Cover assembly and secondary battery including same

Abstract

The invention relates to a cap assembly and a secondary battery including the same. The cover assembly may include: a cover plate having a support hole formed therein; an electrode terminal disposed on one surface of the cap plate; and an insulator disposed on the other surface of the cap plate, a portion of the insulator surrounding a perimeter of the support hole of the cap plate, and configured to be coupled to the electrode terminal and electrically insulate the electrode terminal from the cap plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cover assembly and a secondary battery including the cover assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for (re)charging, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to discharge and be 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 for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as for storing electricity (e.g., household and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery typically includes an electrode assembly containing positive and negative electrodes, a housing of the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] Recently, research has been actively conducted to improve the fast charging and capacity of secondary batteries. In the case of secondary batteries in which the casing and cover assembly are assembled after the electrode assembly is housed in the casing, there is a problem that the internal space of the casing is reduced due to the thickness of the cover assembly, which is detrimental to increasing battery capacity.

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

[0005] This disclosure provides a cover assembly for solving the above-mentioned problems and a secondary battery including the cover assembly.

[0006] 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.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover assembly may include: a cover plate having a support hole formed therein; an electrode terminal disposed on one surface of the cover plate; and an insulator disposed on another surface of the cover plate, a portion of the insulator surrounding the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate and configured to be coupled to the electrode terminal and electrically insulate the electrode terminal from the cover plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the insulator can be integrally formed with the cover plate and electrode terminals by insert injection molding.

[0009] In some embodiments, the insulator may include: a base portion disposed on another surface of the cover plate; and an electrode terminal connection portion protruding from the base portion and extending beyond one surface of the cover plate, wherein the electrode terminal may be connected to the electrode terminal connection portion around the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base portion may include: a base plate spaced at a predetermined distance from the cover plate and disposed parallel to the cover plate; and a support portion extending vertically from two side surfaces of the base plate and in close contact with the cover plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the base portion may further include a connection groove portion, which is recessed in the base plate from the opposite surface of the surface of the base plate on which the electrode terminal connection portion is formed toward the electrode terminal connection portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal connection portion may include: a receiving groove into which the electrode terminal may be embedded, and the receiving groove surrounding the circumference of the electrode terminal; and an insertion hole formed to penetrate the receiving groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cover plate may be formed between the base portion of the insulator and the electrode terminal connection portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cover plate may further include an embedding groove, formed to allow at least a portion of the electrode terminal connection portion to be embedded into the embedding groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cover plate may further include: at least one through hole, into which a portion of the insulator may be embedded to connect the base portion to the electrode terminal connection portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, a support hole and at least one connecting hole may be formed in an embedded groove.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cover plate may further include: a fastening slit formed along the circumference of at least one of the support hole and at least one communicating hole, and a portion of the insulator may be embedded in the fastening slit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover assembly may further include: a connecting plate disposed between the electrode terminals and the insulator, and electrically connected to the electrode terminals.

[0019] In some embodiments, the connecting plate may include a connecting hole communicating with the support hole of the cover plate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electrode terminals may include through holes formed to allow at least a portion of the connection plate to be exposed to the outside.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal may include a connection groove that is recessed into a shape corresponding to a connection plate, and the connection plate may be embedded in the connection groove.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode tab formed on one surface and a second electrode tab formed on another surface; a housing having at least one open side surface and housing the electrode assembly; a sub-plate disposed on the open side surface of the housing, connected to at least one of the first and second electrode tabs, and including an outwardly projecting boss portion; and a cover assembly coupled to the open side surface of the housing, the cover assembly including: a cover plate having a support hole formed therein; electrode terminals disposed on one surface of the cover plate and electrically connected to the sub-plate; and an insulator disposed on the other surface of the cover plate, a portion of the insulator surrounding the circumference of the support hole of the cover plate and being connected to the electrode terminals, and configured to electrically insulate the electrode terminals from the cover plate and from the electrode assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the insulator may include: a base portion disposed on another surface of the cover plate; and an electrode terminal connection portion protruding from the base portion and extending beyond one surface of the cover plate, wherein the electrode terminal may be connected to the electrode terminal connection portion around the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base portion may include: a base plate configured to face the cover plate at a predetermined distance from the cover plate; a support portion extending vertically from two side surfaces of the base plate and in close contact with the cover plate; and a connection groove portion recessed in the base plate from the opposite surface of the surface of the base plate forming the electrode terminal connection portion toward the electrode terminal connection portion, and a subplate may be embedded in the connection portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrode terminal connection portion may include: a receiving groove into which the electrode terminal can be embedded, and the receiving groove surrounding the circumference of the electrode terminal; and an embedding hole which may be formed to penetrate the receiving groove, and into which a boss portion of the sub-board can be embedded.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover assembly may further include: a connecting plate disposed between the electrode terminal and the insulator, one side of the connecting plate being electrically connected to the electrode terminal, and the other side of the connecting plate being coupled to the boss portion of the sub-plate.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the insulator that electrically insulates the electrode terminals and the cover plate in the cover assembly of the secondary battery can be integrally formed with the electrode terminals and the cover plate by insert injection molding, thereby reducing the overall thickness of the cover assembly.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the electrode terminals, cover plate, and insulator in the cover assembly of a secondary battery can be integrally formed by insert injection molding, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the assembly process of the secondary battery.

