Patent Description:
Accordingly, high-performance secondary batteries allowing repeated charging and discharging are being actively studied.

The lithium secondary battery is generally classified into a cylindrical battery, a rectangular battery and a pouch-type battery depending on the shape of a battery case that includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a separator and a negative electrode. Here, due to the miniaturization trend of devices, the rectangular batteries and the pouch-type batteries are demanded more and more.

Recently, for simplified process and improved energy density, when a battery module having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells is manufactured, both a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are connected to a bus bar at a top surface of the cylindrical battery cell. An example of cylindrical battery cell is disclosed in <CIT>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view showing a section of a general cylindrical battery cell according to the prior art.

Referring to <FIG>, the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> includes an electrode assembly <NUM> including a negative electrode <NUM>, a positive electrode <NUM>, and a separator <NUM> disposed between the negative electrode <NUM> and the positive electrode <NUM>. Also, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be located inside a battery case <NUM>, and an electrolyte (not shown) is injected into the battery case <NUM> so that the negative electrode <NUM>, the positive electrode <NUM> and the separator <NUM> are impregnated with the electrolyte, thereby manufacturing the cylindrical battery cell <NUM>.

In addition, conductive lead members <NUM>, <NUM> for collecting the current generated when the battery is operated may be attached to the negative electrode <NUM> and the positive electrode <NUM>, respectively. The lead members <NUM>, <NUM> may induce the current generated at the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> to the positive electrode terminal <NUM> and the negative electrode terminal <NUM>, respectively.

However, since the electrode terminal <NUM> formed at an outer circumference of the top end of the conventional cylindrical battery cell <NUM> has a very small width, the welding process for a bus bar serving as a conductive metal member is very difficult. Accordingly, the bonding process of electrically connecting the plurality of cylindrical battery cells is very difficult, takes a long time and causes a defect rate to be increased, thereby resulting in the increase of manufacture costs.

The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure is directed to providing a cylindrical battery cell having improved manufacturing efficiency by facilitating a welding process.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cylindrical battery cell, which includes a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal formed at a top outer circumference and a center portion of the cylindrical battery cell and having different polarities, the cylindrical battery cell comprising:.

Here, the cap housing may have an accommodation portion formed at a top surface thereof to be recessed downward so that the first connection plate and the second connection plate are accommodated therein.

Also, the accommodation portion may include a first loading portion configured to accommodate and fix the first connection plate; a second loading portion configured to accommodate and fix the second connection plate; and a partitioning portion formed between the first loading portion and the second loading portion to partition the first loading portion and the second loading portion.

Moreover, the cap housing may include an outer circumferential exposing portion opened so that the first electrode terminal formed at the outer circumference is exposed to the outside; and a central exposing portion opened so that the second electrode terminal formed at the center portion is exposed to the outside.

In addition, the first connection plate and the second connection plate may include an electrode terminal welding portion formed respectively at the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal so that a lower surface of the electrode terminal welding portion directly contacts an outer surface of the electrode terminal; and a bus bar welding portion connected to one end of the electrode terminal welding portion so that a top surface of the bus bar welding portion is exposed upward.

Moreover, the connection cap may further include a fixing cover coupled and fixed to the cap housing to cover and fix a portion of the top surface of the first connection plate and the second connection plate.

Also, the cap housing may have a guide protrusion protruding upward to guide a fixed location of the fixing cover.

Further, fixing cover may have a fixing hole formed to be opened so that the guide protrusion is inserted therein.

In addition, the fixing cover may include an outer circumferential welding groove opened so that an electrode terminal welding portion of the first connection plate is exposed to the outside; and a central welding hole formed so that an electrode terminal welding portion of the second connection plate is exposed to the outside.

Moreover, a hooking protrusion protruding toward the center may be formed at the accommodation portion of the cap housing to prevent the fixing cover from deviating from the accommodation portion.

Also, an arrangement guiding portion may be formed at an outer wall of the cap housing to guide arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells.

Further, the arrangement guiding portion may include flat ridge structures formed at outer walls of both left and right sides of the cap housing and having one flat surface in a left and right direction to guide arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in the left and right direction.

