Secondary battery and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A secondary battery and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A secondary battery includes: a case; an electrode assembly in the case; the cover plate is used for sealing the shell; a tab member connected to the electrode assembly, the tab member extending from the electrode assembly toward the cap plate; a terminal body coupled to the cap plate, the terminal body facing the tab member; a guide plate extending from the terminal body, the guide plate being disposed in the tab member; and a connection member provided in the terminal body, the connection member being connected to the tab member. According to the present disclosure, a first tab and a second tab included in a single tab member can be bent in opposite directions to prevent welding omission of portions of the tab member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, due to the recent surge in battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density and high capacity has increased rapidly. Therefore, research and development to improve the performance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries is actively underway.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The positive and negative electrodes include active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions, and the lithium secondary battery generates energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are inserted / deintercalated at the positive and negative electrodes.

[0004] The information disclosed above in the art that forms the background of this disclosure is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various embodiments include a secondary battery comprising: a housing; an electrode assembly within the housing; a cover sealing the housing; a terminal piece connected to the electrode assembly and extending from the electrode assembly toward the cover; a terminal body coupled to the cover and facing the terminal piece; a guide plate extending from the terminal body and disposed within the terminal piece; and a connecting member disposed within the terminal body and connected to the terminal piece.

[0006] The connector component may include one or more first connectors extending from the electrode assembly in a first direction and one or more second connectors extending from the electrode assembly in the first direction, the first connectors and the second connectors may face each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the guide plate may be disposed between the first connectors and the second connectors.

[0007] The guide plate can extend along a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction.

[0008] The connector component may further include: a first bent portion at the end portion of the first connector and bent toward the second connector; and a second bent portion at the end portion of the second connector, the second bent portion bending toward the first connector.

[0009] The first bent portion and the second bent portion may be disposed between the terminal body and the guide plate.

[0010] The end portions of the first curved portion and the end portions of the second curved portion may face each other along the second direction.

[0011] The connecting member may include: a connecting plate, inserted into an insertion hole passing through the terminal body along the first direction, the connecting plate being connected to the terminal piece member; and a connecting boss, which can be inserted into the insertion hole, the connecting boss being connected to the connecting plate and the terminal body.

[0012] The connecting boss may include: a first boss, including a first boss surface that contacts the connecting plate; and a second boss extending from the first boss, the second boss including a second boss surface exposed to the outside of the terminal body.

[0013] The terminal body may include a terminal surface outside the cover plate and perpendicular to the first direction, and the second boss surface and the terminal surface may be on the same plane.

[0014] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second boss can be increased toward the surface of the second boss.

[0015] The connecting member may further include a first welded portion extending from the connecting plate toward the terminal block member.

[0016] The first end portion of the first welded part may be disposed in the connecting plate, and the second end portion of the first welded part may be disposed in the guide plate.

[0017] The connecting member may further include a second welded portion between the terminal body and the connecting boss.

[0018] The connecting member may further include a guide rod extending from the connecting plate along the first direction, the guide rod being inserted into the connecting boss.

[0019] The connecting member may further include a guide welding portion between the connecting boss and the guide rod.

[0020] Various embodiments include a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: disposing a terminal body on a terminal piece component, the terminal piece component including a first terminal piece and a second terminal piece; disposing a guide plate in the terminal piece component; connecting the terminal piece component and a connecting plate; and connecting the terminal body, the connecting plate, and a connecting boss.

[0021] Assigning the guide plate to the connector assembly may include: inserting the guide plate between the first connector and the second connector; bending the first connector toward the second connector to form a first bent portion; and bending the second connector toward the first connector to form a second bent portion.

[0022] Connecting the terminal block component and the connecting plate may include: inserting the connecting plate into an insertion hole passing through the terminal body; bringing the connecting plate into contact with the terminal block component; and forming a first weld portion from the connecting plate toward the terminal block component.

[0023] When the first welded portion is formed from the connecting plate toward the terminal piece, the first end portion and the second end portion of the first welded portion are respectively disposed in the connecting plate and the guide plate.

[0024] Connecting the terminal body, the connecting plate, and the connecting boss may include: inserting the connecting boss into the insertion hole; making the connecting boss contact the connecting plate; and forming a second welded portion between the terminal body and the connecting boss.

[0025] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure, or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Each feature will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings; wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a view that schematically illustrates the configuration of an electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the terminal body, guide plate, and connecting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of the terminal body, guide plate, and connecting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is an exploded view schematically illustrating the configuration of the terminal body, guide plate, and connecting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of connecting members according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating, schematically, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of steps for setting guide plates in a connector component;

[0037] Figures 11 to 14 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of setting a guide plate in a connector component;

[0038] Figure 15 This is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of connecting the terminal block components and the connecting plate;

[0039] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of connecting the terminal block components and the connecting plate;

[0040] Figure 18 It is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of connecting terminal body, connecting plate, and connecting boss; and

[0041] Figure 19 and Figure 20 It is a schematic view illustrating the manufacturing process of the connecting terminal body, connecting plate, and connecting boss. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the one or more embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of layers and regions may be enlarged. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there may be intermediate layers. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "below" another layer, it may be directly below, and one or more intermediate layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediate layers may be present. The same reference numerals always indicate the same elements.

[0044] The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their common or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is his / her own lexicographer capable of defining the terms and concepts appropriately.

[0045] The one or more embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0046] It should be understood that when a component or layer is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or attached to the other component or layer, or one or more intermediate components or layers may be present. When a component or layer is described as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another component or layer, no intermediate components or layers are present. For example, when a first component is described as being "attached" or "connected" to a second component, the first component can be directly attached to or connected to the second component, or the first component can be indirectly attached to or connected to the second component via one or more intermediate components.

[0047] The same reference numerals indicate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, 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 of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements before / after the list of elements, but not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or 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 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 terms “use” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “exploit” and “be exploited,” respectively. 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.

[0048] 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, or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or segment from another. 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.

[0049] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above,” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover 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 “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form “a” as used herein is intended to include the plural form as well. It will be further understood that the term “comprising” as used in this specification indicates the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or set forth herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the set forth range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0, i.e., minimum values ​​equal to or greater than 1.0 and maximum values ​​equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit set forth herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained herein, and any minimum numerical limit set forth in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained herein. Therefore, 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.

[0052] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the phrase "substantially identical" can include situations in the art where the deviation is considered low, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a parameter is described as uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0053] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0054] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or positioned or placed) "above (or below)" or "on top (or below)" of a component, it may mean that the element may be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be located between the component and the element arranged (or positioned or placed) on (or below) the component.

