Cap assembly for secondary battery and secondary battery including same

Abstract

Disclosed are a cap assembly for a secondary battery and a secondary battery including the same. The cap assembly for a secondary battery includes: a cap plate disposed on and coupled to an opening of a case accommodating an electrode assembly, the cap plate having a through hole therethrough; a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through hole of the cap plate; a first insulating member between the cap plate and the terminal plate to provide electrical insulation between the cap plate and the terminal plate; and a second insulating member at an outer side of the first insulating member to provide electrical insulation between the cap plate and the terminal plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a cover assembly for a secondary battery and a secondary battery including the cover assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are designed not to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and portable camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Recently, with the increasing demand for wearable devices such as wireless earphones or earbuds, smartwatches, and medical devices attached to the body, the need for compact secondary batteries with high energy density and sufficiently small size has increased. For example, depending on the characteristics of the usage environment, secondary batteries such as coin cells and button cells, with a height significantly smaller than their respective widths, can be used.

[0004] The information disclosed in this Background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Due to the very small size of a typical coin cell battery and the material properties of its casing, the casing can easily crack or deform even from small external impacts or pressures. For example, when the surface of the cover assembly attached to the casing is impacted, a short circuit may occur due to tearing and deformation of the insulation layer between the terminal plate and the cover plate included in the cover assembly, or due to deformation of the terminal plate itself. In secondary batteries, internal short circuits may occur when two materials with different electrode polarities come into electrical contact with each other. This can cause a rapid rise in the temperature of the secondary battery, and in some severe cases, may lead to a fire.

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure may relate to a cover assembly and a secondary battery including the cover assembly.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, or will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover assembly for a secondary battery includes: a cover plate disposed on and connected to an opening of a housing accommodating an electrode assembly, the cover plate having a through hole; a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through hole of the cover plate; a first insulating member between the cover plate and the terminal plate to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate; and a second insulating member outside the first insulating member to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second insulating member may contact the outer end of the first insulating member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the terminal block may include: a head portion; and a protruding portion extending downward from the head portion and inserted into a through hole in the cover plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the first insulating member may be smaller than the diameter of the head portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second insulating member may be located between the cover plate and the head portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second insulating member may be the same as the thickness of the first insulating member.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a third insulating member connected to one end of the second insulating member. The other end of the second insulating member may be connected to the first insulating member, and the vertical height of the upper surface of the third insulating member may be greater than the vertical height of the upper surface of the second insulating member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the third insulating member may contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the head portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the first insulating member may be the same as the diameter of the head portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second insulating member may be greater than the thickness of the first insulating member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the vertical height of the upper surface of the second insulating member may be lower than the vertical height of the upper surface of the head portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the material of the second insulating member may be different from the material of the first insulating member.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second insulating member may include an elastic material.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first insulating member and the second insulating member can be joined together by an insulating bonding material.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a fourth insulating member on the lower surface of the cover plate.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes; a housing having an opening on one side and receiving the electrode assembly; and a cover assembly coupled to one side of the housing to seal the opening of the housing. The cover assembly includes: a cover plate disposed on one side and coupled to one side to cover the opening of the housing receiving the electrode assembly, the cover plate having a through-hole; a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate; a first insulating member between the cover plate and the terminal plate to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate; and a second insulating member outside the first insulating member to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

[0024] In one embodiment, the terminal block may include: a head portion; and a protruding portion extending downward from the head portion and inserted into a through hole in the cover plate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the first insulating member may be smaller than the diameter of the head portion.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second insulating member may be located between the cover plate and the head portion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the thickness of the second insulating member may be the same as the thickness of the first insulating member.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a second insulating member may be additionally disposed outside the first insulating member, and thus, the introduction of foreign objects between the cover plate and the terminal plate can be prevented or substantially prevented. Furthermore, even if the terminal plate becomes deformed due to external impact, the second insulating member can prevent short circuits between the cover plate and the deformed terminal plate.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the second and third insulating members may be additionally disposed outside the first insulating member, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the introduction of foreign objects between the cover plate and the terminal plate. Furthermore, the third insulating member can prevent or substantially prevent deformation of the terminal plate that may be caused by external impact, thereby preventing short circuits between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a second insulating member may be additionally disposed on the outside of the first insulating member, and thus, the first insulating member may be prevented or substantially prevented from expanding outward due to external impact. Furthermore, the second insulating member may prevent or substantially prevent deformation of the terminal block that may be caused by external impact, thereby preventing a short circuit between the cover plate and the terminal block.

