Secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode including a first electrode tab and a second electrode including a second electrode tab; a case including a three-dimensionally shaped body having an accommodation space therein to accommodate the electrode assembly, and a flange extending in a horizontal direction from an open end of the body to surround the accommodation space; a cover on the housing and joined to the flange to seal the accommodation space; and a first side plate joined to the main body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike primary batteries that are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are batteries designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used for portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while large-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and as batteries for storing electric power (e.g., home and / or utility-scale power storage). Secondary batteries generally include an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and an electrode terminal connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be combined to external devices using an adhesive member such as tape. Accordingly, the secondary batteries can not be easily removable, and the space occupied by the adhesive member can limit the height of the secondary batteries.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore, it can contain information that does not constitute the related (or prior) art. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the same, which can be more easily attached to and detached from an external device while securing a battery capacity or a mounting space.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode including a first electrode tab and a second electrode including a second electrode tab, a case including a flange and a three-dimensional shaped main body having an accommodation space therein to accommodate the electrode assembly, the flange extending in a horizontal direction from an open end of the main body to surround the accommodation space, a cover on the case and joined to the flange to seal the accommodation space, and a first side plate joined to the main body.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first side plate can have a thickness thicker than a thickness of the housing.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first side plate can include at least one of nickel and a nickel alloy.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first side plate can include a curved portion and flat portions extending from opposite sides of the curved portion. The curved portion can be coupled to the main body while covering the connection portion of the main body.

[0012] In an embodiment, at least one of the flat portions can include at least one welding portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, the secondary battery can further include a first screw fixing structure coupled to the first side plate.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first screw fixing structure can include a first fixing portion having a first through-hole penetrating a central portion of the first fixing portion and configured to be fixed to an external device by a fixing member extending through the first through-hole, and a first bottom portion extending from the first fixing portion and coupled to the first side plate.

[0015] In an embodiment, a thickness of the first fixing portion can be thicker than a thickness of the first side plate, and a thickness of the first bottom portion can be the same as the thickness of the first side plate.

[0016] In an embodiment, the secondary battery can further include a second side plate coupled to the main body and a second screw fixing structure coupled to the second side plate. The second screw fixing structure can include a second fixing portion having a second through-hole penetrating a central portion of the second fixing portion and configured to be coupled to an external device by a fixing member extending through the second through-hole, and a second bottom portion extending from the second fixing portion and coupled to the second side plate.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion can be positioned on the main body to be spaced apart from the top portion of the housing by different distances from each other.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first side plate and the first screw fixing structure can be integral with each other.

[0019] In an embodiment, the housing and the cover can include the same metallic material as each other.

[0020] In an embodiment, the metallic material can include stainless steel (SUS).

[0021] In an embodiment, the housing can further include a first electrode terminal on the first surface of the main body and electrically connected to the first electrode tab, and a second electrode terminal on the first surface of the main body and electrically connected to the second electrode tab.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery includes joining a side plate to a main body of a case, the case including the main body having a three-dimensional shape to define an accommodation space therein and a flange extending from an open end of the main body in a horizontal direction to surround the accommodation space; placing an electrode assembly in the accommodation space by joining the electrode assembly including a first electrode including a first electrode tab and a second electrode including a second electrode tab to the case; joining a cover on the flange of the case to seal the accommodation space; and cutting the flange.

[0023] In an embodiment, the method can further include joining a screw fixing structure to the side plate.

[0024] In an embodiment, the joining of the side plate to the main body of the case can include laser welding the main body and the side plate to each other.

[0025] In an embodiment, the joining of the side plate to the main body of the case can include welding the main body and the side plate to each other from an inner side of the main body.

[0026] In an embodiment, the case and the cover can include the same metallic material as each other.

[0027] In an embodiment, the metallic material can include stainless steel (SUS).

