Patent Description:
A secondary battery is a power storage system which can provide an excellent energy density for converting electrical energy into chemical energy and storing the same. Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries are rechargeable and are widely used in IT devices, such as smart phones, cellular phones, notebook computers, tablet PCs, or the like. Recently, in order to prevent environmental pollution, electric vehicles have attracted high attention and high-capacity secondary batteries are employed to the electric vehicles. Accordingly, the development of secondary batteries having advantageous characteristics including high energy density, high power output and stability, is required.

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. The <CIT> discloses in an embodiment thereof a rechargeable battery with battery assemblies and with symmetric multi-tabs. The <CIT> discloses a laminated-type battery which provides an insulating layer on a boundary region of the electrode section and the lead section. The <CIT> discloses an insulating film on a bending part of a positive electrode tab. The <CIT> discloses a rechargeable battery including an electrically insulating layer on a non-coated portion of an electrode.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a secondary battery.

In an example, various embodiments of the present invention provide a secondary battery which can improve the insulation strength of first and second multi-tabs, by forming the first and second multi-tabs of first and second electrode assemblies symmetrically with respect to each other.

In another example, various embodiments of the present invention provide a secondary battery which can improve the insulation strength of multi-tabs by forming an insulating layer on the multi-tabs of electrode assemblies.

In accordance with the present invention, a secondary battery according to claim <NUM> is defined.

The first and second multi-tabs may be located only at regions closer to the case than to the mutual boundary region of the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively.

The first and second multi-tabs may be extended to the electrode terminals from regions closer to the case than to the mutual boundary region of the first and second electrode assemblies, respectively. The first and second multi-tabs may include first regions extended from the first and second electrode assemblies, second regions extended from the first regions and located adjacent to the case, and third regions bent from the second regions and connected to the electrode terminals, respectively.

The first electrode assembly may include a first winding center, the second electrode assembly may include a second winding center, the case may include a first long side portion closely contacting the first electrode assembly, a second long side portion closely contacting the second electrode assembly, the first multi-tab may be positioned between the first winding center and the first long side portion, and the second multi-tab may be positioned between the second winding center and the second long side portion.

The first and second multi-tabs may be located only at regions closer to the mutual boundary region than to the case.

The first and second multi-tabs may be extended to the electrode terminals from regions closer to the mutual boundary region than to the case. The first and second multi-tabs may include first regions extended from the first and second electrode assemblies, second regions extended from the first regions and located adjacent to the case, and third regions bent from the second regions and connected to the electrode terminals, respectively.

The first electrode assembly may include a first winding center, the second electrode assembly may include a second winding center, the first multi-tab may be positioned between the first winding center and the mutual boundary region, and the second multi-tab may be positioned between the second winding center and the mutual boundary region.

The first and second multi-tabs may include outer multi-tabs located in regions closer to the case than to the mutual boundary region, and inner multi-tabs located in regions closer to the mutual boundary region than to the case, respectively.

The insulating layer may include an insulating organic material.

The insulating layer may include an insulating inorganic material.

The insulating layer may include an inorganic filler and an organic binder.

Each of the first and second electrode assemblies may include a first electrode plate including a first current collector plate and a first electrically active material layer coated on the first current collector plate; a separator positioned at one side of the first electrode plate; and a second electrode plate include a second current collector plate and a second electrically active material layer coated on the second current collector plate, wherein the first multi-tab is formed such that the first current collector plate is extended to the outside of the first electrically active material layer of the first electrode plate of the first electrode assembly, and the second multi-tab is formed such that the second current collector plate is extended to the outside of the second electrically active material layer of the second electrode plate of the second electrode assembly.

The insulating layer and the separator may be positioned between each of the first and second multi-tabs and the second electrode plate.

The secondary battery may further include a safety function layer (SFL) located on the second electrically active material layer. Here, the insulating layer, the separator and the SFL may be positioned between each of the first and second multi-tabs and the second electrode plate.

As described above, according to various embodiments of the present invention, a secondary battery is provided, which can increase the insulation level of first and second multi-tabs by forming the first and second multi-tabs of first and second electrode assemblies to be symmetrical to each other.

For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second multi-tabs of the first and second electrode assemblies are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other from regions located adjacent to the case to electrode terminals with respect to electrode terminals or the boundary region (or the contact area) of the first and second electrode assemblies, thereby preventing the first and second multi-tabs and regions (e.g., the case, the cap plate and/or predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs from being electrically short-circuited to each other in the first and second electrode assemblies.

For another example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second multi-tabs of the first and second electrode assemblies are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other from regions located adjacent to the boundary region (or the contact area) of the first and second electrode assemblies to electrode terminals with respect to the electrode terminals or the boundary region (or the contact area) of the first and second electrode assemblies, thereby preventing the first and second multi-tabs and regions (e.g., the case, the cap plate and/or predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs from being electrically short-circuited to each other in the first and second electrode assemblies.

For still another example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second multi-tabs located at first sides of the first and second electrode assemblies are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other from regions located adjacent to the case to the boundary region (or the contact area) of electrode terminals or the first and second electrode assemblies to electrode terminals, and the first and second multi-tabs located at second sides of the first and second electrode assemblies are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other from regions located adjacent to the boundary region of the first and second electrode assemblies to the electrode terminals, thereby improving coupling reliability between the first and second electrode assemblies and the electrode terminals and preventing the first and second multi-tabs and the regions (e.g., the case, the cap plate and/or predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs from being electrically short-circuited to each other.

In addition, an embodiment of the present invention provides a secondary battery capable of increasing the insulation level of multi-tabs by forming an insulating layer on the multi-tabs of an electrode assembly.