[0029] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the total thickness of the cover assembly in a secondary battery can be reduced, thereby ensuring additional space inside the housing and thus increasing battery capacity.

[0030] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other embodiments and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of region AA in the diagram;

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of the BB region;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of an insulator in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view showing an example of an insulator in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an example of the CC region in the diagram;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cover plate in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example of the DD region;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a perspective view illustrating examples of electrode terminals and connecting plates in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 11This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 15 This is a front view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of an example of the EE region;

[0048] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of an example of the FF region in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0049] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will 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 having their usual or dictionary meaning, and should be interpreted as consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe his / her embodiments.

[0050] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some 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 may exist that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0051] It will be understood that when an element or layer is described as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is described as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "attached" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly attached to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly attached to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0052] 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 of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of "may" in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." 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 terms "use" and "be used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "be exploited." As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or 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.

[0054] For ease of description, this document may use spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “up,” etc., to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to further include different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be oriented as “above” or “upon” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “a” 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 term “comprising” specifies the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0056] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision included within the enumerated range. 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 including both the minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0), i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, e.g., 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits included therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits included therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly enumerate any subranges included within the scope expressly enumerated herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that amendments to expressly enumerate any such subranges will comply with the requirements of local patent law.

[0057] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” may mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with deviations considered low in the art, such as less than 5%. Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0058] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0059] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and the other element can be positioned between the element and any element placed on (or below) the element.

[0060] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, the components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” the components.

[0061] 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 combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C~D” is used, it means C and below D.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the AA region in the example, and Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the BB region in the example.

[0063] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cover assembly 100 for a secondary battery may include a cover plate 110 in which a support hole 112 is formed, and electrode terminals 120 disposed on one surface of the cover plate 110. The cover assembly 100 may further include an insulator 140 disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110, a portion of the insulator 140 being configured to surround the periphery of the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110, such that the electrode terminals 120 are connected to the insulator 140, and the insulator 140 electrically insulates the electrode terminals 120 from the cover plate 110.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cover assembly 100 may be configured to be coupled to a housing containing the electrode assembly to seal the electrode assembly from the outside. Additionally, a cover plate 110 may be coupled to the housing, and electrode terminals 120 may be configured to be electrically connected to the electrodes of the electrode assembly. An insulator 140 may be configured to electrically insulate the electrode terminals 120 from the cover plate 110, while also electrically insulating the cover plate 110 from the electrode assembly.

[0065] The cover assembly 100 may further include a connecting plate 130 disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the insulator 140 and electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120. The connecting plate 130 may be formed of a conductive metal material and configured to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120.

[0066] The cover assembly 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can be manufactured by embedding the cover plate 110 and the electrode terminal 120 into a mold, and then injecting resin forming the insulator 140 into the mold to integrally combine the electrode terminal 120, the cover plate 110, and the insulator 140. That is, the insulator 140 can be formed by insert injection molding and integrally combined with the cover plate 110 and the electrode terminal 120.

[0067] As an example, when the cover plate 110 and electrode terminal 120 are embedded in the mold such that the electrode terminal 120 is positioned on one surface of the cover plate 110, and then resin is injected from the other surface of the cover plate 110, the resin can first fill the other surface of the cover plate 110. Furthermore, the resin can be filled between the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110 while passing through the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. The resin passing through the support hole 112 fills the space around the support hole 112, allowing the electrode terminal 120, the cover plate 110, and the insulator 140 to be integrally joined. The connecting plate 130 can be embedded in the mold together with the cover plate 110 while being connected to the electrode terminal 120.

[0068] The insert injection method is not limited to this example, and various methods can be applied if the electrode terminal 120, cover plate 110 and insulator 140 can be integrally formed by insert injection.

