Secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

A secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a holder surrounding an outer surface of the electrode assembly; and a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the holder, in which the holder includes a plurality of grooves through which the electrode assembly is exposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery. 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 to drive motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and to store 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] The electrode assembly of the secondary battery is connected to the electrode terminals via electrode tabs. Movement of the electrode assembly due to an impact applied to the secondary battery may cause the electrode tabs to break. Consequently, the stability and reliability of the secondary battery may deteriorate.

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

[0005] The embodiment relates to a secondary battery, comprising: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a retainer surrounding an outer surface of the electrode assembly; and a housing housing the electrode assembly and the retainer, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of slots through which the electrode assembly is exposed.

[0006] The housing may include: a housing body including a first opening and a second opening facing the first opening; a first side plate connected to the first opening; a second side plate connected to the second opening; a first terminal connected to the electrode assembly and connected to the first side plate, extending away from the housing; and a second terminal connected to the electrode assembly and connected to the second side plate, extending away from the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may include: a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode; and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode, wherein the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal may face each other, the first electrode terminal may be connected to the first terminal, and the second electrode terminal may be connected to the second terminal.

[0008] The retainer may include a rigid membrane.

[0009] The electrode assembly may include: a pair of first surfaces along a first direction; a pair of second surfaces along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a pair of third surfaces along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions, wherein the area of ​​the pair of second surfaces may be greater than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces, and the retainer may surround at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces and at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

[0010] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may include a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, each of which is electrically connected to a different one of the pair of first surfaces.

[0011] The retainer may include: a first frame surrounding at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces; and a second frame surrounding at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

[0012] The width of the pair of second surfaces may be less than the length of the pair of second surfaces, and the first frame may include a plurality of first slots, the width of each of the plurality of first slots may be determined based on the width of the pair of second surfaces.

[0013] The width of each of the plurality of first grooves may be within 17.5% of the width of the pair of second surfaces.

[0014] The width of the pair of third surfaces may be less than the length of the pair of third surfaces, and the second frame may include a plurality of second slots, the width of each of the plurality of second slots may be determined based on the width of the pair of third surfaces.

[0015] The width of each of the plurality of second grooves may be within 35% of the width of the pair of third surfaces.

[0016] The number of the plurality of second slots may be less than the number of the plurality of first slots.

[0017] The sum of the areas of the plurality of grooves can be 60% to 80% of the sum of the areas of the pair of second surfaces and the pair of third surfaces.

[0018] The thickness of the retainer can be in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0019] The embodiment relates to a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: preparing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; arranging a retainer to surround an outer surface of the electrode assembly; and housing the electrode assembly and the retainer within a housing, wherein the retainer includes a plurality of slots through which the electrode assembly is exposed.

[0020] Prior to the arrangement of the retainer, the method may include: arranging an adhesive member on one surface of the retainer, and forming the plurality of grooves by cutting at least a portion of the retainer.

[0021] The retainer may include a rigid membrane.

[0022] The electrode assembly may include: a pair of first surfaces disposed along a first direction; a pair of second surfaces disposed along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a pair of third surfaces disposed along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions, wherein the area of ​​the pair of second surfaces may be greater than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces, and the retainer may surround at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces and at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

[0023] The retainer may include: a first frame surrounding at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces; and a second frame surrounding at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces, wherein the width of the pair of second surfaces may be less than the length of the pair of second surfaces, the first frame may include a plurality of first slots, and the width of each of the plurality of first slots may be determined based on the width of the pair of second surfaces.

[0024] The width of the pair of third surfaces may be less than the length of the pair of third surfaces, and the second frame may include a plurality of second slots, the width of each of the plurality of second slots may be determined based on the width of the pair of third surfaces. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating an example of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 This is an example view illustrating a cross-section of a secondary battery taken along line A-A'.

[0028] Figure 3This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating an example of a retainer according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating an example of a retainer according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a side view illustrating an example of a retainer according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a plan view illustrating an example of a retainer according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a view illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing a retainer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] 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 limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a way 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 invention.

