Can, secondary battery including can, and method for manufacturing secondary battery including can

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a can comprising: a first surface comprising a long side extending in a first direction; a second surface facing the first surface and including a long side extending in the first direction; a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and connected to a long side of the first surface and a long side of the second surface; a fourth surface facing the third surface and connected to a long side of the first surface and a long side of the second surface; the fifth surface is connected to the corresponding short sides of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the fourth surface; an opening facing the fifth surface; and a first hole formed on the fifth surface, in which the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are integrally formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a can, a secondary battery including the can, and a method of manufacturing a secondary battery including the can, and more particularly, to a can for a secondary battery, a secondary battery including the can, and a method of manufacturing a secondary battery including the can. Background Art

[0002] A secondary battery is a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are mainly used in various application fields, such as electronic products (smartphones, laptop computers, tablet computers, etc.), electric vehicles, solar power generation, and emergency power supplies. In particular, lithium-ion batteries have high energy density and high charge / discharge efficiency for use in various electronic products and electric vehicles.

[0003] Depending on the shape of the case, secondary batteries can have various types, such as cylindrical secondary batteries, prismatic secondary batteries, and pouch-type secondary batteries. A prismatic secondary battery has a structure in which an electrode assembly is built into a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly is inserted into the prismatic metal can, and a cover plate is welded to seal the can. Welding defects may occur between the can and the cover plate, which can increase the difficulty of the manufacturing process.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background art section is for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure. Therefore, it may include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a can, a secondary battery, and a method of manufacturing a secondary battery to solve the above problems.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and are not limited to other problems not mentioned herein, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand the aspects and features of the present disclosure for solving these problems from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a can including: a first surface including a long side extending in a first direction; a second surface facing the first surface and including a long side extending in the first direction; a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; a fourth surface facing the third surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; a fifth surface connected to corresponding short sides of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface; an opening facing the fifth surface; and a first hole formed in the fifth surface, wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are integrally formed.

[0008] The case may further include an exhaust member formed on the first surface.

[0009] The housing may further include a cover plate coupled to the first opening, wherein the cover plate includes a second hole.

[0010] The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface may be formed by using a deep drawing process.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a secondary battery including a can, the can including: a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, and a fifth surface respectively having short sides and long sides, connecting to the corresponding short sides of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, and an opening opposite to the fifth surface; a first hole formed on the fifth surface, a first insulating member and a first terminal plate coupled to the first hole, an electrode assembly placed in the can and connected to the first terminal plate, a cover plate connected to the opening, and a second terminal plate coupled to the electrode assembly and coupled to the cover plate, wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are integrally formed.

[0012] The can may be formed by using a deep drawing process.

[0013] The secondary battery may further include a rivet coupled to the first hole, wherein the rivet is riveted to the first insulating member and the first terminal plate.

[0014] The secondary battery may further include a sub-plate assembly placed at one end of the electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly is connected to the first terminal plate through the sub-plate assembly.

[0015] The sub-plate assembly may include a sub-plate and a current collector coupled to the sub-plate, wherein the current collector includes a protrusion contacting the first terminal plate.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method including: integrally forming a can, the can including: a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface respectively having short sides and long sides; a fifth surface connected to the corresponding short sides of the first surface, the first surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, and an opening opposite to the fifth surface; forming a first hole on the fifth surface; and assembling a first insulating member and a first terminal plate on the first hole.

[0017] The first surface and the second surface may face each other, wherein the third surface and the fourth surface face each other, and wherein the length of the short side of the first surface is less than the length of the short side of the third surface.

[0018] The method may further include forming an exhaust hole on the first surface.

[0019] The formation of the exhaust hole may be performed before the formation of the first hole.

[0020] The method may further include inserting the electrode assembly into the can.

[0021] The method may further include a sub-board assembly placed on one end of the electrode assembly and connected to the first terminal board.

[0022] The method may further include coupling a cover assembly to the opening of the can.

[0023] The cover assembly may include a cover plate coupled to the opening, a second insulating member assembled on the cover plate, and a second terminal board.

