Secondary battery

Abstract

A secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a case accommodating the electrode assembly, the case having an open side; a cover plate coupled with the open side of the housing, the cover plate having a vent hole; an insulating frame coupled with the cap plate, the insulating frame between the cap plate and the electrode assembly; and an exhaust portion coupled with the insulating frame, the exhaust portion configured to seal the exhaust hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed 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 camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources to drive 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 that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are widely used as a type of secondary battery. When lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods or continuously charged or discharged at high currents, internal gas may be generated due to factors such as cell degradation. When the internal pressure of the casing increases due to internal gas, a fire or explosion may occur.

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

[0005] The embodiment includes a secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly; a housing housing the electrode assembly having an open side; a cover plate connected to the open side of the housing having a vent; an insulating frame connected to the cover plate and positioned between the cover plate and the electrode assembly; and a vent portion connected to the insulating frame and configured to seal the vent.

[0006] The vent may include: an elastic member connected to an insulating frame; a gasket connected to the elastic member; and a plug on the gasket.

[0007] The elastic modulus of an elastic member can be determined based on the dimensions of the shell.

[0008] The elastic component can be welded to the insulating frame.

[0009] The liner may include: a first surface that contacts the plug; and a second surface that contacts the elastic member, wherein the area of ​​the first surface may be larger than the area of ​​the second surface.

[0010] Both the elastic member and the plug may include corrosion-resistant materials.

[0011] Corrosion-resistant materials may include at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel.

[0012] The padding can include a resilient material.

[0013] The elastic material may include at least one of silicone and silicone rubber.

[0014] The vent can be any of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0015] The embodiment includes a secondary battery comprising: an electrode assembly; a housing housing the electrode assembly having an open side; a cover plate coupled to the open side of the housing having a vent; an insulating frame coupled to the cover plate and positioned between the cover plate and the electrode assembly; and a vent portion configured to seal the vent portion, wherein the vent portion includes: an elastic member coupled to the insulating frame; a gasket coupled to the elastic member; a protrusion projecting from the gasket; and a plug on the protrusion.

[0016] The elastic modulus of an elastic member can be determined based on the dimensions of the shell.

[0017] The elastic component can be welded to the insulating frame.

[0018] The padding and protrusions can be integrated into each other.

[0019] Both the elastic member and the plug may include corrosion-resistant materials.

[0020] Corrosion-resistant materials may include at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel.

[0021] The padding can include a resilient material.

[0022] The elastic material may include at least one of silicone and silicone rubber.

[0023] The vent can be any of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0024] The cross-sectional area of ​​the plug can be larger than that of the gasket.

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

[0026] However, the aspects and features of this 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. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0028] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view illustrating a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view of a cover in which an exhaust portion is disposed, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 Perspective views of cover plates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0033] Figure 5 Example Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of part A;

[0034] Figure 6 Perspective views of cover components according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0035] Figure 7 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the exhaust section is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 It is an explanation Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the mechanism by which the exhaust section opens and the internal gas is discharged;

[0037] Figure 9 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the exhaust section is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 Example Explanation Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the mechanism by which the exhaust duct opens and internal gases are released; and

[0039] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0041] It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there may be intermediate layers. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "below" another layer, it can be directly below, and one or more intermediate layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediate layers may be present. The same reference numerals always indicate the same elements.

[0042] Some embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as being consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is capable of interpreting his / her disclosure in the best manner by appropriately defining the terms and concepts.

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

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” preceding / following the list of elements modify the entire list of elements, but not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from A, B, and C” are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “roughly,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0046] 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 a deviation considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of its mean.

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

[0048] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0049] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element may mean that the arbitrary element can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and other elements may also be positioned between the element and any element positioned on (or below) the element.

[0050] It will be understood that when a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or attached to the other component or layer, or one or more intermediate components or layers may be present. When a component or layer is referred to as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another component or layer, no intermediate components or layers are present. For example, when a first component is described as being "connected" or "attached" to a second component, the first component can be directly connected or attached to the second component, or the first component can be indirectly connected or attached to the second component via one or more intermediate components. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being "linked," "attached," or "attached" to another component, the components can be directly "linked," "attached," or "attached" to each other, or another component can be "between" the components.