[0037] 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 ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist to replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0038] It will be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or there may be one or more intermediary layers. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, “connected to” or “linked to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly linked to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intermediary elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, “directly connected to” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there are no intermediary elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being “linked” or “connected” to a second element, the first element can be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0039] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following it, and not individual elements within that 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 refer to 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 “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] 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.

[0041] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0042] 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 the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of 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.

[0043] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or recorded herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the recorded range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the recorded minimum value of 1.0 and the recorded maximum value of 10.0 (and including both the recorded minimum value of 1.0 and the recorded 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, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recorded herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recorded in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly record any subranges contained within the range explicitly recorded herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that any amendment to explicitly record any such subrange will comply with the requirements of local patent law.

[0044] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, it can mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0045] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0046] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can be positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, or that the other element can be positioned between the element and the arbitrary element positioned above (or below) the element.

[0047] Additionally, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, these components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be located between these components.

[0048] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is used, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all of the listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when “C~D” is used, it means C and below D.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating an example of a secondary battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an example view illustrating a cross-section of a secondary battery 100 taken along line A-A'.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the secondary battery 100 may include an electrode assembly 140 and a housing for housing the electrode assembly 140 therein. The housing may include: a housing body 110 including a first opening and a second opening facing the first opening; a first side plate 122 connected to the first opening; a second side plate 124 connected to the second opening; a first terminal 132 connected to the first side plate 122 and protruding outward; and a second terminal 134 connected to the second side plate 124 and protruding outward. For example, the first terminal 132 and the second terminal 134 may extend away from the housing.

[0051] In one embodiment, the electrode assembly 140 may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. Each of the positive and negative electrodes may include a current collector made of a thin metal foil having a coated portion thereon coated with an active material and an uncoated portion thereon without an active material coated with the material. The positive and negative electrodes are wound together after the separator, which serves as an insulator, is placed between them. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly 140 may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes, each made of a plurality of sheets, are alternately stacked, with the separator placed between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0052] The casing can form the overall appearance of the secondary battery 100 and can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In addition, the casing can provide space to accommodate the electrode assembly 140 therein.

[0053] Additionally, the first terminal 132 (e.g., a positive electrode terminal) and the second terminal 134 (e.g., a negative electrode terminal) protruding outward from the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 124 respectively may have a rivet structure and may be riveted or welded to the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 124 respectively.

[0054] Additionally, the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 124 may be made of thin plates and may be connected to an opening in the housing body 110, and an electrolyte injection port 150 may be located (e.g., formed on) at least a portion of the first side plate 122 and the second side plate 124, and an exhaust portion with a notch may be installed.

[0055] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer may contain a positive electrode active material and may further contain a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0056] Based on a positive electrode active material layer of 100 wt%, the content of the positive electrode active material can be in the range of about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%, and based on a positive electrode active material layer of 100 wt%, the content of the binder and conductive material can be in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, respectively.

[0057] The current collector can be aluminum (Al), but is not limited to this.

[0058] As the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiation intercalation compounds) can be used. For example, at least one of the composite oxides of lithium with metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0059] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples of it can include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0060] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0061] In the above formula: A is Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V or a combination thereof; and L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0062] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer may contain a negative electrode active material and may further contain a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0063] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may contain from about 90 wt% to about 99.5 wt% of a negative electrode active material, from about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of a binder, and from about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of a conductive material.

[0064] A non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof may be used as the binder. When an aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included.

[0065] As the negative electrode current collector, one selected from a copper foil, a nickel foil, a stainless steel foil, a titanium foil, a nickel foam, a copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and a combination thereof may be used.

[0066] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0067] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material, which may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbide, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0068] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as the material capable of doping and dedoping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0069] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0070] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0071] The electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery may include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0072] Non-aqueous organic solvents act as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reactions of the battery can move.

[0073] Non-aqueous organic solvents can be carbonates, esters, ethers, ketones, alcohols, or aprotic solvents, and can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0074] In addition, when using carbonate solvents, a mixture of cyclic carbonates and chain carbonates can be used.

[0075] Depending on the type of lithium secondary battery, a separator can be present between the first electrode plate (e.g., the negative electrode) and the second electrode plate (e.g., the positive electrode). Polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or multilayer films of two or more layers thereof can be used as the separator.

[0076] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0077] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride-based heavy antibodies or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0078] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof.