[0055] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another element, these elements may be directly "connected," "linked," or "attached" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediary elements between them, allowing the element to be "connected," "linked," or "attached" to the other element through one or more intermediary elements. Additionally, when a part is referred to as "electrically connected" to another part, that part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediary parts between them, allowing the part and the other part to be indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0056] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is used, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C to D” is used, it means C and below D.

[0057] The terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] In the following description, a prismatic battery as an example of a lithium-ion secondary battery will be used. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the secondary battery may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0060] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The secondary battery according to this embodiment includes a housing 100, an electrode assembly 200, a cover plate 300, a terminal piece 400, a terminal body 500, a guide plate 600, and a connecting member 700.

[0061] The housing 100 can form the general exterior of the secondary battery and house the electrode assembly 200 therein.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments, the housing 100 may include a bottom portion 110, a front surface portion 120, a rear surface portion 130, a first side surface portion 140, and a second side surface portion 150.

[0063] The bottom portion 110 may (in the orientation shown) form the exterior of the lower side of the housing 100. According to one or more embodiments, the bottom portion 110 may have a rectangular plate shape.

[0064] The front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150 can form the periphery of the housing 100.

[0065] According to one or more embodiments, the front surface portion 120, rear surface portion 130, first side surface portion 140, and second side surface portion 150 may have a plate shape extending upward (e.g., away from) the edge of the bottom portion 110. The front surface portion 120, rear surface portion 130, first side surface portion 140, and second side surface portion 150 may be configured to cover the space above the bottom portion 110.

[0066] The front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 can be arranged parallel to each other. The areas of the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 can be the same.

[0067] The first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may be arranged parallel to each other. The areas of the first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may be the same. The areas (e.g., surface areas) of the first side surface portion 140 and the second side surface portion 150 may be smaller than the areas of the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130.

[0068] Therefore, the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150 according to one or more embodiments can be configured to form a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0069] The housing 100 may further include an opening 160. According to one or more embodiments, the opening 160 may refer to the space surrounded by the upper portions (in the shown orientation) of the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150. The opening 160 may interconnect the internal and external spaces of the housing 100.

[0070] Therefore, the housing 100 according to one or more embodiments may have a cuboid shape with an open upper side.

[0071] The first direction described below is based on Figures 1 to 3 This can refer to the direction parallel to the Z-axis and the direction from the bottom portion 110 towards the opening 160. The second direction is based on... Figures 1 to 3 This can refer to a direction parallel to the X-axis and a direction from the front surface portion 120 toward the rear surface portion 130. The third direction can be based on... Figures 1 to 3 This refers to the direction parallel to the Y-axis and the direction from the first side surface portion 140 toward the second side surface portion 150.

[0072] The electrode assembly 200 can be used as a unit structure for performing charging and discharging operations of electricity in a secondary battery. The electrode assembly 200 can be housed inside the housing 100.

[0073] Figure 4This is a view that schematically illustrates the configuration of an electrode assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] refer to Figures 1 to 4 An electrode assembly 200 according to one or more embodiments may include a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, and a diaphragm 230 disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 230. Multiple first electrodes 210, diaphragms 230, and second electrodes 220 may be provided.

[0075] In the following description, the electrode assembly 200 will be described as having a stacked form in which a plurality of first electrodes 210, diaphragms 230 and second electrodes 220 are stacked sequentially along a second direction. However, it may also have a form in which, for example, the first electrodes 210, diaphragms 230 and second electrodes 220 are stacked and wound around a winding axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0076] The first electrode 210 can be used as either a positive or negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200. An example of the first electrode 210 being a positive electrode of the electrode assembly 200 will be described below. However, the first electrode 210 can also be used as a negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200.

[0077] According to one or more embodiments, the first electrode 210 can be formed in the shape of a foil containing a metallic material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The type, size, shape, etc., of the first electrode 210 can vary, as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. The cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 210 can be designed to have, in addition to... Figure 4 Various shapes other than the rectangular shape shown.

[0078] Multiple first electrodes 210 may be provided. The multiple first electrodes 210 may be arranged along a second direction (e.g., along the negative X-axis direction) between the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 of the housing 100. The number of first electrodes 210 may be designed in various ways according to the charging capacity of the secondary battery, etc.

[0079] The first active material layer 211 may be applied to at least a portion of the first electrode 210. The first active material layer 211 may be applied to both surfaces of the first electrode 210, or alternatively, it may be applied to only one surface of the first electrode 210.

[0080] Since the first electrode 210 is used as a positive electrode in one or more embodiments, the first active material layer 211 may include a positive electrode active material.

[0081] The positive electrode active material may be a compound capable of reversibly inserting and extracting lithium (lithiated insertion compound). More specifically, a composite oxide of lithium and one or more types of metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and combinations thereof may be used.

[0082] For example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), or lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNixCoyMnzO2, NCM). Here, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 can be satisfied. The positive electrode active material may include only one of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNixCoyMnzO2, NCM), or may include two or all of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNixCoyMnzO2, NCM).

[0083] The first active material layer 211 may further include a positive electrode conductive material.

[0084] The positive electrode conductive material is used to impart conductivity to the first active material layer 211, and any material that does not cause a chemical change and is conductive can be used. Examples of the positive electrode conductive material may include carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon nanotube; metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0085] The first active material layer 211 may further include a positive electrode binder.

[0086] The positive electrode binder is used to well attach the particles constituting the positive electrode active material to each other and also well attach the positive electrode active material to the first electrode 210.

[0087] Examples of the positive electrode binder may include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0088] The non-aqueous binder may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamideimide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0089] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0090] When using an aqueous binder as the positive electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more types selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. Na, K, or Li may be used as the alkali metal.

[0091] Dry adhesives are fibrous polymeric materials and can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0092] The first electrode 210 may include a first uncoated portion 212 thereon from which the first active material layer 211 is not applied. According to one or more embodiments, the first uncoated portion 212 may be disposed in the upper region of the first electrode 210 that is positioned in the housing 100 facing the opening 160. However, the first uncoated portion 212 may be formed over the entire edge region of the first electrode 210.

[0093] The second electrode 220 can be used as another of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 200. In the following description, the second electrode 220 will be used as an example of the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200. However, the second electrode 220 can also be used as the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 200.