[0024] The can may be formed by a deep drawing process.

[0025] Assembling the first insulating member and the first terminal board into the first hole may include placing a rivet on the first hole, riveting the rivet to the first insulating member, and riveting the rivet to the first terminal board.

[0026] The first terminal board and the sub-board assembly are coupled by welding.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a can including first to fifth surfaces may be integrally formed to reduce welding defects between the can and the cover plate.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a can including first to fifth surfaces may be integrally formed to streamline the process steps of manufacturing a secondary battery and reduce the process difficulty.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a can including first to fifth surfaces may be integrally formed to reduce the production cost of the secondary battery.

[0030] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 A view illustrating a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for explanation;

[0035] Figures 4 to 8 Illustrating by using Figure 3A view for explaining a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the can described in

[0036] Figure 9 A flowchart for exemplifying a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0037] Figures 10 to 12 A view for exemplifying a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having only general or dictionary meanings, and on the basis of the principle that an inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concept of a term for best explaining his / her invention, they should be described as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure. The embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical spirits, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application, and the embodiments described herein may be replaced or modified.

[0039] In addition, it will be further understood that the term "comprising" and its variants, when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0040] In addition, in the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be enlarged. The same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0041] Two elements, features, etc. to be compared are referred to as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a certain parameter is referred to as uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0042] Terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to simply distinguish one element from other elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the first element may also be the second element.

[0043] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0044] Arranging any component “above (or below)” or “on (under)” another component may mean that the any component can be disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and another component may also be interposed between the component and any component disposed on (or under) the component.

[0045] In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “linked”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, these components may be directly “coupled”, “linked” or “connected” to each other, or another component may be “interposed” between the components. When an element is referred to as being “electrically coupled” to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or indirectly connected or coupled to the other element through one or more intervening elements therebetween.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when referring to “A and / or B”, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when referring to “C to D”, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 To illustrate a perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 To illustrate an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the secondary battery may include a can 100, an electrode assembly 110, an exhaust member 160, a first terminal plate 131, a first insulating member 132 (reference Figure 6 ).) and a cover assembly 230.

[0050] The electrode assembly 110 may be accommodated inside the can 100. Although not shown, the electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator, etc. The first electrode plate, the second electrode plate, and the separator may each be formed in a thin plate shape or a thin film shape. The electrode assembly 110 may include a structure in which the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate are sequentially stacked and wound or repeatedly stacked. When the electrode assembly 110 includes a wound stack, the winding axis may be the first direction (X-axis). The first direction X-axis may be the longitudinal direction of the can 100.

[0051] The first electrode plate may be used as a cathode. The first electrode plate may include a cathode coating portion in which a cathode active material is coated on a conductive metal thin plate made of copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy, and a cathode uncoated portion on which the cathode active material is not coated. The cathode active material may include, for example, carbon-based materials, silicon, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0052] The second electrode plate can be used as an anode. The second electrode plate may include an anode coating portion in which an anode active material is coated on a conductive metal thin plate including aluminum or the like, and an anode uncoated portion on which the anode active material is not coated. The anode active material may include, for example, lithium cobalt oxide or the like. However, the composition of the anode active material according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] The separator may be interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The separator can prevent an electrical short circuit between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The separator may include, for example, porous hollow polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene and polypropylene. However, the composition of the separator according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0054] The first sub-plate assembly 120 may be disposed on one side of the electrode assembly 110. The first sub-plate assembly 120 may be electrically connected to the first electrode plate (for example, the cathode electrode plate) of the electrode assembly 110. The first sub-plate assembly 120 may be electrically connected to the first terminal plate 131 described below. The electrode assembly 110 may be electrically connected to the first terminal plate 131 through the first sub-plate assembly 120.

[0055] The second sub-plate assembly 220 (refer to Figure 8 ) may be disposed on the other end of the electrode assembly 110. The first sub-plate assembly 120 and the second sub-plate assembly 220 may be respectively placed on the ends of the electrode assembly 110. The second sub-plate assembly 220 will be described in Figure 8 .

