Integrated terminal, secondary battery including same, and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

An integrated terminal, a secondary battery including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. An integrated terminal includes: a terminal assembly including a terminal member configured to abut a daughter board electrically connected to an electrode assembly of a secondary battery and a terminal insulator surrounding a side surface of the terminal member; and a cap insulator extending along a through hole in a cap plate, the cap plate being coupled to a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the through hole into which the terminal assembly is inserted being formed in the cap plate. When the terminal assembly is inserted into the through hole, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator abut each other, and a reinforcing material is inserted into at least one of the terminal insulator and the cover insulator.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-061385, filed on May 9, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to integrated terminals, secondary batteries including integrated terminals, and methods of manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for charging, secondary batteries are designed for discharging and recharging. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors, such as in hybrid or electric vehicles, and for energy storage. A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes (or composed of positive and negative electrodes), a housing that contains the electrode assembly, and terminals (e.g., electrode terminals) connected to the electrode assembly.

[0005] In electrode terminals, direct connection terminals are formed by welding the current collector and the terminal plate outside the battery cell together in a tight fit. In direct connection terminals, the adhesion between the current collector and the terminal plate is the most important factor determining the weld quality, because if the adhesion between the current collector and the terminal plate is not ensured or properly performed, the direct connection weld will fail. However, in direct connection terminals, since the terminal plate is installed to cover the current collector, it is difficult to determine from the outside whether the current collector and the terminal plate are properly and tightly attached after the terminal plate is inserted. Therefore, if the current collector is tilted or misaligned during or due to the manufacturing process, the probability of direct connection weld failure is relatively high.

[0006] The information disclosed above in this background section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an integrated terminal used as a current collector and terminal block, a secondary battery including the integrated terminal, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0008] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other aspects and features not mentioned herein.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the integrated terminal includes: a terminal assembly including a terminal member configured to abut a subplate of an electrode assembly electrically connected to a secondary battery and a terminal insulator surrounding a side of the terminal member; and a cover insulator extending along a through-hole in a cover plate coupled to a housing receiving the electrode assembly, wherein the through-hole into which the terminal assembly is inserted is formed. When the terminal assembly is inserted into the through-hole, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator are abutting each other. A reinforcing material is inserted into at least one of the terminal insulator and the cover insulator.

[0010] In an embodiment, when the reinforcing material is inserted into the cover insulator, the reinforcing material may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover insulator.

[0011] In an embodiment, when the reinforcing material is inserted into the terminal insulator, the reinforcing material may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal insulator.

[0012] In one embodiment, the terminal member may have a blank space therein. A terminal insulator may surround the side of the terminal member while simultaneously filling the blank space within the terminal member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the blank space within the terminal component may have a grid shape.

[0014] In an embodiment, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator may be joined together by heat fusion or by adhesive.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cover insulator can be formed in the cover plate by insert molding.

[0016] In one embodiment, the terminal insulator may be formed in the terminal component by insert molding.

[0017] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a housing housing the electrode assembly; a terminal assembly including terminal members adjacent to a subplate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and terminal insulators surrounding a side of the terminal members; a cover plate coupled to the housing and having a through-hole into which the terminal assembly is inserted; and a cover insulator extending along the through-hole. When the terminal assembly is inserted into the through-hole, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator are adjacent to each other. A reinforcing material is inserted into at least one of the terminal insulator and the cover insulator.

[0018] In an embodiment, when the reinforcing material is inserted into the cover insulator, the reinforcing material may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover insulator.

[0019] In an embodiment, when the reinforcing material is inserted into the terminal insulator, the reinforcing material may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal insulator.

[0020] In one embodiment, the terminal member may have a blank space therein. A terminal insulator may surround the side of the terminal member while simultaneously filling the blank space within the terminal member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the blank space within the terminal component may have a grid shape.

[0022] In an embodiment, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator may be joined together by heat fusion or by adhesive.

[0023] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly may include a first terminal assembly and a second terminal assembly. The first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly may be housed within a cover plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly may include a first terminal assembly and a second terminal assembly. The first terminal assembly may be in a cover plate, and the second terminal assembly may be in a cover plate opposite to the cover plate.

[0025] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method of manufacturing a secondary battery includes: manufacturing an electrode assembly; manufacturing a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly including a terminal member configured to be adjacent to a subplate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and a terminal insulator surrounding a side of the terminal member; manufacturing a cover plate having a through-hole into which the terminal assembly is inserted and including a cover insulator formed along the through-hole; and inserting the terminal assembly into the through-hole such that the terminal insulator and the cover insulator are adjacent to each other. The manufacturing of the terminal assembly or the cover plate may include inserting reinforcing material into the respective terminal insulator or cover insulator.