[0094] Multiple second electrodes 220 may be provided. These multiple second electrodes 220 may be arranged along a second direction between the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 of the housing 100. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 may be alternately arranged along the second direction. The second electrode 220 may be spaced apart from the first electrode 210 along the second direction by a predetermined interval.

[0095] The second electrode 220 according to one or more embodiments can be formed in the shape of a foil containing a metallic material such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The type, size, shape, etc., of the second electrode 220 can vary, as long as it is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. The cross-sectional shape of the second electrode 220 can be designed to have, in addition to... Figure 4 Various shapes other than the rectangular shape shown.

[0096] The second active material layer 221 may be coated on at least a part of the second electrode 220. The second active material layer 221 may be coated on both surfaces of the second electrode 220, or alternatively, may be coated only on one surface of the second electrode 220.

[0097] Since the second electrode 220 serves as a negative electrode in one or more embodiments, the second active material layer 221 may include a negative electrode active material.

[0098] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium and a metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0099] The material capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions may include a carbon-based negative electrode active material, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may be graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite in amorphous, plate-like, sheet-like, spherical, or fibrous form, and examples of amorphous carbon may be soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0100] An alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn may be used as the alloy of lithium and a metal.

[0101] 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-Q alloy (Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements (excluding Si), Group 15 elements, Group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material may be Sn, SnO x (0 < x ≤ 2, such as SnO2), a Sn-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0102] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one or more embodiments, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles whose surfaces are coated with amorphous carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include secondary particles (cores) in which silicon primary particles are assembled and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) on the surface of the secondary particles. Amorphous carbon may also be located between the silicon primary particles, such as the silicon primary particles may be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0103] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0104] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used in combination with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0105] The second active material layer 221 may further include a negative electrode conductive material and a negative electrode binder.

[0106] The negative electrode conductive material is used to impart conductivity to the second active material layer 221, and any material that does not cause chemical change and is conductive can be used. Examples of negative electrode conductive materials may include carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, etc.; metallic materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0107] The negative electrode binder is used to attach the particles constituting the negative electrode active material to each other in a good manner, and also to attach the negative electrode active material to the second electrode 220 in a good manner.

[0108] Examples of negative electrode adhesives may include non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0109] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0110] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0111] When using an aqueous binder as the negative electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more types selected from carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts may be used in combination. Na, K, or Li may be used as the alkali metal.

[0112] Dry adhesives are fibrous polymeric materials and can be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0113] The second electrode 220 may include a second uncoated portion 222 thereon from which the second active material layer 221 is not applied. According to one or more embodiments, the second uncoated portion 222 may be disposed in the upper region of the second electrode 220 that is positioned in the housing 100 facing the opening 160. However, the form of the second uncoated portion 222 may vary, and the second uncoated portion 222 may be formed over the entire edge region of the second electrode 220.

[0114] A diaphragm 230 may be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. The diaphragm 230 may perform the function of preventing short circuits between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 while allowing lithium ions to move between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

[0115] The diaphragm 230 can be configured to completely cover the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly 200. Therefore, the diaphragm 230 can prevent the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 from being directly exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 200.

[0116] As the separator 230, a multilayer membrane of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or two or more layers thereof can be used, and a mixed multilayer membrane such as a polyethylene / polypropylene double-layer separator, a polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene triple-layer separator or a polypropylene / polypropylene / polypropylene triple-layer separator can be used.

[0117] The diaphragm 230 may include a porous matrix and a coating comprising organic material, inorganic material or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous matrix.

[0118] The porous matrix can be a polymer film formed from one or more copolymers or mixtures of a polymer selected from polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryl etherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, Teflon and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0119] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylic polymers.

[0120] Inorganic materials may include 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, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0121] Organic and inorganic materials can exist as a mixture in a coating, or as a coating containing organic materials and a coating containing inorganic materials stacked together.

[0122] The cover plate 300 can be connected to the housing 100 and seal the housing 100.

[0123] According to one or more embodiments, the cover plate 300 can be formed to have a flat plate shape. The cover plate 300 can be disposed in the opening 160 of the housing 100. The cover plate 300 can be configured to face the electrode assembly 200 along a first direction. That is, the cover plate 300 can be disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction (Z-axis direction). The cover plate 300 can be disposed parallel to the bottom portion 110 of the housing 100.

[0124] The cover plate 300 can be (in the orientation shown) mounted on the upper portion of the housing 100, more specifically, on the upper portions of the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side surface portion 140, and the second side surface portion 150. The cover plate 300 can be attached to the housing 100 by various types of connection methods such as welding, bolting, assembly, etc.

[0125] The cover plate 300 may include a first cover surface 301 and a second cover surface 302 that are opposite to each other.

[0126] The first cover surface 301 and the second cover surface 302 of the cover plate 300 (see...) Figure 3 The first cover surface 301 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other along a first direction. The first cover surface 301 can be configured to face the electrode assembly 200.

[0127] The first cover surface 301 can be exemplified as the lower surface of the cover plate 300 that is configured to face the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200, from which the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 protrude.

[0128] The second cover surface 302 can be configured as a space facing the outside of the housing 100. The second cover surface 302 can be exemplified as the upper surface of the cover plate 300 that is configured opposite to the first cover surface 301.

[0129] According to one or more embodiments, an exhaust port 310 and an exhaust element 320 may be formed in the cover plate 300.

[0130] According to one or more embodiments, the vent 310 can be formed in the shape of a hole having a first cover surface 301 and a second cover surface 302 that pass vertically through the cover plate 300 along a first direction. The vent 310 can be used as a path to provide a way for flames, gases, smoke, etc., formed in the housing 100 to be discharged to the outside of the housing 100 in the event of thermal runaway of the secondary battery due to overcurrent or the like. The cross-sectional shape of the vent 310 can be designed to have various shapes such as elliptical, circular, polygonal, etc.

[0131] The vent 320 can be installed in the vent 310 and opens and closes in response to changes in the internal pressure of the housing 100. That is, when the secondary battery is operating normally, the vent 320 can prevent electrolytes or other substances from leaking out of the housing 100 or prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering the housing 100 by closing the vent 310. In the event of thermal runaway of the secondary battery, the vent 320 can open the vent 310 to release flames, gases, smoke, etc., formed in the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0132] According to one or more embodiments, the exhaust member 320 can be formed to have a generally plate-like shape. The exhaust member 320 can be fixed to the cover plate 300 by various types of connection methods such as welding, bolting, assembly, etc. The exhaust member 320 can be disposed in the exhaust hole 310, or configured to face the exhaust hole 310 along a first direction on the upper or lower side of the cover plate 300.