For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an insulating layer made of an organic material, an inorganic material, and/or an organic-inorganic composite material, is located on one or both surfaces of a positive multi-tab of an electrode assembly, thereby providing a triple insulating structure including the insulating layer between the positive multi-tab and a negative electrode plate, a separator and/or a safety function layer (SFL) (i.e., a ceramic layer coated on a surface of an negative electrode active material layer). Accordingly, even if the positive multi-tab is bent in various types to be connected to an electrode terminal, an electrical short circuit between the positive multi-tab and the negative electrode plate can be suppressed. That is to say, the insulation level of the positive multi-tab can be increased.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Various embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments of the disclosure are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will convey inventive concepts of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

In the accompanying drawings, sizes or thicknesses of various components are exaggerated for brevity and clarity. In addition, it will be understood that when an element A is referred to as being "connected to" an element B, the element A can be directly connected to the element B or an intervening element C may be present and the element A and the element B are indirectly connected to each other.

As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise or include" and/or "comprising or including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various members, elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these members, elements, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one member, element, region, layer and/or section from another. Thus, for example, a first member, a first element, a first region, a first layer and/or a first section discussed below could be termed a second member, a second element, a second region, a second layer and/or a second section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "on" or "above" the other elements or features.

In addition, as used herein, the term "separator" includes a separator generally used in liquid electrolyte batteries using a liquid electrolyte having a low affinity to the separator. Further, as used herein, the term "separator" may include an intrinsic solid polymer electrolyte in which the electrolyte is strongly bound to the separator to then be recognized as being the same as the separator, and/or a gel solid polymer. Therefore, the meaning of the separator should be defined as specifically defined in the specification of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a perspective view, a cross-sectional view and an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the secondary battery <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a case <NUM>, first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, a cap plate <NUM>, a first electrode terminal <NUM> and a second electrode terminal <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may be made of a conductive metal, such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy or nickel plated steel, and may be substantially shaped of a hexahedron having an opening through which the electrode assemblies 120A and 120B can be inserted into the case <NUM>. While the opening is not shown in <FIG> because the case <NUM> and the cap plate <NUM> are assembled with each other, it may be a substantially opened part of a top portion of the case <NUM>. Meanwhile, since the internal surface of the case <NUM> is insulated, the case <NUM> may be insulated from the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B. Here, the case <NUM> may also referred to as a can in some instances.

The case <NUM> may include a first long side portion <NUM> having a relatively large area, a second long side portion <NUM> facing the first long side portion <NUM> and having a relatively large area, a first short side portion <NUM> connecting first ends of the first and second long side portions <NUM> and <NUM> and having a relatively small area, a second short side portion <NUM> facing the third short side portion <NUM>, connecting second ends of the first and second long side portions <NUM> and <NUM> and having a relatively small area, and a bottom portion <NUM> connecting the first and second long side portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the first and second short side portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first electrode assembly 120A is assembled inside of the case <NUM>. Particularly, one surface of the first electrode assembly 120A is coupled to the case <NUM> in a state in which it is tightly adhered to/brought into contact with the first long side portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>. The first electrode assembly 120A may be manufactured by winding or laminating a stacked structure including a first electrode plate <NUM>, a separator <NUM>, and a second electrode plate <NUM>, which are thin plates or layers. Here, the first electrode plate <NUM> may operate as a positive electrode and the second electrode plate <NUM> may operate as a negative electrode. Of course, polarities of the first electrode plate <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> may be reversed. In addition, if the first electrode assembly 120A is manufactured in a winding type, a first winding center 125A (or a first winding leading edge) where winding is started may be located at the center of the first electrode assembly 120A.

The first electrode plate <NUM> may include a first current collector plate 121a made of a metal foil or mesh including aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a first coating portion 121b having a first electrically active material, such as a transition metal oxide, on the first current collector plate 121a, a first non-coating portion (or a first uncoated portion) 121c on which the first electrically active material is not coated, and a first electrode first multi-tab <NUM> outwardly (or upwardly) extended from the first non-coating portion 121c and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal <NUM>. Here, the first electrode first multi-tab <NUM> may become a passageway of the flow of current between the first electrode plate <NUM> and the first electrode terminal <NUM> and may include multiple first electrode first tabs arranged in a stacked type to be referred to as multi-tabs. In addition, the first electrode first multi-tab <NUM> may be provided such that the first non-coating portion 121c is upwardly extended/protruded. Here, the first electrode may be a positive electrode.

The second electrode plate <NUM> may include a second current collector plate 123a made of a metal foil or mesh including copper, a copper alloy, nickel or a nickel alloy, a second coating portion 123b having a second electrically active material, such as graphite or carbon, on the second current collector plate 123a, a second non-coating portion (or a second uncoated portion) 123c on which the second electrically active material is not coated, and a second electrode first multi-tab <NUM> outwardly (or upwardly) extended from the second non-coating portion 123c and electrically connected to the second electrode terminal <NUM>. Here, the second electrode first multi-tab <NUM> may become a passageway of the flow of current between the second electrode plate <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM> and may include multiple second electrode first tabs arranged in a stacked type to be referred to as multi-tabs. In addition, the second electrode first multi-tab <NUM> may be provided such that the second non-coating portion 123c is upwardly extended/protruded. Here, the second electrode may be a negative electrode.

The separator <NUM> is positioned between the first electrode plate <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> to prevent an electrical short circuit from occurring between the first electrode plate <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> and to allow movement of lithium ions. The separator <NUM> may include polyethylene, polypropylene or a composite film of polyethylene and polypropylene. However, the material of the separator <NUM> is not limited to the specific materials listed herein. In addition, if an inorganic solid electrolyte is used, the separator <NUM> may not be provided.

The second electrode assembly 120B may have substantially the same structure, type and/or material as those of the first electrode assembly 120A. Therefore, detailed descriptions of the second electrode assembly 120B will be omitted. However, one surface of the second electrode assembly 120B is coupled to the case <NUM> in a state in which it is tightly adhered to/brought into contact with the second long side portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>. In addition, if the second electrode assembly 120B is manufactured in a winding type, a second winding center 125B (or a second winding leading edge) where winding is started may be located at the center of the second electrode assembly 120B.