[0026] In an embodiment, the manufacture of the terminal assembly may include forming a blank space within the terminal member and forming a terminal insulator such that the terminal insulator surrounds the side of the terminal member while filling the blank space within the terminal member.

[0027] In an embodiment, forming the blank space within the terminal component may include forming the blank space within the terminal component into a grid shape.

[0028] In an embodiment, the method of manufacturing a secondary battery may further include bonding a terminal insulator and a cover insulator by hot melting or adhesive.

[0029] According to embodiments of this disclosure, because the connection portion of the terminal insulator surrounding the side of the terminal member and the cover insulator formed along the through-hole of the cover plate is exposed to the outside, welding failures caused by reduced adhesion in conventional direct connection terminals can be reduced or prevented.

[0030] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the bonding process can be performed at low temperatures using a relatively easy and inexpensive method compared to metal-to-metal welding, since plastic-to-plastic welding is instead used between the terminal insulator and the cover insulator. Furthermore, the production cost for secondary batteries can be reduced due to decreased investment in lasers and equipment costs associated with metal-to-metal welding.

[0031] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by omitting the intermetallic welding process used in conventional direct connection terminals, faults attributable to foreign matter that exist in intermetallic welding can be resolved.

[0032] According to embodiments of this disclosure, because reinforcing material is inserted into one or more of the terminal insulator and the cover insulator, the performance of the battery cell in terms of breakage can be increased by increasing the strength of the bonding structure between the terminal insulator and the cover insulator.

[0033] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The following accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing description, provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the content described in these drawings:

[0035] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of a prismatic secondary battery.

[0036] Figure 1B For along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view taken from the I-I' line.

[0037] Figure 2 The diagram below illustrates a typical direct connection terminal.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an integrated terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the connection process of the integrated terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before it is connected to the housing of a secondary battery including integrated terminals.

[0042] Figure 7This is a plan view of a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a diagram of one embodiment of a cover insulator in which reinforcing material is inserted into an integrated terminal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a diagram of one embodiment of a terminal insulator in which reinforcing material is inserted into an integrated terminal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a diagram of another embodiment of the terminal insulator in which reinforcing material is inserted into an integrated terminal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be noted that the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common or dictionary meanings, but rather are understood to have meanings and concepts consistent with the spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of each term in order to describe his / her own invention in the best possible way. Therefore, since the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some examples of this disclosure and do not cover all embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made at the time of filing this application.

[0048] It will be further understood that the term "comprising," when used herein, refers to the presence of a feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or group thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] For ease of understanding of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be enlarged. It should be noted that the same reference numerals denote the same components in different embodiments.

[0050] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” means that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include deviations considered low in the art, such as approximately 5% or less. The uniformity of any parameter in a given region can mean that it is uniform from an average perspective.

[0051] Although terms such as “first” and / or “second” are used to describe various components, these components are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, unless specifically stated otherwise, a first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] Arranging any component "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" a component can mean that any component is positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and other components may be located between the component and any components positioned on (or below) the component.

[0054] It will be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected," "joined," or "joined" to another component, it can be directly "connected," "joined," or "joined" to the other component, or indirectly "connected," "joined," or "joined" to the other component, with other components in between.

[0055] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one” and “one or more” modify the entire list of elements before / after the list of elements, but do not modify individual elements in the list.

[0056] Throughout this instruction manual, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. Similarly, when “C to D” is mentioned, it means C and below, unless otherwise specified.

[0057] When phrases such as “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one selected from the group of A, B and C”, or “at least one selected from A, B and C” are used to specify a list of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any and all appropriate combinations.

[0058] The term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize”. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0059] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or segment from another element, component, area, layer, or segment. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0060] To facilitate explanation of the relationship between one element or feature illustrated in the accompanying drawings and another, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative positions are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, any element described as “below” or “under” another element will be oriented as “above” or “above” another element. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both upward and downward directions.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0062] Examples of secondary batteries include coin-shaped, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped types. This disclosure is essentially applicable to prismatic secondary batteries. Therefore, prismatic secondary batteries will be briefly described first before describing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0063] Figure 1A This is a top perspective view of a prismatic secondary battery. Figure 1B For along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view taken from line I-I' in the diagram.

[0064] First, the description Figure 1A The image shows the appearance of a prismatic secondary battery.

[0065] The housing (e.g., casing) 51 defines the overall appearance of the prismatic secondary battery and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Additionally, the housing 51 may provide (or be formed) space for housing electrode assemblies therein.