[0133] The thickness of the vent 320 parallel to the first direction can be less than the thickness of the cover plate 300. Therefore, the vent 320 can easily break or rupture when the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases. The vent 320 may include a recessed notch formed toward the inside of the vent 320 to preferentially rupture when the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases.

[0134] According to one or more embodiments, an electrolyte inlet 330, which is formed to pass through a cover plate 300 and in which a sealing plug can be installed, can be formed in the cover plate 300. The electrolyte inlet 330 can be configured to be spaced apart from the vent 310 in a third direction (e.g., the negative Y-axis direction) or in a direction opposite to the third direction (e.g., the positive Y-axis direction).

[0135] According to one or more embodiments, an insulating plate 340 may be disposed between the electrode assembly 200 and the cover plate 300. The insulating plate 340 prevents direct contact between the cover plate 300 and the electrode assembly 200, thereby insulating the cover plate 300 and the electrode assembly 200. The insulating plate 340 can fix the position of the electrode assembly 200 within the housing 100. When the cover plate 300 deforms inward toward the housing 100 due to external impacts, the insulating plate 340 can prevent damage to the electrode assembly 200.

[0136] According to one or more embodiments, the insulating plate 340 can be configured to face the electrode assembly 200 in the housing 100 in a direction opposite to the first direction. That is, the electrode assembly 200, the insulating plate 340, and the cover plate 300 can be arranged sequentially along the first direction. The insulating plate 340 can be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 100 or the first cover surface 301 of the cover plate 300 by various types of connection methods such as assembly, welding, bolting, and bonding. The insulating plate 340 can be formed of an insulating material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rubber, etc.

[0137] The connector member 400 can be connected to the electrode assembly 200. The connector member 400 can extend from the electrode assembly 200 toward the cover plate 300. Since the electrode assembly 200 and the cover plate 300 are configured to face each other along a first direction, the connector member 400 can have a shape that protrudes from the electrode assembly 200 along the first direction.

[0138] A pair of terminal blocks 400 may be provided. The pair of terminal blocks 400 may be spaced apart from each other along a third direction on the electrode assembly 200.

[0139] Each terminal block component 400 according to one or more embodiments may include a first terminal block 410 and a second terminal block 420.

[0140] According to one or more embodiments, a first terminal block 410 and a second terminal block 420 may extend from the electrode assembly 200 along a first direction. The first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 may have a substantially rectangular foil shape. The first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 may be configured to face each other along a second direction.

[0141] A plurality of first connectors 410 and second connectors 420 may be provided. The plurality of first connectors 410 and second connectors 420 may be arranged along a second direction. For example, connector member 400 may be configured such that a plurality of first connectors 410 arranged along the second direction and a plurality of second connectors 420 arranged along the second direction face each other along the second direction. More specifically, connector member 400 may be configured such that a plurality of first connectors 410 and a plurality of second connectors 420 are stacked sequentially along the second direction. The sequential stacking of a plurality of first connectors 410 and a plurality of second connectors 420 may refer to a configuration where a plurality of first connectors 410 are stacked along the second direction and then a plurality of second connectors 420 are stacked along the second direction.

[0142] The number of the first terminal block 410 and the number of the second terminal block 420 can be the same or different.

[0143] However, the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 are not limited thereto, and the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 can be formed separately, and only one of the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 can be formed separately.

[0144] One of the pair of terminal components 400 (one of 410 and 420) can be connected to the first electrode 210 of the electrode assembly 200, and the other terminal component (the other of 410 and 420) can be connected to the second electrode 220 of the electrode assembly 200. Therefore, the pair of terminal components 400 can be used as the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery, respectively.

[0145] A first terminal 410 and a second terminal 420 of one of a pair of terminal components 400 may extend along a first direction from a first uncoated portion 212 of a first electrode 210. The first terminal 410 of one of the pair of terminal components 400 may extend from some of the first electrodes 210 stacked along a second direction. The second terminal 420 of one of the pair of terminal components 400 may extend from the remaining first electrodes 210 stacked along the second direction, excluding the first electrodes 210 on which the first terminal 410 is formed.

[0146] The first terminal 410 and the second terminal 420 of another terminal component 400 in a pair of terminal components 400 may extend along a first direction from the second uncoated portion 222 of the second electrode 220. The first terminal 410 of another terminal component 400 in a pair of terminal components 400 may extend from some of the second electrodes 220 stacked along a second direction. The second terminal 420 of another terminal component 400 in a pair of terminal components 400 may extend from the remaining second electrodes 220 stacked along the second direction, excluding the second electrodes 220 on which the second terminal 420 is formed.

[0147] The terminal body 500 can be attached to the cover plate 300 and can be configured to face the terminal piece 400. The terminal body 500 can be electrically connected to the terminal piece 400 via the guide plate 600 and the connecting member 700 described below.

[0148] Figure 5 This is a side view schematically illustrating the configuration of the terminal body, guide plate, and connecting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a front view schematically illustrating the configuration of the terminal body, guide plate, and connecting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 This is an exploded view schematically illustrating the configuration of the terminal body, guide plate, and connecting member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] refer to Figures 1 to 7 According to one or more embodiments, the terminal body 500 may be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, copper, etc. The terminal body 500 may pass through the cover plate 300 along a first direction. The upper portion of the terminal body 500 may protrude outward from the cover plate 300, and the lower portion of the terminal body 500 may protrude into the housing 100. The specific shape of the terminal body 500 may differ from... Figures 5 to 7 The shape shown is shown, and it can be designed to have various shapes.

[0150] The terminal body 500 may include a terminal surface 501.

[0151] According to one or more embodiments, terminal surface 501 may refer to the upper surface of terminal body 500 that protrudes outward from cover plate 300. Terminal surface 501 may be disposed perpendicular to a first direction.

[0152] An insertion hole 510 may be formed in the terminal body 500.

[0153] Insertion hole 510 according to one or more embodiments (see Figure 7The insertion hole 510 can have a hole shape that passes through the terminal body 500 along a first direction. The two end portions of the insertion hole 510 can be connected to the space outside the cover plate 300 and the space inside the housing 100, respectively. The cross-sectional shape of the insertion hole 510 can be circular. However, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion hole 510 can be designed to have various shapes such as elliptical, polygonal, etc.