[0031] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, or will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the disclosure together with its detailed description. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 7 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 8 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best illustrate his / her invention, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0043] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein can be made at the time of filing this application.

[0044] It will be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between those two layers, or one or more intermediary layers may exist. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may exist. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer exists. For example, when a first element is described as being "connected" or "linked" to a second element, the first element can be directly connected to or linked to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly connected to or linked to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the items listed. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" means "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." The expressions "at least one of" and "any one of" modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements in the list when placed after the list of elements. 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, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, A, 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 approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent biases of measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., can be used 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, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0047] In this document, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the figures and another (or several) other elements or features. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “directly 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 in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] 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, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the term “comprising” specifies the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or enumerated herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include, for example, 2.4 to 7.6, all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0 (inclusive), i.e., all subranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all smaller numerical limits, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all larger numerical limits. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly detail any subranges included within the range expressly recited herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any amendments used to expressly state any of these subranges will comply with the requirements of local patent law.

[0050] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the phrase "substantially identical" can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., deviations below 5%). Additionally, when a parameter is stated to be consistent in a given region, this can mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0051] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0052] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that another element can also be located between the element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the element.

[0053] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, these components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” these components.

[0054] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the enumerated items. Unless otherwise stated, when “C to D” is mentioned, it means C and below D.

[0055] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of illustration, the sizes (e.g., dimensions) and relative sizes (e.g., dimensions) of layers and regions may be exaggerated. In other words, this disclosure is not limited to the sizes (e.g., dimensions) shown in the drawings. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals may refer to the same parts.

[0056] Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a secondary battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the secondary battery 100 can be shown, which has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape cut along a line passing through the center of the secondary battery 100 in the height direction.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 The secondary battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 110, a housing 120, and a cover assembly 130. The secondary battery 100 may be a coin cell battery (e.g., a coin-type secondary battery) or a button cell battery (e.g., a button-type secondary battery). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the secondary battery 100 may be a cylindrical secondary battery or a needle-shaped secondary battery. For example, the secondary battery 100 may have a cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the secondary battery 100 is not limited thereto, and the secondary battery 100 may have a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, or a pouch shape, etc.

[0058] A coin cell or button cell is a battery in the form of a thin coin or button, and can refer to, but is not limited to, a battery with a height-to-diameter ratio (height / diameter) of less than 1. Because coin cells or button cells are typically cylindrical, their horizontal cross-section is usually circular. However, the horizontal cross-section is not limited to this and can have an elliptical or polygonal shape. The diameter can refer to the maximum horizontal distance of the battery, and the height can refer to the maximum vertical distance of the battery (e.g., the distance from the flat bottom surface to the flat top surface of the battery).

[0059] The housing 120 may have an opening formed on one side (e.g., the upper part) of the housing to allow the electrode assembly 110 to be received within the housing 120 through the opening. After the electrode assembly 110 is inserted through the opening of the housing 120, the electrode terminals of the cover assembly 130 may be electrically connected to the positive or negative electrode terminals of the electrode assembly 110. Subsequently, the cover assembly 130 may be tightly joined to one side of the housing 120 by a suitable method such as welding to cover the opening, thereby sealing the opening of the housing 120.

[0060] Electrode assembly 110 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a diaphragm. More specifically, electrode assembly 110 may be constructed by winding the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the diaphragm between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode assembly 110 may be wound to have a wound core and may include through-holes in the wound core.