[0069] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of an insulator in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view showing an example of an insulator in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an example of the CC region.

[0070] Reference Figures 1 to 7 An insulator 140 may be disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110 and may be configured such that a portion of the resin can pass through the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110 during insert injection molding and surround the perimeter of the support hole 112. The insulator 140 may bond with the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110 when the resin passing through the support hole 112 fills the space between the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110. The insulator 140 may be formed of an insulating resin such that the electrode terminal 120 is electrically insulated from the cover plate 110.

[0071] In some embodiments, the insulator 140 may include a base portion 150 and an electrode terminal connection portion 160, the base portion 150 being disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110, the electrode terminal connection portion 160 extending beyond one surface of the cover plate 110 and protruding from the base portion 150 and surrounding the perimeter of the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110, and the electrode terminal 120 being connected to the electrode terminal connection portion 160.

[0072] The base portion 150 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover plate 110 and may be disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is coupled to a housing that houses the electrode assembly, the cover plate 110 and the electrode assembly may be electrically insulated by the base portion 150 disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110.

[0073] In some embodiments, the base portion 150 may include: a base plate 151 spaced at a predetermined distance from the cover plate 110 and disposed parallel to the cover plate 110; a support portion 152 extending vertically from two side surfaces of the base plate 151 and in close contact with the cover plate 110; and a connection groove portion 153 recessed in the base plate 151 from the opposite surface of the surface of the base plate 151 on which the electrode terminal connection portion 160 is formed toward the electrode terminal connection portion 160.

[0074] The base plate 151 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the cover plate 110 and can be disposed parallel to the cover plate 110 at a predetermined distance from the cover plate 110. Support portions 152 can be formed along the longitudinal direction on both side surfaces of the base plate 151 and can be in close contact with the cover plate 110. The support portions 152 can be configured to maintain a gap between the cover plate 110 and the base plate 151.

[0075] In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is attached to the housing containing the electrode assembly, the base plate 151 can be in close contact with the electrode assembly, and the support portion 152 can be configured to support the base plate 151 such that the base plate 151 does not deform toward the cover plate 110 while in close contact with the electrode assembly. A sub-plate electrically connecting the electrodes of the electrode assembly to the electrode terminals 120 can be embedded in the connection groove portion 153.

[0076] The electrode terminal connection portion 160 can protrude from the central region of the base portion 150 and extend beyond one surface of the cover plate 110 by penetrating the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. The electrode terminal connection portion 160 can be connected to the electrode terminal 120 on one surface of the cover plate 110. The electrode terminal connection portion 160 can be disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110, such that the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110 can be electrically insulated.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is attached to the housing containing the electrode assembly, the cover plate 110 may be attached to and electrically connected to the housing, and the electrode terminals 120 may be electrically connected to the electrodes of the electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrodes connected to the electrode terminals 120 operate with a polarity different from that of the housing, and short circuits can be prevented by the electrode terminal connection portion 160.

[0078] The electrode terminal connection portion 160 may include a receiving groove 161 and an insertion hole 162, wherein the electrode terminal 120 is inserted into the receiving groove 161 and the receiving groove 161 surrounds the circumference of the electrode terminal 120, and the insertion hole 162 is formed to penetrate the receiving groove 161. In some embodiments, during insert injection molding to form the insulator 140, resin may be filled in a manner surrounding the circumference of the electrode terminal 120, and the filled resin may be hardened to form the receiving groove 161 that engages with the electrode terminal 120.

[0079] The insertion hole 162 of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 can be formed to communicate with the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is connected to the housing that houses the electrode assembly, the sub-plate can be inserted into the connection groove portion 153, and the boss portion of the sub-plate can be inserted into the insertion hole 162 of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 to connect to the electrode terminal 120.

[0080] The insulator 140 may be formed such that at least a portion of the cover plate 110 is disposed between the base portion 150 and the electrode terminal connection portion 160. In some embodiments, during insert injection molding to form the insulator 140, resin may be filled between the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110 while passing through a support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. The resin passing through the support hole 112 may be filled in the form of surrounding the support hole 112, the base portion 150 may be formed on another surface of the cover plate 110, and the electrode terminal connection portion 160 may be formed on one surface of the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cover plate 110 is formed to be disposed between the base portion 150 and the electrode terminal connection portion 160, such that the electrode terminal 120, the cover plate 110, and the insulator 140 may be integrally joined.

[0081] Figure 8 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a cover plate in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example of the DD region in the diagram.

