Secondary battery, method for manufacturing same, and injection hole sealing member for

Abstract

Disclosed are a secondary battery, a method for manufacturing the same, and an injection hole sealing member for the secondary battery. The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode plates; a battery can accommodating the electrode assembly, the battery can having a first surface corresponding to a side portion of the electrode assembly and a second surface corresponding to a surface of one of the plurality of electrode plates of the electrode assembly; and at least one injection hole in the second surface of the battery can.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to a secondary battery and a manufacturing method thereof, and particularly to a secondary battery having a shortened electrolyte impregnation path, a manufacturing method thereof, and an injection hole sealing member for a secondary battery. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged. In general, a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator, and an external member (a battery can or a battery case) that accommodates the electrode assembly. Depending on the formation of the electrode plate and the separator, the electrode assembly can be classified into a jelly-roll type and a stacked type. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly can be referred to as a pole core, and the stacked type electrode assembly can be referred to as a stack. In addition, depending on the material and shape of the external member, the secondary battery can be classified into a pouch type, a cylindrical type, and a prismatic type, etc.

[0003] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the disclosure, and therefore, it can contain information that does not constitute the related (prior) art. SUMMARY

[0004] The embodiments include a secondary battery including an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode plates, a battery can accommodating the electrode assembly, the battery can having a first surface corresponding to a side of the electrode assembly and a second surface corresponding to a surface of one of the plurality of electrode plates of the electrode assembly, and at least one injection hole in the second surface of the battery can.

[0005] The first surface of the battery can can be a narrow surface compared to the second surface, and the second surface of the battery can can be a wide surface compared to the first surface.

[0006] The battery can can include a stainless steel (SUS) material.

[0007] A thickness of at least the second surface of the battery can is in a range from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0008] A diameter of the at least one injection hole can be 50 µm or less.

[0009] The secondary battery can further include an injection hole sealing member including a first adhesive portion adhered to the battery can in an area including the at least one injection hole, the injection hole sealing member sealing the at least one injection hole.

[0010] The injection hole sealing member can further include a first welding portion welded to the battery can in an area surrounding the first adhesive portion.

[0011] The injection hole sealing member can further include a second adhesive portion adhered to the battery can in a region surrounding the first adhesive portion.

[0012] The injection hole sealing member can further include a second welding portion welded to the battery can in a region surrounding the second adhesive portion.

[0013] The first adhesive portion of the injection hole sealing member can include a heat-resistant material, the first adhesive portion having an adhesive surface adhered to the battery can, and the first welding portion of the injection hole sealing member can include a metal material welded to the battery can.

[0014] The first welding portion of the injection hole sealing member can be welded to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

[0015] Embodiments include a method of manufacturing a secondary battery, the method including: providing an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode plates; providing a battery can having a first surface corresponding to a side of the electrode assembly and a second surface corresponding to a surface of one of the plurality of electrode plates of the electrode assembly, and having at least one injection hole formed in the second surface; assembling the electrode assembly with the battery can and injecting an electrolyte through the at least one injection hole; and sealing the at least one injection hole using an injection hole sealing member.

[0016] Sealing the at least one injection hole using the injection hole sealing member can include adhering a first adhesive portion to the battery can in a region including the at least one injection hole, and welding a first welding portion to the battery can in a region surrounding the first adhesive portion.

[0017] Sealing the at least one injection hole using the injection hole sealing member can further include adhering a second adhesive portion to the battery can in a region surrounding the first welding portion.

[0018] Sealing the at least one injection hole using the injection hole sealing member can further include welding a second welding portion to the battery can in a region surrounding the second adhesive portion.

[0019] Welding the first welding portion to the battery can include welding the first welding portion to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

[0020] Embodiments include an injection hole sealing member for a secondary battery, including a first adhesive portion for adhering to a battery can in a region including an injection hole for electrolyte injection in the battery can, a first welding portion for welding to the battery can in a region surrounding the first adhesive portion, and a second adhesive portion for adhering to the battery can in a region surrounding the first welding portion.

[0021] The injection hole sealing member for the secondary battery can further include a second welding portion for being welded to the battery can in a region surrounding the second adhesive portion.

[0022] Each of the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion of the injection hole sealing member can include a heat-resistant material, the injection hole sealing member has an adhesive surface adhered to the battery can, and the first welding portion of the injection hole sealing member can include a metal material welded to the battery can.