In addition, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B include a mutual boundary region where the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B face each other inside of the case <NUM> or a contact area <NUM> where the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are tightly adhered to/brought into contact with each other. That is to say, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be assembled inside of the case <NUM> in a state in which they are tightly adhered to/brought into contact with each other.

Meanwhile, the second electrode assembly 120B may include a first electrode second multi-tab <NUM> outwardly (or upwardly) extended from the first electrode plate <NUM> and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal <NUM>. Here, the first electrode second multi-tab <NUM> may become a passageway of the flow of current between the first electrode plate <NUM> and the first electrode terminal <NUM> and may include multiple first electrode second tabs arranged in a stacked type to be referred to as multi-tabs. In addition, the first electrode second multi-tab <NUM> may be provided such that the first non-coating portion 121c is upwardly extended/protruded.

In addition, the second electrode assembly 120B may include a second electrode second multi-tab <NUM> outwardly (or upwardly) extended from the second electrode plate <NUM> and electrically connected to the second electrode terminal <NUM>. Here, the second electrode second multi-tab <NUM> may become a passageway of the flow of current between the second electrode plate <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM> and may include multiple second electrode second tabs arranged in a stacked type to be referred to as multi-tabs. In addition, the second electrode second multi-tab <NUM> may be provided such that the second non-coating portion 123c is upwardly extended/protruded.

Meanwhile, an axis of each of the first and second winding centers 125A and 125B of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, that is, a winding axis, is substantially parallel or horizontal to a terminal axis of each of the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>. Here, the winding axis and the terminal axis may mean an up-and-down axis in <FIG> and <FIG>, and the expression "the winding axis and the terminal axis being substantially parallel or horizontal to each other" may mean that the winding axis and the terminal axis may not meet each other even if the winding axis and the terminal axis are extended or may meet each other when the winding axis and the terminal axis are extraordinarily extended.

In addition, as described above, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> extended and bent a predetermined length are positioned between the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the first electrode terminal <NUM>, and the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> extended and bent a predetermined length are positioned between the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the second electrode terminal <NUM>. That is to say, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> located at first sides may be extended and bent from top ends of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B toward the first electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be substantially symmetrical with each other to then be connected or welded to the first electrode terminal <NUM>. In addition, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> located at second sides may also be extended and bent from the top ends of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B toward the second electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be substantially symmetrical with each other to then be connected or welded to the second electrode terminal <NUM>.

Substantially, each of the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> located at one side may be the first non-coating portion 121c itself, which is a region of the first electrode plate <NUM>, without a first active material coated thereon, or may be a separate member connected to the first non-coating portion 121c. Here, the separate member may be made of one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, copper, a copper alloy, and equivalents thereof.

In addition, each of the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> located at the other side may be the second non-coating portion 123c itself, which is a region of the second electrode plate <NUM>, without a second active material coated thereon, or may be a separate member connected to the second non-coating portion 123c. Here, the separate member may be made of one selected from the group consisting of nickel, a nickel alloy, copper, a copper alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, and equivalents thereof.

As described above, since the first and second winding axes of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the terminal axes of the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially parallel or horizontal to each other, an electrolyte injection direction and the winding axes are also substantially parallel or horizontal to each other. Therefore, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B exhibit high electrolyte impregnation capability when an electrolyte is injected and internal gases are rapidly transferred to a safety vent <NUM> during over-charge, enabling the safety vent <NUM> to quickly operate.

In addition, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (or uncoated portions or separate members) of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are extended and bent to be are directly electrically connected to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, which shortens electrical paths, thereby reducing internal resistance of the secondary battery <NUM> while reducing the number of components of the secondary battery <NUM>.

In particular, since the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> (or uncoated portions or separate members) of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are directly electrically connected to first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM> while being symmetrical with each other, unnecessary electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and regions (e.g., the case, cap plate and/or predetermined portions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> can be prevented. In other words, insulation levels of the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> can be improved by the symmetrical structures of the first and second multi-tabs161/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM>.

The first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be housed in the case <NUM> together with an electrolyte. The electrolyte may include an organic solvent, such as ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and a lithium salt such as LiPF<NUM> or LiBF<NUM>. In addition, the electrolyte may be in a liquid, sold or gel phase.

The cap plate <NUM> may be substantially shaped of a rectangle having lengths and widths and may be coupled to the case <NUM>. That is to say, the cap plate <NUM> may seal an opening of the case <NUM> and may be made of the same material as the case <NUM>. For example, the cap plate <NUM> may be coupled to the case <NUM> by laser and/or ultrasonic welding. Here, the cap plate <NUM> may also be referred to as a cap assembly in some instances.

The cap plate <NUM> may include a plug <NUM> closing an electrolyte injection hole, and a safety vent <NUM> clogging a vent hole. In addition, the safety vent <NUM> may include a notch configured to be easily opened at a preset pressure.

The first electrode terminal <NUM> may include a first electrode terminal plate <NUM> positioned on a top surface of the cap plate <NUM>, a first upper insulation plate <NUM> positioned between the first electrode terminal plate <NUM> and the cap plate <NUM>, a first lower insulation plate <NUM> positioned on a bottom surface of the cap plate <NUM>, a first current collector plate <NUM> positioned on a bottom surface of the first lower insulation plate <NUM>, and a first electrode terminal pillar <NUM> electrically connecting the first electrode terminal plate <NUM> and the first current collector plate <NUM>. In addition, the secondary battery <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a first seal insulation gasket <NUM> insulating the cap plate <NUM> and the first electrode terminal pillar <NUM> from each other.

Here, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be electrically connected to the first current collector plate <NUM> of the first electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with each other.

