Rechargeable battery

Abstract

There is provided a rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly; a can accommodating the electrode assembly therein and including a terminal hole; a crimp terminal including a post portion extending into the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the post portion; and an insulator between the staked terminal and the can. The insulator includes a middle portion surrounding the post portion and extending into the terminal hole, an outer portion contacting an outer surface of the can and the head portion, and an inner portion contacting an inner surface of the can. At least two of the middle portion, the outer portion, and the inner portion include different insulating materials having different heat resistance temperatures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rechargeable battery. Background Art

[0002] A large-capacity battery module system may include a plurality of cylindrical rechargeable batteries and a plurality of busbars electrically connecting the plurality of cylindrical rechargeable batteries. The cylindrical rechargeable battery may include a can having a negative polarity and a riveted terminal having a positive polarity mounted in an opening provided in the can. An insulator is between the riveted terminal and the can to insulate the riveted terminal from the can and at the same time seal the area around the riveted terminal.

[0003] During the use of the battery module system, due to various reasons such as external impact, high-temperature environment, and rapid charging and discharging, heat is generated in the rechargeable battery, and the insulator may lose its insulating function due to the heat. The rechargeable battery that has lost its insulating function may discharge due to a short circuit, and adjacent rechargeable batteries connected by the busbar may also discharge and generate heat.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the background art of the present disclosure is only for improving the understanding of the background art of the present disclosure, and thus may include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an embodiment of a rechargeable battery configured to ensure the safety of the rechargeable battery and the battery module system by ensuring that the insulator maintains its insulating performance even when the rechargeable battery generates heat.

[0006] The rechargeable battery according to an embodiment includes an electrode assembly, a can, a riveted terminal, and an insulator. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode. The can houses the electrode assembly, and a terminal hole is in the can. The riveted terminal includes a column portion extending into the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the column portion. The insulator is between the riveted terminal and the can. The insulator may include an intermediate portion surrounding the column portion and extending into the terminal hole, an outer portion contacting the outer surface of the can and the head portion, and an inner portion contacting the inner surface of the can. At least two of the intermediate portion, the outer portion, and the inner portion may include different insulating materials having different heat-resistant temperatures.

[0007] The outer part and the inner part may include insulating materials having a heat-resistant temperature different from that of the intermediate part. The intermediate part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, and the outer part and the inner part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic. The intermediate part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic, and the outer part and the inner part may include a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0008] One of the outer part and the inner part may include the same insulating material as the intermediate part, and the other may include a different insulating material from the intermediate part. The intermediate part and the inner part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, and the outer part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic. The intermediate part and the inner part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic, and the outer part may include a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0009] The intermediate part and the outer part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, and the inner part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic. The intermediate part and the outer part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic, and the inner part may include a thermoplastic polymer material.

[0010] The intermediate part, the outer part, and the inner part may include different insulating materials. The intermediate part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, one of the outer part and the inner part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor, and the other of the outer part and the inner part may include any one of an anodized aluminum and a ceramic.

[0011] The outer part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, one of the intermediate part and the inner part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor, and the other of the intermediate part and the inner part may include any one of an anodized aluminum and a ceramic.

[0012] The inner part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, one of the middle part and the outer part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor, and the other of the middle part and the outer part may include any one of an anodized aluminum and a ceramic.

[0013] A rechargeable battery according to another embodiment includes an electrode assembly, a can, a riveted terminal, and an insulator. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode. The can houses the electrode assembly therein, and a terminal hole is formed in the can. The riveted terminal includes a column portion extending into the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the column portion. The insulator is disposed between the riveted terminal and the can. The insulator includes a middle part surrounding the column portion and extending into the terminal hole, an outer part contacting the outer surface of the can and the head portion, and an inner part contacting the inner surface of the can. The middle part, the outer part, and the inner part include different insulating materials having different heat-resistant temperatures, the inner part has a higher heat-resistant temperature than the middle part, and the middle part has a higher heat-resistant temperature than the outer part.

[0014] The outer part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, and at least one of the middle part and the inner part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic.