[0066] The cover assembly 60 may include a cover plate 61 that covers an opening in the housing 51, and the cover assembly 60 and the cover plate 61 may be made of a conductive material. The first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 may be electrically connected to corresponding positive and negative electrodes (or negative and positive electrodes) inside the housing 51, and may be mounted to protrude outward through the cover plate 61.

[0067] The cover plate 61 may have an electrolyte injection port 64 formed to accommodate a sealing plug and a vent 66 with a notch 65. The vent 66 is designed to degas the secondary battery, for example, to release excess gas generated inside the secondary battery.

[0068] refer to Figure 1B The internal structure of the prismatic secondary battery and its connection structure with the cover assembly 60 will be described.

[0069] like Figure 1B As illustrated, a prismatic secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly 40, a first current collector 41, a first terminal 62, a second current collector 42, a second terminal 63, and a cover assembly 60.

[0070] Electrode assembly 40 can be formed by winding or stacking a laminate of a first electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a second electrode plate, each in the form of a plate or film. When electrode assembly 40 is a wound laminate, it may have a winding axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of housing 51. Electrode assembly 40 may be stacked rather than wound, but the shape of electrode assembly 40 is not limited in this disclosure. Alternatively, electrode assembly 40 may be a Z-shaped stacked electrode assembly, wherein the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are inserted into both sides of a diaphragm bent into a Z-shaped stack. Furthermore, electrode assembly 40 may include one or more electrode assemblies, with multiple electrode assemblies stacked such that their long sides are adjacent to each other and housed in housing 51, but the number of electrode assemblies is not limited in this disclosure. Electrode assembly 40 may have a first electrode plate serving as a negative electrode and a second electrode plate serving as a positive electrode, or vice versa.

[0071] The first electrode plate can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode current collector plate made of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate may have a first electrode tab (or a first uncoated portion) 43, which is an area where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 43 can serve as a current flow channel between the first electrode plate and the first current collector portion 41. In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 43 can be formed by pre-cutting the first electrode plate to protrude to one side during the manufacture of the first electrode plate, and can protrude further to one side than the diaphragm without separate cutting (e.g., protruding beyond the diaphragm).

[0072] The second electrode plate can be formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a substrate made of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode plate may have a second electrode tab (or a second uncoated portion) 44, which is an area where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 44 can act as a current flow channel between the second electrode plate and the second current collector 42. In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 44 can be formed by pre-cutting the second electrode plate to protrude to one side during the manufacture of the second electrode plate, and can protrude further to the other side than the diaphragm without separate cutting (e.g., protruding beyond the diaphragm).

[0073] In some embodiments, the first electrode contact 43 may be located on the right end side of the electrode assembly 40, and the second electrode contact 44 may be located on the left end side of the electrode assembly 40. In other embodiments, the first electrode contact 43 and the second electrode contact 44 may be located on one end side of the electrode assembly 40 in the same direction. Here, for ease of explanation, based on Figure 1B The terms "left" and "right" are used to represent the secondary battery, but their positions can change when the secondary battery is rotated left, right, up, or down.

[0074] The separator prevents short circuits between the first and second electrode plates while allowing lithium ions to migrate between them. The separator can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0075] As described above, the first electrode tab 43 of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab 44 of the second electrode plate extend from both ends of the electrode assembly 40, respectively. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 40 may be housed together with the electrolyte in the housing 51.

[0076] In the electrode assembly 40, the first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 can be welded and connected to the first electrode terminal 43 extending from the first electrode plate and the second electrode terminal 44 extending from the second electrode plate, respectively.

[0077] The first current collector 41 and the second current collector 42 are respectively connected to the above reference via terminal pins 67. Figure 1A The first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 are described. In some embodiments, the terminal pins 67 may each have a threaded outer peripheral surface and may be secured to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63 by screws. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the terminal pins 67 may also be riveted or welded to the first terminal 62 and the second terminal 63.

[0078] Figure 2 The diagram below illustrates a typical direct connection terminal.

[0079] refer to Figure 2In a conventional direct connection terminal 10, the daughter plate 11 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The current collector 12 can be positioned adjacent to and electrically connected to the daughter plate 11. The bottom of the terminal plate 14 included in the cover plate 13 can contact the top of the current collector 12. Welding can be performed in the direction of the arrow while the terminal plate 14 and the current collector 12 are in contact with each other. In this case, for the electrode assembly to be properly electrically connected to the cover plate 13 via the daughter plate 11 and the current collector 12, welding needs to be performed while the terminal plate 14 and the current collector 12 are tightly attached. If the adhesion is reduced, various welding defects may occur, such as cracks, pinholes, undercuts, and insufficient weld depth. In this case, the possibility of battery cell failure (such as leakage or increased resistance) is relatively high due to the destruction of the battery cell seal. However, as... Figure 2 As illustrated, in a conventional direct connection terminal, because the terminal block 14 is mounted to cover the current collector 12, it is difficult to determine from the outside whether the adhesion between the current collector 12 and the terminal block 14 is good after the terminal block 14 is inserted.