[0023] Aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described aspects and features, and other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings in which:

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An electrode assembly of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated;

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a prismatic secondary battery according to one or more embodiments;

[0027] Figure 4 is an exemplary view of a detailed configuration of an electrolyte injection portion according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] Figure 5 A secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0029] Figure 6 A secondary battery according to one or more other embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0030] Figure 7 A use state of an injection hole sealing member for sealing an injection hole is illustrated;

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an external appearance of an injection hole sealing member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of an injection hole sealing member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the injection hole sealing member seals an injection hole;

[0034] Figure 11An injection hole sealing member is applied to each injection hole of a battery can is shown;

[0035] Figure 12 An injection hole sealing member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 13 An injection hole sealing member according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 14 An injection hole sealing member according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 15 is an exemplary view of a secondary battery module in which a secondary battery manufactured according to the present disclosure is disposed;

[0039] Figure 16 is an exemplary view of a secondary battery pack; and

[0040] Figure 17 is a view for describing a vehicle including a secondary battery pack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Example embodiments will now be described below in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they can be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0042] In the drawings, the sizes of layers and regions can be exaggerated for clarity. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers can also be present. Furthermore, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "beneath" another layer, it can be directly beneath the other layer, and one or more intervening layers can also be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers can also be present. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0043] The terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to commonly or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the concept of the inventor's ability to define the terms in the best way with respect to the technical idea of the present disclosure so as to describe his / her own embodiments most appropriately.

[0044] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are only part of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications are possible at the time of filing this application, which can replace or modify one or more embodiments or features described herein.

[0045] It will be understood that if an element or layer is described as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, then it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly linked to that other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is described as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, then no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, if a first element is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second element, then the first element can be directly linked or directly connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly linked or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0046] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals label the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” When expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” follow a list of elements, they modify the entire list of elements, not individual elements in the list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using terms 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,” the term may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximations and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0047] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “below,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element or feature described as “below” or “below” other elements or features may be oriented as “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that if the term "comprising" and variations thereof are used in this specification, the term specifies the presence of the described features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0050] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or referenced herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the referenced range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and inclusive of) the referenced minimum value of 1.0 and the referenced maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit referenced herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and all minimum numerical limits set forth in this specification are intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly set forth any subranges contained within the range expressly set forth herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any amendment to expressly set forth any such subrange will comply with the requirements of the patent rules.

[0051] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the term "substantially identical" can include cases where there is a deviation considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Additionally, if a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

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

[0053] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that the other element can be located between the element and any element located above (or below) the element.

[0054] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “linked,” “connected,” or “attached” to another component, then these components can be directly “linked,” “attached,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” these components.

[0055] Throughout the instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, if "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when "C to D" is stated, it means C and below D.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 1 and Figure 2The electrode assembly of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown schematically. Figure 1 A wound electrode assembly is shown, and Figure 2 A stacked electrode assembly is shown.

[0058] refer to Figure 1 The electrode assembly 10 can be formed by winding or stacking a stack of the first electrode plate 11, the diaphragm 12, and the second electrode plate 13 (each of which is formed as a thin plate or sheet). The electrode assembly 10 can be as follows: Figure 1 The winding type shown in the figure or as Figure 2 The electrode assembly 10 is shown as a stacked type, but its shape can vary. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 10 can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates are inserted into opposite sides (e.g., opposite sides) of a separator, and the separator is then bent (or folded) into a Z-stack. Furthermore, one or more electrode assemblies can be stacked (e.g., arranged or aligned) such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed within a housing (e.g., a battery canister), and the number of electrode assemblies within the housing can vary. The first electrode plate 11 of the electrode assembly can serve as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 13 can serve as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0059] The first electrode plate 11 can be formed by applying (e.g., coating or depositing) a first electrode active material (e.g., graphite or carbon) onto a first electrode substrate formed of a metal foil (e.g., copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy). The first electrode plate 11 may include a first electrode tab 14 (e.g., a first uncoated portion) as a region where no first electrode active material is applied. The first electrode tab 14 can be connected to an external first terminal 24 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate 11, the first electrode tab 14 may be formed by being pre-cut to protrude to one side of the electrode assembly 10 (or from one side of the electrode assembly 10), or the first electrode tab 14 may protrude beyond the diaphragm 12 to one side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., further or beyond the diaphragm 12) without being cut separately.