[0061] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode substrate and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the positive electrode substrate. A positive electrode tab 112 may extend outward from an uncoated portion of the positive electrode substrate, which is the area where no positive electrode active material layer is formed. The positive electrode tab 112 may be electrically connected to the cover assembly 130.

[0062] The negative electrode may include a negative electrode substrate and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the negative electrode substrate. A negative electrode tab 114 may extend outward from an uncoated portion of the negative electrode substrate, which is the area where the negative electrode active material layer is not formed. The negative electrode tab 114 may be electrically connected to the housing 120. The positive electrode tab 112 and the negative electrode tab 114 may extend from the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, in opposite directions.

[0063] In one embodiment, each of the positive electrode terminal 112 and the negative electrode terminal 114 may be covered by a cover tape. The cover tape may include an insulating material. The insulating material can provide electrical insulation to prevent current from passing through it. The cover tape can effectively prevent short circuits from occurring at the positive electrode terminal 112 and the negative electrode terminal 114.

[0064] The positive electrode of a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0065] Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material is in the range of about 90wt% to about 99wt%, and based on the 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the contents of the binder and conductive material are in the range of about 0.5wt% to about 5wt%, respectively.

[0066] The current collector can be aluminum (Al) foil, but is not limited to this.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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); Li a Ni 1-b- c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn1-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).

[0070] 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 L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0071] The negative electrode of a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer disposed on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0072] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of conductive material.

[0073] Non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof can be used as binders. When an aqueous binder is used as a negative electrode binder, it may further contain a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity.

[0074] As the negative electrode current collector, 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.

[0075] The negative electrode active material may include materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, lithium metal alloys, materials capable of being doped with lithium and undoped with lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0076] Substances capable of reversibly embedding / desorbing lithium ions can be carbonaceous negative electrode active materials that can include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon can include graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon can include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, and sintered coke, etc.

[0077] Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used as substances capable of doping with lithium and not doping with lithium. The silicon-based negative electrode active materials can be silicon, silicon-carbon composite materials, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2, such as SiO2), silicon-based alloys, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The silicon-carbon composite material can be a composite material of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to an embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite material can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0079] The silicon-carbon composite material can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite material can include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0080] 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, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer film of two or more layers thereof can be used.

[0081] The separator can include a porous substrate and a coating including an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0082] The organic material can include polyvinylidene fluoride-based heavy antibodies or (meth)acrylic polymers.

[0083] The inorganic material can 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 is not limited thereto.

[0084] The organic material and the inorganic material can be mixed in one coating, or can be in the form of a coating containing an organic material and a coating containing an inorganic material laminated on each other.

[0085] Reference Figure 1The positive electrode terminal 112 of the positive electrode can be disposed on one side of the electrode assembly 110. In some embodiments, the negative electrode terminal 114 of the negative electrode can be disposed on the opposite side of the electrode assembly 110. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be disposed on the same side of the electrode assembly 110.

[0086] The housing 120 houses the electrode assembly 110 and, together with the cover assembly, forms the appearance of a secondary battery. The housing 120 may have a generally cylindrical body portion and a bottom portion connected to one side (e.g., one end) of the body portion. Furthermore, the housing 120 may (e.g., in a pouch-type embodiment) be made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel, a laminated film, or a plastic.

[0087] The housing 120 may have a diameter ranging from 9 mm to 14 mm and a height ranging from 4.5 mm to 6 mm. However, the shape and size of the housing 120 are not limited to these, and the housing 120 may be formed into various suitable shapes such as, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape or a bag shape.

[0088] The housing 120 can accommodate the electrode assembly 110. More specifically, the electrode assembly 110 can be inserted through an opening formed on one side of the housing 120. Furthermore, once accommodated in the housing 120, the electrodes of the electrode assembly 110 can be electrically connected to the terminal block of the cover assembly 130. Subsequently, the opening of the housing 120 can be sealed by the cover assembly 130. In other words, the cover assembly 130 can be coupled to one side of the housing 120.