[0080] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an integrated terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The secondary battery 100, including the integrated terminal according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, may include an electrode assembly, a housing 110, an integrated terminal including a terminal assembly 120 and a cover insulator 131, and a cover plate 130.

[0082] The housing 110 may be configured to accommodate electrode assemblies and / or electrolytes, and includes an opening on one side of the housing 110 and a closure on the opposite side. For example, the closure may be opposite a cover plate 130. Compared to the opening, the closure may have a relatively closed structure, and may have a through-hole if desired.

[0083] For example, housing 110 may have a quadrilateral prism shape, wherein one of the two sides of housing 110 is sealed and the other side is open. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the casing 110 has the shape of a prism-shaped secondary battery, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the casing 110 may vary depending on the type of secondary battery.

[0084] The housing 110 may be made of materials used in industry to protect the internal components of the secondary battery from external impact or fire. For example, based on (or according to) the purpose and function of the secondary battery, the housing 110 may be a metal housing including aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel or stainless steel, a plastic housing including GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic) or a combination thereof.

[0085] Terminal assembly 120 may include: terminal member 121 disposed adjacent to sub-plate 140 electrically connected to electrode assembly of secondary battery 100; and terminal insulator 122 surrounding the side of terminal member 121 (e.g., extending around the periphery of terminal member 121). Terminal member 121 may be electrically connected to electrode assembly via sub-plate 140.

[0086] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly 120 may include a first terminal assembly and a second terminal assembly. The first terminal assembly may be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly. The second terminal assembly may be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly. In another embodiment, the first terminal assembly may be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly, and the second terminal assembly may be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly.

[0087] When the secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a top terminal type secondary battery in which both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are disposed at the top of the secondary battery, the first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly may be disposed in the cover plate 130. In another embodiment, when the secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a side terminal type secondary battery in which both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are disposed on both sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the secondary battery, the first terminal assembly may be disposed in the cover plate 130, and the second terminal assembly may be disposed in a cover plate opposite to the cover plate 130.

[0088] The sub-board 140 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The sub-board 140 may be coupled to at least one side of the electrode assembly and may be electrically connected to a first electrode plate (e.g., a positive electrode plate) or a second electrode plate (e.g., a negative electrode plate) of the electrode assembly. For example, the sub-board 140 may be coupled to a first electrode tab of the electrode assembly. For example, the first electrode tab may be soldered to the sub-board 140.

[0089] The cover plate 130 can be coupled to the housing 110. The cover plate 130 may have an approximately rectangular plate shape. The cover plate 130 may be made of the same material as the housing 110. The cover plate 130 may have dimensions corresponding to the internal dimensions of the opening of the housing 110. Furthermore, the cover plate 130 can be coupled to the housing 110 by, for example, laser welding. (Refer to below) Figure 8 A detailed description of an example of the process of attaching cover plate 130 to housing 110 is provided. An insulating member may be provided between cover plate 130 and sub-plate 140 to prevent cover plate 130 and sub-plate 140 from being electrically connected to each other.

[0090] Through-holes (e.g., openings) and slots for connection to terminal assembly 120, inlet holes, and vent holes for venting connections may be formed in cover plate 130. A vent may be connected to a vent hole in cover plate 130. The vent may be configured to release excess gas by rupture when pressure increases within the secondary battery, and may have a suitable vent structure. When the vent ruptures, gas is released as an airflow is created from the interior to the exterior of the secondary battery.

[0091] A through-hole into which the terminal assembly 120 is inserted may be formed in the cover plate 130. The cover plate 130 may include a cover insulator 131 formed along the through-hole. The cover insulator 131 may be disposed along the circumference of the through-hole of the cover plate 130.

[0092] In an embodiment, when the terminal assembly 120 is inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate 130, the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 may be adjacent to each other. For example, the cover insulator 131 and the terminal insulator 122 may be inserted between the cover plate 130 and the terminal member 121, such that the cover insulator 131 and the terminal insulator 122 are positioned adjacent to each other. The cover insulator 131 may be disposed on a portion of the cover plate 130, and the terminal insulator 122 may be disposed on a portion of the terminal member 121. Therefore, the cover insulator 131 and the terminal insulator 122 prevent the cover plate 130 and the terminal member 121 from being electrically connected to each other.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the integrated terminals of the connection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a side view of the terminal assembly 120 and cover plate 130 before the integrated terminals are connected. Sub-board 140 can be coupled to at least one side of the electrode assembly and is electrically connected to the electrode assembly. Terminal assembly 120 may include a terminal member 121 disposed adjacent to sub-board 140 and terminal insulators 122 surrounding the sides of the terminal member 121.