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary battery that can be more easily attached to and detached from an external device can be provided, and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, since the secondary battery can be combined to the external device without using a separate adhesive member, a mounting space of the battery can be increased by a space that would otherwise be occupied by the adhesive member, so that a capacity of the battery can be increased.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fixing portion of the screw fixing structure can be spaced apart from the top portion of the case by different distances, so that reverse insertion of the secondary battery can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0031] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The following accompanying drawings attached to the present specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the detailed description described below further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 A secondary battery according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0034] Figure 2 A secondary battery according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0035] Figure 3 A side plate according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0036] Figure 4 A secondary battery according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0037] Figure 5 A screw fixing structure according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0038] Figure 6 A secondary battery combined to an external device according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0039] Figures 7 to 14 Various views of a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0040] Figure 15 A flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the ideas and concepts of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his / her own invention. Accordingly, the description proposed herein is just a preferable example for implementing the present disclosure and thus should not be used in interpreting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0042] The embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations illustrated in the accompanying drawings are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all technical spirits, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications to the embodiments described herein can exist at the time of filing the present application.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0044] In the drawings, the size of various elements, layers, etc. can be exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numbers signify like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of," and "any one of," when preceding a list of two or more items, cover the entire list of items and do not exclude individual items in the list. When using phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one of a group of items from A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C," the phrase can refer to any and all combinations 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," "used," and "using" can be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilized," and "utilizing," respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in a measuring device or calculating method.

[0045] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" can mean they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" can include cases with deviations that are considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Also, when a certain parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0046] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0047] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated, each element can be singular or plural.

[0048] Arranging any element "on" another element "above (or below)" or "on (off) can mean that the any element can be disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, or a further element can also be interposed between the other element and the any element disposed on (or below) the other element.

[0049] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can also be present. In contrast, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. By way of example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements. Further, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "linked", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the components can be directly "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to each other, or a further component can be "interposed" between the components.

[0050] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges of the same numerical precision falling within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0, i.e., all subranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits falling within it, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits falling within it. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges falling within the range expressly described herein.

[0051] Throughout this specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When “C to D” is stated, it means C or more and D or fewer, unless otherwise stated.

[0052] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. In other words, the dimensions in the drawings are shown for ease of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts.

[0053] Figure 1 A secondary battery 100 in which the flange F is not cut is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 110 and a housing 120 comprising a flange F and a body B with a three-dimensional shape. The electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode having a first electrode tab 112a and a second electrode having a second electrode tab 112b. The body B may define a receiving space S therein to receive the electrode assembly 110. The flange F extends horizontally from an open end of the body B to surround the receiving space S. Furthermore, the secondary battery 100 may include a cover 130 disposed over the housing 120 and engaging with the flange F to seal the receiving space S. For example, the electrode assembly 110 may be of a wound or stacked type, wherein a separator, acting as an insulator, is provided between the first electrode corresponding to the positive electrode and the second electrode corresponding to the negative electrode. Figure 1 The secondary battery 100 shown may be a stainless steel (SUS) can-type secondary battery, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the secondary battery 100 may be any suitable type of secondary battery.

[0055] Each of the positive and negative electrodes may include a coated portion and an uncoated portion. The coated portion is the area where an active material is applied to a current collector formed from a sheet of metal foil, and the uncoated portion is the area where no active material is coated. The positive and negative electrodes may be wound together after a separator, acting as an insulator, is provided therebetween. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly may have a structure in which multiple positive and negative electrodes are alternately stacked with a separator provided between them.

[0056] The positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery may include a positive current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material on the positive current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a positive electrode binder and / or a positive electrode conductive material.

[0057] For example, the positive electrode may further include additives that can be used as a sacrificial positive electrode.

[0058] Based on a 100 wt% positive electrode active material layer, the amount of positive electrode active material can be from about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%. Based on a 100 wt% positive electrode active material layer, the amounts of positive electrode binder and positive electrode conductive material can be from about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, respectively.

[0059] The positive electrode binder is used to securely attach positive electrode active material particles to each other, and also to securely attach the positive electrode active material to the positive electrode current collector. Examples of positive electrode binders may include polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polymers including ethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, epoxy resin, (meth)acrylate resin, polyester resin, nylon, etc., as non-limiting examples.

[0060] Positive electrode conductive materials can be used to impart conductivity to the positive electrode. Any material that does not cause chemical changes (e.g., does not cause undesirable chemical changes in rechargeable lithium batteries) and conducts electrons can be used as a positive electrode conductive material in a battery. Examples of positive electrode conductive materials can include: carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers, including copper, nickel, aluminum (Al), silver, etc.; conductive polymers, such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0061] Al can be used as a positive electrode current collector, but is not limited to this.