The second electrode terminal <NUM> may include a second electrode terminal plate <NUM> positioned on the top surface of the cap plate <NUM>, a second upper insulation plate <NUM> positioned between the second electrode terminal plate <NUM> and the cap plate <NUM>, a second lower insulation plate <NUM> positioned on the bottom surface of the cap plate <NUM>, a second current collector plate <NUM> positioned on a bottom surface of the second lower insulation plate <NUM>, and a second electrode terminal pillar <NUM> electrically connecting the second electrode terminal plate <NUM> and the second current collector plate <NUM>. In addition, the secondary battery <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a second seal insulation gasket <NUM> insulating the cap plate <NUM> and the second electrode terminal pillar <NUM> from each other.

Here, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be electrically connected to the second current collector plate <NUM> of the second electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with each other.

Meanwhile, in an embodiment of the present invention, an insulation plate <NUM> is further positioned between each of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby preventing the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> and regions (e.g., the case, the cap plate and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> from being electrically short-circuited to each other. The insulation plate <NUM> may be made of, for example, but not limited to, a super engineering plastic, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), having excellent dimension stability and maintaining a high strength and stiffness up to approximately <NUM>.

As described above, in the secondary battery <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are configured such that they are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM> or the mutual boundary region (or contact area) <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B), thereby preventing the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> and the regions (e.g., the case <NUM>, the cap plate <NUM> and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> from being electrically short-circuited to each other.

That is to say, if the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> are configured to be asymmetrical with each other with respect to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM> or the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B), a probability of electrical short circuits occurring between the first and second multi-tabs161/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and the case <NUM>, the cap plate <NUM> and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM>, may be increased. However, like in the embodiment of the present invention, if the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are configured to be symmetrical with each other, the probability of occurrence of such electrical short circuits can be reduced.

For example, a probability of electrical short circuits occurring between the positive electrode first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> configured to be symmetrical with each other and the negative electrode non-coating portions 123c of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, is smaller than a probability of electrical short circuits occurring between positive electrode first and second multi-tabs configured to be asymmetrical with each other and negative electrode non-coating portions of first and second electrode assemblies, but aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto. In addition, for example, a probability of electrical short circuits occurring between the negative electrode first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> configured to be symmetrical with each other and the positive electrode non-coating portions 121c of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, is smaller than a probability of electrical short circuits occurring between negative electrode first and second multi-tabs configured to be asymmetrical with each other and positive electrode non-coating portions of first and second electrode assemblies, but aspects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

In other words, if the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are configured to be symmetrical with each other, the number or area of management regions for preventing electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> and the regions having opposite polarities, that is, the case <NUM>, the cap plate <NUM> and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, may be reduced. Accordingly, it is easy to prevent the electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs161/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and the regions having the opposite polarities. However, if the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are configured to be asymmetrical with each other, the number or area of management regions for preventing electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> and the regions having opposite polarities, may be increased. Accordingly, it is difficult to prevent the electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs161/<NUM> and <NUM>/<NUM> and the regions having the opposite polarities.

Referring to <FIG>, a plan view and a partially cross-sectional view of first and second electrode assemblies in the secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first electrode assembly 120A may include a first winding center 125A (or a first winding leading edge) where winding is started, and the second electrode assembly 120B may also include a second winding center 125B (or a second winding leading edge) where winding is started. In addition, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may have a mutual boundary region (or contact area) <NUM>) therebetween.

In the following description, outer regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may mean regions spaced apart from the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and closer to the first and second long side portions <NUM> or <NUM> of the case <NUM>, and inner regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may mean regions spaced apart from the first and second long side portions <NUM> or <NUM> of the case <NUM> and closer to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B. In addition, in the following description, the outer regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may mean regions from the first and second winding centers 125A or 125B to the first and second long side portions <NUM> or <NUM> of the case <NUM>, and the inner regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may mean regions from the first and second winding centers 125A or 125B to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B. It should be understood that definitions of the outer and inner regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B can be commonly applied to all embodiments of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may include the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> located at their outer regions so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the mutual boundary region <NUM>. The first multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be located only at, for example, but not limited to, the outer region of the first electrode assembly 120A. That is to say, the first multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may not be located at the inner regions of the first electrode assembly 120A. In addition, the second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may also be located only at the outer regions of the second electrode assembly 120B. That is to say, the second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may not be located at the inner regions of the second electrode assembly 120B. More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be located only at roughly upper regions of the first winding center 125A in the first electrode assembly 120A (i.e., regions located adjacent to the first long side portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>), and the second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be located only at roughly lower regions of the second winding center 125B in the second electrode assembly 120B (i.e., regions located adjacent to the second long side portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>). Therefore, the maximum distance between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> may be equal to or slightly smaller than the maximum overall width (or thickness) of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may include the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> extended and bent from the outer regions so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the mutual boundary region <NUM> or the electrode terminal <NUM>. The first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be extended and bent from, for example, but not limited to, the outer regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B to the electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the mutual boundary region <NUM>. In other words, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be extended and bent to the electrode terminal <NUM> from regions closer to the case <NUM> (i.e., the first long side portion or the second long side portion) than to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, respectively.

Still in other words, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may include first regions 161a and 162a extended from the outer regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, second regions 161b and 162b extended from the first regions 161a and 162a to be adjacent to the case <NUM>, and third regions 161c and 162c bent from the second regions 161b and 162b to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal <NUM>, respectively.

Here, as the first regions 161a and 162a get closer from the case <NUM> (i.e., the first long side portion or the second long side portion) to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, bending angles of the first regions 161a and 162a are more increased. In addition, the second regions 161b and 162b may be substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the case <NUM> (i.e., the first long side portion or the second long side portion). In addition, the third regions 161c and 162c may be connected to the electrode terminal <NUM> while being bent roughly at right angle from the second regions 161b and 162b.