[0056] According to an embodiment, the first sub-plate assembly 120 may include a sub-plate and a current collector. The sub-plate may be connected to a tab formed in the anode coating portion. The current collector may be disposed on the sub-plate. The current collector may include a protrusion 121. The protrusion 121 of the current collector may contact the first terminal plate 131.

[0057] The can 100 may accommodate the electrolyte and the electrode assembly 110. The can 100 may include a first surface 101, a second surface 102, a third surface 103, a fourth surface 104, a fifth surface 105, and an opening OP. The external shape of the can 100 will be described in detail.

[0058] The first surface 101 may include a long side extending in the first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in the second direction (Y-axis). The first surface 101 may have a rectangular shape. The first direction X-axis may be the longitudinal direction of the can 100. The first direction X-axis may be perpendicular to the second direction Y-axis.

[0059] The second surface 102 may include a long side extending in the first direction X-axis and a short side extending in the second direction Y-axis. The second surface 102 may have a rectangular shape. The second surface 102 may face the first surface 101. The second surface 102 may face the first surface 101 in the third direction (Z-axis). The third direction Z-axis may be perpendicular to the first direction X-axis and the second direction Y-axis.

[0060] The length of the long side of the first surface 101 and the length of the long side of the second surface 102 may be the same. The length of the short side of the first surface 101 and the length of the short side of the second surface 102 may be the same. The shapes of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 may be the same.

[0061] The third surface 103 may include a long side extending in the first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in the third direction (Z-axis). The third surface 103 may have a rectangular shape. The third surface 103 may be connected to each of the long sides of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. The long side of the third surface 103 may be connected to the long side of the first surface 101, and the long side of the third surface 103 may be connected to the long side of the second surface 102. The length of the short side of the third surface 103 may be greater than the length of the short side of the first surface 101.

[0062] The fourth surface 104 may include a long side extending in the first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in the third direction (Z-axis). The fourth surface 104 may have a rectangular shape. The fourth surface 104 may face the third surface 103. Specifically, the fourth surface 104 may face the third surface 103 in the second direction (Y-axis). The fourth surface 104 may be connected to each of the long sides of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. One of the long sides of the fourth surface 104 may be connected to the long side of the first surface 101, and the other long side of the fourth surface 102 may be connected to the long side of the second surface 102. The length of the short side of the fourth surface 104 may be greater than the length of the short side of the first surface 101.

[0063] The fifth surface 105 may include a long side extending in the third direction (Z-axis) and a short side extending in the second direction (Y-axis). The fifth surface 105 may have a rectangular shape. The fifth surface 105 may be connected to the respective short sides of the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104. Specifically, the long side of the fifth surface 105 may be connected to the short sides of the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104. The short side of the fifth surface 105 may be connected to the short sides of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102. The fifth surface 105 may cover one side of the electrode assembly 110. For example, the fifth surface 105 may cover the first sub-board assembly 120.

[0064] The opening OP may be opposite to the fifth surface 105. Specifically, the opening OP may face the fifth surface 105 in the first direction (X-axis). The opening OP may be defined as a structure formed by the corresponding short sides of the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104. The opening OP may be a channel into which the electrode assembly 110 is inserted.

[0065] The first surface 101 and the second surface 102 may cover the surfaces formed in the +Z-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction of the electrode assembly 110, the third surface 103 and the fourth surface 104 may cover the surfaces formed in the +Y-axis direction and the -Y-axis direction of the electrode assembly 110. The fifth surface 105 may cover the surface formed in the +X-axis direction of the electrode assembly 110. The first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104 may surround the electrode assembly 110 in the second direction (Y-axis) and the third direction (Z-axis), and the fifth surface 105 may be connected to the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104 to seal one end of the can 100. The can 100 may have a rectangular prism shape with one end open and the other end closed.

[0066] The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface of the can 100 may be integrally formed. The first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface of the can 100 may be integrally formed by a deep drawing process.