[0154] Pad G (see Figure 3 and Figure 7 The gasket G can be disposed between the terminal body 500 and the cover plate 300. The gasket G serves to insulate the terminal body 500 and the cover plate 300 and prevent foreign matter, moisture, etc., from entering between the terminal body 500 and the cover plate 300. The gasket G can be formed from insulating materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rubber, etc.

[0155] A pair of terminal bodies 500 may be provided. The pair of terminal bodies 500 may be spaced apart from each other along a third direction. The pair of terminal bodies 500 may be configured to face each other along a third direction, with an exhaust port 310 located between them.

[0156] The terminal body 500 can be configured to face different contact members 400 in a direction opposite to the first direction. The terminal body 500 can be electrically connected to the different contact members 400 via a guide plate 600 and a connecting member 700. Therefore, the terminal body 500 can be used as the positive and negative electrode terminals of a secondary battery, respectively.

[0157] The guide plate 600 can extend from the terminal body 500 and can be disposed in the terminal piece member 400. The guide plate 600 can be used as a configuration to align the terminal piece member 400 with respect to the relative position of the connecting member 700 described below and to support the terminal piece member 400.

[0158] A pair of guide plates 600 may be provided. Each guide plate 600 may extend individually from a different terminal body 500. Each guide plate 600 may be disposed in a different terminal piece component 400.

[0159] According to one or more embodiments, the guide plate 600 may have a plate shape extending from the lower end portion of the terminal body 500 along a third direction. The two sides of the guide plate 600 may be arranged perpendicular to the first direction. That is, the longitudinal direction of the guide plate 600 may be parallel to the third direction, the width direction of the guide plate 600 may be parallel to a second direction, and the thickness direction of the guide plate 600 may be parallel to the first direction. The length of the guide plate 600 may be designed in various ways within a range that allows the guide plate 600 to completely pass through the terminal piece member 400 along the third direction.

[0160] The guide plate 600 can be configured to face the insertion hole 510 along the first direction.

[0161] A guide plate 600 may be disposed between the first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420. That is, the guide plate 600 may divide the terminal piece members 400 in a second direction based on the boundary region of the first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420. The first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420 may be spaced apart from each other along the second direction, with the guide plate 600 located therebetween.

[0162] The first curved portion 411 and the second curved portion 421 can be formed in the first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420, respectively.

[0163] The first bent portion 411 may be disposed at the end portion of the first terminal piece 410 and may be bent toward the second terminal piece 420. The first bent portion 411 may be disposed between the lower surface of the terminal body 500 and the upper surface of the guide plate 600. The first bent portion 411 may be supported by being placed on the upper surface of the guide plate 600. The first bent portion 411 may be disposed on the guide plate 600 so as to face the insertion hole 510 along a first direction.

[0164] The second bent portion 421 may be disposed at the end portion of the second terminal piece 420 and may be bent toward the first terminal piece 410. The second bent portion 421 may be disposed between the lower surface of the terminal body 500 and the upper surface of the guide plate 600. The second bent portion 421 may be supported by being placed on the upper surface of the guide plate 600. The second bent portion 421 may be disposed on the guide plate 600 so as to face the insertion hole 510 along the first direction.

[0165] The end portions of the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 can be configured to face each other along a second direction. That is, the end portions of the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 can be configured not to overlap along a first direction. Therefore, the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 can prevent damage to the connector assembly 400 and deterioration of the welding quality by preventing the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 from interfering with each other on the guide plate 600. The end portions of the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 can be spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and can also be in contact with each other.

[0166] The width of the guide plate 600 parallel to the second direction can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm. For example, the width of the guide plate 600 parallel to the second direction can be 12 mm.

[0167] If the width of the guide plate 600 parallel to the second direction is less than 10 mm, the conductivity may deteriorate because the joint area between the terminal block member 400 and the guide plate 600 is excessively reduced. If the width of the guide plate 600 parallel to the second direction is greater than 15 mm, there is a problem that the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 are difficult to process.

[0168] The lengths of the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 extending from the electrode assembly 200 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 14 mm. For example, the lengths of the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 extending from the electrode assembly 200 can be 13.8 mm.

[0169] When the lengths of the first tab 410 and the second tab 420 extending from the electrode assembly 200 are less than 10 mm, the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 may not be located on the guide plate 600, or may not be positioned to face the insertion hole 510.

[0170] When the lengths of the first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420 extending from the electrode assembly 200 are greater than 14 mm, there is a risk of interference between the first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420 since the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421 can be stacked along the first direction.

[0171] The connecting member 700 may be disposed in the terminal body 500 (e.g., in the insertion hole 510) and may be connected to the terminal lug member 400. The connecting member 700 may be used as a configuration for electrically connecting the terminal body 500 and the terminal lug member 400.

[0172] A pair of connecting members 700 may be provided. The pair of connecting members 700 may be individually disposed in different terminal bodies 500. The pair of connecting members 700 may electrically connect different terminal lug members 400 to each terminal body 500.

[0173] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view schematically illustrating the configuration of connecting members according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0174] refer to Figures 1 to 8 The connecting member 700 according to one or more embodiments may include a connecting plate 710 and a connecting boss 720.

[0175] The connecting plate 710 can be inserted into the insertion hole 510 and can be connected to the terminal block component 400.

[0176] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting plate 710 may have a flat plate shape in which both the upper and lower surfaces are perpendicular to the first direction. The connecting plate 710 may be inserted into the insertion hole 510 through the upper end portion of the insertion hole 510 passing through the terminal surface 501 in a direction opposite to the first direction. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting plate 710 may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the insertion hole 510. The peripheral surface of the connecting plate 710 may contact the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 500 surrounding the insertion hole 510, or in other embodiments, it may be configured to be spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the terminal body 500 by a certain distance.

[0177] The connecting plate 710 can contact the terminal block member 400. For example, the lower surface of the connecting plate 710 can contact the first bent portion 411 of the first terminal block 410 and the second bent portion 421 of the second terminal block 420 disposed on the guide plate 600.

[0178] The connecting plate 710 can be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, or copper. Therefore, the connecting plate 710 can be electrically connected to the terminal block component 400.

[0179] The connecting plate 710 and the terminal block component 400 can be connected through the first welding part 701.

[0180] According to one or more embodiments, a first welded portion 701 may extend from the connecting plate 710 toward the terminal piece member 400. The extension direction of the first welded portion 701 may be parallel to a first direction. The first welded portion 701 may be formed by various types of welding methods such as laser welding, ultrasonic welding, friction stir welding, etc.