[0060] The second electrode plate 13 can be formed by applying (e.g., coating or depositing) a second electrode active material (e.g., a transition metal oxide) onto a second electrode substrate formed of a metal foil (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The second electrode plate 13 may include second electrode tabs 15 (e.g., second uncoated portions) representing areas where no second electrode active material is applied. The second electrode tabs 15 can be connected to an external second terminal 26 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3In some embodiments, when manufacturing the second electrode plate 13, the second electrode tab 15 may be formed by being pre-cut to protrude to the other side (e.g., opposite side) of the electrode assembly 10, or the second electrode tab 15 may protrude to the other side of the electrode assembly beyond the diaphragm 12 (e.g., further or beyond the diaphragm 12) without being cut separately.

[0061] The diaphragm 12 prevents short circuits between the first electrode plate 11 and the second electrode plate 13 while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The diaphragm 12 can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0062] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed together with the electrolyte in a casing. In a pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed in a pouch made of a flexible material. In a cylindrical or prismatic secondary battery, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can or casing.

[0063] In the following, suitable materials that can be used in secondary batteries according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples of it can include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0066] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following 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); Lia 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); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0067] In the above formula: A is Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements 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; and L1 is Mn, Al or a combination thereof.

[0068] The positive electrode of a lithium secondary battery may include a substrate and a positive electrode active material layer formed on (e.g., applied to) the substrate. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0069] 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 each in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%.

[0070] The substrate may be an aluminum (Al) foil, but the material of the substrate may be changed.

[0071] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of doping with lithium and without doping with lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0072] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material that may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, and sintered coke, etc.

[0073] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as a material capable of doping with lithium and without doping with lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite material, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2, for example SiO2), a silicon-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The silicon-carbon composite material may be a composite material of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one or more embodiments, the silicon-carbon composite material may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0075] The silicon-carbon composite material may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite material may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0076] The negative electrode of the lithium secondary battery may include a substrate and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the substrate. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0077] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0078] A non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof may be used as the binder. When an aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included.

[0079] As the negative electrode substrate, one can be selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, polymer substrate coated with conductive metal, and combinations thereof.

[0080] Electrolytes used in lithium secondary batteries may include non-aqueous organic solvents and lithium salts.

[0081] Non-aqueous organic solvents act as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reactions of the battery can move.

[0082] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, and aprotic solvents, and can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0083] In addition, when using carbonate solvents, a mixture of cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be used.

[0084] 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 separators, polypropylene separators, polyvinylidene fluoride separators, or multilayer separators comprising two or more of these layers may be used.

[0085] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating of organic material, inorganic material or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0086] Organic materials may include polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0087] 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.

[0088] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a coating, or they can 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.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a prismatic secondary battery according to one or more embodiments. Although the secondary battery of this disclosure... Figure 3 The description refers to a prismatic secondary battery, but the secondary battery of this disclosure can have various shapes, not limited to prismatic.

[0090] The battery canister shown here is essentially rectangular and includes an electrode assembly (see [link to battery canister]) that is built-in (e.g., housed within the battery canister).Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery can has a first surface 22 corresponding to the side portion of the electrode assembly and a second surface 29 corresponding to the surface of the electrode plates of the electrode assembly (e.g., the surface of one of the multiple electrode plates of the electrode assembly). The battery can may further include an upper surface 23 corresponding to the upper portion of the electrode assembly. Figure 3 In this design, the first surface 22 consists of two relatively narrow surfaces that are opposite to each other, and the second surface 29 consists of two relatively wide surfaces that are opposite to each other. That is, the first surface 22 of the battery can is narrower than the second surface 29, and the second surface 29 is wider than the first surface 22. Additionally, the surface opposite to the upper surface 23 is the lower surface.

[0091] The first terminal 24 and the second terminal 26 located on the upper surface 23 of the battery can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10 housed inside the battery canister (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first electrode terminal 14 and the second electrode terminal 15. Additionally, although not shown, an exhaust port that opens due to gas generated inside the battery and allows gas to escape can be formed at any location in the battery canister.

[0092] According to some embodiments, one of the second surfaces 29 that are opposite to each other can be manufactured separately from the other surfaces (that is, the first surface 22, the upper surface 23, and the lower surface) and covered and bonded after the electrode assembly is assembled. However, other steps are also possible.

[0093] An electrolyte injection section 28 is formed on the upper surface 23 of the battery can. After the electrode assembly is housed in the battery can, electrolyte can be injected through the electrolyte injection section 28. After electrolyte injection, subsequent processes such as aging and pre-charging can be performed.