[0051] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the enumerated ranges. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0 (and inclusive of both), i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly enumerate any subranges contained within the scope expressly enumerated herein.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is used, it means A, B, or A and B. In other words, “and / or” includes any or all of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C~D” is used, it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0053] In this disclosure, for clarity of explanation, the dimensions and relative dimensions of layers and regions illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged. That is, the dimensions illustrated in the drawings are for ease of understanding only and are not limiting. Furthermore, the same reference numerals throughout the specification indicate the same elements.

[0054] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view illustrating a secondary battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view illustrating a secondary battery 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] refer to Figure 1and Figure 2 The secondary battery 100 may include one or more electrode assemblies 10, a housing 110 in which the electrode assemblies 10 are constructed (e.g., housing 110 houses one or more electrode assemblies), and a cover assembly 20 connected to the open side of the housing 110, wherein the positive and negative electrodes in the electrode assemblies 10 are wound or stacked with a separator, which is an insulator, between them. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The secondary battery 100 illustrated can be a prismatic secondary battery, but the secondary battery 100 can be any type of secondary battery.

[0056] The positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 10 may include coated and uncoated portions. The coated portion is the area where active material is coated on a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, and the uncoated portion is the area where active material is not coated. The positive and negative electrodes may be wound with a separator, acting as an insulator, between them. However, the electrode assembly may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes, composed of multiple sheets, are alternately stacked with a separator between them.

[0057] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The secondary battery 100 shown can be a lithium secondary battery.

[0058] The positive electrode of a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer 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 (e.g., a conductive material).

[0059] Depending on the type of lithium-ion secondary battery, a separator can be present between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator can include multilayer membranes of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or two or more layers thereof, as well as mixed multilayer membranes such as polyethylene / polypropylene two-layer membranes, polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene three-layer membranes, and polypropylene / polypropylene / polypropylene three-layer membranes.

[0060] The negative electrode of a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer 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 (e.g., a conductive material).

[0061] In the electrode assembly 10, the positive electrode terminal can be connected to one side of the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode terminal can be connected to one side of the negative electrode plate. The positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 130_1 and the negative electrode terminal 130_2 formed in the cover plate 120.

[0062] The housing 110 forms the overall appearance of the secondary battery 100. The housing 110 can be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The housing 110 provides space within which the electrode assembly 10 is housed. According to some embodiments, the housing 110 can be a prismatic housing, and the secondary battery 100 can be a prismatic secondary battery. However, the secondary battery 100 can be any type of secondary battery, such as a prismatic secondary battery, a cylindrical secondary battery, or a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0063] The housing 110 may include long sidewall portions facing each other and short sidewall portions facing each other (e.g., long and short are relative to each other). The long sidewall portions may include a first long sidewall portion and a second long sidewall portion. The first long sidewall portion and the second long sidewall portion may face each other. The first long sidewall portion and the second long sidewall portion may be spaced apart to face each other (e.g., spaced apart by short sidewall portions). The short sidewall portions may include a first short sidewall portion and a second short sidewall portion. The first short sidewall portion and the second short sidewall portion may be spaced apart to face each other. The area of ​​each of the first short sidewall portion and the second short sidewall portion may be smaller than the area of ​​each of the first long sidewall portion and the second long sidewall portion.

[0064] The cover assembly 20 may include a cover plate 120 coupled to the housing 110 and the current collector 30. The housing 110 may have an open side, and the cover plate 120 may be coupled to the open side of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. The housing 110 and the cover plate 120 may be made of a conductive material. According to some embodiments, one side of the housing 110 may be open, and the cover plate 120 may be coupled to one open side of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110.

[0065] The current collector 30 may include a positive current collector and a negative current collector. The positive current collector may include aluminum, but its material may be varied. The negative current collector may 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.

[0066] The positive electrode terminal 130_1, which is electrically connected to the positive electrode, and the negative electrode terminal 130_2, which is electrically connected to the negative electrode, can be connected to the cover plate 120. For example, the positive electrode terminal 130_1 and the negative electrode terminal 130_2 can be mounted to pass through the cover plate 120 and protrude outward.