[0015] A rechargeable battery according to another embodiment includes an electrode assembly, a can, a riveted terminal, and an insulator. The electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode. The can houses the electrode assembly therein, and a terminal hole is formed in the can. The riveted terminal includes a column portion extending into the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the column portion. The insulator is disposed between the riveted terminal and the can. The insulator includes a middle part surrounding the column portion and extending into the terminal hole, an outer part contacting the outer surface of the can and the head portion, and an inner part contacting the inner surface of the can. The middle part, the outer part, and the inner part include different insulating materials having different heat-resistant temperatures, the outer part has a higher heat-resistant temperature than the middle part, and the middle part has a higher heat-resistant temperature than the inner part.

[0016] The inner part may include a thermoplastic polymer material, and at least one of the middle part and the outer part may include any one of a crosslinked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, an anodized aluminum, and a ceramic.

[0017] In an embodiment, the insulator has high resistance to heat and pressure, so thermal deformation can be minimized (or at least reduced) in various high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Accordingly, the rechargeable battery can improve the safety of the battery module system by maintaining the insulating performance of the insulator in various high-temperature and high-pressure environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery shown in

[0020] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an electrode assembly of the rechargeable battery shown in

[0021] Figure 4 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of a part of

[0022] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of a rechargeable battery showing a variation of the riveted terminal shown in Figure 4

[0023] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are enlarged cross-sectional views of a part of a rechargeable battery according to a second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 are enlarged cross-sectional views of a part of a rechargeable battery according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery shown in Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of an electrode assembly of the rechargeable battery shown in Figure 4 is Figure 2 a partial enlarged view of

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the rechargeable battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 120, a can 130 that houses the electrode assembly 120 inside an internal space of the can 130, a riveted terminal 140 in a terminal hole 131 of the can 130, and an insulator 150 between the can 130 and the riveted terminal 140. The rechargeable battery 100 may further include a cover plate 160 that is coupled to one end of the can 130 and seals the can 130.​

[0028] The electrode assembly 120 may include a first electrode 10, a second electrode 20, and a separator 30. The electrode assembly 120 is accommodated inside the can 130 together with the electrolyte. The separator 30 may be between the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20 and insulate them. Each of the first electrode 10, the second electrode 20, and the separator 30 may be configured in a long strip shape and may be wound together around the center pin 121.

[0029] The first electrode 10 includes a first substrate 11 and a first composite material layer 12 on the first substrate 11. The second electrode 20 includes a second substrate 21 and a second composite material layer 22 on the second substrate 21. The first composite material layer 12 may be on the remaining portion of the first substrate 11 except for one edge (e.g., the upper edge). The second composite material layer 22 may be on the remaining portion of the second substrate 21 except for another edge (e.g., the lower edge).

[0030] Among the first substrates 11, the portion of the surface that is exposed and not covered by the first composite material layer 12 may be referred to as the first uncoated area 13. Among the second substrates 21, the portion of the surface that is exposed and not covered by the second composite material layer 22 may be referred to as the second uncoated area 23.

[0031] In a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the first substrate 11 may include aluminum foil, and the first composite material layer 12 may include transition metal oxides such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, Li(NiCoAl)O2, LiFePO4, and Li(NiCoMn)O2, as well as conductive materials and binders, etc. The second substrate 21 may include copper foil or nickel foil, and the second composite material layer 22 may include carbon materials such as graphite, conductive materials, and binders, etc. The first electrode 10 may be referred to as the positive electrode, and the second electrode 20 may be referred to as the negative electrode.

[0032] The separator 30 may include a porous substrate, or may include a porous substrate with a coating on at least one side. The porous substrate may include one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyester, polycarbonate, and polyimide. The coating may include a binder and may also include inorganic particles. The binder may include polyvinylidene fluoride-based compounds. The inorganic particles may include one or more of Al2O3, BaSO4, MgO, Mg(OH)2, SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, SnO2, NiO, and GaO. The separator 30 insulates the first electrode 10 from the second electrode 20 and allows lithium ions to move.

[0033] The first uncoated area 13 can be bent toward the center pin 121. The first current collector plate 122 can be joined (fixed) to the first uncoated area 13 by a method such as welding. The second uncoated area 23 can also be bent toward the center pin 121. The second current collector plate 123 can be joined (fixed) to the second uncoated area 23 by a method such as welding.