[0062] The membrane may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, multilayer membranes of two or more layers thereof, or mixed multilayer membranes, such as polyethylene / polypropylene two-layer membranes, polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene three-layer membranes, polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene three-layer membranes, etc.

[0063] The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery may include a negative electrode current collector and a layer of negative electrode active material on the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may include a negative electrode active material and may further include a negative electrode binder and / or a negative electrode conductive material.

[0064] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99.5 wt% of negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of negative electrode binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of negative electrode conductive material.

[0065] Negative electrode binders can be used to effectively attach negative electrode active material particles to each other, and also to effectively attach negative electrode active materials to negative electrode current collectors. Negative electrode binders can include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxygenated alcohol, 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.

[0068] When the aqueous binder is used as a negative electrode binder, it may further include a cellulose compound capable of imparting viscosity. The cellulose compound may include at least one of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts. The alkali metal may include Na, K, or Li.

[0069] Dry adhesives can be polymeric materials capable of taking the form of fibers. For example, dry adhesives can be polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0070] Negative electrode conductive materials can be used to impart conductivity to the negative electrode. Any material that does not cause chemical changes (e.g., does not cause undesirable chemical changes in rechargeable lithium batteries) and conducts electrons can be used as the negative electrode conductive material in a battery. Non-limiting examples may include: carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metal-based materials, including copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc., in the form of metal powders or metal fibers; conductive polymers, such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0071] The negative electrode current collector may include copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, or a combination thereof.

[0072] The membrane may include a porous substrate and a coating layer on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate, the coating layer comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The porous substrate can be a polymer film formed from any polymer selected from polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene oxide, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, Teflon, polytetrafluoroethylene, and copolymers or mixtures of two or more of these polymers.

[0074] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0075] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof.

[0076] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a single coating layer, or coating layers containing organic materials and coating layers containing inorganic materials can be stacked.

[0077] The electrode assembly 110 may include a first electrode tab 112a connected to a first side of a first electrode and a second electrode tab 112b connected to a first side of a second electrode. The first electrode tab 112a and the second electrode tab 112b may be connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively by soldering the tabs to the uncoated portions of the first electrode and the second electrode, and may be formed by punching the uncoated portions of the first electrode and the second electrode. In a wound state, the first electrode tab 112a and the second electrode tab 112b may be arranged side-by-side with a suitable interval (e.g., a predetermined interval). The first electrode may be a positive electrode, and the second electrode may be a negative electrode, or vice versa. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 110 may be any suitable structure including electrode tabs.

[0078] The housing 120 forms the overall outline of the secondary battery 100 and can be formed of a conductive metal (such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel). According to embodiments, the housing 120 may include metallic materials such as stainless steel (SUS), aluminum (Al), etc. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing 120 can be formed of various suitable metallic materials that satisfy the desired strength and resistance to external impacts of the secondary battery 100. Furthermore, the housing 120 may include a body B and a flange F, the body B having a receiving space S to receive the electrode assembly 110, and the flange F extending horizontally from the open end of the body B to surround the receiving space S. In other words, in a plan view, the flange F may surround the receiving space S of the body B (e.g., around the periphery of the receiving space S of the body B). In the body B, the receiving space S, in which the electrode assembly 110 is received, may be formed, for example, by a pressing process. The receiving space S of the housing 120 may be formed, for example, into a rectangular shape. The flange F may be formed to extend from the open end of the body B in a direction parallel to the four sides of the rectangular shape in the horizontal direction of the body B to surround the receiving space S.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the secondary battery 100 may include a cover 130 disposed on the housing 120 and engaging with a flange F to seal the receiving space S. The cover 130 may include a flat or substantially flat plate disposed on the housing 120 to seal the receiving space S. For example, the cover 130 may be implemented as a flat or substantially flat plate sized to cover the body B and the flange F to contact the surface of the flange F. In other words, the bottom surface of the cover 130 and the top surface of the flange F may be arranged to surface contact each other. By engaging the flange F and the cover 130 together, the housing 120 and the cover 130 can form a single bonded structure. According to an embodiment, the housing 120 may be joined to the cover 130 by laser welding. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and various suitable joining methods may be used to seal the housing 120. For example, the flange F of the cover 130 and the housing 120 may be joined together not only by laser welding, but also by ultrasonic welding, brazing, laser brazing, welding, soldering, etc.