[0094] In the following text, Figure 3 The orientation of the secondary battery shown is defined as "upright state," meaning it is upright such that the exposed first terminal 24 and second terminal 26 are positioned facing upwards (in the direction shown). Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown in the accompanying drawings, the wide second surface 29 is set in an upward-facing posture, which is defined as a "flat state".

[0095] Figure 4 This is an exemplary view showing the detailed construction of the electrolyte injection section. According to this example, the electrolyte injection section may consist of an injection hole 25 formed by perforating the upper surface 23 of the battery can for electrolyte injection, a sealing member 27 blocking the injection hole 25, and a sealing plug welded to the can to ultimately seal the injection hole 25.

[0096] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, when the electrolyte is injected through the electrolyte injection section in the upright state of the secondary battery, the immersion path from the upper surface 23 to the lower surface (the path through which the electrolyte moves and permeates between the electrode plates inside the electrode assembly) is long, and therefore the immersion time of the electrode assembly may increase, and complete immersion of the electrode plates may become difficult.

[0097] Figure 5 A secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As described above, the battery canister is in a horizontal position.

[0098] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the injection hole 30 may be formed in a second surface 29 corresponding to the surface of the electrode plate of the electrode assembly housed in the battery can. When electrolyte is injected through the injection hole 30 in this manner while the battery can is lying flat, the electrolyte immersion path can be greatly reduced to the short width of the first surface 22, thereby shortening the immersion time of the electrode plate of the electrode assembly and improving the immersion performance.

[0099] Figure 6 A secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and it is shown that three [cells] are formed therein. Figure 5 An example of injection hole 30 is shown. In this case, since the electrolyte can be injected at multiple locations, the immersion time of the electrode plates of the electrode assembly can be further shortened, and the immersion performance can be further improved. Figure 6 An example in which three injection holes 30 are formed is shown, but the number of injection holes can be varied.

[0100] In some implementations, the battery may be formed from metals such as stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, aluminum alloys, or nickel-plated steel.

[0101] In some embodiments, the thickness of each surface forming the battery can may be approximately 0.1 mm, but the thickness can vary. For example, the thickness of at least the second surface of the battery can may range from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. For example, the thickness of the second surface 29 may be approximately 0.1 mm, and other surfaces may be thicker than the second surface 29.

[0102] In some embodiments, the diameter of the injection orifice 30 may be less than approximately 50 μm, but preferably, it may be less than approximately 20 μm. The diameter of the injection orifice 30 is related to the number of injection orifices. For example, in Figure 6 In this case, the diameter of each injection hole 30 can be smaller than Figure 5 The diameter of the injection hole 30 under the condition.

[0103] Figure 7The image shows the usage condition of the injection hole sealing member used to seal the injection hole;

[0104] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may further include an injection port sealing member 32. For example... Figure 7 As shown, because the injection hole 30 has a relatively small diameter, the injection hole sealing member 32 can be manufactured in the form of an adhesive tape. However, the injection hole sealing member 32 is manufactured to completely prevent leakage of electrolyte and gas inside the battery can.

[0105] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The construction of the injection hole sealing member 32 according to some embodiments is shown, wherein Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the exterior, and Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view.

[0106] In this embodiment, the injection port sealing member 32 can be manufactured in the shape of a generally circular sheet and may include a first adhesive portion 34 that adheres to the battery can in the region including the injection port 30. The first adhesive portion 34 can be easily adhered to the battery can by an adhesive layer 42 formed on the surface facing the battery can. The injection port 30 can be sealed for the first time by the first adhesive portion 34. The first adhesive portion 34 may be formed of a heat-resistant material. The first adhesive portion 34 may have an adhesive surface for adhering to the battery can.

[0107] The injection port sealing member 32 may further include a first welded portion 36 welded to the battery can in the region surrounding the first adhesive portion 34 to further improve the sealing performance of the injection port 30. The first welded portion 36 may be formed of a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum) that can be welded to the battery can. The first welded portion 36 may be welded to the battery can using an ultrasonic welding machine, but the welding method may be varied. For example, the first welded portion 36 may be welded using laser welding or another welding method. Welding the first welded portion 36 can further improve the sealing performance of the injection port 30 (secondary sealing).

[0108] The injection port sealing member 32 may further include a second adhesive portion 38 bonded to the battery can in the region surrounding the first welded portion 36 to further improve the sealing performance of the injection port 30. The second adhesive portion 38 can be easily adhered to the battery can by an adhesive layer 40 formed on the surface facing the battery can. The injection port 30 may be sealed a third time by the second adhesive portion 38. The second adhesive portion 38 may be formed of a heat-resistant material. Each of the first adhesive portion 34 and the second adhesive portion 38 of the injection port sealing member 32 may include a heat-resistant material.