In addition, a triangular protruding structure may be formed at an outer sidewall of the cap housing in a front and rear direction to guide arrangement of the plurality of cylindrical battery cells in the front and rear direction.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a battery module, comprising a plurality of cylindrical battery cells according to the present disclosure.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided an electronic device, comprising the battery module according to the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the cylindrical battery cell of the present disclosure includes a connection cap having a first connection plate and a second connection plate, it is possible to smoothly perform the welding process for electrically connecting the electrode terminal and the bus bar.

Thus, the cylindrical battery cell of the present disclosure may not only increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process but also reduce the defective rate effectively, thereby resultantly reducing the manufacturing cost.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the cap housing may allow the first connection plate and the second connection plate to be easily loaded on an upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell and also allows the first connection plate and the second connection plate to stably keep the loaded state, the process of bonding the first connection plate and the second connection plate to the cylindrical battery cell or the bus bar may be easily performed.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the cap housing of the present disclosure may not only guide the arrangement of the first connection plate and the second connection plate so as to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively, but also the first connection plate and the second connection plate may be fixed without movement during the welding process, it is possible to improve the welding efficiency.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since the fixing cover of the present disclosure may be fixed to an accurate position just by inserting the guide protrusion formed at the cap housing into the fixing hole correctly, it is possible to effectively increase the manufacturing efficiency.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the cap housing of the present disclosure has a separate hooking protrusion formed to fix the fixing cover, the fixing cover may be stably fixed to the accommodation portion of the cap housing. In addition, since the stopper formed at the hooking protrusion may guide the fixing cover to be fixed at an accurate position, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the welding work and reduce the defect rate afterward.

Further, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the battery module of the present disclosure, cylindrical battery cells may be aligned accurately and easily in the left and right direction and in the front and rear direction by using the arrangement guiding portion formed at each cylindrical battery cell.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically showing a cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a partial perspective view schematically showing some components of the cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Also, <FIG> is a partial perspective view schematically showing some components of the cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a cylindrical battery cell <NUM> of the present disclosure includes a battery case <NUM>, an electrode assembly <NUM>, a cap assembly <NUM>, and a connection cap <NUM>.

Here, the battery case <NUM> is made of a lightweight conductive metal material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or an alloy thereof. Also, the battery case <NUM> may have an opening opened at a top end thereof and a closed cylindrical bottom opposite thereto, as viewed in the F direction. In addition, as described above, a plating layer is formed on the inner surface and the outer surface of the battery case <NUM>.

Here, the terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions may be changed depending on the position of an observer or the shape of an object. For the sake of convenience of description, in the present specification, directions are classified into front, rear, left, right, upper and lower directions, based on the F direction.

In addition, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be included in the inner space of the battery case <NUM> in a state of being impregnated with an electrolytic solution.

Also, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be formed so that a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound. At this time, since the electrode assembly <NUM> is wound and arranged in a jelly roll form, the electrode assembly <NUM> is also called a jelly roll.

In addition, the electrode plates of the electrode assembly <NUM> are formed by applying an active material slurry to a current collector coated. The slurry is usually formed by stirring a solvent to which a granular active material, a conductive material, a binder and a plasticizer are added.

Further, the electrode assembly <NUM> may have an uncoated portion at a start end and a final end of the current collector in a direction along which the electrode plates are wound, and the uncoated portion refers to a portion that is not coated with the slurry. An electrode lead (only a positive electrode lead <NUM> is depicted in <FIG>) corresponding to each electrode plate may be attached to the uncoated portion.

Generally, the positive electrode lead <NUM> is electrically connected to the cap assembly <NUM> mounted on the open top end of the electrode assembly <NUM>, and a negative electrode lead (not shown) is connected to the electrode assembly <NUM> to electrically connect to the battery case <NUM>.

Also, the cap assembly <NUM> includes a top cap <NUM>, a gasket <NUM>, a safety vent <NUM>, a safety element, a current blocking member, and an insulating member.

Moreover, a crimping portion <NUM> may be formed at the top end of the battery case <NUM>. The crimping portion <NUM> is a portion where the cap assembly <NUM> is mounted to the open top end of the battery case <NUM>. More specifically, the crimping portion <NUM> may be formed to surround the gasket <NUM> located at an inner side of the cap assembly <NUM>. Also, a crimping and pressing process is performed to mount the cap assembly <NUM> onto the battery case <NUM>.