[0082] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The cover plate 110 can be formed into a quadrilateral flat plate shape, and the support hole 112 can be formed to penetrate the central region. The shape of the cover plate 110 is not limited to quadrilateral and can vary depending on the shape of the housing to which the cover assembly 100 is attached.

[0083] The cover plate 110 may further include an insert groove 111, which is formed such that at least a portion of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 is inserted into the insert groove 111. The insert groove 111 may be formed into a groove shape by being recessed inward on one surface of the cover plate 110. The insert groove 111 may be formed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the electrode terminal connection portion 160.

[0084] In some embodiments, when insert injection molding is performed to form insulator 140, resin may first be filled into the insert groove 111 of cover plate 110, and then the resin may be filled in the form of surrounding the perimeter of electrode terminal 120, and the filled resin may be cured so that it can bond with electrode terminal 120.

[0085] By forming an embedding groove 111 in the cover plate 110, the thickness of the insulator 140 used for electrical insulation between the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110 can be ensured, and the height of the electrode terminal 120 protruding outward from the cover plate 110 can be minimized.

[0086] The cover plate 110 may further include at least one through hole 113, into which a portion of the insulator 140 is embedded to connect the base portion 150 to the electrode terminal connection portion 160. In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 As shown, the connecting holes 113 can be formed on both sides of the support hole 112 along the longitudinal direction of the cover plate 110, with the support hole 112 as the center. The position and number of connecting holes 113 are not limited to this example, and multiple connecting holes 113 can be arranged radially along the perimeter of the support hole 112.

[0087] In some embodiments, when resin is filled onto the other side of the cover plate 110 during insert injection molding to form the insulator 140, the electrode terminal connection portion 160 may be formed by resin passing through the communication hole 113 of the cover plate 110. Since the base portion 150 and the electrode terminal connection portion 160 are connected to each other through the communication hole 113, the electrode terminal 120, the cover plate 110, and the insulator 140 may be joined together as a single piece.

[0088] The connecting hole 113 of the cover plate 110 may be formed together with the support hole 112 in the insert groove 111. The embodiment is not limited to this example; the support hole 112 may be formed in the insert groove 111, and the connecting hole 113 may be formed in the remaining area where the insert groove 111 is not formed. In some embodiments, the connecting hole 113 may be formed in both the insert groove 111 and the remaining area where the insert groove 111 is not formed.

[0089] The cover plate 110 may further include a fastening slit 114 formed along the circumference of at least one of the support hole 112 and the connecting hole 113, and a portion of the insulator 140 is embedded in the fastening slit 114. The fastening slit 114 is formed in a circular groove shape, allowing resin to fill the fastening slit 114 and harden during insert injection molding to form the insulator 140. A portion of the insulator 140 can fill the fastening slit 114 and bond to the cover plate 110, thereby improving the bonding strength between the insulator 140 and the cover plate 110.

[0090] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments, the fastening slit 114 may be formed as a circular groove with a diameter larger than the diameter of the support hole 112 along the periphery of the support hole 112, and may also be formed as a circular groove with a diameter larger than the diameter of the connecting hole 113 along the periphery of the connecting hole 113. Figure 9 As shown, on one surface of the cover plate 110, a fastening slit 114 is formed around the support hole 112 and two fastening slits 114 are formed around the connecting hole 113, and on the other surface of the cover plate 110, a fastening slit 114 is formed around the connecting hole 113; however, the number and location of the fastening slits 114 are not limited to this example. In some embodiments, to increase the bonding force between the insulator 140 and the cover plate 110, a slight non-uniformity may be formed on the surface of the cover plate 110 in the region where the insulator 140 and the cover plate 110 are bonded.

[0091] Figure 10 This is a perspective view illustrating examples of electrode terminals and connecting plates in a cover assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figures 1 to 10 According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the cover assembly 100 may further include a connecting plate 130 disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the insulator 140 and electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120. The connecting plate 130 may be formed of a conductive metal material and configured to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120.

[0093] The electrode terminal 120 may include a connecting groove 122, which is recessed into a shape corresponding to the connecting plate 130 on the surface on which the connecting plate 130 is provided. The connecting plate 130 can be embedded into the connecting groove 122 of the electrode terminal 120 and connected to the electrode terminal 120. The connecting plate 130 can be injection molded by being embedded into a mold together with the electrode terminal 120 while being coupled to the electrode terminal 120.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is coupled to the housing housing the electrode assembly, the boss portion of the sub-plate can be inserted into the insertion hole 162 of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 and electrically connected to the connection plate 130 by close contact with the connection plate 130. The connection plate 130 can be disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the sub-plate and is configured to electrically connect the electrode terminal 120 to the sub-plate.