[0034] The can 130 has a shape with an open side (e.g., an open lower side) such that the electrode assembly 120 and the first current collector plate 122 and the second current collector plate 123 can be inserted through the open side. The can 130 can include a top 132 and a side portion 133 connected to the edge of the top 132. When the top and bottom of the rechargeable battery 100 are inverted (e.g., the rechargeable battery is turned upside down), the top 132 can be referred to as the bottom. In one or more embodiments, the can 130 can be made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0035] The terminal hole 131 can be at the center (or approximately the center) of the top 132. The riveted terminal 140 can be in the terminal hole 131, and the insulator 150 can be in the terminal hole 131 between the riveted terminal 140 and the can 130. The riveted terminal 140 can be combined with the first current collector plate 122, can have the same polarity as the first electrode 10 through the first current collector plate 122, and can be used as the first terminal (e.g., the positive electrode terminal). The insulator 150 surrounds the riveted terminal 140 and is in the terminal hole 131. The insulator 150 insulates the riveted terminal 140 from the top 132 and seals the terminal hole 131 to prevent the leakage of the electrolyte. The insulating cover 170 can be on the side of the first current collector plate 122 facing the top 132.

[0036] The cover plate 160 can be on the outer side (e.g., the lower side) of the second current collector plate 123 and can be joined to one end of the side portion 133 via an insulating washer 161. The groove 165 can be on the inner surface of the cover plate 160. The groove 165 can have a V-shaped cross-section and can have an arc shape in the plane of the top view.

[0037] The internal temperature of the rechargeable battery can increase due to various reasons such as rapid charging and discharging, external shock, and / or exposure to a high-temperature environment, and the internal pressure can increase due to the vaporization of the electrolyte, etc. When the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery 100 increases, the cover plate 160 ruptures around the groove 165, and the internal gas can be released.

[0038] The curled portion 134 and the crimped portion 135 may be in the side portion 133. The curled portion 134 may be a portion where a part of the side portion 133 is deformed inwardly concave toward the inside of the side portion 133 (i.e., the curled portion 134 is deformed inwardly toward the center pin 121). The crimped portion 135 may be a portion where one end of the side portion 133 is vertically bent inwardly toward the inside of the side portion 133 (i.e., the crimped portion 135 is deformed inwardly toward the center pin 121).

[0039] The movement of the electrode assembly 120 can be suppressed inside the can 130 by the curled portion 134, and the edges of the insulating washer 161 and the cover plate 160 can be pressed between the curled portion 134 and the crimped portion 135. The cover plate 160 can be firmly fixed to the side portion 133 of the can 130 by the curled portion 134 and the crimped portion 135, and the cover plate 160 can be non - electrode - polar by being insulated from the first electrode 10 and the second electrode 20.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the second current collector plate 123 may include a conductive portion 124 that is in close contact with the inner surface of the side portion 133. The conductive portion 124 may include two or more sheets or components along the edge of the second current collector plate 123. The can 130 may be charged with the same polarity as the polarity of the second electrode 20 through the second current collector plate 123 and may be used as the second terminal (e.g., the negative terminal). A plurality of rechargeable batteries 100 may be arranged in a configuration and may be connected together by a bus bar to form a battery module system.

[0041] The riveting terminal 140 may include a column portion 141 that extends through the terminal hole 131 and a head that is connected to the column portion 141 and is outside (e.g., on the upper side) of the top portion 132. The column portion 141 and the head 142 may be manufactured individually or integrally. The column portion 141 may extend from the outside of the top portion 132 into the terminal hole 131.

[0042] Figure 5 is a magnified cross - sectional view of a part of a rechargeable battery showing a variant of the riveting terminal shown in Figure 4 Refer to Figure 5 In addition, the column portion 141 may further include a flange 143 on the inner side (e.g., the lower side) of the top portion 132. In one or more embodiments, the column portion 141 and the head 142 may be manufactured separately and then combined or joined together. The column portion 141 may enter from the inner side of the top portion 132 to the outside of the top portion 132 and be inserted into the terminal hole 131, and the head 142 may be joined to the column portion 141 on the outside of the top portion 132.

[0043] Refer to Figures 1 to 5, since the polarities of the riveted terminal 140 and the can 130 are opposite, they are insulated from each other by the insulator 150. The insulator 150 may include a middle portion 151, an outer portion 152, and an inner portion 153.