In addition, the top surface of the crimping portion <NUM> of the battery case <NUM> may be used as the first electrode terminal <NUM>. That is, the top outer circumference of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> may be formed as the first electrode terminal <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a circular outer circumference of the top end of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> may serve as the first electrode terminal <NUM>, which is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly <NUM>.

Here, the top cap <NUM> is disposed at the top portion of the cap assembly <NUM> to protrude upward, and a second electrode terminal <NUM> electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly <NUM> to conduct a current to the outside may be formed at the top cap <NUM>.

Specifically, the second electrode terminal <NUM> may be formed at the top surface of the top cap <NUM> of the cap assembly <NUM>. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the top cap <NUM> may serve as the second electrode terminal <NUM> electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly. Further, the top cap <NUM> may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum.

In addition, the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> according to the present disclosure may be a lithium secondary battery. Other components of the lithium secondary battery will be described in detail below.

In general, the lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution containing a lithium salt. The positive electrode is prepared, for example, by applying a mixture of a positive electrode active material, a conductive material and a binder onto a positive electrode current collector and then drying the mixture. If necessary, a filler may be further added. The negative electrode is also fabricated by applying a negative electrode material onto a negative electrode current collector and drying the negative electrode material, and if necessary, the components as described above may be further included.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view schematically showing some components of the cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, in <FIG>, some components such as a first connection plate 155A, a second connection plate 155B and a fixing cover <NUM> are not depicted.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, the connection cap <NUM> may include a cap housing <NUM>, a first connection plate 155A, and a second connection plate 155B.

Here, the cap housing <NUM> may have an insulating material. In particular, a portion of the cap housing <NUM>, which is in contact with the battery case <NUM>, the cap assembly <NUM>, the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B, may be made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the cap housing <NUM> may be made of an electrical insulating material. Here, the electrical insulating material may be, for example, polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate.

Moreover, the cap housing <NUM> may be mounted to an upper portion of the battery case <NUM> and the cap assembly <NUM>. The first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B may be placed on the upper portion of the cap housing <NUM>.

Specifically, the cap housing <NUM> may have an accommodation portion <NUM> formed at a top surface thereof to be recessed downward so that the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B are accommodated therein.

In addition, the cap housing <NUM> may have an outer sidewall 151C formed to surround at least a portion of the outer sidewall of the battery case <NUM>.

Further, the circular outer circumference of the top end of the cap housing <NUM> may protrude and extend upward from the outer sidewall 151C of the cap housing <NUM>.

More specifically, the accommodation portion <NUM> may include a first loading portion 152A, a second loading portion 152B, and a partitioning portion 152C.

Here, the first loading portion 152A may be formed at one side of the partitioning portion 152C to receive and fix the first connection plate 155A. Also, the first loading portion 152A may have an upper surface lower than the height of the upper surface of the partitioning portion 152C. That is, the upper surface of the first loading portion 152A and the upper surface of the partitioning portion 152C may form a step.

Further, the first loading portion 152A may have a shape or size corresponding to at least a partial appearance of the first connection plate 155A.

In addition, the second loading portion 152B may be formed at the other side of the partitioning portion 152C to receive and fix the second connection plate 155B. Also, the second loading portion 152B may have an upper surface lower than the height of the upper surface of the partitioning portion 152C. That is, the upper surface of the second loading portion 152B and the upper surface of the partitioning portion 152C may form a step.

Further, the second loading portion 152B may have a shape or size corresponding to at least a partial appearance of the second connection plate 155B.

In other words, the partitioning portion 152C may be formed between the first loading portion 152A and the second loading portion 152B to partition the first loading portion 152A and the second loading portion 152B. Also, the partitioning portion 152C may have an upper surface relatively higher than the first loading portion 152A and the second loading portion 152B. In addition, a barrier W may be formed between the first loading portion 152A and the partitioning portion 152C. Also, the barrier W may be formed to protrude and extend upward so as to electrically insulate the electrode terminal <NUM> and the first connection plate 155A.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B may be easily loaded in the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM>, and may also stably maintain the loaded state without movement even after being loaded. Thus, the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B may be smoothly bonded to the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> or a bus bar (not shown).

In addition, the cap housing <NUM> may have an outer circumferential exposing portion 153A and a central exposing portion 153B.