[0095] Figure 5 This illustrates the form before the integrated terminals are connected. In contrast, Figure 4 This illustrates the configuration after the integrated terminals are connected. When the terminal assembly 120, including terminal member 121 and terminal insulator 122, is inserted into the through hole of cover plate 130, terminal insulator 122 can contact cover insulator 131. Terminal insulator 122 and cover insulator 131 can be combined while terminal insulator 122 and cover insulator 131 are in contact with each other.

[0096] After the integrated terminals are connected, a portion of the terminal member 121 of the terminal assembly 120 may be exposed to the outside of the cover plate 130 through a through-hole. According to one embodiment, the top of the terminal insulator 122 may be disposed below the top of the terminal member 121, such that the terminal member 121 itself may have a structure in which the terminal member 121 can be readily used as an external electrode of a secondary battery.

[0097] In this embodiment, the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 can be joined together by thermal fusion. For example, a welding process using laser or plasma can be performed to join the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131. An extrusion process using a press can be used in conjunction with a welding process using laser or plasma.

[0098] Additionally or alternatively, according to embodiments, the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 may be bonded together by an adhesive. The adhesive has electrical insulating properties and is safe for the environment within the battery. Materials with excellent heat resistance can be used in the adhesive. For example, one of epoxy adhesives, silicone adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, polyamide adhesives, or combinations thereof may be used as the adhesive. However, the adhesives according to embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the above materials and may include various adhesive substances having electrical insulating properties.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the connection between the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 can be designed such that the connection remains above the venting critical pressure of the secondary battery. Therefore, even after the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 are connected, the venting device can function normally in the event of thermal runaway or gas generation within the secondary battery.

[0100] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the connection portion of the terminal insulator 122 surrounding the side of the terminal member 121 and the cover insulator 131 formed along the through hole of the cover plate 130 can be exposed to the outside, and welding failures due to reduced adhesion of conventional direct connection terminals can be prevented.

[0101] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the bonding process can be performed at a lower temperature using an easier and cheaper method compared to metal-to-metal welding, because the metal-to-metal welding process used in conventional direct connection terminals is omitted and plastic welding is used between the terminal insulator and the cover insulator. Furthermore, the production cost for secondary batteries can be reduced due to decreased investment in lasers and equipment costs associated with metal-to-metal welding.

[0102] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by omitting the intermetallic welding process used in conventional direct connection terminals, faults attributable to foreign matter that exist in intermetallic welding can be resolved.

[0103] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure before it is connected to the housing of a secondary battery including integrated terminals. Figure 7 This is a plan view of a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Figure 6 The diagram shows the form of a cover plate 130, viewed from top, preceding the connection of the cover plate to the housing of the secondary battery, which includes integrated terminals. At least one through-hole may be formed in the cover plate 130. A cover insulator 131 may be disposed along the circumference of the through-hole. Figure 6 As illustrated, the edge of the through-hole may have a rounded quadrilateral shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The edge of the through-hole can be designed and modified in various ways depending on the type and application of the secondary battery. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As illustrated, the number of through holes is provided as multiple, but depending on the type and use of the secondary battery, only one through hole may be formed in the cover plate 130.

[0105] In an embodiment, the cover insulator 131 may be an insulator disposed along the circumference of the through-hole while maintaining a specific distance from the edge of the through-hole. For example, the cover insulator 131 may have a certain width from the edge of the through-hole and may be disposed along the circumference of the through-hole. The shape of the cover insulator 131 may be changed to correspond to the shape of the terminal assembly 120 inserted into the through-hole.

[0106] The cover insulator 131 may be made of any one of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), urethane, nylon, and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), i.e., insulating materials. However, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the material used for the cover insulator 131 is not limited to the above materials and may include various substances having electrical insulating properties.

[0107] In one embodiment, the cover insulator 131 may be formed in the cover plate 130 by insert molding. In such an embodiment, insert molding may refer to a molding process method in which raw material is processed by injecting raw material into a mold with the insert (e.g., an external element or accessory) positioned within the mold, in order to improve the strength, function, and appearance of the component.