[0079] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a single coating, or they can be in the form of coatings containing organic materials and coatings containing inorganic materials layered on top of each other.

[0080] In one embodiment, the secondary battery 100 may further include: a first electrode terminal 142 electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 140; and a second electrode terminal 144 electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 140. The first electrode terminal 142 and the second electrode terminal 144 may face each other in a first direction d1. The first electrode terminal 142 may be electrically connected to a first terminal 132, and the second electrode terminal 144 may be electrically connected to a second terminal 134. The first terminal 132 may be a positive electrode terminal, and the second terminal 134 may be a negative electrode terminal.

[0081] In one embodiment, the width (or height in the third direction d3) of the secondary battery 100 may be less than the length (or length in the first direction d1) of the secondary battery 100. A first terminal 132 and a second terminal 134 of the secondary battery 100 may be formed along the first direction d1. An electrode assembly 140 may be connected to the first terminal 132 and the second terminal 134, as well as to the first electrode tab 142 and the second electrode tab 144, which can help reduce the shaking (e.g., movement) of the electrode assembly 140 due to impacts in the first direction d1.

[0082] In one embodiment, the secondary battery 100 may further include a retainer surrounding the outer surface of the electrode assembly 140. The retainer may include a plurality of slots exposing the electrode assembly 140. For example, portions of the electrode assembly 140 corresponding to the locations of the plurality of slots may not be covered by the retainer. The retainer may support the outer surface of the electrode assembly 140 to suppress movement of the electrode assembly 140 due to impacts in a second direction d2 or a third direction d3. (See reference...) Figures 3 to 8 Detailed description of embodiments of the retainer.

[0083] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating an example of a retainer 340 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating an example of a retainer 340 according to an embodiment, and Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating an example of a retainer 340 according to an embodiment.

[0084] refer to Figures 3 to 5 According to an embodiment, the electrode assembly 140 may include: a pair of first surfaces 310 along a first direction d1; a pair of second surfaces 320 along a second direction d2 perpendicular to the first direction d1; and a pair of third surfaces 330 along a third direction d3 perpendicular to the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. First electrode tabs 142 and second electrode tabs 144 may be electrically connected to the pair of first surfaces 310, respectively. For example, the first electrode tabs 142 and second electrode tabs 144 may each be electrically connected to a different one of the pair of first surfaces 310. The area of ​​the pair of second surfaces 320 may be greater than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces 330. The length of the pair of second surfaces 320 (or the length in the first direction d1) may be the same as the length of the pair of third surfaces 330 (or the length in the first direction d1), but the width of the pair of second surfaces 320 (or the height in the third direction d3) may be greater than the width of the pair of third surfaces 330 (or the length in the second direction d2).

[0085] The retainer 340 may surround the outer surface of the electrode assembly 140. The retainer 340 may surround at least a portion of a pair of second surfaces 320 and at least a portion of a pair of third surfaces 330. The retainer 340 may include: a first frame 342 surrounding at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces 320; and a second frame 344 surrounding at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces 330. In one embodiment, the retainer 340 may include a plurality of slots exposing the electrode assembly 140. For example, the retainer 340 may include a plurality of slots extending through the entire thickness of the surface of the retainer 340, and the electrode assembly 140 may be exposed through the plurality of slots.

[0086] In one embodiment, reference Figure 4 The width W1 of the pair of second surfaces 320 may be less than the length L1 of the pair of second surfaces 320. In this case, the first frame 342 may include a plurality of first slots 346_1 to 346_4. The width W2 of each of the plurality of first slots 346_1 to 346_4 may be determined based on the width W1 of the pair of second surfaces 320. In one embodiment, the width W2 of each of the plurality of first slots 346_1 to 346_4 may be within 17.5% of the width W1 of the pair of second surfaces 320.

[0087] In one embodiment, reference Figure 5 The width W3 of the pair of third surfaces 330 may be less than the length L1 of the pair of third surfaces 330. In one embodiment, the second frame 344 may include a plurality of second slots 348_1 and 348_2. The width W4 of each of the plurality of second slots 348_1 and 348_2 may be determined based on the width W3 of the pair of third surfaces 330. In one embodiment, the width W4 of each of the plurality of second slots 348_1 and 348_2 may be within 35% of the width W3 of the pair of third surfaces 330.