Here, the outer circumferential exposing portion 153A may be opened so that the first electrode terminal <NUM> formed at the outer circumference of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> is exposed to the outside therethrough. Further, the outer circumferential exposing portion 153A may be opened so that the first connection plate 155A is electrically connected (contacted) with the first electrode terminal <NUM> directly.

Further, the outer circumferential exposing portion 153A may be opened at both ends thereof in the front and rear direction of the partitioning portion 152C so that a portion of the first electrode terminal <NUM> may be exposed. Thus, a portion of the first connection plate 155A loaded on the first loading portion 152A may be located on the first electrode terminal <NUM> without interference of the partitioning portion 152C.

In addition, the central exposing portion 153B may be opened so that the second electrode terminal <NUM> formed at the center portion of the top end of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> is exposed to the outside therethrough. Further, the central exposing portion 153B may be formed so that the second connection plate 155B is electrically connected (contacted) with the second electrode terminal <NUM> directly.

Further, the central exposing portion 153B may be formed by opening the center of the partitioning portion 152C so that a portion of the second electrode terminal <NUM> is exposed. Also, there is no barrier between the central exposing portion 153B and the second loading portion 152B so that a portion of the second connection plate 155B loaded on the second loading portion 152B may be positioned on the second electrode terminal <NUM> without interference of the partitioning portion 152C, and the upper surface of the second electrode terminal <NUM> and the upper surface of the second loading portion 152B may be parallel to each other or the upper surface of the second electrode terminal <NUM> may be lower than the upper surface of the second loading portion 152B.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the cap housing <NUM> of the present disclosure may not only guide locations where the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B are disposed to be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM>, respectively, but also fix the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B without movement during the welding process, thereby improving the welding efficiency.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view schematically showing some components of the cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B may include an electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> and a bus bar welding portion <NUM>, respectively.

Specifically, the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> may be positioned on the first electrode terminal <NUM> or the second electrode terminal <NUM> such that a lower surface thereof is in direct contact with the outer surface of the first electrode terminal <NUM> or the second electrode terminal <NUM>.

In addition, the bus bar welding portion <NUM> may be connected to one end of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> so that a top surface thereof is exposed upward.

Moreover, the bus bar welding portion <NUM> may be located at one side or the other side based on the center of the top end of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> so as to be electrically connected to a bus bar that electrically connects a plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> in series or in parallel.

Further, the bus bar welding portion <NUM> may be a portion located at the top surface of the first loading portion 152A or the second loading portion 152B.

For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when viewed in the F direction of <FIG>, the bus bar welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A may be located on the first loading portion 152A, and the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> may be formed to protrude and extend in the right direction at both front and rear ends of the bus bar welding portion <NUM>.

Thus, the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A may be located on the first electrode terminal <NUM> and be electrically connected or joined to the top surface of the first electrode terminal <NUM>.

In addition, for example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when viewed in the F direction of <FIG>, the bus bar welding portion <NUM> of the second connection plate 155B may be located on the second loading portion 152B, and the electrode terminal welding <NUM> protruding and extending in the left direction may be formed at the center of the bus bar welding portion <NUM>. Thus, the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> may be located on the second electrode terminal <NUM> and be electrically connected or joined to the top surface of the second electrode terminal <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B have the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> and the bus bar welding portion <NUM>, the welding process between the electrode terminal and the connection plate and the welding process between the outer conductor and the connection plate may be easily performed.

That is, in the present disclosure, by using the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B, it is possible to effectively solve the problem that a welding defect occurs or a welding work becomes complicated due to a narrow width of the first electrode terminal <NUM> of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM>.

Further, a convex portion 156B may be formed at the outer circumference of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B to protrude in the left and right direction or in the front and rear direction.

Specifically, the convex portion 156B may be formed so that the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> is inserted into and fixed to the outer circumferential exposing portion 153A or the central exposing portion 153B of the cap housing <NUM>. In addition, the convex portion 156B may be formed protrude outward at the outer circumferences of both sides of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A so as to be in close contact with the outer circumferential exposing portion 153A.

For example, referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, two convex portions 156B may be formed at the outer circumference of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A so that the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> is inserted and fixed between the outer circumferential exposing portions 153A.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B may be stably inserted into the outer circumferential exposing portion 153A or the central exposing portion 153B of the cap housing <NUM>, it is possible to increase the reliability of the welding process between the first electrode terminal <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM> and between the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B and to reduce the defect rate,.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, the connection cap <NUM> may further include a fixing cover <NUM> coupled and fixed to the cap housing <NUM>.