[0095] The electrode terminal 120 may further include a through hole 121, which is formed to expose at least a portion of the connecting plate 130 to the outside. A portion of the connecting plate 130 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 121 of the electrode terminal 120, and welding is performed on the exposed portion of the connecting plate 130 so that the boss portion of the connecting plate 130 and the sub-plate can be joined by welding.

[0096] The connecting plate 130 may include a connecting hole 131 communicating with the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. The connecting hole 131 of the connecting plate 130 may also communicate with the through hole 121 of the electrode terminal 120. In some embodiments, a protrusion protruding outward from the boss portion of the sub-plate may be embedded in the connecting hole 131 of the connecting plate 130. The protrusion of the sub-plate embedded in the connecting hole 131 of the connecting plate 130 may be welded to the cover plate 110.

[0097] Figure 11 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the secondary battery 10 may include: an electrode assembly 300, including a first electrode terminal 310 and a second electrode terminal 320 (e.g., ...). Figure 13 (As shown); housing 200, at least one of its two side surfaces is open and houses electrode assembly 300; subplate 400, disposed on the open side surface of housing 200 and coupled to at least one of first electrode terminal block 310 and second electrode terminal block 320; and cover assembly 100, coupled to the open side surface of housing 200. Cover assembly 100 may include reference to... Figures 1 to 10 The described cover component has the same construction.

[0099] The housing 200 may be formed having one or both open side surfaces and a hollow space therein to accommodate the electrode assembly 300. The housing 200 may be formed of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The housing 200 may be formed of stainless steel (SUS).

[0100] The housing 200 may have an exhaust portion 210 formed on a side surface perpendicular to the side surface with the opening. The exhaust portion 210 may be configured to release gases inside the housing 200 to the outside when the internal pressure of the housing 200 exceeds a critical range due to a thermal event or the like. Gases, flames, and other substances inside the housing 200 can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust portion 210, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the housing 200.

[0101] Electrode assembly 300 can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode, a diaphragm, and a second electrode, which are formed as a sheet or film. When electrode assembly 300 is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of housing 200. In other embodiments, electrode assembly 300 can be stacked rather than wound, and the shape of electrode assembly 300 is not limited in this disclosure. Furthermore, electrode assembly 300 can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly 300, wherein a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are embedded on both sides of a diaphragm, and the diaphragm is then bent into a Z-stack. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies 300 can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies 300 are adjacent to each other and housed in housing 200, and the number of electrode assemblies 300 in housing 200 is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode of electrode assembly 300 can be used as a negative electrode, and the second electrode can be used as a positive electrode. The reverse is also possible.

[0102] The first electrode can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first electrode current collector formed of a metal foil, such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode may include a first electrode tab 310 (e.g., a first uncoated portion) as a region where the first electrode active material is not coated. The first electrode tab 310 can serve as a current flow path between the first electrode and the first current collector. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode, the first electrode tab 310 can be formed by pre-cutting it to protrude to one side of the electrode assembly 300, or the first electrode tab 310 can protrude further (e.g., further than or beyond the diaphragm) to one side of the electrode assembly 300 without being individually cut.

[0103] The second electrode can be formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a second electrode current collector formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode may include a second electrode tab 320 (e.g., a second uncoated portion) as a region where the second electrode active material is not coated. The second electrode tab 320 can serve as a current flow path between the second electrode and the second current collector. In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 320 can be formed by pre-cutting it during the manufacture of the second electrode to protrude to the other side (e.g., the opposite side) of the electrode assembly 300, or the second electrode tab 320 can protrude further (e.g., farther than or beyond the diaphragm) to the other side of the electrode assembly 300 without being individually cut.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first electrode contact 310 may be located on the left side of the electrode assembly 300, and the second electrode contact 320 may be located on the right side of the electrode assembly 300. In other embodiments, the first electrode contact 310 and the second electrode contact 320 may be located on one side of the electrode assembly 300 in the same direction. Here, for ease of description, according to... Figure 12 The secondary battery 10 is oriented centrally to define the left and right sides, and its position can change when the secondary battery 10 is rotated left or right or up and down.

[0105] The first electrode terminal 310 of the first electrode and the second electrode terminal 320 of the second electrode can be located at opposite ends (e.g., opposite ends) of the electrode assembly 300. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 300 can be housed together with the electrolyte in the housing 200. Additionally, in the electrode assembly 300, the first current collector and the second current collector can be welded and connected to the first electrode terminal 310 of the first electrode and the second electrode terminal 320 of the second electrode, which are exposed on both sides, and then located there, respectively.