[0080] According to the embodiment, the cover 130 can be formed of the same metallic material as the housing 120. In other words, like the metallic material of the housing 120, the cover 130 can be formed of stainless steel (SUS), aluminum (Al), etc.

[0081] The first electrode terminal 122a electrically connected to the first electrode tab 112a of the electrode assembly 110 and the second electrode terminal 122b electrically connected to the second electrode tab 112b of the electrode assembly 110 can be coupled to the body B. For example, the first electrode terminal 122a and the second electrode terminal 122b can be disposed on at least a first surface of the housing 120. However, the positions of the first electrode terminal 122a and the second electrode terminal 122b according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to... Figure 1 The position shown can be modified in various ways as needed or desired.

[0082] In one embodiment, housing 120 may include an electrolyte inlet 122c. For example, electrolyte inlet 122c may be an aperture provided in at least a first surface of housing 120 and may be provided for injecting electrolyte into housing 120 after housing 120 has been engaged with and sealed to cap 130. Electrolyte inlet 122c may be sealed with a sealing member after electrolyte injection.

[0083] The secondary battery 100 can be a lithium battery cell, a sodium battery cell, etc. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the secondary battery 100 can include any suitable type of battery capable of repeatedly supplying power through charging and discharging. In embodiments where the secondary battery 100 is a lithium battery cell, the secondary battery 100 can be used in electric vehicles (EVs) due to its excellent lifespan and high rate capability. For example, the secondary battery 100 can be used in hybrid vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Furthermore, lithium battery cells can be used in various applications that require or expect large amounts of energy storage, such as electric bicycles, power tools, etc., but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0084] Figure 2 A secondary battery 100 in which the flange F is cut is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 A side panel according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0085] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The secondary battery 100 may include at least one side plate 220 bonded to the body B. For example, the side plate 220 may include a first side plate 220a and a second side plate 220b. The first side plate 220a may be bonded to a surface thereon on which a first electrode terminal 122a, a second electrode terminal 122b, and an electrolyte inlet 122c are disposed, and the second side plate 220b may be bonded to a surface opposite to the surface on which the first electrode terminal 122a, the second electrode terminal 122b, and the electrolyte inlet 122c are disposed. The first side plate 220a and the second side plate 220b may be welded from the inside of the body B to be bonded to the body B.

[0086] In an embodiment, the first side plate 220a may include a curved portion 310a and flat portions 320a extending from opposite sides of the curved portion 310a, and the second side plate 220b may include a curved portion 310b and flat portions 320b extending from opposite sides of the curved portion 310b. For example, the curved portions 310a and 310b may have a raised curved shape. At least one of the flat portions 320a may include at least one welded portion 330a, and at least one of the flat portions 320b may include at least one welded portion 330b. In an embodiment, the number of welded portions 330a on the first side plate 220a and the number of welded portions 330b on the second side plate 220b may be different from each other. For example, the number of welded portions 330a on the first side plate 220a and the number of welded portions 330b on the second side plate 220b may be in the range of six to nine. At least one welded portion 330a may occupy an area within 15% of the total area of ​​the first side plate 220a, and at least one welded portion 330b may occupy an area within 15% of the total area of ​​the second side plate 220b. In another example, the number of welded portions 330a on the first side plate 220a and the number of welded portions 330b on the second side plate 220b may be the same as each other.

[0087] In one embodiment, the curved portions 310a of the first side plate 220a and 310b of the second side plate 220b can be joined to the main body B while covering the connecting portion 222 of the main body B. In this case, the shapes of the curved portions 310a and 310b can correspond to the shape of the connecting portion 222. For example, the main body B can have a rectangular shape with rounded corners in a plan view, and the connecting portion 222 can have raised curved surfaces at the four rounded corners of the main body B, connecting adjacent surfaces of the main body B. In this case, the curved portions 310a and 310b can have curved surfaces corresponding to the shape of the connecting portion 222. In another example, the main body B can have a normal rectangular shape in a plan view, and the connecting portion 222 can have right-angled shapes at the four corners of the main body B, connecting adjacent surfaces of the main body B. In this case, the curved portions 310a and 310b can have right-angled shapes corresponding to the shape of the connecting portion 222.