Specifically, the fixing cover <NUM> may be configured to cover and fix a portion of the top surface of the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B.

Also, the cap housing <NUM> may be formed so that a guide protrusion 151B for guiding a fixed location of the fixing cover <NUM> protrudes upward. For example, as shown in <FIG>, two guide protrusions 151B may be formed at the partitioning portion 152C of the cap housing <NUM> to protrude upward.

In addition, a fixing hole H1 may be formed at the fixing cover <NUM> to be opened so that the guide protrusion 151B is inserted therein. For example, as shown in <FIG>, two fixing holes H1 may be formed at the fixing cover <NUM> so that the guide protrusion 151B is inserted therein.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the fixing cover <NUM> may be fixed at a proper location just by inserting the guide protrusion 151B formed at the cap housing <NUM> into the fixing hole H1, it is possible to effectively increase the manufacturing efficiency.

Specifically, the fixing cover <NUM> may have an outer circumferential welding groove H2 and a central welding hole H3.

Here, the outer circumferential welding groove H2 may be opened so that the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A is exposed to the outside. That is, the outer circumferential welding groove H2 may have a groove shape recessed inward at the outer circumference of the fixing cover <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the outer circumferential welding groove H2 may be formed at both ends of the fixing cover <NUM>, which are in contact with the cap housing <NUM> of the fixing cover <NUM>.

In addition, the central welding hole H3 may be opened so that the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the second connection plate 155B is exposed to the outside. Specifically, the central welding hole H3 may be formed at the center of the fixing cover <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the fixing cover <NUM> may stably fix the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B to the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM> effectively. In addition, since the outer circumferential welding groove H2 and the central welding hole H3 are formed, it is possible to smoothly perform a welding work between the first and second connection plates 155A, 155B and the first and second electrode terminals <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are partial perspective views for schematically illustrating a process of assembling some components of a cylindrical battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a hooking protrusion 151D may be formed at the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM> to prevent components from deviating from the accommodation portion <NUM> to the outside.

Specifically, the hooking protrusion 151D may be formed at an inner surface of the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM> to protrude toward the central. That is, the hooking protrusion 151D may be formed to protrude from the inner surface of the accommodation portion <NUM>, which is in contact with the outer circumference of the top end of the cap housing <NUM>. In other words, the hooking protrusion 151D may be formed to protrude from the top end of the circular outer circumference of the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM> toward the center direction thereof.

Also, the fixing cover <NUM> may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to be fixedly positioned below the hooking protrusion 151D, after being inserted into the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM>. In addition, a stopper 151E protruding inward to prevent rotational movement of the fixing cover may be formed at one end of the hooking protrusion 151D.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the hooking protrusion 151D is separately formed at the cap housing <NUM> to fix the fixing cover <NUM>, it is possible to stably fix the fixing cover <NUM> to the accommodation portion <NUM> of the cap housing <NUM>. In addition, since the stopper 151E formed at one side may guide the fixing cover <NUM> to be fixed at an accurate position, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the welding work and reduce the defect rate later.

<FIG> is a cross-sectioned view schematically showing a fixing cover, employed at the cylindrical battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At this time, <FIG> depicts that the center portion of the fixing cover <NUM> in the left and right direction is sectioned in the front and rear direction, when viewed in the F direction.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG> and <FIG>, a fixing protrusion 158B may be formed at a lower surface of the fixing cover <NUM>.

Specifically, the fixing protrusion 158B may protrude to press a portion of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A downward. Moreover, the fixing protrusion 158B may protrude to press a portion of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the second connection plate 155B downward.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the fixing protrusion 158B may be provided in plural, and the plurality of fixing protrusions 158B may be formed to contact the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A. In addition, the plurality of fixing protrusions 158B may be formed to contact the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the second connection plate 155B.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the fixing protrusion 158B presses the upper portion of the electrode terminal welding portion <NUM> of the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B, it is possible to closely adhere the first connection plate 155A and the second connection plate 155B to each other and the first electrode terminal <NUM> and the second electrode terminal <NUM> to each other. Thus, it is possible to increase the reliability of the welding connection between the first and second connection plates 155A, 155B and the first and second electrode terminals <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> along with <FIG>, a battery module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>. At this time, the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged in the left and right direction and in the front and rear direction by means of an arrangement guiding portion <NUM> formed at the cap housing <NUM>.