[0067] An exhaust portion 140 may be formed in at least one side of the secondary battery 100. For example... Figure 2As illustrated, an exhaust vent 140 may be disposed in the top surface of the secondary battery 100, for example, in the cover plate 120. The exhaust vent 140 may be configured to open when an internal pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold pressure is generated in the secondary battery 100. The predetermined threshold pressure for preventing explosion and overheating of the secondary battery 100 may be the pressure at which the exhaust vent 140 opens due to the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100. The exhaust vent 140 may be configured to seal the exhaust port of the cover plate 120. The structure of the exhaust vent 140 will be described in detail later.

[0068] An electrolyte injection port 150 may be formed in the cover plate 120. For example, the electrolyte injection port 150 may be a through hole formed in the cover plate 120, and may be configured to inject electrolyte into the interior of the housing 110 after the cover plate 120 is connected to the open side (or opening) of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. Figure 2 As illustrated, the electrolyte injection port 150 is formed in the cover plate 120, but the electrolyte injection port 150 can be sealed with a sealing member after the electrolyte is injected.

[0069] The secondary battery 100 can be a lithium battery cell, a sodium battery cell, etc. However, the secondary battery 100 can include any battery that can repeatedly provide power through charging and discharging. In some embodiments, when the secondary battery 100 is a lithium secondary battery, it can have excellent lifespan characteristics and high rate capability, thus the secondary battery 100 can be used in electric vehicles (EVs). Furthermore, the secondary battery 100 can be used in hybrid vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The secondary battery 100 can be used in fields requiring large amounts of energy storage. For example, lithium secondary batteries can be used in electric bicycles, power tools, etc.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating a cover plate 120 in which an exhaust portion 140 is disposed, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a perspective view illustrating a cover plate 120 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an example Figure 4 A magnified perspective view of part A. Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating a cover assembly 20 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] refer to Figures 3 to 5 A vent 122 configured to release the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 can be formed in the cover plate 120, that is, the cover plate 120 can have a vent 120. A vent 140 can be provided in the vent 122 of the cover plate 120.

[0072] An exhaust portion 140 can be disposed in the upper surface of the cover plate 120 surrounding the exhaust hole 122 of the cover plate 120. The exhaust portion 140 can be configured to seal the exhaust hole 122 of the cover plate 120 and its periphery. The center of the exhaust portion 140 can correspond to the center of the exhaust hole 122 of the cover plate 120. The exhaust portion 140 and the exhaust hole 122 can have a circular shape. Accordingly, the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 can be concentrated at the center of the exhaust portion 140.

[0073] The secondary battery including the cover plate 120 having the above-described structure can open or close the vent portion 140 attached to the vent hole 122 formed on the cover plate 120 by the internal pressure of the corresponding secondary battery, thereby preventing the secondary battery from exploding and catching fire.

[0074] The vent 122 of the cover plate 120 can be formed in the central portion of the cover plate 120. The central portion of the cover plate 120 can be located at the center of the length and width of the cover plate 120. Therefore, the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 can be concentrated on the vent 122 of the cover plate 120.

[0075] In some embodiments, the shape of the vent 122 can be configured to have a symmetrical structure to uniformly release the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100. The shape of the vent 122 can be symmetrical with respect to the length direction of the cover plate 120 and can be symmetrical with respect to the width direction of the cover plate 20. For example, the vent 122 can have any of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, and polygonal. However, the shape and area of ​​the vent 122 can have various shapes and areas.

[0076] refer to Figure 6 The cover assembly 20 may include a cover plate 120 and positive electrode terminals 130_1 and negative electrode terminals 130_2 connected to the cover plate 120. The cover assembly 20 may include components connected to and disposed between the cover plate 120 and the electrode assembly (e.g., ...). Figure 1 An insulating frame 610 is provided between the electrode assembly 10 and the electrode assembly 10. The cover assembly 20 may include an insulating frame 610 coupled to the insulating frame 610 and configured to seal vent holes (e.g., Figure 5 The exhaust port 122) of the exhaust section 140.

[0077] The insulating frame 610 may be disposed on the cover plate 120 and the electrode assembly (e.g., Figure 1 Between the electrode assembly 10) to prevent secondary batteries (e.g., Figure 1 The secondary battery 100 is short-circuited. The insulating frame 610 may include a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the corrosion-resistant material may include at least one of aluminum (Al), aluminum alloys, and stainless steel (SUS). However, the insulating frame 610 may include any material that is corrosion-resistant.