[0089] In one embodiment, the cover assembly 130 may be disposed on and connected to an opening in the housing, within which the electrode assembly is housed. The cover assembly 130 may include a cover plate having a through-hole, a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate, a first insulating member disposed between the cover plate and the terminal plate to insulate the cover plate from the terminal plate, and a second insulating member disposed outside the first insulating member to provide additional insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate. Reference will now be made to... Figures 2 to 7 Some example implementations of the cover assembly 130 are described in more detail below.

[0090] Figure 2 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] In one embodiment, the cover assembly 130 may include a terminal plate 210, a cover plate 220, a first insulating member 230 disposed between the terminal plate 210 and the cover plate 220 to provide electrical insulation between the terminal plate 210 and the cover plate 220, and a second insulating member 240 disposed between the terminal plate 210 and the cover plate 220 to provide additional electrical insulation between the terminal plate 210 and the cover plate 220. The cover plate 220 may be mounted on a housing (e.g., Figure 1 The cover plate 220 (shown in the diagram) has an opening and is connected to the opening, and the electrode assembly is housed within the cover plate. Furthermore, the cover plate 220 may have a through-hole formed through the cover plate. The cover plate 220 may have a first polarity (e.g., negative polarity) and may be made of stainless steel, but is not limited to stainless steel.

[0092] In one embodiment, the terminal plate 210 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and can be inserted into a through-hole in the cover plate 220. More specifically, the terminal plate 210 may include a head portion 212 disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 220 (e.g., the head portion 212 is disposed on or above the upper surface of the cover plate 220) and a protrusion 214 formed to extend downward from the head portion 212 and be inserted into the through-hole in the cover plate 220. The terminal plate 210 may have a second polarity (e.g., positive polarity) and may be made of aluminum, but is not limited to aluminum.

[0093] In one embodiment, a first insulating member 230 may be disposed between the cover plate 220 and the terminal plate 210. The first insulating member 230 may be in the form of a circular plate having a through hole formed at the center of the first insulating member 230. Accordingly, the protruding portion 214 of the terminal plate 210 may be inserted into the through hole of the first insulating member 230.

[0094] In one embodiment, the second insulating member 240 may be disposed outside the first insulating member 230. More specifically, the second insulating member 240 may be disposed outside the first insulating member 230 in the radial direction. The second insulating member 240 may be configured to contact the outer end (e.g., outer surface) of the first insulating member 230. The second insulating member 240 may be in the form of a ring. Therefore, the first insulating member 230 may be disposed inside the second insulating member 240.

[0095] In one embodiment, the outer diameter d2 of the first insulating member 230 may be smaller than the diameter d1 of the head portion 212. In this case, the second insulating member 240 may be disposed between the cover plate 220 and the terminal plate 210. Furthermore, the thickness (e.g., height) h2 of the second insulating member 240 may be the same as or substantially the same as the thickness (e.g., height) h1 of the first insulating member 230.

[0096] In one embodiment, the material of the second insulating member 240 may differ from the material of the first insulating member 230. For example, the material of the first insulating member 230 may include, but is not limited to, polypropylene (PP), while the material of the second insulating member 240 may include, but is not limited to, rubber or polycarbonate (PCE). Furthermore, the second insulating member 240 may include an elastic material. After the first insulating member 230 is disposed between the cover plate 220 and the terminal plate 210, the second insulating member 240 may be disposed on the outer side of the first insulating member 230 between the cover plate 220 and the terminal plate 210.

[0097] In one embodiment, a fourth insulating member 250 may be disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate 220. The fourth insulating member 250 may be used to prevent short circuits between the cover plate 220 and the electrode assembly housed in the housing. Furthermore, the material of the fourth insulating member 250 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] A second insulating member 240, additionally disposed on the outside of the first insulating member 230, can prevent foreign objects from being introduced between the cover plate 220 and the terminal plate 210. Furthermore, even if the terminal plate 210 becomes deformed due to external impact, the second insulating member 240 can prevent the cover plate 220 from causing a short circuit between the deformed terminal plates 210.