In addition, since the insulation plate <NUM> is further located of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, and the electrode terminal <NUM>, electrical short circuits may not occur between the case, the cap plate and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, which have polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, the insulation plate <NUM> is placed roughly on the separator <NUM> of each of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are extended and bent from the outer regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B to the electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the electrode terminal <NUM> or the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, thereby suppressing electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> and the regions having polarities opposite thereto, for example, the case, the cap plate and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies.

Referring to <FIG>, a plan view and a partially cross-sectional view of first and second electrode assemblies in a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may include first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> located at their inner regions so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B. The first multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be located only at, for example, but not limited to, the inner regions of the first electrode assembly 120A. That is to say, the first multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may not be located at the outer regions of the first electrode assembly 120A. In addition, the second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may also be located only at the inner regions of the second electrode assembly 120B. That is to say, the second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may not be located at the outer regions of the second electrode assembly 120B. More specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be located only at roughly lower regions of the first winding center 125A in the first electrode assembly 120A (i.e., regions located adjacent to the mutual boundary region <NUM>), and the second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be located only at roughly upper regions of the second winding center 125B in the second electrode assembly 120B (i.e., regions located adjacent to the mutual boundary region <NUM>). Therefore, the maximum distance between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> or <NUM>/<NUM> may be equal to or slightly greater than the minimum distance between the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B.

In addition, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may include the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> extended and bent from the inner regions so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the mutual boundary region <NUM> between first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B or the electrode terminal <NUM>. The first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be extended and bent, for example, but not limited to, from the inner regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B to the electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with each other, respectively. In other words, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be extended and bent to the electrode terminal <NUM> from regions closer to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B than to the first long side portion <NUM> or the second long side portion <NUM> of the case <NUM>.

Still in other words, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may include first regions 261a and 262a extended from the inner regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, second regions 261b and 262b extended from the first regions 261a and 262a to be adjacent to the case <NUM>, and third regions 261c and 262c bent from the second regions 261b and 262b to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal <NUM>, respectively.

Here, as the first regions 261a and 262a get closer from the case <NUM> to the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, bending angles of the first regions 261a and 262a are more increased. In addition, the second regions 261b and 262b may be substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the case <NUM>. In addition, the third regions 261c and 262c may be connected to the electrode terminal <NUM> while being bent roughly at right angle from the second regions 261b and 262b.

In addition, since the insulation plate <NUM> is further located between the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, and the electrode terminal <NUM>, electrical short circuits may not occur between the case <NUM>, the cap plate <NUM> and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies120A and 120B, which have polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>. In particular, the insulation plate <NUM> is placed roughly on the first regions 261a and 262a of the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are extended and bent from the inner regions of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B to the electrode terminal <NUM> so as to be symmetrical with each other with respect to the electrode terminal <NUM> or the mutual boundary region <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, thereby suppressing electrical short circuits between the regions (e.g., the case, the cap plate and/or the predetermined regions of the first and second electrode assemblies) having polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may include first and second multi-tabs (or outer multi-tabs) <NUM> and <NUM> located at their outer regions and first and second multi-tabs (or inner multi-tabs) <NUM> and <NUM> located at their inner regions.

For example, in <FIG>, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> located roughly in the left sides of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be symmetrical with outer regions (i.e., regions each adjacent to a first long side portion or a second long side portion) of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, and the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> located roughly in the right sides of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be symmetrical with inner regions (i.e., regions each adjacent to the boundary region) of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B. Here, the left-side first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be positive electrode tabs, and the right-side first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> may be negative electrode tabs.

In more detail, in the first electrode assembly 120A, the left-side first multi-tab <NUM> (positive electrode) may be located at the outer region of the first electrode assembly 120A, and the right-side first multi-tab <NUM> (negative electrode) may be located at the inner region of the first electrode assembly 120A. In the second electrode assembly 120B, the left-side first multi-tab <NUM> (positive electrode) may be located at the outer region of the second electrode assembly 120B, and the right-side first multi-tab <NUM> (negative electrode) may be located at the inner region of the second electrode assembly 120B.

Still in other words, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be symmetrical with each other, and the left-side first multi-tab <NUM> (positive electrode) and the right-side first multi-tab <NUM> (negative electrode) of the first electrode assembly 120A are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other to then be coupled to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. In addition, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B may be symmetrical with each other, and the left-side second multi-tab <NUM> (positive electrode) and the right-side second multi-tab <NUM> (negative electrode) of the second electrode assembly 120B are extended and bent to be symmetrical with each other to then be coupled to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively.

Therefore, the first electrode assembly 120A is coupled to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, in a state in which the positive electrode first multi-tab <NUM> and the negative electrode first multi-tab <NUM> are symmetrical with each other, and the second electrode assembly 120B is coupled to the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, in a state in which the positive electrode second multi-tab <NUM> and the negative electrode second multi-tab <NUM> are symmetrical with each other, thereby improving coupling strength, coupling stiffness and coupling reliability between the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating states before and after bending multi-tabs according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated. Here, <FIG> shows a state before bending the multi-tabs <NUM> of the electrode assembly 120A. As illustrated in <FIG>, the multi-tabs <NUM> are directly extended in forms of straight lines. In addition, <FIG> shows a state after bending the multi-tabs <NUM> of the electrode assembly 120A by connecting the multi-tabs <NUM> of the electrode assembly 120A to the electrode terminal <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the multi-tabs <NUM> are bent in a roughly L-shaped configuration.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> and described above, the electrode assembly 120A includes the first electrode plate <NUM>, the separator <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>.

Here, the first electrode plate <NUM> may have, for example, but not limited to, a positive polarity, and may include a first current collector plate 121a having a substantially planar first surface 121d and a substantially planar second surface 121e opposite to the first surface 121d. In addition, the first electrode plate <NUM> may have a first electrically active material layer 121b coated on the first surface 121d and/or the second surface 121e of the first current collector plate 121a.