[0078] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exhaust section 140 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is an explanation Figure 7 A diagram illustrating how the exhaust section 140 opens and how the internal gas 810 is discharged.

[0079] refer to Figure 7 The cover assembly 20 may include a vent 140. The vent 140 may be configured to seal the vent of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The exhaust port 122). The exhaust section 140 may include an elastic member 620 connected to the insulating frame 610, a gasket 630 connected to the elastic member 620, and a plug 640 disposed on the gasket 630.

[0080] In some embodiments, the insulating frame 610 may allow the cover plate 120 to be spaced apart from the electrode assembly 10. The insulating frame 610 may include at least one leg portion 612 extending in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the cover plate 120 and coupled to the cover plate 120. The at least one leg portion 612 may be coupled to an engagement portion 614 further included in the insulating frame 610 extending in the length direction of the cover plate 120. The engagement portion 614 and the at least one leg portion 612 may be integrally formed.

[0081] The elastic member 620 can be coupled to the insulating frame 610. For example, one side of the elastic member 620 can be coupled to the joint portion 614 of the insulating frame 610. In this example, the elastic member 620 can be welded to the insulating frame 610. The elastic member 620 can be an elastomer with a constant elastic modulus. The elastic member 620 can stretch or contract based on pressure. "Pressure" can refer to a secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 The internal pressure of the secondary battery 100. The elastic coefficient of the elastic member 620 can be determined based on the size of the secondary battery (e.g., the size of the secondary battery casing). For example, when the size of the secondary battery is large, the elastic coefficient of the elastic member 620 can be large. However, the elastic coefficient of the elastic member 620 can be determined based on the structure, material, properties, etc. of the secondary battery. Accordingly, an venting portion 140 optimized according to the size of the secondary battery can be implanted. For example, the elastic member 620 can be a spring coil. The elastic member 620 can include a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the corrosion-resistant material can include at least one of aluminum (Al), aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS). However, the elastic member 620 can include any material with corrosion resistance.

[0082] The gasket 630 can be connected to the other side of the elastic member 620 to seal the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1The secondary battery 100). For example, the gasket 630 can seal the vent hole of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122). The cross-sectional shape of the gasket 630 may correspond to the shape of the vent. For example, the gasket 630 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the gasket 630 may have various cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the shape of the vent. The gasket 630 may include a first surface 630_1 that contacts the plug 640 and a second surface 630_2 that contacts the elastic member 620. The area of ​​the first surface 630_1 may be larger than the area of ​​the second surface 630_2. The cover plate 120 may be formed with a structure corresponding to the structure of the gasket 630. For example, the vent (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122) formed in the cover plate 120 and a portion therein disposed of in the gasket 630 may be formed in a stepped structure. The gasket 630 may include a resilient material. For example, the resilient material may include at least one of silicone and silicone rubber (e.g., silicone rubber). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the gasket 630 may include any material having elasticity (e.g., sufficient elasticity for the desired application).

[0083] Plug 640 can be coupled to gasket 630 to seal secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 (Secondary battery 100). For example, plug 640 may have a first surface 640_1 facing the outside of cover 120 and a second surface 640_2 opposite to the first surface 640_1, and the second surface 640_2 of plug 640 and the first surface 630_1 of gasket 630 may be connected to each other. Plug 640 may seal the vent hole of secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The plug 640 has an exhaust port 122. The shape of the plug 640 may correspond to the shape of the exhaust port. For example, the plug 640 may have a circular shape. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plug 640 may have various shapes corresponding to the shape of the exhaust port. The plug 640 may include a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the corrosion-resistant material may include at least one of aluminum (Al), aluminum alloys, and stainless steel (SUS). However, the plug 640 may include any material with corrosion resistance. The plug 640, together with the gasket 630, can function to seal the secondary battery.