[0181] The two end portions of the first welding portion 701 can be respectively disposed in the connecting plate 710 and the guide plate 600. That is, the first welding portion 701 can have a shape that extends from the connecting plate 710 through the terminal piece member 400 to the guide plate 600. Therefore, the first welding portion 701 can prevent the terminal piece member 400 from separating from the guide plate 600, and can more firmly fix the terminal piece member 400 between the terminal body 500 and the guide plate 600. The first welding portion 701 can be formed of a mixture of the connecting plate 710, the terminal piece member 400, and the guide plate 600, which are melted by the heat generated during welding.

[0182] Multiple first weld portions 701 may be provided. Some of the multiple first weld portions 701 may have a shape that extends from the connecting plate 710 through the first bending portion 411 of the first terminal piece 410 to the guide plate 600.

[0183] The remaining first weld portions 701 of the plurality of first weld portions 701 may have a shape that extends from the connecting plate 710 through the second bending portion 421 of the second connecting piece 420 to the guide plate 600.

[0184] The connecting boss 720 can be inserted into the insertion hole 510 and connected to the connecting plate 710 and the terminal body 500. The connecting boss 720 can be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, or copper.

[0185] According to one or more embodiments, the connecting boss 720 may include a first boss 721 (e.g., the bottom portion of the connecting boss 720) and a second boss 722 (e.g., the top portion of the connecting boss 720).

[0186] The first boss 721 can form the exterior of the lower side of the connecting boss 720 and can be connected to the connecting plate 710.

[0187] According to one or more embodiments, the first boss 721 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The first boss 721 may be inserted into the insertion hole 510 through the upper end portion of the terminal surface 501 in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the negative Z-axis direction). The circumferential surface of the first boss 721 may contact the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body 500 surrounding the insertion hole 510.

[0188] The first boss surface 721a that contacts the upper surface of the connecting plate 710 can be the lower surface of the first boss 721. The first boss surface 721a can be arranged parallel to the upper surface of the connecting plate 710.

[0189] The second boss 722 can form the exterior of the upper side of the boss 720.

[0190] The second boss 722 can extend upward from the first boss 721, i.e., extend in the first direction. The second boss 722 can be inserted into the insertion hole 510 through the upper portion of the terminal surface 501 in the direction opposite to the first direction, together with the first boss 721. The circumferential surface of the second boss 722 can contact the inner circumferential surface of the terminal body 500 surrounding the insertion hole 510.

[0191] The second boss surface 722a exposed on the outside of the terminal body 500 can be the upper surface of the second boss 722. The second boss surface 722a can be arranged parallel to the terminal surface 501. The second boss surface 722a can be arranged on the same plane as the terminal surface 501. Therefore, the second boss 722 can further improve the conductivity of the secondary battery by increasing the contact area with the busbar disposed on the terminal body 500.

[0192] The second boss 722 can be formed such that the cross-sectional area increases toward the second boss surface 722a. For example, the second boss 722 can have a frustoconical shape in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper portion is larger than that of the lower portion. Therefore, the second boss 722 can allow the connecting boss 720 to be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 510 and can prevent the connecting boss 720 from moving in the insertion hole 510 due to gaps, etc.

[0193] The connecting boss 720 and the terminal body 500 can be joined by the second welding part 702.

[0194] A second welding portion 702, according to one or more embodiments, may be disposed between the connecting boss 720 and the terminal body 500. The second welding portion 702 may extend from the terminal surface 501 and the second boss surface 722a in a direction opposite to the first direction. The longitudinal direction of the second welding portion 702 may be parallel to the first direction.

[0195] The second weld portion 702 may have an annular shape that extends continuously along a circumference centered on the central axis of the connecting boss 720. In other embodiments, a plurality of second weld portions 702 may be provided, and these second weld portions 702 may have a shape arranged along a circumference centered on the central axis of the connecting boss 720.

[0196] The second welded portion 702 can be formed by various types of welding methods such as laser welding, ultrasonic welding, friction stir welding, etc. The second welded portion 702 can be formed by a mixture of the connecting boss 720 and the terminal body 500, which are melted by the heat generated during welding.

[0197] The connecting member 700 according to one or more embodiments may further include a guide rod 730.

[0198] The guide rod 730 can be connected to the connecting plate 710, and the guide connecting boss 720 is inserted into the insertion hole 510.

[0199] According to one or more embodiments, the guide rod 730 may have a rod shape extending from the upper surface of the connecting plate 710 along a first direction. The central axis of the guide rod 730 may be coaxially arranged with the central axis of the connecting boss 720. The cross-sectional shape of the guide rod 730 may be designed to have various shapes such as circular, polygonal, elliptical, etc.

[0200] When the connecting boss 720 is inserted into the insertion hole 510, the guide rod 730 can be inserted into the connecting boss 720 through the first boss surface 721a. Therefore, the connecting boss 720 can be inserted into the insertion hole 510 while maintaining the alignment of the central axis parallel to the first direction.

[0201] When the first boss surface 721a of the connecting boss 720 contacts the connecting plate 710, the end surface of the guide rod 730 can be exposed to the space outside the connecting boss 720 by passing through the second boss surface 722a. In this case, the end surface of the guide rod 730 can be disposed on the same plane as the second boss surface 722a and the terminal surface 501.

[0202] The connecting boss 720 and the guide rod 730 can be joined by the guide welding part 703.

[0203] According to one or more embodiments, a guide welding portion 703 may be disposed between the connecting boss 720 and the guide rod 730. The guide welding portion 703 may extend from the second boss surface 722a and the end surface of the guide rod 730 in a direction opposite to the first direction. The longitudinal direction of the guide welding portion 703 may be parallel to the first direction.

[0204] The guide welding portion 703 may have an annular shape that extends continuously along a circumference centered on the central axis of the guide rod 730. In other embodiments, a plurality of guide welding portions 703 may be provided, and these guide welding portions 703 may be arranged along a circumference centered on the central axis of the guide rod 730.

[0205] The guide welding portion 703 can be formed by various types of welding methods such as laser welding, ultrasonic welding, and friction stir welding. The guide welding portion 703 can be formed by a mixture of the connecting boss 720 and the guide rod 730, which melt by the heat generated during welding.

[0206] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0207] Figure 9 This is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0208] refer to Figure 9 First, the terminal body 500 is disposed on the connector member 400 (S100).

[0209] Operation S100 can be performed with the terminal body 500 connected to the cover plate 300.