Here, an arrangement guiding portion <NUM> configured to guide the arrangement of the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed at the outer sidewall of the cap housing <NUM>.

Specifically, the arrangement guiding portion <NUM> may have a flat ridge structure 159A and a triangular protruding structure 159B protruding from the outer sidewall of the cap housing <NUM>.

Here, the flat ridge structure 159A may be formed to guide an arrangement of a plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> in the left and right direction, when viewed in the F direction. Also, the flat ridge structure 159A may be a flat ridge structure 159A whose one side in the left and right direction is flatly ridged at the outer sidewall of the cap housing <NUM> in the left and right direction.

That is, another cylindrical battery cell <NUM> may arranged so that one surface of the flat ridge structure 159A at one side of the one cylindrical battery cell <NUM> faces one surface of the flat ridge structure 159A of the cap housing <NUM> of another cylindrical battery cell <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged in the left and right direction. At this time, each of the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have the flat ridge structures 159A formed at both left and right sides of the cap housing <NUM>, and the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged so that the flat ridge structures 159A thereof face each other.

In addition, the triangular protruding structure 159B may be formed to guide a plurality of cylindrical battery cells <NUM> to be arranged in the front and rear direction. Specifically, the triangular protruding structure 159B may be formed in a triangular prism shape at the outer sidewall of the cap housing <NUM> in the front and rear direction.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, one triangular protruding structure 159B may be formed at the outer sidewall of the cap housing <NUM> in the front and rear direction.

In addition, the flat ridge structure 159A may have an inclined surface 159C (<FIG>) so that the side portion of the cylindrical battery cell <NUM> arranged in the front and rear direction may be located to face the inclined surface 159C.

That is, at one side of one cylindrical battery cell <NUM> in the front and rear direction, another cylindrical battery cell <NUM> may be disposed so that one surface of the triangular protruding structure 159B formed on another cylindrical battery cell <NUM> arranged in the front and rear direction faces the inclined surface 159C1 (see <FIG>) of the flat ridge structure 159A formed at another cylindrical battery cell <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, one battery module <NUM> may include a module housing <NUM> and cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, four cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in the module housing <NUM> in the left and right direction, and three cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed at the rear of the four cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

At this time, three cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be guided so that one surface of the triangular protruding structure 159B faces the inclined surface 159C of the flat ridge structure 159A formed at the one cylindrical battery cell <NUM>, and thus the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be uniformly disposed at the rear of the cylindrical battery cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Thus, according to this configuration of the present disclosure, the cylindrical battery cells may be uniformly and easily arranged in the left and right direction and in the front and rear direction by using the arrangement guiding portion <NUM> formed at the cylindrical battery cell <NUM>.

In addition, the present disclosure may provide an electronic device that includes at least one battery module. Specifically, the electronic device may include a case for accommodating the battery module. In addition, the electronic device may include a battery management unit (BMS) configured to control the battery module.

Meanwhile, even though the terms indicating directions such as upper, lower, left, right, front and rear directions are used in the specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these merely represent relative locations for convenience in explanation and may vary based on a location of an observer or an object.

Claim 1:
A cylindrical battery cell (<NUM>), which includes a first electrode terminal (<NUM>) and a second electrode terminal (<NUM>) formed at a top outer circumference and a center portion of the cylindrical battery cell (<NUM>) and having different polarities, the cylindrical battery cell (<NUM>) comprising:
an electrode assembly (<NUM>) in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode are wound;
a battery case configured to include the electrode assembly (<NUM>) therein in a state of being impregnated with an electrolytic solution;
a cap assembly (<NUM>) mounted to an open top end of the battery case (<NUM>); characterised in that the cylindrical battery cell further comprises,
a connection cap (<NUM>) including a cap housing (<NUM>) loaded on the battery case (<NUM>) and the cap assembly (<NUM>) and having an insulating material, and a first connection plate (155A) and a second connection plate (155B) placed on the cap housing (<NUM>) and electrically connected to the first electrode terminal (<NUM>) and the second electrode terminal (<NUM>), respectively.