[0099] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may include a terminal plate 310, a cover plate 320, a first insulating member 330 configured to provide electrical insulation between the terminal plate 310 and the cover plate 320, and a second insulating member 340 configured to provide additional electrical insulation between the terminal plate 310 and the cover plate 320. The cover plate 320 may be disposed on and connected to an opening in the housing, in which the electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the cover plate 320 may have a through-hole. Additionally, the terminal plate 310 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and may be inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate 320.

[0101] In one embodiment, the terminal plate 310 may include a head portion 312 disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 320 (e.g., the head portion 312 is disposed on or above the upper surface of the cover plate 320) and a protrusion 312 formed to extend downward from the head portion 314 and insert into a through hole in the cover plate 320. In this case, a first insulating member 330 may be disposed between the cover plate 320 and the head portion 312. The outer diameter of the first insulating member 330 may be smaller than the diameter of the head portion 312. Furthermore, a second insulating member 340 may be positioned to contact the outer end (e.g., the outer surface) of the first insulating member 330. The second insulating member 340 may be disposed between the cover plate 320 and the head portion 312.

[0102] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a third insulating member 350 connected to one end (e.g., the outer end) of the second insulating member 340. The third insulating member 350 may insulate the cover plate 320 from the terminal plate 310. The other end (e.g., the inner end) of the second insulating member 340 may be connected to the first insulating member 330. In other words, the second insulating member 340 may be disposed between the first insulating member 330 and the third insulating member 350.

[0103] In one embodiment, the material of the second insulating member 340 may be different from the material of the first insulating member 330. Furthermore, the material of the second insulating member 340 may be the same as the material of the third insulating member 350. In some embodiments, the materials of the first insulating member 330, the second insulating member 340, and the third insulating member 350 may be different from each other.

[0104] In one embodiment, the vertical height h2 of the upper surface of the third insulating member 350 may be higher than the vertical height h1 of the upper surface of the second insulating member 340. Furthermore, the thickness of the second insulating member 340 may be the same as the thickness of the first insulating member 330. In other words, the vertical height h2 of the upper surface of the third insulating member 350 may be higher than the vertical height of the upper surface of the first insulating member 330.

[0105] In one embodiment, the third insulating member 350 may be configured to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the head portion 312. The vertical height h2 of the upper surface of the third insulating member 350 may be lower than the vertical height of the upper surface of the head portion 312, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the vertical height h2 of the upper surface of the third insulating member 350 may be the same as or substantially the same as the vertical height of the upper surface of the head portion 312.

[0106] exist Figure 3In this disclosure, the second insulating member 340 and the third insulating member 350 may be shown as separate components, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second insulating member 340 and the third insulating member 350 may be integrally formed with each other.

[0107] The second insulating member 340 and the third insulating member 350 are additionally disposed on the outside of the first insulating member 330, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the introduction of foreign objects between the cover plate 320 and the terminal plate 310. In addition, the third insulating member 350 can prevent or substantially prevent deformation of the terminal plate 310 that may be caused by external impact, thereby preventing short circuits between the cover plate 320 and the terminal plate 310.

[0108] Figure 4 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may include a terminal plate 410, a cover plate 420, a first insulating member 430 configured to provide electrical insulation between the terminal plate 410 and the cover plate 420, and a second insulating member 440 configured to provide additional electrical insulation between the terminal plate 410 and the cover plate 420. The cover plate 420 may be disposed on and connected to an opening in the housing, in which the electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the cover plate 420 may have a through-hole. Additionally, the terminal plate 410 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and may be inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate 420.

[0110] In one embodiment, the terminal block 410 may include a head portion 412 disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 420 (e.g., the head portion 412 is disposed on or above the upper surface of the cover plate 420) and a protrusion 412 formed to extend downward from the head portion 412 and insert into a through hole in the cover plate 420. In this case, a first insulating member 430 may be disposed between the cover plate 420 and the head portion 412. The outer diameter of the first insulating member 430 may be smaller than the diameter of the head portion 412. Furthermore, a second insulating member 440 may be positioned to contact the outer end (e.g., the outer surface) of the first insulating member 430. The second insulating member 440 may be disposed between the cover plate 420 and the head portion 412.