The multi-tabs <NUM> may have, for example, but not limited to, a structure in which the first current collector plate 121a or the non-coating portion 121c (see <FIG>) is upwardly extended to an exterior side of the first electrically active material layer 121b of the first electrode plate <NUM>. Therefore, the multi-tab <NUM> may also have a substantially planar first surface 161d and a substantially planar second surface 161e opposite to the first surface 161d. In addition, the first surface 121d of the first current collector plate 121a and the first surface 161d of the multi-tab <NUM> may be substantially coplanar, and the second surface 121e of the first current collector plate 121a and the second surface 161e of the multi-tab <NUM> may also be substantially coplanar. In addition, the first current collector plate 121a and the multi-tabs <NUM> may have substantially the same thickness. Of course, in addition to the structure stated above, the multi-tabs <NUM> may also be provided by attaching a separate member to the first current collector plate 121a or the non-coating portion 121c outwardly extended from the first electrically active material layer 121b.

The separator <NUM> is positioned between the first electrode plate <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>. A length (or height) of the separator <NUM> may be greater than a length (or height) of the first electrode plate <NUM> and/or the second electrode plate <NUM>. That is to say, a top end of the separator <NUM> may be positioned higher than top ends of the first electrode plate <NUM> and/or the second electrode plate <NUM>.

The second electrode plate <NUM> may have, for example, but not limited to, a negative polarity. The second electrode plate <NUM> is located at one side of the separator <NUM> and may include a second current collector plate 123a having a substantially planar first surface 123d and a substantially planar second surface 123e opposite to the first surface 123d, and a second electrically active material layer 123b coated on the first surface 123d and/or the second surface 123e of the second current collector plate 123a. In addition, a safety function layer (SFL) 123f allowing lithium ions to pass while blocking migration electrons may be further located on a surface of the second electrically active material layer 123b. The SFL 123f may be made of, for example, but not limited to, an inorganic material, such as ceramic, and may suppress decomposition of electrolyte by blocking the electron migration.

Here, the length (or height) of the second electrode plate <NUM> may be greater than that of the first electrode plate <NUM>. Thus, excessive lithium ions or metallic ions may not exist inside of the electrode assembly 120A (particularly, on the surface of the second electrically active material layer). In addition, the length (or height) of the separator <NUM> is largest, and the length (or height) of the first electrode plate <NUM>, exclusive of the multi-tab <NUM>, is smallest.

In addition, since the separator <NUM> is positioned between the multi-tab <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>, the multi-tab <NUM> can be prevented from being directly electrically short-circuited to the second electrode plate <NUM> (e.g., the second current collector plate 123a or the second electrically active material layer 123b) even if the multi-tab <NUM> is bent to be connected to the electrode terminal <NUM>.

In addition, in order to more efficiently suppress the multi-tab short circuit in the embodiment of the present invention, an insulating layer <NUM> is coated on surfaces of the multi-tabs <NUM>. That is to say, the insulating layer <NUM> may be coated on the first surface 161d and/or the second surface 161e of the multi-tab <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> may be coated on the first surface 161d and/or the second surface 161e while being in contact with the first electrically active material layer 121b. A topmost height of the insulating layer <NUM> is equal to a topmost height of each of the separators <NUM>. If the topmost height of the insulating layer <NUM> is smaller than that of the separator <NUM>, the multi-tabs <NUM> may be at risk of being brought into direct contact with the second electrode plate <NUM> (e.g., the second current collector plate 123a, the second electrically active material layer 123b, etc.) when they are bent. In addition, if the topmost height of the insulating layer <NUM> is larger than that of the separator <NUM>, the insulation level of the multi-tab <NUM> is increased, but the insulating efficiency between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> may not be improved any more.

A thickness of the insulating layer <NUM> may be smaller than a thickness of the first electrically active material layer 121b. The thickness of the first electrically active material layer 121b may be in the range from, for example, but not limited to, about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm, and the thickness of the insulating layer <NUM> may be in the range from about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm, preferably from about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm, more preferably from about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm. If the thickness of the insulating layer <NUM> is larger than that of the first electrically active material layer 121b, the overall thickness of the electrode assembly 120A may be increased as much as the thickness of the insulating layer <NUM>, and the multi-tabs <NUM> may not be properly bent. Moreover, when the multi-tabs <NUM> are bent, the insulating layer <NUM> may be extracted from the multi-tabs <NUM>.

As described above, a double insulating structure including the insulating layer <NUM> and the separator <NUM> may be positioned between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>, thereby preventing electrical short circuits between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>, that is, increasing the insulation level of the multi-tabs <NUM>.

Moreover, a triple insulating structure including the insulating layer <NUM>, the separator <NUM> and the SFL 123f may be positioned between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>, thereby more efficiently preventing electrical short circuits between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>. That is to say, the insulation level of the multi-tabs <NUM> may be further increased.

The insulating layer <NUM> may be made of, for example, but not limited to, an organic material, an inorganic material, or an organic-inorganic composite (or hybrid) material, using one or a combination of processes selected from the group consisting of an inkjet printing process, a coating process, a dip coating process, a doctor blade process, a dry dipping process, a hydro thermal reaction, a sol-gel process, a spraying process, aerosol deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, a roll to roll process, a casting process, ion beam deposition, and equivalents thereof.

In addition, the organic material (or binder) may include, for example, but not limited to, one or a mixture of materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), polyurethane (PU), polyurea, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB) and equivalents thereof.