[0044] The middle portion 151 of the insulator 150 may be in contact with the column portion 141 and may be within the terminal hole 131. The outer portion 152 may be between the outer surface of the head portion 142 and the outer surface of the top portion 132, and may be in close contact with the outer surface of the head portion 142 and the outer surface of the top portion 132. The inner portion 153 may be in close contact with the inner surface of the top portion 132. The middle portion 151 may be in contact with the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153, and may connect them into an integral or single body.

[0045] The outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 may be formed as disks having a hole in the center. The diameter of the inner portion 153 may be larger than the diameter of the outer portion 152, and may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the top portion 132 of the can 130. The inner portion 153 may be used to prevent the first current collector plate 122 from contacting the can 130. The thickness of the outer portion 152 and the thickness of the inner portion 153 may be the same or different.

[0046] At least two of the middle portion 151, the outer portion 152, and the inner portion 153 may include different materials. The different materials refer to insulating materials having different constituent materials and heat-resistant temperatures. In one or more embodiments of the rechargeable battery 100, the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 of the insulator 150 may include different insulating materials from the middle portion 151.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 of the insulator 150 may include an insulating material having a heat-resistant temperature higher than that of the middle portion 151. That is, the middle portion 151 may include one or more first insulating materials, and the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 may include one or more second insulating materials having a heat-resistant temperature higher than that of the first insulating material.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the middle portion 151 of the insulator 150 may include an insulating material having a heat-resistant temperature higher than that of the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153. That is, the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 may include one or more first insulating materials, and the middle portion 151 may include one or more second insulating materials having a heat-resistant temperature higher than that of the first insulating material.

[0049] The first insulating material may include a thermoplastic polymer material such as at least one of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA). The heat-resistant temperature of the first insulating material may be in the range of approximately 100°C to 300°C. The second insulating material may include any one of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor. The heat-resistant temperature of the second insulating material may be in the range of approximately 200°C to 500°C.

[0050] The cross-linked polymer material may include cross-linked polyethylene (PE) or cross-linked polypropylene (PP). Cross-linking of a polymer material is a chemical reaction that connects chain-like polymers by chemical bonds and improves the properties of the polymer. As the degree of cross-linking (the number of cross-links) increases, the thermoplasticity of the polymer material decreases, and the mechanical strength and heat-resistant characteristics increase. In one or more embodiments, the cross-linked polymer material may be produced by an injection process and a water cross-linking process of the polymer material.

[0051] The thermosetting polymer material has the property of not changing its shape even when heat is applied again. Compared with the thermoplastic polymer material, the thermosetting polymer material has more excellent heat-resistant performance, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation, and can be made into a stronger molded product by adding fillers. The thermosetting polymer material may include at least one of phenolic resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, silicone resin, and polyurethane resin.

[0052] The polymer material containing a non-conductor may include a plurality of non-conductor particles and a thermosetting polymer material. The plurality of non-conductor particles may include at least one of a plurality of ceramic balls, a plurality of anodized aluminum oxide balls, and a plurality of glass fibers. Compared with the thermosetting polymer material that does not contain a non-conductor, the polymer material containing a non-conductor has better heat-resistant performance, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the second insulating material may be replaced by a third insulating material. The third insulating material may include one of anodized aluminum oxide and ceramic. Anodized aluminum oxide is aluminum with an oxide film formed on its surface by anodization and has high durability and corrosion resistance. The ceramic may include oxide ceramics, nitride ceramics, carbide ceramics, or other ceramics, and may include, for example, alumina. Compared with the second insulating material, the third insulating material has higher heat-resistant performance and mechanical strength.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the insulator 150 may be manufactured as three parts corresponding to the intermediate portion 151, the outer portion 152, and the inner portion 153, respectively, and these three parts may be integrally combined during the assembly process of the rechargeable battery 100. In one or more embodiments, the intermediate portion 151 may be integrally manufactured with the outer portion 152 or the inner portion 153. That is, the insulator 150 may be manufactured by being divided into a first part (including the intermediate portion 151 and one of the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153) and a second part (the other of the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153), and these two parts may be integrally combined during the assembly process of the rechargeable battery 100.

[0055] During the use of the battery module system, due to various reasons such as external shocks, exposure to high-temperature environments, and / or rapid charging and discharging, heat generation and increased internal pressure occur in some rechargeable batteries. The heat generation and increased internal pressure can cause thermal deformation of the insulator 150 and loss or reduction of the insulation function, and the rechargeable battery that has lost the insulation function will discharge due to a short circuit. Therefore, the adjacent rechargeable batteries connected to it through the bus bar will also discharge, resulting in an increase in heat generation and internal pressure.