[0111] In one embodiment, the first insulating member 430 and the second insulating member 440 can be joined together by an insulating bonding material 450. In other words, an insulating bonding material 450 can be provided between the first insulating member 430 and the second insulating member 440. This insulating bonding material 450 not only joins the first insulating member 430 and the second insulating member 440 together, but also provides electrical insulation between the cover plate 420 and the terminal plate 410.

[0112] Figure 5The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may include a terminal plate 510, a cover plate 520, a first insulating member 530 configured to provide electrical insulation between the terminal plate 510 and the cover plate 520, and a second insulating member 540 configured to provide additional electrical insulation between the terminal plate 510 and the cover plate 520. The cover plate 520 may be disposed on and connected to an opening in the housing, in which the electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the cover plate 520 may have a through-hole. Additionally, the terminal plate 510 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and may be inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate 520.

[0114] In one embodiment, the terminal plate 510 may include a head portion 512 disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 520 (e.g., the head portion 512 is disposed on or above the upper surface of the cover plate 520) and a protrusion 512 formed to extend downward from the head portion 514 and insert into a through hole in the cover plate 520. In this case, a first insulating member 530 may be disposed between the cover plate 520 and the head portion 512. The outer diameter of the first insulating member 530 may be smaller than the diameter of the head portion 512. Furthermore, a second insulating member 540 may be positioned to contact the outer end (e.g., the outer surface) of the first insulating member 530. The second insulating member 540 may be disposed between the cover plate 520 and the head portion 512.

[0115] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second insulating member 540 may be circular. The diameter d1 of the cross-section of the second insulating member 540 may be equal to or substantially equal to the thickness h1 of the first insulating member 530. For example, the second insulating member 540 may be in the form of a rubber ring, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first insulating member 530 and the second insulating member 540 can be bonded together by an insulating bonding material 550. When the cross-section of the second insulating member 540 is circular, a gap can be formed between the first insulating member 530 and the second insulating member 540. The insulating bonding material 550 can be provided to fill the gap between the first insulating member 530 and the second insulating member 540. The insulating bonding material 550 can not only be used to bond the first insulating member 530 and the second insulating member 540 together, but also to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate 520 and the terminal plate 510.

[0117] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may include a terminal plate 610, a cover plate 620, a first insulating member 630 configured to provide electrical insulation between the terminal plate 610 and the cover plate 620, and a second insulating member 640 configured to provide additional electrical insulation between the terminal plate 610 and the cover plate 620. The cover plate 620 may be disposed on and connected to an opening in the housing, in which the electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the cover plate 620 may have a through-hole. Additionally, the terminal plate 610 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and may be inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate 620.

[0119] In one embodiment, the terminal plate 610 may include a head portion 612 disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 620 (e.g., the head portion 612 is disposed on or above the upper surface of the cover plate 620) and a protrusion 612 formed to extend downward from the head portion 614 and insert into a through hole in the cover plate 620. In this case, a first insulating member 630 may be disposed between the cover plate 620 and the head portion 612. The outer diameter d2 of the first insulating member 630 and the diameter d1 of the head portion 612 may be the same as or substantially the same as each other. Furthermore, a second insulating member 640 may be configured to contact the outer end (e.g., the outer surface) of the first insulating member 630.

[0120] In one embodiment, the thickness h2 of the second insulating member 640 may be greater than the thickness h1 of the first insulating member 630. Furthermore, the vertical height h2 of the upper surface of the second insulating member 640 may be lower than the vertical height h3 of the upper surface of the head portion 612.

[0121] A second insulating member 640, additionally disposed on the outside of the first insulating member 630, can prevent or substantially prevent the first insulating member 630 from expanding outward due to external impact. In addition, the second insulating member 640 can prevent or substantially prevent deformation of the terminal plate 610 that may be caused by external impact, thereby preventing a short circuit between the cover plate 620 and the terminal plate 610.