[0108] For example, the cover insulator 131 can be formed by injecting insulating raw material constituting the cover insulator 131 while using a cover plate 130 made of metal as an insert in a mold corresponding to the through hole. Through this insert molding process, the cover insulator 131 can be securely fixed to the cover plate 130, and the strength and durability of the entire product can be improved. Because conventional assembly processes involving multiple steps can be omitted or simplified, overall productivity can be improved.

[0109] Figure 7The illustration shows a cover plate 130 after it has been attached to a housing of a secondary battery including integrated terminals, as viewed from top. Electrode assemblies can be inserted into the housing such that terminal assemblies 120 electrically connected to the electrode assemblies are inserted into one or more through-holes formed in the cover plate 130.

[0110] Terminal assembly 120 may include terminal member 121 and terminal insulator 122. Terminal insulator 122 may surround a side of terminal member 121. Figure 7 As illustrated, the edge of terminal member 121 may have a rounded quadrilateral shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The edge of terminal member 121 can be designed and modified in various ways depending on the type and application of the secondary battery. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As illustrated, the number of terminal members 121 connected to the cover plate 130 is provided as multiple, but depending on the construction and type of the secondary battery, it may be provided as one.

[0111] In an embodiment, the terminal insulator 122 may be disposed along the circumference of the terminal member 121, while maintaining a certain width from the circumferential edge of the side of the terminal member 121. For example, the terminal insulator 122 may have the same width from the boundary surface of the terminal member 121 and may be disposed along the circumference of the terminal member 121. The shape of the terminal insulator 122 may be changed to correspond to the shape of the cover insulator 131 disposed in the through hole.

[0112] Terminal insulator 122 may be made of any one of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), urethane, nylon, and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), i.e., insulating materials. However, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the material used for terminal insulator 122 is not limited to the above materials and may include various substances having electrical insulating properties.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the terminal insulator 122 can be formed in the terminal member 121 by insert molding. For example, the terminal insulator 122 can be formed by injecting insulating raw material constituting the terminal insulator 122 while using the terminal member 121 made of metal material as an insert in a mold corresponding to the through hole. Through such insert molding process, the terminal insulator 122 can be firmly fixed to the terminal member 121, and the strength and durability of the entire product can be improved. Because conventional assembly processes involving multiple steps can be omitted or simplified, overall productivity can be improved.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the cover insulator 131 can contact the entire circumference of the terminal insulator 122. The cover insulator 131 can be engaged with the terminal insulator 122 while in contact with the entire circumference of the terminal insulator 122, thereby sealing the through-hole of the cover plate 130. (Reference) Figures 8 to 11The method of attaching cover insulator 131 to terminal insulator 122 is described in detail.

[0115] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] refer to Figure 8 In a method for manufacturing a secondary battery including integrated terminals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, firstly, an electrode assembly may be manufactured. A terminal assembly including terminal members and terminal insulators surrounding the sides of the terminal members may be manufactured. A cover plate may be manufactured in which through-holes are formed for insertion of the terminal assembly and includes a cover insulator formed along the through-holes.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown in step (a), the terminal assembly 120 can be coupled to the electrode assembly 150.

[0118] Next, as Figure 8 As shown in step (b), the terminal assembly 120, which is connected to the electrode assembly 150, can be inserted into a through hole formed in the cover plate 130, such that the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 are adjacent to each other. Thereafter, the cover insulator 131, which is disposed along the circumference of the through hole, can be coupled to the terminal insulator 122 of the terminal assembly 120.

[0119] After that, as Figure 8 As shown in step (c), the cover plate 130 can be coupled to the housing 110 that houses the electrode assembly 150. In an embodiment, the housing 110 may have a prism shape, wherein one of the sides of the housing 110 is sealed and the other side is open. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In this illustration, the housing 110 is shown in the shape of a prism-shaped secondary battery, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the housing 110 may vary depending on the type of secondary battery. Thus, the opening of the housing 110 is illustrated as the top of the housing 110, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In contrast, the opening of the housing 110 may be formed on either side of the housing 110.

[0120] The secondary batteries manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be used in vehicles, mobile phones and / or various types of electronic devices.

[0121] In an embodiment, in an integrated terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, reinforcing material may be inserted into one or more of the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131, and reference is made below. Figures 9 to 11 Describe its embodiments.

[0122] Figure 9 The figure illustrates an embodiment of a cover insulator in which reinforcing material is inserted into an integrated terminal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] refer to Figure 9 The integrated terminal according to embodiments of the present disclosure has a design in which the terminal and current collector are integrated. Because the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 are each made of a plastic material through which no current flows, the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131 can be easily crushed.