[0088] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first grooves 346_1 to 346_4 and each of the plurality of second grooves 348_1 and 348_2 of the retainer 340 may expose a pair of second surfaces 320 and a pair of third surfaces 330 of the electrode assembly 140. For example, the retainer 340 may not cover the electrode assembly 140 at portions corresponding to the plurality of first grooves 346_1 to 346_4 or the plurality of second grooves 348_1 and 348_2. Thus, electrolyte can impregnate the interior of the electrode assembly 140. The sum of the areas of the plurality of first grooves 346_1 to 346_4 and the plurality of second grooves 348_1 and 348_2 (or the sum of the areas of the plurality of grooves of the retainer 340) may be 60% to 80% of the sum of the areas of the pair of second surfaces 320 and the pair of third surfaces 330.

[0089] In one embodiment, the number of the plurality of second slots 348_1 and 348_2 may be less than the number of the plurality of first slots 346_1 to 346_4. In one embodiment, as... Figures 3 to 5 As illustrated, the number of multiple first slots can be four (4), and the number of multiple second slots can be two (2).

[0090] In one embodiment, the retainer 340 may be made of, or comprise, a material for fixing and supporting the electrode assembly 140 and for improving the energy density of the secondary battery. In another embodiment, the retainer 340 may be made of or comprise a rigid film formed of a material with excellent heat and chemical resistance (e.g., a liquid crystal polymer (LCP)). The thickness of the retainer 340 may be in the range of, for example, 4.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0091] With the electrode assembly supported by a retainer, movement of the electrode assembly due to impacts in a second direction and a third direction, which differ from the first direction on which electrode terminals can be formed, can be reduced. Accordingly, because breakage of the electrode terminals can be suppressed, the stability of the secondary battery can be improved. In one embodiment, by exposing the electrode assembly via multiple slots in the retainer, electrolyte can be easily impregnated into the electrode assembly.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the retainer 640 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a side view illustrating an example of a retainer 640 according to an embodiment, and Figure 8 This is a plan view illustrating an example of a retainer 640 according to an embodiment.

[0093] refer to Figures 6 to 8According to an embodiment, the electrode assembly 140 may include: a pair of first surfaces 610 along a first direction d1; a pair of second surfaces 620 along a second direction d2 perpendicular to the first direction d1; and a pair of third surfaces 630 along a third direction d3 perpendicular to the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. First electrode tabs 142 and second electrode tabs 144 may be electrically connected to the pair of first surfaces 610, respectively. For example, the first electrode tabs 142 and second electrode tabs 144 may each be electrically connected to a different one of the pair of first surfaces 610. In one embodiment, the area of ​​the pair of second surfaces 620 may be greater than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces 630. The lengths (or lengths in the first direction d1) of the pair of second surfaces 620 may be the same as the lengths (or lengths in the first direction d1) of the pair of third surfaces 630, but the widths (or heights in the third direction d3) of the pair of second surfaces 620 may be greater than the widths (or lengths in the second direction d2) of the pair of third surfaces 630.

[0094] The retainer 640 may surround the outer surface of the electrode assembly 140. In one embodiment, the retainer 640 may surround at least a portion of a pair of second surfaces 620 and at least a portion of a pair of third surfaces 630. The retainer 640 may include: a first frame 642 surrounding at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces 620; and a second frame 644 surrounding at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces 630. Additionally, the retainer 640 may include a plurality of slots exposing the electrode assembly 140. For example, the retainer 640 may include a plurality of slots through which the electrode assembly 140 may be exposed.

[0095] In one embodiment, reference Figure 7 The width W1 of the pair of second surfaces 620 can be less than the length L1 of the pair of second surfaces 620. In this case, the first frame 642 can include a plurality of first slots 646_1 and 646_2. The width W2 of each of the plurality of first slots 646_1 and 646_2 can be determined based on the width W1 of the pair of second surfaces 620. In one embodiment, the width W2 of each of the plurality of first slots 646_1 and 646_2 can be within 35% of the width W1 of the pair of second surfaces 620.