[0067] The deep drawing process is a process of manufacturing a container with a bottom but no seams by pressing the outer periphery of a sheet inward using a punch and a die.

[0068] The can 100 may include a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and nickel-plated steel.

[0069] The first terminal plate 131 may contact the first sub-plate assembly 120. The first terminal plate 131 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110 through the first sub-plate assembly 120.

[0070] The cover assembly 230 may be connected to the opening OP of the can 100. The cover assembly 230 may be placed on the opening OP and welded along the opening OP to seal the can 100. Refer to Figure 2 , the cover assembly 230 is illustrated as being spaced apart from the electrode assembly 110, but this is only for illustrating the structure of the cover assembly 230, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The exhaust member 160 may be placed on the first surface 101 of the can 100. An exhaust hole 165 (refer to Figure 4 ) may be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100, and the exhaust member 160 may be connected to the exhaust hole 165.

[0072] When the internal pressure of the secondary battery exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, the exhaust member 160 may open. The exhaust member 160 may prevent an explosion of the secondary battery or a chain heating reaction between one secondary battery and another secondary battery placed beside it.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the exhaust member 160 may include a cut. The cut may be formed by removing a part of a predetermined thickness from the first surface 101 or may be at least one groove. When the internal pressure of the can 100 exceeds the threshold pressure, the cut may rupture.

[0074] Figure 3 A view for illustrating a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 , a can 100 for a secondary battery may be formed. The can 100 may be formed, for example, by using a deep drawing process. The can 100 may have a rectangular prism shape with one end closed and the other end open. The description of FIG. 100 will be the same as Figure 1 and Figure 2 the description in.

[0076] The can 100 may include a first surface 101, a second surface 102, a third surface 103, a fourth surface 104, a fifth surface 105, and an opening OP. Since the can 100 is formed by a deep drawing process, the first surface 101, the second surface 101, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, the fifth surface 105, and the opening OP may be integrally formed. Accordingly, the manufacturing process steps of the secondary battery may be streamlined, and the manufacturing cost may be reduced.

[0077] A conventional secondary battery according to the prior art may be formed by manufacturing a can having openings on both sides and welding a cover plate to each of the openings. In the manufacturing process of the secondary battery, since the electrode assembly is inserted into the can and the cover plate is welded to the can, an alignment error may occur. Specifically, when the cover plate is coupled to the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly may be displaced downward due to gravity. Accordingly, a welding defect may occur between the cover plate connected to the electrode assembly and the can, which may seal the can inappropriately.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the short sides of the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104 of the can 100 may be connected to the fifth surface 105. The first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, the fourth surface 104, and the fifth surface 105 may be integrally formed. The fifth surface 105 may seal one end of both sides of the can 100. Therefore, the welding process of welding the cover plate 233 to one of the two ends of the can 100 may be unnecessary, and the can 100 may be sealed by welding the cover plate 233 to the opening OP corresponding to the other end of the can 100.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since welding between the can 100 and the fifth surface 105 is not required, welding defects may not occur, thereby reducing the difficulty of the process. In addition, the process step of welding the can 100 and the fifth surface 105 may be omitted, which streamlines the process steps and reduces the product cost.

[0080] Figures 4 to 8 For example, by using Figure 3 the can described in to explain the manufacturing method of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to Figure 4 , a can 100 formed by using a deep drawing process as illustrated in may be provided. According to an embodiment, an exhaust hole 165 may be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100. The exhaust hole 165 may have a shape corresponding to the exhaust member 160. In addition, the exhaust hole 165 may be formed on the second surface 102 of the can 100. The exhaust hole 165 may not be formed on the first surface 101, but may be formed on the second surface 102 of the can 100. Figure 3

[0082] Figure 5 Referring to Figure 5 , a first hole 135 may be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100. According to an embodiment, the first hole 135 may include a single hole or multiple holes as illustrated in. The multiple holes may have a shape that allows connection of the first insulating member 132 described below (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0083]

