is substantially generated inside the case, the electrolyte solution may be dissolved and negative reactions may be generated such that the battery may explode or combust. 
         [0147]    Accordingly, the embodiments provide a rechargeable battery having a structure that protects an electrode assembly and a lead tab. 
         [0148]    In particular, the embodiments provide a rechargeable battery having a supported electrode assembly and lead tab to improve durability against vibration and impact. 
         [0149]    According to the embodiments, the supporting member may be installed such that the electrode assembly and the lead tab are prevented from being transformed and vibrated by external vibration or impact. 
         [0150]    Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In some instances, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art as of the filing of the present application, features, characteristics, and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/or elements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwise specifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7