[0084] As described above, the elastic member 620 can be coupled to the insulating frame 610, the gasket 630 can be coupled to the elastic member 620, and the plug 640 can be coupled to the gasket 630. The elastic member 620 can be based on a secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 The secondary battery (100) stretches or contracts due to internal pressure. The gasket 630 and plug 640 can seal the vent holes of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4The vent 122). Furthermore, when the elastic member 620 is stretched, the gasket 630 and plug 640 can move in a direction perpendicular to the cover plate 120 to open the vent of the secondary battery (…). Figure 4 (Exhaust port 122).

[0085] refer to Figure 8 When secondary batteries (e.g., Figure 1 When the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 exceeds a predetermined value, the elastic member 620 can be stretched by this pressure. When the elastic member 620 is stretched, the gasket 630 and the plug 640 can move in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the cover plate 120. Accordingly, the gasket 630 and the plug 640 can move upward, and the vent hole of the cover plate 120 sealed by the gasket 630 and the plug 640 (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122 can be opened. When the vent is open, the internal gas 810 of the secondary battery can be released. When the internal gas 810 is released and the pressure inside the secondary battery drops to equal to or less than a predetermined value, the elastic member 620 can retract again, and the gasket 630 and the plug 640 can move to seal the vent of the cover 120 (e.g., Figure 4 (Exhaust port 122). Accordingly, the exhaust section 140 may have a structure that promotes the discharge of internal gas 810. Furthermore, the exhaust section 140 may be designed to open and close based on the internal pressure of the secondary battery, thereby preventing the risk of explosion and fire of the secondary battery. Furthermore, the exhaust section 140 can be reused, thereby extending the life of the secondary battery.

[0086] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an exhaust section 141 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 It is an explanation Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the mechanism by which the exhaust section 141 opens and the internal gas 810 is discharged.

[0087] refer to Figure 9 The cover assembly 21 may include a vent 141. The vent 141 may be configured to seal the vent of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122). The vent portion 141 may include an elastic member 620 coupled to the insulating frame 610, a gasket 910 coupled to the elastic member 620, a protrusion 920 formed on the gasket 910, and a plug 640 disposed on the protrusion 920. In the following, the vent portion 141 may include an elastic member 620 coupled to the insulating frame 610, a gasket 910 coupled to the elastic member 62 ... Figure 7 and Figure 8 Descriptions of configurations that overlap will be omitted.

[0088] Gasket 910 can be coupled to elastic member 620 to seal secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1(Secondary battery 100). For example, the second surface 910_2 of the gasket 910 can be coupled to the elastic member 620. The gasket 910 can seal the vent of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 (Exhaust port 122). The shape of the gasket 910 may correspond to the shape of the exhaust port. For example, the gasket 910 may be circular. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the gasket 910 may have various shapes corresponding to the shape of the exhaust port. The gasket 910 may include a resilient material. For example, the resilient material may include at least one of silicone and silicone rubber (e.g., silicone rubber). However, the gasket 910 may include any material that is resilient (e.g., has sufficient elasticity for the desired application).

[0089] A protrusion 920 may be formed on the gasket 910 to protrude and may engage with the plug 640. For example, the protrusion 920 may be formed on the first surface 910_1 of the gasket 910 to protrude. The empty space between the gasket 910 and the plug 640 may be formed by the protrusion 920. The cross-sectional area of ​​the protrusion 920 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the gasket 910. The protrusion 920 may be integrally formed with the gasket 910 (e.g., an integral structure of the protrusion 920 and the gasket 910).

[0090] Plug 640 can be coupled to protrusion 920 to seal the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 (Secondary battery 100). For example, the second surface 640_2 of the plug 640 and the protrusion 920 can be connected to each other. The plug 640 can seal the vent hole of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The plug 640 has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the gasket 910. The cross-sectional shape of the plug 640 can correspond to the shape of the vent. For example, the plug 640 can have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the plug 640 can have various cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the shape of the vent. The plug 640 can include a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the corrosion-resistant material can include at least one of aluminum (Al), aluminum alloys, and stainless steel (SUS). However, the plug 640 can include any material with corrosion resistance. The plug 640, together with the protrusion 920 and the gasket 910, can function to seal the secondary battery.

[0091] As described above, the liner 910 can be coupled to the elastic member 620, the protrusion 920 can be formed on the liner 910, and the protrusion 920 and the plug 640 can be coupled to each other. The elastic member 620 can be based on a secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 The secondary battery (100) stretches or contracts due to internal pressure. The gasket 910, protrusion 920, and plug 640 can seal the vent hole of the secondary battery (e.g., ...). Figure 4 (Exhaust port 122).