[0109] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the injection hole 30 is sealed by adhering and welding the injection hole sealing member 32 to the second surface 29 of the battery can.

[0110] The first adhesive portion 34 is adhered to the second surface 29 of the battery can via the adhesive layer 42 to block the injection hole 30 and perform a first seal, and the area surrounding the injection hole 30 is welded via the first weld portion 36 to perform a second seal by means of the weld layer 44 formed on the second surface 29 of the battery can. Additionally, the second adhesive portion 38 is adhered to the second surface 29 of the battery can via the adhesive layer 40 to block the injection hole 30 and perform a third seal.

[0111] Figure 11 The injection port sealing member 32 is shown to be applied to, for example Figure 6 An example of each injection hole 30 of a battery can having three injection holes 30 formed therein is shown.

[0112] Figure 12 An injection port sealing member according to one or more other embodiments of this disclosure is shown. In addition to... Figure 8 In addition to the multiple portions of the injection port sealing member 32 shown, a second welded portion 46 is included in the region surrounding the second adhesive portion 38 to further improve the sealing performance of the injection port 30. The second welded portion 46 can be formed of a material that can be welded to the battery canister (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum). The second welded portion 46 can be welded to the battery canister using an ultrasonic welding machine, but the first welded portion 36 can be welded using laser welding or another welding method. The sealing performance of the injection port 30 can be further improved by welding the second welded portion 46 (fourth seal).

[0113] Figure 13 An injection hole sealing member according to yet another embodiment of this disclosure is shown. (and) Figure 8 Unlike the circular injection hole sealing member 32 shown, the first welded portion 36' is formed into a triangle, and therefore the first adhesive portion 34 inside the boundary line of the triangle also has a triangular shape.

[0114] Figure 14 An injection hole sealing member according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The second welded portion 46' is... Figure 13 The injection hole sealing member 32 shown is formed into a triangle, and therefore the second adhesive portion 38 inside the boundary line of the triangle also has a triangular shape.

[0115] Injection hole sealing components can have, in addition to Figure 13 and Figure 14Shapes other than the triangle shown. For example, the injection port sealing member can be manufactured in a quadrilateral shape, a pentagonal shape, or any other shape.

[0116] A method for manufacturing the above-described secondary battery according to this disclosure will be described.

[0117] A method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes: providing an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode plates; providing a battery can including a first surface corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) a side portion of the electrode assembly and a second surface corresponding to the surface of the electrode plates of the electrode assembly and at least one injection hole formed in the second surface; assembling the electrode assembly with the battery can and injecting electrolyte through the injection hole; and sealing the injection hole using an injection hole sealing member.

[0118] In some embodiments, sealing the injection port using the injection port sealing member may include: adhering a first adhesive portion to the battery can in the region including the injection port; and welding a first weld portion to the battery can in the region surrounding the first adhesive portion. The first weld portion may be welded to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

[0119] In some embodiments, sealing the injection hole with an injection hole sealing member may further include adhering a second adhesive portion to the battery can in the area surrounding the first welded portion.

[0120] In some embodiments, sealing the injection hole with an injection hole sealing member may further include welding the second weld portion to the battery can in the area surrounding the second adhesive portion. The second weld portion may be welded to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

[0121] Figure 15 This is an exemplary view of a secondary battery module in which secondary batteries manufactured using embodiments of the present disclosure are arranged, and the aforementioned injection holes are formed in the secondary batteries. For high-capacity secondary batteries used to power electric vehicles, etc., a secondary battery module is manufactured by arranging and connecting multiple secondary battery cells in the lateral and / or longitudinal directions. Multiple secondary batteries can be arranged in a space defined by a pair of facing end plates 68a and 68b and a pair of facing side plates 69a and 69b. The arrangement of the secondary batteries can be designed with an arrangement direction and number to obtain desired voltage and current specifications.

[0122] Figure 16 It was formed into Figure 15 The diagram shows an exemplary view of a secondary battery pack 70 used in an actual product (e.g., a vehicle). The battery pack 70 may include a component with individual batteries electrically connected to it and a battery pack housing housing the components. Figure 16For ease of explanation, components including busbars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrically connecting the battery have been omitted.