[0084] It has been described that the exhaust hole 165 may be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100 and then the first hole 135 may be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first hole 135 may be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 and then the exhaust hole 165 may be formed on the first surface 101 of the can body 100. For another example, the exhaust hole 165 may be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100 and the first hole 135 may be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 simultaneously.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6 , the exhaust member 160, the first insulating member 132, and the first terminal plate 131 may be assembled on the can 100. Figure 6 For example, a cross-sectional view of the can 100 cut along a virtual plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0085] The exhaust member 160 may be connected to the exhaust hole 165. The exhaust member 160 may include a cut. The description of the exhaust member 160 and the cut is the same as that in Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0086] The first hole 135 may be formed on the fifth surface 105. The first insulating member 132 may be coupled to the first hole 135. The first terminal plate 131 may be coupled to the first insulating member 132. The first insulating member 132 may be sealed between the fifth surface 105 and the first terminal plate 131. The first insulating member 132 may include an insulating material. Insulation between the fifth surface 105 and the first terminal plate 131 may be achieved by the first insulating member 132.

[0087] Reference Figure 7 , the electrode assembly 110 may be inserted into the interior of the can 100.

[0088] The electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator, etc. The electrode assembly 110 may be provided with a first sub-plate assembly 120 coupled to one end and a second sub-plate assembly 220 coupled to the other end (reference Figure 8 ). The electrode assembly 110 may be inserted through the opening OP of the can 100 in the first direction (X-axis). The electrode assembly 110 may be inserted to allow the first sub-plate assembly 120 to contact the first terminal plate 131. According to an embodiment, the first sub-plate assembly 120 and the first terminal plate 131 may be connected to each other by welding. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. After coupling the lid assembly 230 described below, the first sub-plate assembly 120 and the first terminal plate 131 may be welded.

[0089] Reference Figure 8 , the lid assembly 230 may be coupled to the opening OP.

[0090] The lid assembly 230 may include a cover plate 233, a second insulating member 232, and a second terminal plate 231.

[0091] The cover plate 233 may be welded and coupled to the opening OP of the can 100. The cover plate 233 may seal one end of the can 100. The cover plate 233 may have a square plate shape. The cover plate 233 may include a second hole. The second insulating member 232 may be coupled to the second hole. The second terminal plate 231 may be coupled to the second insulating member 232. The second insulating member 232 may be sealed between the cover plate 233 and the second terminal plate 231. Insulation between the cover plate 233 and the second terminal plate 231 may be achieved by the second insulating member 232.

[0092] The second terminal plate 231 may contact the second sub-plate assembly 220. The second terminal plate 231 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 110 through the second sub-plate assembly 220.

[0093] The second sub-plate assembly 220 may be electrically connected to the second electrode plate (e.g., the anode electrode plate) of the electrode assembly 110 (reference Figure 7)。The second sub-board assembly 220 can be electrically connected to the second terminal board 231. The electrode assembly 110 can be electrically connected to the second terminal board 231 through the second sub-board assembly 220.

[0094] The cover plate 233 can include a second hole. The second hole is not shown in Figure 8 but can be formed on the cover plate 233 in the same shape, number, and position as the first hole 135 (refer to Figure 5 ). The second hole can include a single hole or multiple holes. The shape of the cover plate 233 can be the same as the shape of the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 (refer to Figure 5 ). The second insulating member 232 can be coupled to the second hole. The second insulating member 232 can be coupled to the second hole. The second insulating member 232 can include an insulating material. The second terminal board 231 can be coupled to the second insulating member 232 to form the cover assembly 230.

[0095] The cover assembly 230 can be coupled to the opening OP of the can 100 by welding. The cover plate 233 of the cover assembly 230 can be disposed on the opening OP of the can 100 and welded to the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104 (refer to Figure 2 ). The cover assembly 230 can be welded to the can 100 to seal the can 100.

[0096] The second sub-board assembly 220 and the cover assembly 230 can be coupled. The second sub-board assembly 220 and the second terminal board 231 can be coupled by welding.