[0106] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] Reference Figure 13 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing 200 of the secondary battery 10 may be open on two side surfaces. When the two side surfaces of the housing 200 are open, two cover assemblies 100a, 100b respectively connected to each of the two side surfaces of the housing 200 and two sub-plates 400a, 400b electrically connecting the electrode assembly 300 and the cover assembly 100 may be provided.

[0108] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 300 may be accommodated in the side surface of an opening in the housing 200, a first sub-plate 400a may be disposed on one side surface of the electrode assembly 300, and then a first cover assembly 100a may be attached to one side surface of the housing 200. Then, after a second sub-plate 400b is disposed on the other side surface of the electrode assembly 300, a second cover assembly 100b may be attached to the other side surface of the housing 200. The first cover assembly 100a and the second cover assembly 100b may have [specific features] compared to a reference [reference]. Figures 1 to 10 The described cover assembly 100 has the same construction.

[0109] The first daughter board 400a can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 310 of the electrode assembly 300 to the first electrode terminal 120a of the first cover assembly 100a, and the second daughter board 400b can electrically connect the second electrode terminal 320 of the electrode assembly 300 to the second electrode terminal 120b of the second cover assembly 100b. In some embodiments, when the first electrode is used as a positive electrode and the second electrode is used as a negative electrode, the first electrode terminal 120a can be used as a positive electrode and the second electrode terminal 120b can be used as a negative electrode.

[0110] Reference Figure 14 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing 200 of the secondary battery 10 may have an open side surface. When one side surface of the housing 200 is open, a cover assembly 100 coupled to one side surface of the housing 200 and a sub-plate 400 electrically connecting the electrode assembly 300 to the cover assembly 100 may be provided. The cover assembly 100 may have the same characteristics as referenced... Figures 1 to 10 The described cover assembly 100 has the same construction.

[0111] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 300 may be housed in an open side surface of the housing 200, the sub-plate 400 may be disposed on one side surface of the electrode assembly 300, and the cover assembly 100 may be attached to one side surface of the housing 200. A second electrode tab 320 formed on the other side surface of the electrode assembly 300 may be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the housing 200.

[0112] The daughterboard 400 can electrically connect the first electrode terminal 310 of the electrode assembly 300 to the electrode terminal 120 of the cover assembly 100. The second electrode terminal 320 of the electrode assembly 300 can be electrically connected to the housing 200. In some embodiments, when the first electrode is used as a positive electrode and the second electrode is used as a negative electrode, the electrode terminal 120 of the cover assembly 100 can be used as a positive electrode and the housing 200 can be used as a negative electrode.

[0113] Figure 15 This is a front view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of an example of the EE region in the diagram, and Figure 17 It is shown Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of an example of the FF region in the diagram.

[0114] Reference Figures 15 to 17 The sub-board 400 can be configured to electrically connect the first electrode tab 310 of the electrode assembly 300 to the electrode terminal 120 of the cover assembly 100. In some embodiments, the sub-board 400 may include a tab connection portion 410 connected to the first electrode tab 310 of the electrode assembly 300 and a boss portion 420 protruding outward from the tab connection portion 410 and embedded in the cover assembly 100.

[0115] The cover assembly 100 may include: a cover plate 110 having a support hole 112 formed therein; an electrode terminal 120 disposed on one surface of the cover plate 110; and an insulator 140 disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110, a portion of which surrounds the outer periphery or boundary of the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110, such that the electrode terminal 120 is connected thereto, electrically insulating the electrode terminal 120 from the cover plate 110, and insulating the cover plate 110 from the electrode assembly 300. The cover assembly 100 may include, as referenced... Figures 1 to 10 The described cover assembly 100 has the same construction.

[0116] In some embodiments, the insulator 140 may include: a base portion 150 disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110; and an electrode terminal connection portion 160 disposed on one surface of the cover plate 110, which protrudes from the base portion 150 and surrounds the periphery of the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110, and the electrode terminal 120 is connected to the electrode terminal connection portion 160.

[0117] The base portion 150 is formed to correspond to the shape of the cover plate 110 and may be disposed on another surface of the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is coupled to an open side surface of the housing 200, the cover plate 110 and the electrode assembly 300 may be electrically insulated by the base portion 150 disposed on the other surface of the cover plate 110.