[0092] refer to Figure 10 When secondary batteries (e.g., Figure 1 When the internal pressure of the secondary battery 100 exceeds a predetermined value, the elastic member 620 is stretched by the internal pressure. When the elastic member 620 is stretched, the gasket 910, the protrusion 920, and the plug 640 can move in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the cover plate 120. Accordingly, the vent hole of the cover plate 120 sealed by the gasket 910, the protrusion 920, and the plug 640 (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122 can be opened. When the vent is open, the internal gas 810 of the secondary battery can be released. When the internal gas 810 is released and the pressure inside the secondary battery drops to equal to or less than a predetermined value, the elastic member 620 can retract again, and the gasket 910, the protrusion 920, and the plug 640 can seal the vent of the cover 120 (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122). Accordingly, the vent 141 may have a structure that facilitates the discharge of internal gas 810. In this embodiment, an empty space may be formed between the gasket 910 and the plug 640. Accordingly, the gasket 910 and the plug 640 are designed to open the vent of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The distance that must be moved by the exhaust port 122 can be reduced, so the internal gas 810 can be effectively discharged.

[0093] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] refer to Figure 11 The secondary battery manufacturing method 1100 can begin by preparing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator (S1110). Next, the electrode assembly can be inserted into the housing through an opening formed in one side of the housing (S1120).

[0095] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 110 may be a prismatic housing. The cover 120 may be connected to the opening of the housing 110 to seal the housing 110. The housing 110 and the cover 120 may be made of a conductive material.

[0096] Furthermore, the cover plate in which the vent is formed can be connected or engaged with the opening in the housing (S1130). For example, refer to Figure 4An exhaust port 122 may be formed in the central portion of the cover plate 120. In some embodiments, the exhaust port 122 may have a circular shape. In some embodiments, the area of ​​the exhaust port 122 may be smaller than the area of ​​the cover plate 120. For example, in the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 120, the length of the exhaust port 122 may be less than the distance between the electrode terminals 130_1 and 130_2 of the cover plate 120. In the width direction of the cover plate 120, the length of the exhaust port 122 may be less than the width of the cover plate 120.

[0097] Next, the electrolyte can be injected into the casing through the electrolyte injection port (S1140). Reference Figure 2 An electrolyte injection port 150 can be formed on the cover plate 120, and electrolyte can be injected into the housing 110 through the electrolyte injection port 150.

[0098] Finally, the exhaust section can be connected or joined to the exhaust port to seal the exhaust port (S1150).

[0099] For example, refer to Figure 7 The vent 140 can be configured as a vent hole for sealing the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The exhaust port 122). The exhaust section 140 may include an elastic member 620 connected to the insulating frame 610, a gasket 630 connected to the elastic member 620, and a plug 640 disposed on the gasket 630.

[0100] The insulating frame 610 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the cover plate 120 and includes at least one leg portion 612 connected to the cover plate 120. The at least one leg portion 612 may be connected to a connecting portion 614 further included in the insulating frame 610, extending in the length direction of the cover plate 120. The connecting portion 614 and the at least one leg portion 612 may be integrally formed.

[0101] The elastic member 620 can be coupled to the insulating frame 610. For example, the elastic member 620 can be coupled to the joint portion 614 of the insulating frame 610. In this example, the elastic member 620 can be welded to the insulating frame 610. The elastic member 620 can be an elastomer with a constant elastic modulus. The elastic member 620 can stretch or contract based on pressure.

[0102] Gasket 630 can be coupled to elastic member 620 to seal secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 The secondary battery 100). For example, the gasket 630 can seal the vent hole of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4(Exhaust port 122). The cross-sectional shape of the gasket 630 may correspond to the shape of the exhaust port. For example, the gasket 630 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the gasket 630 may have various cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the shape of the exhaust port. The gasket 630 may include a resilient material. For example, the resilient material may include at least one of silicone and silicone rubber (e.g., silicone rubber). However, the gasket 630 may include any resilient material.