[0056] If the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 include the second insulating material or the third insulating material, the outer portion 152 may withstand the high heat and pressure applied from the outside of the rechargeable battery 100, and the inner portion 153 may withstand the high heat and pressure applied from the inside of the rechargeable battery 100. If the intermediate portion 151 includes the second insulating material or the third insulating material, the intermediate portion 151 may withstand the high heat and pressure applied from the outside and the inside of the rechargeable battery 100 while firmly maintaining the seal of the terminal hole 131.

[0057] Because the insulator 150 has high resistance to heat and pressure, it can minimize (or at least reduce) thermal deformation in various high-temperature and high-pressure environments. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 100 of this embodiment can maintain the insulation performance of the insulator 150 in various high-temperature and high-pressure environments, thereby improving the safety of the battery module system and reducing the risk of fire and explosion.

[0058] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the rechargeable battery according to the second embodiment. Except as described below, the rechargeable battery of the second embodiment has a structure the same as or similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

[0059] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, in the rechargeable battery of the second embodiment, one of the inner portion 153 and the outer portion 152 of the insulator 150 may include the same insulating material as the intermediate portion 151, and the other of the inner portion 153 and the outer portion 152 may include a different insulating material from the intermediate portion 151.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the intermediate portion 151 and the inner portion 153 may include a first insulating material, and the outer portion 152 may include a second insulating material or a third insulating material. In one or more embodiments, the outer portion 152 may include a first insulating material, and the intermediate portion 151 and the inner portion 153 may include a second insulating material or a third insulating material.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the intermediate portion 151 and the outer portion 152 may include a first insulating material, and the inner portion 153 may include a second insulating material or a third insulating material. In one or more embodiments, the inner portion 153 may include a first insulating material, and the intermediate portion 151 and the outer portion 152 may include a second insulating material or a third insulating material. The first insulating material to the third insulating material are the same as the first insulating material to the third insulating material described above with respect to the first embodiment.

[0062] When the factor causing thermal deformation applied to the insulator 150 is mainly inside the rechargeable battery, the intermediate portion 151 and the inner portion 153 may include a second insulating material or a third insulating material. When the factor causing thermal deformation applied to the insulator 150 is mainly outside the rechargeable battery, the intermediate portion 151 and the outer portion 152 may include a second insulating material or a third insulating material. Depending on the construction material, the insulator 150 can be manufactured in two parts, and these two parts can be integrally combined during the assembly process of the rechargeable battery.

[0063] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the rechargeable battery according to the third embodiment. Except as described below, the rechargeable battery of the third embodiment has a structure the same as or similar to that of the rechargeable battery of the first embodiment described above.

[0064] Refer to Figure 8 , in the rechargeable battery of the third embodiment, the intermediate portion 151, the outer portion 152, and the inner portion 153 of the insulator 150 may all include different insulating materials.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the intermediate portion 151 may include a first insulating material, one of the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 may include a second insulating material, and the other of the outer portion 152 and the inner portion 153 may include a third insulating material.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the outer portion 152 may include a first insulating material, one of the intermediate portion 151 and the inner portion 153 may include a second insulating material, and the other of the intermediate portion 151 and the inner portion 153 may include a third insulating material.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the inner portion 153 may include a first insulating material, one of the intermediate portion 151 and the outer portion 152 may include a second insulating material, and the other of the intermediate portion 151 and the outer portion 152 may include a third insulating material. The first through third insulating materials are the same as the first through third insulating materials described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0068] When the factor causing thermal deformation applied to the insulator 150 is mainly inside the rechargeable battery, the intermediate portion 151 and the inner portion 153 may include an insulating material having a relatively higher heat-resistant temperature compared to the outer portion 152. When the factor causing thermal deformation applied to the insulator 150 is mainly outside the rechargeable battery, the intermediate portion 151 and the outer portion 152 may include an insulating material having a relatively higher heat-resistant temperature compared to the inner portion 153. The insulator 150 may be manufactured in three parts, and these three parts may be integrally combined during the assembly process of the rechargeable battery.