[0088] In one embodiment, the thickness of the first side plate 220a may be greater than the thickness of the housing 120. More specifically, the thickness of the first side plate 220a may be greater than the thickness of the main body B. For example, the thickness of the main body B may be about 0.1 mm, and the thickness of the first side plate 220a may be about 0.2 mm. In another embodiment, the first side plate 220a may include at least one of nickel and nickel alloys.

[0089] In some embodiments of this disclosure, joining the side plate 220 to the body B allows separate structures, such as those joined by welding, to be joined to the side plate 220. Thus, durability or stability during welding can be achieved.

[0090] Figure 4 A secondary battery 100 in which the flange F is cut is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 A screw fixing structure 410 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0091] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The secondary battery 100 may include a screw fixing structure 410. The screw fixing structure 410 may include a first screw fixing structure 410a engaged with a first side plate 220a and a second screw fixing structure 410b engaged with a second side plate 220b. The first screw fixing structure 410a may be welded to the first side plate 220a. In an embodiment, the first screw fixing structure 410a and the first side plate 220a may be joined together by welding the first side plate 220a to the first screw fixing structure 410a from the outside of the first side plate 220a. For example, the first screw fixing structure 410a and the first side plate 220a may be welded together, such as by laser welding. The second screw fixing structure 410b may be welded to the second side plate 220b. In an embodiment, the second screw fixing structure 410b and the second side plate 220b may be joined together by welding the second screw fixing structure 410b and the second side plate 220b together from the outside of the second side plate 220b. For example, the second screw fixing structure 410b and the second side plate 220b can be welded together by laser welding or the like. The first side plate 220a and the first screw fixing structure 410a can be provided integrally with each other. Similarly, the second side plate 220b and the second screw fixing structure 410b can be provided integrally with each other.

[0092] In one embodiment, the first screw fixing structure 410a may include a first fixing portion 512 and a first bottom portion 514. The first fixing portion 512 includes a first through hole 516 extending through its central portion and can be fixed to an external device using a fixing member extending through the first through hole 516. The first bottom portion 514 extends from the first fixing portion 512 and engages with the first side plate 220a. The thickness of the first fixing portion 512 may be greater than the thickness of the first side plate 220a. For example, the thickness of the first fixing portion 512 may be 0.6 mm. The thickness of the first bottom portion 514 may be the same as or substantially the same as the thickness of the first side plate 220a. For example, the thickness of the first bottom portion 514 and the thickness of the first side plate 220a may both be 0.2 mm. The fixing member extending through the first through hole 516 may be, for example, a screw.

[0093] In an embodiment, the second screw fixing structure 410b may include a second fixing portion 522 and a second bottom portion 524. The second fixing portion 522 includes a second through hole 526 passing through its central portion and can be coupled to an external device using a fixing member extending through the second through hole 526. The second bottom portion 524 extends from the second fixing portion 522 and engages with the second side plate 220b. The thickness of the second fixing portion 522 may be greater than the thickness of the second side plate 220b. For example, the thickness of the second fixing portion 522 may be 0.6 mm. The thickness of the second bottom portion 524 may be the same as or substantially the same as the thickness of the second side plate 220b. For example, the thickness of the second bottom portion 524 and the thickness of the second side plate 220b may both be 0.2 mm. The fixing member extending through the second through hole 526 may be, for example, a screw. The external device may be an electronic device, such as an electric vehicle, electric bicycle, etc., but this disclosure is not limited thereto. Reference will be made below. Figure 6 A more detailed description of the implementation of connecting the secondary battery 100 to an external device.

[0094] In embodiments, the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b may have different shapes from each other. For example, the first fixing portion 512 of the first screw fixing structure 410a may have a generally rectangular shape with at least two rounded corners, and the first bottom portion 514 may have a rectangular flat plate shape extending parallel to or substantially parallel to the central axis of the through hole 516, and may include multiple welded portions. In other words, the first bottom portion 514 may extend perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first fixing portion 512. The second fixing portion 522 of the second screw fixing structure 410b may have a generally circular shape, and the second bottom portion 524 may have a shape corresponding to the curved portion 310b of the second side plate 220b, and may include multiple welded portions. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shapes of the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b may be interchangeable.