[0124] Therefore, in the integrated terminal according to embodiments of the present disclosure, reinforcing material may be inserted into one or more of the terminal insulator 122 and the cover insulator 131. In embodiments, during insert molding for manufacturing the terminal insulator 122 or the cover insulator 131, the terminal insulator 122 or the cover insulator 131 may be manufactured using a reinforcing material comprising a metallic material. In such embodiments, the reinforcing material may be aluminum or iron.

[0125] Figure 9 An embodiment in which reinforcing material 132 is inserted into a cover insulator 131 in an integrated terminal is illustrated. In this embodiment, the reinforcing material 132 inserted into the cover insulator 131 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover insulator 131. For example, since the edges of the cover insulator 131 have a rounded quadrilateral shape, the edges of the reinforcing material 132 may also have a rounded quadrilateral shape.

[0126] Furthermore, in the integrated terminal, reinforcing material can be inserted into the terminal insulator 122. In an embodiment, the reinforcing material inserted into the terminal insulator 122 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal insulator 122. For example, because the edge of the terminal insulator 122 has a rounded quadrilateral shape, the edge of the reinforcing material may also have a rounded quadrilateral shape.

[0127] Figure 10 The figure illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which reinforcing material is inserted into a terminal insulator in an integrated terminal.

[0128] refer to Figure 10 Terminal member 121 may have blank space therein. Compared with the weight when terminal member 121 does not have blank space, the manufacturing cost of the secondary battery can be reduced, the overall weight of the secondary battery can be reduced, and the output of the secondary battery can be increased.

[0129] The blanking space can have various shapes, provided that it does not affect the performance of the secondary battery (such as resistance and output), or causes a change in the durability of the blanking space as a terminal. The shape of the blanking space can be a three-dimensional shape including polyhedra, such as a regular hexahedron, cuboid, sphere, cylinder, and cone.

[0130] In such an embodiment, the terminal insulator 122 may surround the side of the terminal member 121 while simultaneously filling any empty space within the terminal member 121. In this embodiment, the terminal insulator 122 may be formed to surround the side of the terminal member 121 while simultaneously filling any empty space within the terminal member 121 during insert molding. In such an embodiment, the empty space within the terminal member 121 may have one or more open spaces, allowing material from the terminal member 121 to flow into the open spaces. As one embodiment, Figure 10 The cross-sectional view on the right illustrates that the terminal member 121 has blank spaces in which there are four triangular shapes and the terminal insulator 122 is formed to fill the four triangles while surrounding the side of the terminal member 121.

[0131] In this configuration, the terminal insulator 122 can fill the empty space of the terminal member 121. The terminal member 121 can act as a reinforcing material because it is made of a metallic material. Therefore, because the connection between the terminal member 121 and the terminal insulator 122 is strengthened, the strength of the terminal assembly 120 itself and the strength of the integrated terminal are ensured.

[0132] Figure 11 The figure illustrates another embodiment of the terminal insulator in which reinforcing material is inserted into an integrated terminal, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] Figure 11 An example is shown in which the blank space within the terminal member 121 has a grid shape. Figure 11 The cross-sectional view on the right illustrates that the terminal member 121 includes blank spaces with a grid shape and the terminal insulator 122 is formed to fill the grid shape while surrounding the side of the terminal member 121.

[0134] In such an embodiment, the connection between the terminal member 121 and the terminal insulator 122 is further strengthened because the terminal insulator 122 further fills the empty space of the terminal member 121 with a grid shape more tightly.

[0135] Suitable materials that can be used in secondary batteries according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described below.

[0136] As the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiation intercalation compounds) can be used. For example, at least one of lithium and a composite oxide of a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0137] The composite oxide may be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples may include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0138] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following chemical formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b- c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); Li aFePO4 (0.90 ≤ a ≤ 1.8).

[0139] In the above chemical formula: A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare earth element, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; L 1 is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0140] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0141] Based on 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material is in the range of about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%, and based on 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, the contents of the binder and the conductive material are respectively in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%.

[0142] The positive electrode current collector may be an aluminum (Al) foil, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0144] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material, which may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as natural graphite or synthetic graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, and sintered coke, etc.

[0145] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as the material capable of doping and dedoping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0146] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0147] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0148] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0149] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of conductive material.

[0150] Non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof may be used as binders. When aqueous binders are used as negative electrode binders, they may further include cellulose compounds capable of imparting viscosity.

[0151] As the negative electrode current collector, one of the following can be used: copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, conductive metal coated polymer substrate, and combinations thereof.

[0152] Electrolytes used in lithium secondary batteries may include non-aqueous organic solvents and lithium salts.

[0153] Non-aqueous organic solvents act as a medium through which ions participating in the battery's electrochemical reactions can move.