[0210] In operation S100, the cover plate 300 and the terminal body 500 can be moved to the upper side of the terminal block member 400 by a transfer device such as an adsorbent or a clamp.

[0211] In operation S100, a pair of terminal bodies 500 can be configured to face different terminal piece members 400 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0212] Operation S100 can be performed with the electrode assembly 200 set in the housing 100, or it can be performed before the electrode assembly 200 is set in the housing 100.

[0213] After operation S100, the guide plate 600 is placed in the terminal piece component 400 (S200).

[0214] Figure 10 This is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of arranging guide plates in a terminal block component according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figures 11 to 14 This is a view schematically illustrating a process of arranging a guide plate in a connector component according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0215] Reference Figures 10 to 14 In the specific description of operation S200, the guide plate 600 is inserted between the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 (S210).

[0216] For example, operation S210 can be performed by moving the terminal body 500 toward the connector member 400, that is, moving it in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0217] When the terminal body 500 moves more than a set distance in a direction opposite to the first direction, the guide plate 600 can be inserted between the boundary surfaces of the first terminal piece 410 and the second terminal piece 420.

[0218] In operation S210, the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 can be held apart from each other in a direction parallel to the second direction by a separate fixing tool such as a clamp. Therefore, the guide plate 600 can be smoothly inserted between the first connector 410 and the second connector 420 without interfering with the first connector 410 and the second connector 420.

[0219] After operation S210, the first terminal block 410 bends toward the second terminal block 420 to form a first bent portion 411 (S220), and the second terminal block 420 bends toward the first terminal block 410 to form a second bent portion 421 (S230).

[0220] Operations S220 and S230 can be executed sequentially or simultaneously.

[0221] Operations S220 and S230 can be performed using a pair of bending jigs that can reciprocate in a direction parallel to the second direction on both sides of the connector member 400.

[0222] For example, the pair of bending clamps can be configured to face each other along a second direction, with the first terminal block 410 and the second terminal block 420 located therebetween.

[0223] The pair of bending clamps can move toward each other and can press the upper portions of the first and second terminals 410 and 420 while the guide plate 600 is inserted between the first terminal 410 and the second terminal 420.

[0224] Therefore, the first terminal block 410 can be bent toward the second terminal block 420, and the first bent portion 411 can be formed at the upper end of the first terminal block 410.

[0225] Similarly, the second terminal block 420 may be bent toward the first terminal block 410, and the second bent portion 421 may be formed at the upper end of the second terminal block 420.

[0226] In operations S220 and S230, the first curved portion 411 and the second curved portion 421 can be disposed on the upper surface of the guide plate 600, and the end portions of the first curved portion 411 and the second curved portion 421 can be configured to face each other along a second direction. The end portions of the first curved portion 411 and the second curved portion 421 can contact each other, or they can be configured to be spaced apart from each other by a certain distance along the second direction.

[0227] Then, the pair of bending clamps can move away from each other and separate from the first bending portion 411 and the second bending portion 421.

[0228] After operation S200, the terminal block component 400 and the connecting plate 710 are connected (S300).

[0229] Figure 15 It is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of connecting the terminal block components and the connecting plate, and Figure 16 and Figure 17 It is a schematic view illustrating the process of connecting the terminal block components and the connecting plate.

[0230] Reference Figures 15 to 17 For operation S300 (see) Figure 9 In the specific description, with the first curved portion 411 and the second curved portion 421 formed, the connecting plate 710 is inserted into the insertion hole 510 (S310).

[0231] In operation S310, the connecting plate 710 can move in a direction opposite to the first direction while being positioned along the first direction to face the upper part of the insertion hole 510.

[0232] The connecting plate 710 can enter the insertion hole 510 through the upper part of the insertion hole 510.

[0233] After operation S310, the connecting plate 710 comes into contact with the terminal block member 400 (S320).

[0234] In operation S320, when the connecting plate 710 moves more than a certain distance in the insertion hole 510 in a direction opposite to the first direction, the lower surface of the connecting plate 710 may contact the terminal block member 400, more specifically, the first bent portion 411 and the second bent portion 421.

[0235] After operation S320, a first welded portion 701 is formed from the connecting plate 710 toward the terminal piece 400 (S330).

[0236] For example, operation S330 can be performed by a laser welding machine using a laser beam as a heat source. The laser welding machine can enter the insertion hole 510 while the lower surface of the connecting plate 710 is in contact with the terminal block member 400, and irradiate the upper surface of the connecting plate 710 with a laser beam in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0237] The first welding portion 701 can gradually extend from the connecting plate 710 in a direction opposite to the first direction, and can join the connecting plate 710 and the terminal block member 400 together.

[0238] In operation S330, the two end portions of the first welding portion 701 can be respectively disposed in the connecting plate 710 and the guide plate 600.

[0239] In other words, during operation S330, the laser welder can continue to irradiate the laser beam until the lower part of the first welding section 701 reaches the guide plate 600.

[0240] Therefore, in operation S330, the two sides of the connector member 400 are integrally joined to the connecting plate 710 and the guide plate 600 respectively, so as to be firmly fixed between the connecting plate 710 and the guide plate 600.

[0241] Operation S330 can be performed individually for the first bent portion 411 of the first connector 410 and the second bent portion 421 of the second connector 420.

[0242] Operation S330 can be repeated multiple times for the first bent portion 411 of the first connector 410, and can be repeated multiple times for the second bent portion 421 of the second connector 420.

[0243] After operation S300, the terminal block component 400, terminal body 500, connecting plate 710 and connecting boss 720 are connected (S400).

[0244] Figure 18 It is a flowchart that schematically illustrates the sequence of connecting terminal body, connecting plate and connecting boss, and Figure 19 and Figure 20 It is a schematic view illustrating the manufacturing process of the connecting terminal body, connecting plate, and connecting boss.

[0245] Reference Figures 18 to 20 In the specific description of operation S400, after the first welded portion 701 is formed, the connecting boss 720 is inserted into the insertion hole 510 (S410).

[0246] In operation S410, the connecting boss 720 can move in a direction opposite to the first direction while being positioned to face the upper part of the insertion hole 510 along the first direction.

[0247] The connecting boss 720 can enter the insertion hole 510 through the upper part of the insertion hole 510.

[0248] In operation S410, when the connecting boss 720 enters the insertion hole 510, the guide rod 730 extending from the connecting plate 710 can be inserted into the connecting boss 720.