[0122] Figure 7 The illustration shows an example of a cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may include a terminal plate 710, a cover plate 720, a first insulating member 730 configured to provide electrical insulation between the terminal plate 710 and the cover plate 720, and a second insulating member 740 configured to provide additional electrical insulation between the terminal plate 710 and the cover plate 720. The cover plate 720 is disposed on and connected to an opening in the housing, in which the electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the cover plate 720 may include a through-hole. Additionally, the terminal plate 710 may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly and may be inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate 720.

[0124] In one embodiment, the terminal plate 710 may include a head portion 712 disposed on the outer side of the cover plate 720 (e.g., the head portion 712 is disposed on or above the upper surface of the cover plate 720) and a protrusion 712 formed to extend downward from the head portion 714 and insert into a through hole in the cover plate 720. In this case, a first insulating member 730 may be disposed between the cover plate 720 and the head portion 712. The outer diameter of the first insulating member 730 may be the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of the head portion 712. Furthermore, a second insulating member 740 may be configured to contact the outer end (e.g., the outer surface) of the first insulating member 730.

[0125] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the second insulating member 740 may be circular. The diameter d1 of the cross-section of the second insulating member 740 may be greater than the thickness h1 of the first insulating member 730. Furthermore, the diameter d1 of the cross-section of the second insulating member 740 may be less than the vertical height h2 of the upper surface of the head portion 712 (e.g., the distance from the upper surface of the cover plate 720 to the upper surface of the head portion 712). For example, the second insulating member 740 may be in the form of a rubber ring, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first insulating member 730 and the second insulating member 740 can be bonded to each other by an insulating bonding material 750. When the cross-section of the second insulating member 740 is circular, a gap can be formed between the first insulating member 730 and the second insulating member 740. The insulating bonding material 750 can be provided to fill the gap between the first insulating member 730 and the second insulating member 740. The insulating bonding material 750 can not only be used to bond the first insulating member 730 and the second insulating member 740 to each other, but also to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate 720 and the terminal plate 710.

[0127] Refer to the above Figures 3 to 7 In the examples of the described embodiments, for ease of illustration, insulating members disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate are not shown (e.g., Figure 2 (The fourth insulating member 250 is shown above). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and references above are also made to the above. Figures 3 to 7 Each of the described cover assemblies may also include an insulating member disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate.

[0128] Figure 8 The illustration shows a flowchart of an example of a method 800 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] In one embodiment, method 800 may include fabricating an electrode assembly by winding a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm between the first and second electrodes (S810). The electrode assembly may be housed in a housing having an opening formed on one side of the housing (S820).

[0130] A cover assembly (S830) can be manufactured. The cover assembly may include a cover plate having a through-hole and a terminal plate. The cover plate is disposed over and connected to an opening in a housing housing that accommodates an electrode assembly. The terminal plate is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate. The terminal plate may include one or more metallic materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel, or stainless steel (SUS) (e.g., it may be made of one or more metallic materials such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel, or stainless steel (SUS), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the terminal plate may include a head portion and a protrusion formed extending downward from the head portion and inserted into the through-hole of the cover plate.

[0131] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a first insulating member disposed between the cover plate and the terminal plate to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate, and a second insulating member disposed outside the first insulating member to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate. The second insulating member may be configured to contact the outer end of the first insulating member. The outer diameter of the first insulating member may be smaller than the diameter of the head portion of the terminal plate. In this case, the second insulating member may be disposed between the cover plate and the terminal plate (e.g., the head portion of the terminal plate). Furthermore, the thickness of the second insulating member may be the same as or substantially the same as the thickness of the first insulating member.

[0132] The terminal block can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (S840). For example, the terminal block can be soldered to the positive or negative terminal of the electrode assembly. Furthermore, the cover assembly can be attached to one side of the housing to seal the opening of the housing (S850). For example, the outer periphery of the cover assembly can be soldered to the terminals of the opening in the housing.