In addition, the inorganic may include, for example, but not limited to, one or a mixture of two materials selected from the group consisting of alpha alumina (α-Al2O3), alumina (Al2O3), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)<NUM>, bohemite), lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr,Ti)O3(PZT)), titanium dioxide (TiO<NUM>), zirconia (ZrO<NUM>), yttria (Y<NUM>O<NUM>), yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), dysprocia (Dy<NUM>O<NUM>), gadolinia (Gd<NUM>O<NUM>), ceria (CeO<NUM>), gadolinia doped ceria (GDC), magnesia (MgO), barium titanate (BaTiO<NUM>), nickel manganite (NiMn<NUM>O<NUM>), potassium sodium niobate (KNaNbO<NUM>), bismuth potassium titanate (BiKTiO<NUM>), bismuth sodium titanate (BiNaTiO<NUM>), bismuth ferrite (BiFeO<NUM>), bismuth zinc niobate (Bi<NUM>-<NUM>Zn,Nb<NUM>O<NUM>), tungsten oxide (WO), tin oxide (SnO2), lanthanum-strontium-manganese oxide (LSMO), lanthanum-strontium-iron-cobalt oxide (LSFC), aluminum nitride (AIN), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), hafnia (HfO2), titanium nitride (TiN), silicon carbide (SiC), titanium carbide (TiC), tungsten carbide (WC), magnesium boride (MgB), titanium boride (TiB), calcium oxide (CaO), cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4), barium ferrite (BaFe2O4), nickel zinc ferrite (NiZnFe2O4), zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4), manganese cobalt spinel oxide MnxCo3-xO4 (where x is a positive real number <NUM> or less), a mixture of metal oxide and metal nitride, a mixture of metal oxide and metal carbide, a mixture of ceramic and polymer, a mixture of ceramic and metal, and equivalents thereof.

In addition, the average particle diameter of the inorganic material may be in the range from, for example, but not limited to, about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm, preferably from about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm, more preferably from about <NUM> µm to about <NUM> µm.

Meanwhile, in order to allow the multi-tabs <NUM> to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal <NUM>, the multi-tabs <NUM> are bent in a roughly L-shaped configuration. Or after the multi-tabs <NUM> are connected to the electrode terminal <NUM>, the multi-tabs <NUM> are bent in a roughly L-shaped configuration. Here, since the multi-tabs <NUM> are bent while being in close contact with each other, not only the multi-tabs <NUM> but also the separator <NUM> and/or the second electrode plate <NUM> are bent at a predetermined angle. In particular, the separators <NUM> are bent with the multi-tabs <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Here, since the insulating layer <NUM> is coated on the surfaces of the multi-tabs <NUM>, as described above, the insulating layer <NUM> is also bent.

Therefore, the multi-tabs <NUM> and the insulating layer <NUM> are brought into contact with/close contact with the separator <NUM> while being bent. Although <FIG> shows that the multi-tabs <NUM>, the separator <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> are spaced apart from one another, they may be substantially closely adhered to/brought into close contact with one another. Here, the electrical short circuits can be prevented from occurring between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the and the second electrode plate <NUM> (i.e., the second current collector plate 123a and/or the second electrically active material layer 123b) by the double insulating structure including the insulating layer <NUM> and the separator <NUM>, or the triple insulating structure including the insulating layer <NUM>, the separator <NUM> and the SFL 123f, positioned between the multi-tab <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM>.

In order to more improve the insulation efficiency, the insulating layer <NUM> that is the same as described above may also be located on the surface of the second current collector plate 123a exposed through the second electrically active material layer 123b. Therefore, the triple insulating structure including the insulating layer <NUM>, the separator <NUM> and the insulating layer <NUM> may be provided between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second current collector plate 123a, thereby improving the insulating efficiency between the multi-tabs <NUM> and the second current collector plate 123a.

Meanwhile, the mutual relationships, materials, types and configurations of the insulating layer <NUM>, the first electrode plate <NUM>, the separators <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> located on the multi-tabs <NUM> can be commonly applied to all embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating states before and after bending multi-tabs according to another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, an insulating layer <NUM> formed on surfaces of the multi-tabs <NUM> may be spaced apart a predetermined distance apart from the first electrically active material layer 121b. That is to say, the insulating layer <NUM> may not be necessarily brought into direct contact with the first electrically active material layer 121b but may be located only on areas needed to be insulated.

In more detail, the insulating layer <NUM> may be located only at predetermined areas of the multi-tabs <NUM> facing (corresponding to) a top end of the second electrode plate <NUM> spaced apart from the first electrically active material layer 121b. That is to say, the insulating layer <NUM> may be located only at predetermined areas of the multi-tabs <NUM>, where the multi-tabs <NUM> are not electrically short-circuited to the second electrode plate <NUM> even if the separator <NUM> is pierced by bent regions of the multi-tabs <NUM> at the time of bending the multi-tabs <NUM>.

The insulating layer <NUM> may be spaced, for example, but not limited to, about <NUM> to about <NUM> from the first electrically active material layer 121b.

As described above, since the insulating layer <NUM> is located only at the predetermined areas of the multi-tabs <NUM> spaced apart from the first electrically active material layer 121b, the manufacturing process of the multi-tabs <NUM> can be facilitated. That is to say, the insulating layer <NUM> is located on a non-coating portion of an electrode plate, followed by performing a notching process using a laser beam or a mold, thereby providing the multi-tabs <NUM>. As described above, since the insulating layer <NUM> is located only at the predetermined areas of the multi-tabs <NUM>, electrical/mechanical loads during the notching process using a laser beam or a mold can be reduced, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process.

Referring to <FIG>, enlarged cross-sectional views of multi-tabs according to another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each of the multi-tabs <NUM> may have a substantially planar first surface 161d, a substantially planar second surface 161e opposite to the first surface 161d, a third surface 161f connecting first ends of the first and second surfaces 161d and 161e, and a fourth surface <NUM> connecting second ends of the first and second surfaces 161d and 161e and opposite to the third surface 161f. The insulating layer <NUM> may be located only on the first and second surfaces 161d and 161e, which are relatively wide surfaces. That is to say, the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM> may be exposed.