[0249] Therefore, the insertion direction of the connecting boss 720 can be aligned in a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0250] After operation S410, the connecting boss 720 contacts the connecting plate 710 (S420).

[0251] In operation S420, when the connecting boss 720 moves more than a certain distance in the insertion hole 510 in a direction opposite to the first direction, the first boss surface 721a of the connecting boss 720 can contact the upper surface of the connecting plate 710.

[0252] Since the connecting boss 720 and the connecting plate 710 are formed of conductive material, the connecting boss 720 and the connecting plate 710 can be electrically interconnected.

[0253] After operation S420, a second welding portion 702 is formed between the terminal body 500 and the connecting boss 720 (S430).

[0254] For example, operation S430 can be performed by a laser welding machine using a laser beam as a heat source. The laser welding machine can irradiate the boundary region of the second boss surface 722a and the terminal surface 501 in a direction opposite to the first direction, while the second boss surface 722a and the terminal surface 501 are on the same plane.

[0255] The second welding portion 702 can gradually extend from the boundary region of the second boss surface 722a and the terminal surface 501 in a direction opposite to the first direction, and can join the terminal body 500 and the connecting boss 720 together.

[0256] Operation S430 can be performed continuously along the circumferential direction of the second welding portion 702 centered on the central axis of the connecting boss 720, or it can be performed repeatedly at set intervals.

[0257] The secondary battery manufacturing method according to one or more embodiments may further include forming a guide welding portion 703 between the connecting boss 720 and the guide rod 730 after operation S430.

[0258] The laser welding machine can irradiate a laser beam toward the boundary region of the second boss surface 722a and the end surface of the guide rod 730 in a direction opposite to the first direction, with the second boss surface 722a and the end surface of the guide rod 730 located on the same plane.

[0259] The guide welding portion 703 can gradually extend from the boundary region of the second boss surface 722a and the end surface of the guide rod 730 in a direction opposite to the first direction, and can connect the connecting boss 720 and the guide rod 730 to each other.

[0260] This disclosure aims to provide a secondary battery that can improve welding quality and simplify the welding process, as well as a method for manufacturing the secondary battery.

[0261] According to this disclosure, the first and second terminals included in a single terminal component are capable of bending in opposite directions to prevent welding omissions in portions of the terminal component.

[0262] According to this disclosure, since the current collector component used for electrical connection with conventional terminal block components is omitted, process efficiency can be improved and assembly deterioration due to component misalignment can be prevented.

[0263] According to this disclosure, since the first bent portion and the second bent portion are not stacked on top of each other on the guide plate, damage to the first and second terminals and deterioration of the welding quality can be prevented.

[0264] According to this disclosure, since the two ends of the first welding part are respectively disposed in the connecting plate and the guide plate, the terminal block component can be more firmly fixed between the connecting plate and the guide plate.

[0265] According to this disclosure, since the guide plate is disposed between the connecting plate and the electrode assembly, it is possible to prevent laser beams and the like from entering the electrode assembly.

[0266] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the following description of this disclosure.

[0267] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on one or more of these embodiments.

[0268] Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should be defined by the claims.

[0269] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some cases, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, 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.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: case; Electrode assembly, within the housing; Cover plate, sealing the housing; A connector component is connected to the electrode assembly, the connector component extending from the electrode assembly toward the cover plate; A terminal body is connected to the cover plate, and the terminal body faces the terminal piece component; A guide plate extends from the terminal body and is disposed within the terminal piece component; as well as A connecting member is disposed in the terminal body and is connected to the terminal piece member.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal block component includes one or more first terminals extending from the electrode assembly in a first direction and one or more second terminals extending from the electrode assembly in the first direction. The first and second terminals face each other along a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The guide plate is disposed between the first terminal piece and the second terminal piece.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the guide plate extends along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the terminal component further comprises: The first bending portion is located at the end of the first connector and bends toward the second connector; as well as The second bending portion, at the end portion of the second connector, bends toward the first connector.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein the first bent portion and the second bent portion are disposed between the terminal body and the guide plate.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein the end portions of the first curved portion and the end portions of the second curved portion face each other along the second direction.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the connecting member comprises: A connecting plate is inserted into an insertion hole that passes through the terminal body along the first direction, and the connecting plate is connected to the terminal piece component; as well as A connecting boss is inserted into the insertion hole, and the connecting boss is connected to the connecting plate and the terminal body.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein the connecting boss comprises: The first boss includes a first boss surface that contacts the connecting plate; as well as A second boss extends from the first boss and includes a second boss surface exposed to the outside of the terminal body.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein: The terminal body includes a terminal surface outside the cover plate and perpendicular to the first direction; and The second boss surface and the terminal surface are on the same plane.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the second boss increases toward the surface of the second boss.

11. The secondary battery of claim 7, wherein the connecting member further comprises a first welded portion extending from the connecting plate toward the terminal piece member.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein a first end portion of the first welded portion is disposed in the connecting plate, and a second end portion of the first welded portion is disposed in the guide plate.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein the connecting member further includes a second welded portion between the terminal body and the connecting boss.

14. The secondary battery of claim 7, wherein the connecting member further comprises a guide rod extending from the connecting plate along the first direction, the guide rod being inserted into the connecting boss.

15. The secondary battery of claim 14, wherein the connecting member further includes a guide weld portion between the connecting boss and the guide rod.

16. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: The terminal body is disposed on the connector component, the connector component including a first connector and a second connector; The guide plate is disposed in the terminal block component; Connect the terminal block component and the connecting plate; as well as Connect the terminal body, the connecting plate, and the connecting boss.

17. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein disposing the guide plate in the terminal piece component comprises: Insert the guide plate between the first terminal block and the second terminal block; The first terminal block is bent toward the second terminal block to form a first bent portion; as well as The second terminal is bent toward the first terminal to form a second bent portion.

18. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein connecting the terminal piece and the connecting plate comprises: Insert the connecting plate into the insertion hole that passes through the terminal body; Make the connecting plate contact the terminal block component; as well as A first welded portion is formed from the connecting plate toward the terminal block component.

19. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 18, wherein, When the first welded portion is formed from the connecting plate toward the terminal piece, the first end portion and the second end portion of the first welded portion are respectively disposed in the connecting plate and the guide plate.

20. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 18, wherein connecting the terminal body, the connecting plate, and the connecting boss comprises: Insert the connecting boss into the insertion hole; Make the connecting boss contact the connecting plate; as well as A second welded portion is formed between the terminal body and the connecting boss.

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