[0154] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be carbonates, esters, ethers, ketones, alcohols, or aprotic solvents, and can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0155] In addition, when using carbonate solvents as non-aqueous organic solvents, a mixture of cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be used.

[0156] Depending on the type of lithium secondary battery, a separator may be present between the first electrode plate (e.g., the negative electrode) and the second electrode plate (e.g., the positive electrode). As the separator, polyethylene film, polypropylene film, polyvinylidene fluoride film, or multilayer film comprising two or more layers thereof may be used.

[0157] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate, comprising organic materials, inorganic materials, or combinations thereof.

[0158] Organic materials may include polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0159] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof.

[0160] Organic and inorganic materials may be mixed in a coating, or may be in the form of a coating that includes (or contains) organic materials and a coating that includes (or contains) inorganic materials stacked on top of each other.

[0161] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the claims.

[0162] Explanation of some figure labels

[0163] 100: Secondary battery; 110: Casing

[0164] 120: Terminal assembly; 121: Terminal component

[0165] 122: Terminal insulator; 130: Cover plate

[0166] 131: Cover insulator; 132: Reinforcing material

[0167] 140: Sub-board; 150: Electrode assembly

Claims

1. An integrated terminal, comprising: A terminal assembly includes a terminal member configured to abut a subplate of an electrode assembly electrically connected to a secondary battery and a terminal insulator surrounding the side of the terminal member. as well as An insulator is provided, extending along a through-hole in a cover plate, the cover plate being coupled to a housing that receives the electrode assembly and into which the terminal assembly is inserted, the through-hole being formed in the cover plate. When the terminal assembly is inserted into the through hole, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator are adjacent to each other, and The reinforcing material is inserted into at least one of the terminal insulator and the cover insulator.

2. The integrated terminal according to claim 1, wherein, When the reinforcing material is inserted into the cover insulator, the reinforcing material has a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover insulator.

3. The integrated terminal according to claim 1, wherein, When the reinforcing material is inserted into the terminal insulator, the reinforcing material has a shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal insulator.

4. The integrated terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal component has a blank space therein, and The terminal insulator surrounds the side of the terminal member and fills the empty space within the terminal member.

5. The integrated terminal according to claim 4, wherein, The blank space within the terminal component has a grid shape.

6. The integrated terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal insulator and the cover insulator are joined together by heat fusion or by adhesive.

7. The integrated terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The cover insulator is formed in the cover plate by insert molding.

8. The integrated terminal according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal insulator is formed in the terminal component by insert molding.

9. A secondary battery, comprising: Electrode assembly; Housing that houses the electrode assembly; Terminal assembly, including: Terminal components, adjacent to a sub-plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and Terminal insulator surrounding the side of the terminal member; A cover plate, connected to the housing and having a through hole into which the terminal assembly is inserted; and Cover insulator, extending along the through hole, When the terminal assembly is inserted into the through hole, the terminal insulator and the cover insulator are adjacent to each other, and The reinforcing material is inserted into at least one of the terminal insulator and the cover insulator.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, When the reinforcing material is inserted into the cover insulator, the reinforcing material has a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover insulator.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, When the reinforcing material is inserted into the terminal insulator, the reinforcing material has a shape corresponding to the shape of the terminal insulator.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The terminal component has a blank space therein, and The terminal insulator surrounds the side of the terminal member and fills the empty space within the terminal member.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 12, wherein, The blank space within the terminal component has a grid shape.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The terminal insulator and the cover insulator are joined together by heat fusion or by adhesive.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The terminal assembly includes a first terminal assembly and a second terminal assembly, and The first terminal assembly and the second terminal assembly are located in the cover plate.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The terminal assembly includes a first terminal assembly and a second terminal assembly. The first terminal assembly is located within the cover plate, and The second terminal assembly is located in a cover plate opposite to the cover plate.

17. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: Manufacturing electrode assemblies; Manufacturing a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly including a terminal member configured to abut a subplate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and a terminal insulator surrounding the side of the terminal member; Manufacture a cover plate having a through hole into which the terminal assembly is inserted and including a cover insulator formed along the through hole; as well as The terminal assembly is inserted into the through hole such that the terminal insulator and the cover insulator are adjacent to each other. The manufacturing of the terminal assembly or the cover plate includes inserting reinforcing material into a corresponding one of the terminal insulator or the cover insulator.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The manufacturing of the terminal assembly includes: A blank space is formed within the terminal component; and The terminal insulator is formed to surround the side of the terminal member while filling the empty space within the terminal member.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The formation of the blank space within the terminal component includes forming the blank space within the terminal component into a grid shape.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising bonding the terminal insulator and the cover insulator by heat fusion or adhesive.

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