[0123] The secondary battery pack can be installed on (or inside) the vehicle. The vehicle can be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle can be a four-wheeled or two-wheeled vehicle, but other forms are also possible. Figure 17 The illustration shows a vehicle that includes a battery pack 70 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure on its lower body. The vehicle V can operate by receiving electricity from the battery pack 70 (e.g., it can be powered by the battery pack 70).

[0124] This disclosure relates to providing a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the same, which improves the secondary battery so that the electrolyte injected into the secondary battery can quickly reach the electrode assembly and be uniformly impregnated between the electrode plates.

[0125] According to the secondary battery disclosed herein, it is possible to shorten the impregnation path of the electrolyte injected into the secondary battery tank, so that the electrolyte can quickly reach the electrode assembly and can be uniformly impregnated between the electrode plates.

[0126] In addition, since the injection hole sealing component can perform the sealing of the injection hole in multiple stages, the sealing performance can be significantly improved.

[0127] Although this disclosure has been described above with respect to its embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations within the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0128] Thus far, exemplary embodiments have been disclosed. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used in a general and descriptive sense only, and is not intended to be limiting. In some cases, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode plates; a battery can accommodating the electrode assembly, the battery can having a first surface corresponding to a side of the electrode assembly and a second surface corresponding to a surface of one of the plurality of electrode plates of the electrode assembly; and at least one injection hole in the second surface of the battery can. 2.The secondary battery of claim 1, wherein: the first surface of the battery can is a narrow surface compared to the second surface, and the second surface of the battery can is a wide surface compared to the first surface. The battery can includes a stainless steel (SUS) material.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein A thickness of at least the second surface of the battery can is in a range from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein A diameter of the at least one injection hole is 50 µm or less.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein An injection hole sealing member including a first adhesive portion adhered to the battery can in a region including the at least one injection hole, the injection hole sealing member sealing the at least one injection hole.

6. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: The injection hole sealing member further includes a first welded portion welded to the battery can in a region surrounding the first adhesive portion.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein The injection hole sealing member further includes a second adhesive portion adhered to the battery can in a region surrounding the first welded portion.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein The injection hole sealing member further includes a second welded portion welded to the battery can in a region surrounding the second adhesive portion.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein 10.The secondary battery of claim 7, wherein: the first adhesive portion of the injection hole sealing member includes a heat-resistant material, the first adhesive portion having an adhesive surface adhered to the battery can, and the first welded portion of the injection hole sealing member includes a metal material welded to the battery can. The first welded portion of the injection hole sealing member is welded to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein 12.A method of manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: providing an electrode assembly including a plurality of electrode plates; providing a battery can having a first surface corresponding to a side of the electrode assembly and a second surface corresponding to a surface of one of the plurality of electrode plates of the electrode assembly, and having at least one injection hole formed in the second surface; assembling the electrode assembly with the battery can and injecting an electrolyte through the at least one injection hole; and sealing the at least one injection hole using an injection hole sealing member. Sealing the at least one injection hole using the injection hole sealing member includes: adhering a first adhesive portion to the battery can in a region including the at least one injection hole; and 13. The method of claim 12, wherein, welding a first welded portion to the battery can in a region surrounding the first adhesive portion. Sealing the at least one injection hole using the injection hole sealing member further includes adhering a second adhesive portion to the battery can in a region surrounding the first welded portion. Sealing the at least one injection hole using the injection hole sealing member further includes welding a second welded portion to the battery can in a region surrounding the second adhesive portion.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, ​ 15. The method of claim 14, wherein, ​ 16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, wherein, welding the first welding portion to the battery can includes welding the first welding portion to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

17. An injection hole sealing member for a secondary battery, comprising: a first adhesive portion for being adhered to a battery can in a region including an injection hole for electrolyte injection in the battery can; a first welding portion for being welded to the battery can in a region surrounding the first adhesive portion; and a second adhesive portion for being adhered to the battery can in a region surrounding the first welding portion.

18. The injection hole sealing member for a secondary battery according to claim 17, further comprising: a second welding portion for being welded to the battery can in a region surrounding the second adhesive portion.

19. The injection hole sealing member for a secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein Each of the first adhesive portion and the second adhesive portion of the injection hole sealing member includes a heat-resistant material, the injection hole sealing member has an adhesive surface adhered to the battery can, and the first welding portion of the injection hole sealing member includes a metal material welded to the battery can.

20. The injection hole sealing member for a secondary battery according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the first welding portion is welded to the battery can by ultrasonic welding.

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