[0118] In some embodiments, the base portion 150 may include: a base plate 151 spaced at a predetermined distance from the cover plate 110 and disposed parallel to the cover plate 110; a support portion 152 extending vertically from two side surfaces of the base plate 151 and in close contact with the cover plate 110; and a connecting groove portion 153 recessed in the base plate 151 from the opposite surface of the surface of the base plate 151 on which the electrode terminal connecting portion 160 is formed toward the electrode terminal connecting portion 160.

[0119] The base plate 151 is formed in a shape corresponding to the cover plate 110 and can be disposed parallel to the cover plate 110 at a predetermined distance from the cover plate 110. Support portions 152 are formed along the longitudinal direction on both side surfaces of the base plate 151 and can be in close contact with the cover plate 110. The support portions 152 can be configured to maintain a gap between the cover plate 110 and the base plate 151.

[0120] In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is attached to the open side surface of the housing 200, the base plate 151 is in close contact with the electrode assembly 300, and the support portion 152 can be configured to support the base plate 151 such that the base plate 151 does not deform toward the cover plate 110 while in close contact with the electrode assembly 300. The sub-plate 400 can be embedded in the connection groove portion 153.

[0121] The electrode terminal connection portion 160 protrudes from the central region of the base portion 150 and extends beyond one surface of the cover plate 110 through the support hole 112 penetrating the cover plate 110. The electrode terminal connection portion 160 can be connected to the electrode terminal 120 on one surface of the cover plate 110. The electrode terminal connection portion 160 is disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110, such that the electrode terminal 120 and the cover plate 110 are electrically insulated.

[0122] In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is attached to an open surface of the housing 200, the cover plate 110 may be attached and electrically connected to the housing 200, and the electrode terminal 120 may be electrically connected to the first electrode tab 310 of the electrode assembly 300. In some embodiments, the first electrode tab 310 connected to the electrode terminal 120 operates with a different polarity than the housing 200, which can prevent short circuits through the electrode terminal connection portion 160.

[0123] The electrode terminal connection portion 160 may include a receiving groove 161 and an insertion hole 162, wherein the electrode terminal 120 is inserted into the receiving groove 161 and the receiving groove 161 surrounds the circumference of the electrode terminal 120, and the insertion hole 162 is formed to penetrate the receiving groove 161. In some embodiments, during insert injection molding to form the insulator 140, resin may be filled in a manner surrounding the circumference of the electrode terminal 120, and the filled resin may be hardened to form the receiving groove 161 that engages with the electrode terminal 120.

[0124] The insertion hole 162 of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 can be formed to communicate with the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is attached to an open side surface of the housing 200, the sub-plate 400 can be inserted into the connection groove portion 153, and the boss portion 420 of the sub-plate 400 can be inserted into the insertion hole 162 of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 to connect to the electrode terminal 120.

[0125] The cover assembly 100 is disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the insulator 140, and may further include a connecting plate 130 electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120. The connecting plate 130 may be formed of a conductive metal material and configured to be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120.

[0126] The electrode terminal 120 may further include a connecting groove 122, which is recessed on the surface on which the connecting plate 130 is disposed, forming a shape corresponding to the connecting plate 130. The connecting plate 130 may be embedded in the connecting groove 122 of the electrode terminal 120 and connected to the electrode terminal 120.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the cover assembly 100 is coupled to an open side surface of the housing 200, the boss portion 420 of the sub-plate 400 can be inserted into the insertion hole 162 of the electrode terminal connection portion 160 and electrically connected to the connection plate 130 by close contact. The connection plate 130 can be disposed between the electrode terminal 120 and the sub-plate 400 and is configured to electrically connect the electrode terminal 120 to the sub-plate 400. One side of the connection plate 130 can be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 120, and the other side of the connection plate 130 can be coupled to the boss portion 420 of the sub-plate 400.

[0128] The electrode terminal 120 may further include a through hole 121, which is formed such that at least a portion of the connecting plate 130 is exposed to the outside. A portion of the connecting plate 130 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 121 of the electrode terminal 120, and welding is performed on the exposed portion of the connecting plate 130 such that the connecting plate 130 and the boss portion 420 of the sub-plate 400 can be joined by welding.

[0129] The connecting plate 130 may further include a connecting hole 131 communicating with the support hole 112 of the cover plate 110. The connecting hole 131 of the connecting plate 130 may also communicate with the through hole 121 of the electrode terminal 120. In some embodiments, a protrusion 430 protruding outward from the boss portion 420 of the sub-plate 400 may be embedded in the connecting hole 131 of the connecting plate 130. The protrusion 430 of the sub-plate 400 embedded in the connecting hole 131 of the connecting plate 130 may be welded to the cover plate 110.