[0097] Figure 9 A flowchart for explaining a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] The method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can start by forming a cover using a deep drawing process in step S510. The can can be integrally formed to include a first surface to a fourth surface respectively having short sides and long sides, a fifth surface connected to the corresponding short sides of the first surface to the fourth surface, and an opening opposite to the fifth surface.

[0099] In step S520, an exhaust hole can be formed on the first surface of the can. In step S530, a first hole can be formed on the fifth surface. In step S540, an exhaust member can be assembled to the exhaust hole, and a first insulating member and a first terminal board can be assembled to the first hole.

[0100] In step S550, the electrode assembly can be inserted into the can. The electrode assembly can be provided with a first sub-board assembly and a second sub-board assembly coupled to corresponding sides. After the electrode assembly is inserted into the can, the first sub-board assembly and the first terminal board can be electrically connected by welding.

[0101] In step S560, the lid assembly can be assembled into the opening of the can. The lid assembly can be provided with a second insulating member and a second terminal plate coupled to the cover plate. The lid assembly can be placed on the opening of the can and connected to the corresponding short sides of the first to fourth sides of the can by welding. The second sub-plate assembly and the second terminal plate can be electrically connected by welding to fabricate a secondary battery.

[0102] Figures 10 to 12 A view for illustrating a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to another embodiment is provided. Figure 10 For illustration of Figure 4 A view for illustrating the method of manufacturing a secondary battery after that. For ease of explanation, the following description will focus on the features different from those in Figures 5 to 9 features.

[0103] Referring to Figures 4 to 10 , a third hole 335 can be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100. Different from Figure 5 , the third hole 335 can include a single hole. The third hole 335 can have a size corresponding to a rivet described below.

[0104] An exhaust hole 165 can be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100, and then the third hole 335 can be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can body 100. The third hole 335 can be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100, and then the exhaust hole 165 can be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100. As another example, the exhaust hole 165 can be formed on the first surface 101 of the can 100, and the third hole 335 can be formed on the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 simultaneously.

[0105] Referring to Figure 11 , an exhaust member 160, a third terminal plate 331, an upper insulating member 332, a rivet 333, a gasket 334, a lower insulating member 336, and a current collector 337 can be assembled into the can 100. For reference, Figure 11 corresponds to a cross-sectional view cut along a virtual plane formed by the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0106] The exhaust member 160 can be coupled to the exhaust hole 165. The exhaust member 160 can include a cut. The description of the exhaust member 160 and the cut is the same as that in Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0107] The rivet 33, can be coupled to the third hole 335. The rivet 333 can penetrate the third hole 335. The gasket 334 can be coupled to the rivet 333 to seal the third hole 335. The gasket 334 can block the gas produced inside the secondary battery from being discharged to the outside.

[0108] The upper insulating member 332 can be riveted to the rivet 333 on the outer side of the can 100. The third terminal plate 331 can be riveted to the rivet 333 on the upper insulating member 332. The upper insulating member 332 can be disposed between the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 and the third terminal plate 331 (refer to Figure 10 ). The can 100 and the third terminal plate 331 can be insulated by the upper insulating member 332. The third terminal plate 331 can be electrically connected to the rivet 333.

[0109] The lower insulating member 336 can be riveted to the rivet 333 inside the can 100. The current collector 337 can be riveted to the rivet 333 on the lower insulating member 336. The lower insulating member 336 can be placed between the current collector 337 and the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 (refer to Figure 10 ). The can 100 and the current collector 337 can be insulated by the lower insulating member 336. The current collector 337 can be electrically connected to the rivet 333.

[0110] Refer to Figure 12 , the electrode assembly 110 can be inserted into the can 100, and the lid assembly 400 can be coupled to the opening OP of the can 100.

[0111] The electrode assembly 110 can include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator, etc. The electrode assembly 110 can be coupled to the current collector 337 (refer to Figure 11 ). The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 110 can be electrically connected to the third terminal plate 331 through the current collector 337.