[0095] Furthermore, the shapes of the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b are not limited to the shapes described above, and can have various suitable shapes depending on the shape and size of the secondary battery 100. According to embodiments, the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b can be formed of the same metallic material as the metallic material of the housing 120. For example, like the metallic material of the housing 120, the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b can include stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum (Al).

[0096] Figure 6A secondary battery 100, wherein the flange F is cut, is shown in connection with an external device 610 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. See below for reference. Figure 6 It is not necessary to repeat the reference above. Figures 1 to 5 Redundant descriptions of parts that are the same or substantially the same.

[0097] Reference Figure 6 The secondary battery 100 can be detachably attached to any suitable external device 610 using a fixing member extending through the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b. The fixing member may include, for example, screws. The external device 610 may be any suitable device that can provide the secondary battery. For example, the external device 610 may include electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric bicycles, power tools, etc., but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] In an embodiment, the first fixing portion 512 of the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second fixing portion 522 of the second screw fixing structure 410b can be positioned on the body B at different distances from the top portion of the housing 120. The top portion of the housing 120 can refer to the portion where the cover 130 engages with the housing 120 (e.g., the open portion of the housing 120). For example, the first fixing portion 512 can be positioned on the body B at a greater distance from the cover 130 than the distance from the second fixing portion 522 to the cover 130. However, the positions of the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b are not limited thereto, and the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b can have various suitable arrangements. By using the first screw fixing structure 410a and the second screw fixing structure 410b to directly connect the secondary battery 100 and the external device 610 to each other, a secondary battery that can be more easily attached to and removed from the external device can be provided. Because the secondary battery 100 can be integrated into the external device 610 without the use of a separate adhesive component, the installation space for the secondary battery 100 can be increased, thereby increasing the capacity of the secondary battery 100. Furthermore, by setting the first fixing portion 512 and the second fixing portion 522 on the body B at different distances from the top portion of the housing 120, reverse insertion of the secondary battery 100 can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0099] Figures 7 to 14 Various views of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. For the sake of simplicity, Figures 10 to 12 The flange F is not shown in the image, and Figures 8 to 13 Side panel 220 is not shown in the diagram. See below for reference. Figures 7 to 14 It is not necessary to repeat the reference above.Figures 1 to 6 Redundant descriptions of parts that are the same or substantially the same.

[0100] Reference Figure 7 The side plate 220 can be joined to the body B of the housing 120. The body B may have a three-dimensional shape to define a receiving space S therein. A flange F of the housing 120 may extend horizontally from the open end of the body B to surround the receiving space S. The side plate 220 can be joined to the body B by welding the body B and the side plate 220 together from the inside of the body B. In an embodiment, the side plate 220 can be joined to the body B by welding the side plate 220 to the body B from the inside of the body B. For example, the side plate 220 can be joined to the body B by laser welding the body B and the side plate 220 together along at least one weld portion 330 formed on the side plate 220.

[0101] Reference Figure 8 The electrode assembly 110, comprising a first electrode having a first electrode tab 112a and a second electrode having a second electrode tab 112b, can be housed in the housing 120 and contained within the housing space S. In one embodiment, a welding machine 810 can be used to bond the first electrode tab 112a and the second electrode tab 112b to the first electrode terminal 122a and the second electrode terminal 122b of the housing 120, respectively. For example, laser welding or the like can be used to bond the first electrode tab 112a and the second electrode tab 112b to the first electrode terminal 122a and the second electrode terminal 122b of the housing 120.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 The cover 130 can be joined to the flange F of the housing 120 to seal the receiving space S. For example, the cover 130 can be joined to the flange F using a welding machine 810. The cover 130 and the flange F can be joined to each other by laser welding or the like. In an embodiment, the welding can be performed along the flange F as shown in the image. Figure 9 The perimeter indicated by the dotted line is in a clockwise direction, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] Reference Figures 10 to 12 Electrolyte 1010 can be injected through the electrolyte inlet 122c provided on the first surface of housing 120. Pre-charging can then be performed by connecting a precharger 1110 to the first electrode terminal 122a and the second electrode terminal 122b provided on the first surface of housing 120. Subsequently, the electrolyte inlet 122c can be welded using a welding machine 810. For example, the electrolyte inlet 122c can be welded by laser welding or the like.