[0133] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a third insulating member connected to one end of the second insulating member. The other end (e.g., the opposite end) of the second insulating member may be connected to the first insulating member. Furthermore, the vertical height of the upper surface of the third insulating member may be greater than the vertical height of the upper surface of the second insulating member. Additionally, the third insulating member may be configured to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the head portion.

[0134] In one embodiment, the outer diameter of the first insulating member may be the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of the head portion. In this case, the thickness of the second insulating member may be greater than the thickness of the first insulating member. Furthermore, the vertical height of the upper surface of the second insulating member may be lower than the vertical height of the upper surface of the head portion.

[0135] In one embodiment, the material of the second insulating member may be different from the material of the first insulating member. Furthermore, the material of the second insulating member may include an elastic material. Additionally, the first and second insulating members may be joined together using an insulating bonding material.

[0136] In one embodiment, the cover assembly may further include a fourth insulating member disposed on the lower surface of the cover plate. The fourth insulating member may be disposed between the electrode assembly and the cover plate to provide electrical insulation between the electrode assembly and the cover plate.

[0137] 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 thereto within the spirit of this disclosure and within the equivalents of the appended claims.

[0138] Explanation of some figure labels

[0139] 100: Secondary battery

[0140] 110: Electrode assembly

[0141] 112: Positive electrode connector

[0142] 114: Negative electrode connector

[0143] 120: Shell

[0144] 130: Cover component

Claims

1. A cover assembly for a secondary battery, the cover assembly comprising: A cover plate is disposed on and connected to an opening in a housing that houses the electrode assembly, the cover plate having a through hole; A terminal block, electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through hole of the cover plate; A first insulating member is provided between the cover plate and the terminal plate to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate; as well as A second insulating member, located outside the first insulating member, provides electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

2. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second insulating member is in contact with the outer end of the first insulating member.

3. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal block includes: The head part; and The protruding portion extends downward from the head portion and is inserted into the through hole of the cover plate.

4. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The outer diameter of the first insulating member is smaller than the diameter of the head portion.

5. The cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The second insulating member is located between the cover plate and the head portion.

6. The cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the second insulating member is the same as the thickness of the first insulating member.

7. The cover assembly according to claim 4, further comprising: The third insulating component is connected to one end of the second insulating component. Wherein, the other end of the second insulating member is connected to the first insulating member, and The vertical height of the upper surface of the third insulating member is higher than the vertical height of the upper surface of the second insulating member.

8. The cover assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The third insulating member is in contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the head portion.

9. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The outer diameter of the first insulating member is the same as the diameter of the head portion.

10. The cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The thickness of the second insulating member is greater than the thickness of the first insulating member.

11. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The vertical height of the upper surface of the second insulating member is lower than the vertical height of the upper surface of the head portion.

12. The cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The material of the second insulating component is different from the material of the first insulating component.

13. The cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The second insulating component comprises an elastic material.

14. The cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The first insulating member and the second insulating member are joined together by an insulating bonding material.

15. The cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: A fourth insulating component is located on the lower surface of the cover plate.

16. A secondary battery, comprising: An electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a membrane between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; The housing has an opening on one side and accommodates the electrode assembly; as well as A cover assembly, attached to one side of the housing, to seal the opening of the housing. The cover assembly includes: A cover plate, disposed on and connected to said side to cover the opening of the housing accommodating the electrode assembly, the cover plate having a through hole; A terminal block, electrically connected to the electrode assembly and inserted into the through hole of the cover plate; A first insulating member is provided between the cover plate and the terminal plate to provide electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate; and A second insulating member, located outside the first insulating member, provides electrical insulation between the cover plate and the terminal plate.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein, The terminal block includes: The head part; and The protruding portion extends downward from the head portion and is inserted into the through hole of the cover plate.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein, The outer diameter of the first insulating member is smaller than the diameter of the head portion.

19. The secondary battery according to claim 18, wherein, The second insulating member is located between the cover plate and the head portion.

20. The secondary battery according to claim 19, wherein, The thickness of the second insulating member is the same as the thickness of the first insulating member.

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