[0069] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery, comprising: An electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a separator and a second electrode; a can accommodating the electrode assembly, the can comprising a terminal hole; a riveting terminal comprising a column portion extending through the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the column portion; as well as an insulator, between the riveted terminal and the tank, wherein the insulator includes a middle portion surrounding the column and extending into the terminal hole, an outer portion contacting the outer surface of the can and the head, and an inner portion contacting the inner surface of the can, and At least two of the middle portion, the outer portion, and the inner portion include different insulating materials having different heat-resistant temperatures.

2. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein The outer portion and the inner portion include an insulating material having a heat resistant temperature different from that of the middle portion.

3. The rechargeable battery according to claim 2, wherein: The intermediate portion comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, and The outer portion and the inner portion include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a nonconductor, anodized aluminum, and ceramic.

4. The rechargeable battery according to claim 2, wherein: The middle portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, anodized aluminum, and a ceramic, and The outer portion and the inner portion include a thermoplastic polymer material.

5. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein One of the outer portion and the inner portion includes the same insulating material as the middle portion, and the other of the outer portion and the inner portion includes a different insulating material than the middle portion.

6. The rechargeable battery according to claim 5, wherein: The intermediate portion and the inner portion comprise a thermoplastic polymer material, and The outer portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a nonconductor, anodized aluminum, and ceramic.

7. The rechargeable battery according to claim 5, wherein: The middle portion and the inner portion include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, anodized aluminum, and a ceramic, and The outer portion includes a thermoplastic polymer material.

8. The rechargeable battery according to claim 5, wherein: The middle portion and the outer portion each comprise a thermoplastic polymer material, and The inner portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, anodized aluminum, and ceramic.

9. The rechargeable battery according to claim 5, wherein: The middle portion and the outer portion each include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a non-conductor, anodized aluminum, and a ceramic, and The inner portion includes a thermoplastic polymer material.

10. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein The middle portion, the outer portion, and the inner portion include different insulating materials.

11. The rechargeable battery according to claim 10, wherein: The intermediate portion comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, One of the outer portion and the inner portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor, and The other of the outer portion and the inner portion includes any one of anodized aluminum and ceramic.

12. The rechargeable battery according to claim 10, wherein: The outer portion comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, One of the middle portion and the inner portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor, and The other of the middle portion and the inner portion includes any one of anodized aluminum and ceramic.

13. The rechargeable battery according to claim 10, wherein: The inner portion comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, One of the middle portion and the outer portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, and a polymer material containing a non-conductor, and The other of the middle portion and the outer portion includes any one of anodized aluminum and ceramic.

14. A rechargeable battery, comprising: An electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a separator and a second electrode; a can accommodating the electrode assembly, the can comprising a terminal hole; a riveting terminal comprising a column portion extending through the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the column portion; as well as an insulator, between the riveted terminal and the tank, wherein the insulator includes a middle portion surrounding the column and extending into the terminal hole, an outer portion contacting the outer surface of the can and the head, and an inner portion contacting the inner surface of the can, and wherein the middle portion, the outer portion and the inner portion include different insulating materials having different heat-resistant temperatures, and wherein the inner portion has a heat resistant temperature higher than that of the middle portion, and the middle portion has a heat resistant temperature higher than that of the outer portion.

15. The rechargeable battery according to claim 14, wherein: The outer portion comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, and At least one of the middle portion and the inner portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a nonconductor, anodized aluminum, and a ceramic.

16. A rechargeable battery, comprising: An electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a separator and a second electrode; a can accommodating the electrode assembly, the can comprising a terminal hole; a riveting terminal including a column portion extending into the terminal hole and a head portion coupled to the column portion; as well as an insulator, between the riveted terminal and the tank, wherein the insulator includes a middle portion surrounding the column and extending into the terminal hole, an outer portion contacting the outer surface of the can and the head, and an inner portion contacting the inner surface of the can, and wherein the middle part, the outer part and the inner part comprise different insulating materials having different heat resistant temperatures, and wherein the outer part has a heat resistant temperature higher than that of the middle part, and wherein the middle part has a heat resistant temperature higher than that of the inner part.

17. The rechargeable battery according to claim 16, wherein: The inner portion comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, and At least one of the middle portion and the outer portion includes one or more materials selected from the group consisting of a cross-linked polymer material, a thermosetting polymer material, a polymer material containing a nonconductor, anodized aluminum, and a ceramic.

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