[0104] Reference Figure 13The flange F of the housing 120 can be cut. In an embodiment, the flange F can be cut using a cutting machine 1310. The cutting machine 1310 can be, for example, a laser cutting machine. The flange F can be cut from the area protruding from the body B of the housing 120.

[0105] Reference Figure 14 The screw fixing structure 410 can be joined to the side plate 220. In one embodiment, the screw fixing structure 410 can be joined to the side plate 220 by welding it to the side plate 220 from the outside. For example, the side plate 220 and the screw fixing structure 410 can be welded together by laser welding or the like.

[0106] Figure 15 A flowchart illustrating a method 1500 for manufacturing a secondary battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 15 The side plate can be joined to the body of the housing, the housing comprising a three-dimensional body having a receiving space and a flange extending horizontally from the open end of the body to surround the receiving space (S1510). For example, the side plate can be joined to the body by laser welding the body and the side plate together. In another example, the side plate can be joined to the body by welding the body and the side plate together from the inside of the body. The electrode assembly can be received in the receiving space by joining an electrode assembly including a first electrode having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode having a second electrode terminal to the housing (S1520). The cover can be joined to the flange of the housing to seal the receiving space (S1530), and the flange can be cut (S1540). In some embodiments, the housing and the cover can include the same metallic material as each other. For example, the metallic material can include stainless steel (SUS), etc.

[0108] After that, the screw fastening structure can be attached to the side plate.

[0109] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments illustrating aspects of this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, within the spirit of the disclosure and within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: An electrode assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode includes a first electrode terminal and the second electrode includes a second electrode terminal. A housing comprising a flange and a three-dimensional body having a receiving space therein for accommodating the electrode assembly, the flange extending horizontally from an open end of the body to surround the receiving space; A cover is attached to the housing and engaged with the flange to seal the receiving space; as well as The first side plate is attached to the main body.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the first side plate is greater than the thickness of the shell.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first side plate comprises at least one of nickel and nickel alloys.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first side plate includes: The curved part; and The flat portion extends from opposite sides of the curved portion, and The curved portion, while covering the connecting portion of the main body, is joined to the main body.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein, At least one of the flat portions includes at least one welded portion.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a first screw fixing structure engaged with the first side plate.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The first screw fixing structure includes: A first fixing portion having a first through hole penetrating the central portion of the first fixing portion, and configured to be fixed to an external device by a fixing member extending through the first through hole; and The first bottom portion extends from the first fixed portion and is joined to the first side plate.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein, The thickness of the first fixed portion is greater than the thickness of the first side plate, and The thickness of the first bottom portion is the same as the thickness of the first side plate.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 7, further comprising a second side plate joined to the main body and a second screw fixing structure joined to the second side plate. in, The second screw fixing structure includes: The second fixing portion has a second through hole penetrating the central portion of the second fixing portion, and is configured to be coupled to the external device by a fixing member extending through the second through hole; and The second bottom portion extends from the second fixing portion and joins to the second side plate.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are positioned on the body at different distances from the top portion of the housing.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The first side plate and the first screw fixing structure are integral to each other.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The housing and the cover are made of the same metallic material.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 12, wherein, The metallic material includes stainless steel.

14. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The housing further includes: A first electrode terminal is located on the first surface of the body and is electrically connected to the first electrode tab; and The second electrode terminal is located on the first surface of the body and is electrically connected to the second electrode tab.

15. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: The side plate is joined to the body of the housing, the housing including the body and a flange, the body having a three-dimensional shape to define a receiving space therein, the flange extending horizontally from the open end of the body to surround the receiving space; The electrode assembly is placed in the receiving space by engaging an electrode assembly, including a first electrode with a first electrode terminal and a second electrode with a second electrode terminal, to the housing; The cover is engaged with the flange of the housing to seal the receiving space; as well as Cut the flange.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising engaging a screw fastening structure to the side plate.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The joining of the side plate to the body of the housing includes laser welding the body and the side plate to each other.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The joining of the side plate to the body of the housing includes welding the body and the side plate to each other from the inside of the body.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The housing and the cover are made of the same metallic material.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The metallic material includes stainless steel.

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