[0112] The lid assembly 400 can be coupled to the opening OP of the can 100. The lid assembly 400 can include a cover plate 410, a fourth terminal plate 431, a rivet, a gasket, an upper insulating member, a lower insulating member, and a current collector.

[0113] The description of the components of the lid assembly 400 can be substantially the same as the description of the rivet 333, the gasket 334, the upper insulating member 332, the lower insulating member 336, and the current collector 337 described in Figure 11 . For the sake of convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the different features from Figure 11 .

[0114] The shape of the cover plate 410 can be the same as the fifth surface 105 of the can 100 (refer to Figure 10 ). The cover plate 410 can include a fourth hole. The description of the fourth hole is the same as the description of the third hole 335 (refer to Figure 11 ).

[0115] The lid assembly 400 can be connected to the opening OP of the can by welding. The cover plate 410 of the lid assembly 400 can be placed on the opening OP of the can 100 and welded to the corresponding short sides of the first surface 101, the second surface 102, the third surface 103, and the fourth surface 104. The lid assembly 400 can be welded to the can 100 to seal the can 100. The second electrode plate of the electrode assembly 110 can be electrically connected to the fourth terminal plate 431 through the current collector of the lid assembly 400.

[0116] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations within the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope of equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. A can, comprising: A first surface including a long side extending in a first direction; A second surface facing the first surface and including a long side extending in the first direction; A third surface perpendicular to the first surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; A fourth surface facing the third surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; A fifth surface connected to the respective short sides of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface; An opening facing the fifth surface; And A first hole formed in the fifth surface, Wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are integrally formed.

2. The can according to claim 1, further comprising an exhaust member formed on the first surface.

3. The can according to claim 1, further comprising a cover plate coupled to the first opening, wherein the cover plate includes a second hole.

4. The can according to claim 1, wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are formed by using a deep drawing process.

5. A secondary battery, comprising: A can, comprising: a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, and a fifth surface respectively having short sides and long sides, a fifth surface connected to the respective short sides of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface, and an opening opposite to the fifth surface; A first hole formed in the fifth surface; A first insulating member and a first terminal plate coupled to the first hole; An electrode assembly placed in the can and connected to the first terminal plate; A cover plate coupled to the opening; and A second terminal plate connected to the electrode assembly and coupled to the cover plate, Wherein the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, the fourth surface, and the fifth surface are integrally formed.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein the can is formed by using a deep drawing process.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 5, further comprising: A rivet coupled to the first hole, Wherein the rivet is riveted to the first insulating member and the first terminal plate.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 5, further comprising: A sub-plate assembly placed on one end of the electrode assembly, Wherein the electrode assembly is connected to the first terminal plate through the sub-plate assembly.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein the sub-plate assembly includes a sub-plate and a current collector coupled to the sub-plate, and wherein the current collector includes a protrusion in contact with the first terminal plate.

10. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: Integrally forming a can, the can comprising: a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface respectively having short sides and long sides; a fifth surface connected to the respective short sides of the first surface, the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface; and an opening opposite to the fifth surface; Form a first hole on the fifth surface; and Assemble a first insulating member and a first terminal plate on the first hole.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first surface and the second surface face each other, wherein the third surface and the fourth surface face each other, and wherein the length of the short side of the first surface is less than the length of the short side of the third surface.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Form an exhaust hole on the first surface.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the formation of the exhaust hole is performed before the formation of the first hole.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Insert an electrode assembly into the can.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising a sub-board assembly placed on one end of the electrode assembly and connected to the first terminal plate.

16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: Couple a lid assembly to the opening of the can.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the lid assembly includes a cover plate coupled to the opening, a second insulating member assembled on the cover plate, and a second terminal plate.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein the can is formed by a deep drawing process.

19. The method according to claim 10, the assembly of the first insulating member and the first terminal plate to the first hole includes, Place a rivet on the first hole, Rivetingly connect the rivet to the first insulating member, and Rivetingly connect the rivet to the first terminal plate.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first terminal plate and the sub-board assembly are connected by welding.

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