[0103] Plug 640 can be coupled to gasket 630 to seal secondary battery (e.g., Figure 1 (The secondary battery). For example, the plug 640 may have a first surface 640_1 facing the outside of the cover plate 120 and a second surface 640_2 opposite to the first surface 640_1, and the second surface 640_2 of the plug 640 and the first surface 630_1 of the gasket 630 may be connected to each other. The plug 640 may seal the vent hole of the secondary battery (e.g., Figure 4 The vent 122 is a vent hole. The cross-sectional shape of the plug 640 may correspond to the shape of the vent hole. For example, the plug 640 may have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, the plug 640 may have various cross-sectional shapes corresponding to the shape of the vent hole. The plug 640 may include a corrosion-resistant material. For example, the corrosion-resistant material may include at least one of aluminum (Al), aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS). However, the plug 640 may include any material with corrosion resistance. The plug 640, together with the gasket 630, can fulfill the function of sealing the secondary battery.

[0104] Figure 11 The flowcharts and their detailed descriptions are merely examples of this disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure may be broader than... Figure 11 The flowchart and its detailed description are larger. For example, one or more steps can be added / modified / deleted from the flowchart and its detailed description, the order of one or more steps can be changed, and one or more steps can be executed simultaneously.

[0105] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a secondary battery including an exhaust section having a structure that promotes the emission of internal gases can be provided.

[0106] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the vent can be designed to open and close based on the internal pressure of the secondary battery, thus preventing the risk of explosion and fire of the secondary battery. Furthermore, the vent can be reused, thereby extending the lifespan of the secondary battery.

[0107] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the elastic coefficient of the elastic member that opens and closes the vent can be set based on the dimensions of the secondary battery casing. Accordingly, an vent optimized for the dimensions of the secondary battery can be realized.

[0108] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments and aspects thereof, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of this disclosure and the claims and their equivalents.

[0109] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein. While specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. In some cases, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless otherwise specifically stated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope set forth in the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: Electrode assembly; A housing that accommodates the electrode assembly, the housing having an open side; A cover plate, connected to the open side of the housing, the cover plate having a vent hole; An insulating frame is connected to the cover plate, the insulating frame being located between the cover plate and the electrode assembly; as well as An exhaust section, connected to the insulating frame, is configured to seal the exhaust port.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the venting section comprises: An elastic member is connected to the insulating frame; The padding is connected to the elastic member; as well as The plug is placed on the liner.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the elastic coefficient of the elastic member is determined based on the dimensions of the housing.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is welded to the insulating frame.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the pad comprises: The first surface is in contact with the plug; as well as The second surface is in contact with the elastic member. The area of ​​the first surface is greater than the area of ​​the second surface.

6. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein both the elastic member and the plug comprise a corrosion-resistant material.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the corrosion-resistant material comprises at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel.

8. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the liner comprises a resilient material.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein the elastic material comprises at least one of silicon and silicone rubber.

10. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vent has any one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape.

11. A secondary battery, comprising: Electrode assembly; A housing that accommodates the electrode assembly, the housing having an open side; A cover plate, connected to the open side of the housing, the cover plate having a vent hole; An insulating frame is connected to the cover plate, the insulating frame being located between the cover plate and the electrode assembly; as well as An exhaust portion, configured to seal the exhaust port, wherein the exhaust portion includes: An elastic member is connected to the insulating frame; The padding is connected to the elastic member; The protruding portion protrudes from the pad; and The plug is located on the protruding portion.

12. The secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein the elastic coefficient of the elastic member is determined based on the dimensions of the housing.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein the elastic member is welded to the insulating frame.

14. The secondary battery of claim 11, wherein the pad and the protrusion are integral with each other.

15. The secondary battery according to claims 11 to 14, wherein both the elastic member and the plug comprise a corrosion-resistant material.

16. The secondary battery according to claim 15, wherein the corrosion-resistant material comprises at least one selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel.

17. The secondary battery according to claims 11 to 14, wherein the liner comprises a resilient material.

18. The secondary battery of claim 17, wherein the elastic material comprises at least one of silicon and silicone rubber.

19. The secondary battery according to claims 11 to 14, wherein the vent has any one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygonal shape.

20. The secondary battery according to claims 11 to 14, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the plug is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the liner.

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