[0130] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings illustrating its aspects, 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 present disclosure and within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cover assembly, comprising: A cover plate having support holes formed therein; Electrode terminals are disposed on one surface of the cover plate; as well as An insulator is disposed on another surface of the cover plate, a portion of which surrounds the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate and is configured to connect to the electrode terminal and electrically insulate the electrode terminal from the cover plate.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the insulator is integrally formed with the cover plate and the electrode terminals by insert injection molding.

3. The cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The insulator includes: The base portion is disposed on the other surface of the cover plate; and An electrode terminal connection portion protrudes from the base portion and extends beyond one surface of the cover plate, while surrounding the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate, and the electrode terminal is connected to the electrode terminal connection portion.

4. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The base portion includes: A base plate, spaced a predetermined distance from the cover plate and arranged parallel to the cover plate; and The support portion extends vertically from both side surfaces of the base plate and is in close contact with the cover plate.

5. The cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The base portion further includes: The connecting groove portion is recessed in the base plate from the opposite surface of the surface of the base plate where the electrode terminal connecting portion is formed, toward the electrode terminal connecting portion.

6. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The electrode terminal connection portion includes: A receiving groove, in which the electrode terminal is embedded, and the receiving groove surrounds the circumference of the electrode terminal; and An embedding hole is formed to penetrate the receiving groove.

7. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the cover plate is formed to be disposed between the base portion of the insulator and the electrode terminal connection portion.

8. The cover assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The cover plate further includes: An embedding groove is formed to allow at least a portion of the electrode terminal connection portion to be embedded into the embedding groove.

9. The cover assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The cover plate further includes: At least one through hole, a portion of the insulator being embedded in the at least one through hole to connect the base portion to the electrode terminal connection portion.

10. The cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The support hole and the at least one connecting hole are formed in the embedding groove.

11. The cover assembly of claim 9, wherein the cover plate further comprises: A fastening slit is formed along the periphery of at least one of the support hole and the at least one communicating hole, and a portion of the insulator is embedded in the fastening slit.

12. The cover assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A connecting plate is disposed between the electrode terminal and the insulator, and is electrically connected to the electrode terminal.

13. The cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting plate includes: The connecting hole communicates with the support hole of the cover plate.

14. The cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The electrode terminals include: Through holes are formed to allow at least a portion of the connecting plate to be exposed to the outside.

15. The cover assembly according to claim 12, wherein, The electrode terminals include: The connecting groove is recessed into a shape corresponding to the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is embedded in the connecting groove.

16. A secondary battery, comprising: An electrode assembly includes a first electrode terminal formed on one surface and a second electrode terminal formed on another surface; A housing having at least one open side surface and housing the electrode assembly; A subplate, disposed on the open side surface of the housing, is connected to at least one of the first electrode terminal piece and the second electrode terminal piece, and includes an outwardly protruding boss portion; as well as The cover assembly is attached to the open side surface of the housing. The cover assembly includes: A cover plate having support holes formed therein; Electrode terminals are disposed on one surface of the cover plate and electrically connected to the sub-plate; and An insulator is disposed on another surface of the cover plate, a portion of which surrounds the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate and is connected to the electrode terminal, and is configured to electrically insulate the electrode terminal from the cover plate and the cover plate from the electrode assembly.

17. The secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein, The insulator includes: The base portion is disposed on the other surface of the cover plate; and An electrode terminal connection portion protrudes from the base portion and extends beyond one surface of the cover plate, while surrounding the perimeter of the support hole of the cover plate, and the electrode terminal is connected to the electrode terminal connection portion.

18. The secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein, The base portion includes: A base plate is configured to face the cover plate at a predetermined distance from the cover plate; The supporting portion extends vertically from both side surfaces of the base plate and is in close contact with the cover plate; and The connecting groove portion is recessed in the base plate from the opposite surface of the surface of the base plate where the electrode terminal connecting portion is formed, toward the electrode terminal connecting portion, and the sub-plate is embedded in the connecting portion.

19. The secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein, The electrode terminal connection portion includes: A receiving groove, in which the electrode terminal is embedded, and the receiving groove surrounds the circumference of the electrode terminal; and An embedding hole is formed to penetrate the receiving groove, and the boss portion of the sub-plate is embedded in the embedding hole.

20. The secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein, The cover assembly further includes: A connecting plate is disposed between the electrode terminal and the insulator, one side of the connecting plate is electrically connected to the electrode terminal, and the other side of the connecting plate is coupled to the boss portion of the sub-plate.

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