In other words, the insulating layer <NUM> is located on first and second surfaces of the non-coating portion, and the multi-tabs <NUM> are then formed by performing the notching (or cutting) process using a laser beam or a mold. Therefore, as described above, the insulating layer <NUM> may not be located on the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM> but may be exposed. That is to say, one surface of the insulating layer <NUM> may be coplanar with the third surface 161f of the multi-tab <NUM>, and the other surface of the insulating layer <NUM> may be coplanar with the fourth surface <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM>.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in <FIG>, the insulating layer <NUM> may be located not only on the first and second surfaces 161d and 161e, which are relatively wide surfaces, but also on the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM>, which are relatively narrow surfaces. That is to say, none of the first, second, third and fourth surfaces 161d, 161e, 161f and <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM> may be exposed through the insulating layer <NUM>.

In other words, the insulating layer <NUM> is located on the first and second surfaces of the non-coating portion, and the multi-tabs <NUM> are then formed by performing the notching (or cutting) process using a laser beam or a mold. Therefore, as described above, the insulating layer <NUM> may be located not only on the first and second surfaces 161d and 161e but also on the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM>. That is to say, during the notching process using a mold, a portion of the insulating layer <NUM> located on the first surface 161d or the second surface 161e is pushed to the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM>, so that the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM> are covered by the insulating layer <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> located on the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM> of the multi-tab <NUM> can also prevent electrical short circuits from occurring between the third and fourth surfaces 161f and <NUM> and the second electrode plate <NUM> through the above-described process.

Although the foregoing description has been made with regard to a case where the insulating layer <NUM> is located on the surfaces of the multi-tabs <NUM>, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the insulating layer <NUM> is located on the surfaces of the first and second multi-tabs <NUM>/<NUM> and/or <NUM>/<NUM>. Moreover, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that these features can be commonly applied to all embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, schematic views illustrating a manufacturing method of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first electrode first multi-tab <NUM> and the second electrode first multi-tab <NUM> of the first electrode assembly 120A are welded to the first electrode terminal <NUM>, that is, the first current collector plate <NUM>, and the second electrode terminal <NUM>, that is, the second current collector plate <NUM>, provided in the cap plate <NUM>, and the first electrode second multi-tab <NUM> and the second electrode second multi-tab <NUM> of the second electrode assembly 120B are also welded to the first electrode terminal <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM>, respectively. Here, the first electrode first multi-tab <NUM> and the second electrode first multi-tab <NUM> of the first electrode assembly 120A, and the first electrode second multi-tab <NUM> and the second electrode second multi-tab <NUM> of the second electrode assembly 120B, have yet to be bent. In addition, if the welding process is completed, the insulation plate <NUM> is placed on the cap plate <NUM>. That is to say, the insulation plate <NUM> is placed on the first electrode first multi-tab <NUM> and the first electrode second multi-tab <NUM>, which are positioned on the first current collector plate <NUM>, and the second electrode first multi-tab <NUM> and second electrode second multi-tab <NUM>, which are positioned on the second current collector plate <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are bent roughly at right angle from the cap plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are bent with the first regions 161a and162a, the second regions 161b and 162b and the third regions 161c and 162c. In addition, as the result of the bending process, the insulation plate <NUM> may be substantially covered by the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> and the cap plate <NUM>. In addition, as the result of the bending process, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B are brought into close contact with each other to be parallel with each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B being in close contact with each other are inserted into the case <NUM>. That is to say, until the cap plate <NUM> closes the case <NUM>, the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B and the cap plate <NUM> are pushed into the case <NUM>.

Next, the cap plate <NUM> is welded to the case <NUM> to then be fixed, and an electrolytic solution is inserted into the case <NUM> through an electrolyte injection hole. However, this process may be omitted in a case of a solid battery requiring no electrolytic solution.

Here, as described above, according to various embodiments of the present invention, since the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are located only at outer regions (or inner regions) of the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, as the result of the bending process, the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM> are bent so as to be symmetrical with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent electrical short circuits between the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, and the case, the cap plate and/or the first and second electrode assemblies 120A and 120B, which have polarities opposite to the first and second multi-tabs <NUM> and <NUM>, from occurring during or after the manufacture of the secondary battery <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a perspective view illustrating an example of a battery module using a secondary battery <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

As illustrated in <FIG>, multiple secondary batteries <NUM> are arranged in a line and multiple bus bars <NUM> are coupled to the multiple secondary batteries <NUM>, thereby completing the battery module <NUM>. For example, a first electrode terminal <NUM> of one of the multiple secondary batteries <NUM> and a second electrode terminal <NUM> of another adjacent secondary battery <NUM> may be welded to each other using the bus bar <NUM>, thereby providing the battery module <NUM> including the multiple secondary batteries <NUM> connected to one another in series. The bus bar <NUM> may be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a first terminal plate <NUM> of the first electrode terminal <NUM> and a second terminal plate <NUM> of the second electrode terminal <NUM> may also be made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, thereby allowing the bus bar <NUM> to be easily welded to the first electrode terminal <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A secondary battery (<NUM>) comprising:
a case (<NUM>);
a first electrode assembly (120A) housed inside of the case (<NUM>) and having a first multi-tab (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second electrode assembly (120B) housed inside of the case (<NUM>) side by side with the first electrode assembly (120A) and having a second multi-tab (<NUM>, <NUM>);
the first and second electrode assembly (120A, 120B) each including a first electrode plate (<NUM>), a separator (<NUM>) and a second electrode plate (<NUM>),
wherein the separator (<NUM>) is positioned between the first electrode plate (<NUM>) and the second electrode plate (<NUM>),
a cap plate (<NUM>) closing the case (<NUM>) and having electrode terminals (<NUM> ,<NUM>) electrically connected to the first and second multi-tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the first and second electrode assemblies (120A, 120B),
wherein the first and second multi-tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are formed to be symmetrical to each other with respect to a mutual boundary region of the first and second electrode assemblies (120A, 120B),
characterized in that,
an insulating layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) is coated on the surfaces of the first and second multi-tabs, and
wherein a topmost height of the insulating layer (<NUM>, <NUM>) is equal to a topmost height of each of the separators (<NUM>).