[0096] In one embodiment, reference Figure 8 The width W3 of the pair of third surfaces 630 can be less than the length L1 of the pair of third surfaces 630. In this case, the second frame 644 can include a second groove 648_1. The width W4 of the second groove 648_1 can be determined based on the width W3 of the pair of third surfaces 630. In one embodiment, the width W4 of the second groove 648_1 can be within 70% of the width W3 of the pair of third surfaces 630.

[0097] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first slots 646_1 and 646_2 and the second slot 648_1 of the retainer 640 may expose a pair of second surfaces 620 and a pair of third surfaces 630 of the electrode assembly 140. For example, the retainer 640 may not cover the electrode assembly 140 at portions corresponding to the plurality of first slots 646_1 and 646_2 or the second slot 648_1. Electrolyte may be impregnated into the interior of the electrode assembly 140. The sum of the areas of the plurality of first slots 646_1 and 646_2 and the second slot 648_1 (or the sum of the areas of the plurality of slots of the retainer 640) may be 60% to 80% of the sum of the areas of the pair of second surfaces 620 and the pair of third surfaces 630.

[0098] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a secondary battery manufacturing method 900 according to an embodiment.

[0099] refer to Figure 9 According to an embodiment, a secondary battery manufacturing method 900 can begin in step S910 by preparing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. In step S920, a retainer can be placed or arranged to surround the outer surface of the electrode assembly. The retainer may include multiple grooves exposing the electrode assembly. The retainer may be or include a rigid membrane. In step S930, the electrode assembly and the retainer can be housed in a housing.

[0100] In one embodiment, prior to the arrangement of the retainer in step S920, an adhesive member may be placed on one surface of the retainer, and a plurality of grooves may be formed by cutting at least a portion of the retainer. The retainer may be positioned to surround the outer surface of the electrode assembly. In one embodiment, the electrode assembly may include: a pair of first surfaces positioned or disposed along a first direction; a pair of second surfaces positioned or disposed along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a pair of third surfaces positioned or disposed along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The area of ​​the pair of second surfaces may be larger than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces. In one embodiment, the retainer may surround at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces and at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

[0101] In one embodiment, the retainer may include: a first frame surrounding at least a portion of a pair of second surfaces; and a second frame surrounding at least a portion of a pair of third surfaces. In one embodiment, the width of the pair of second surfaces may be less than the length of the pair of second surfaces. The first frame may include a plurality of first slots. The width of each of the plurality of first slots may be determined based on the width of the pair of second surfaces.

[0102] In one embodiment, the width of the pair of third surfaces may be less than the length of the pair of third surfaces. The second frame may include a plurality of second slots. The width of each of the plurality of second slots may be determined based on the width of the pair of third surfaces.

[0103] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing a retainer 1010 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] In one embodiment, the adhesive member 1020 may be applied to one surface of the retainer 1010. The retainer 1010 may be, for example, a rigid membrane. A plurality of grooves 1030 may be formed in the retainer 1010 by cutting at least a portion of the retainer 1010. Figure 10 The example shown is a frame for a retainer 1010 for one surface, but it can be cut to four (4) surfaces for the electrode assembly (e.g., Figure 3 A frame consisting of a pair of second surfaces and a pair of third surfaces is used to form a retainer 1010.

[0105] By summarizing and reviewing, embodiments of this disclosure can provide a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery.

[0106] According to embodiments of this disclosure, because the retainer supports the electrode assembly, movement of the electrode assembly caused by impacts in a second and third direction, different from the first direction in which the electrode tabs are formed, can be reduced. Accordingly, the stability of the secondary battery can be improved by suppressing breakage of the electrode tabs. Furthermore, by exposing the electrode assembly via multiple slots in the retainer, electrolyte can be easily impregnated into the electrode assembly.

[0107] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the foregoing description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0108] 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 above that other aspects and features not mentioned are also present.

[0109] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit of this disclosure and the equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A secondary battery, comprising: An electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a membrane between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; A retainer surrounds the outer surface of the electrode assembly; as well as Housing that houses the electrode assembly and the retainer. The retainer includes a plurality of slots through which the electrode assembly is exposed.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: The housing body includes a first opening and a second opening facing the first opening. The first side plate is connected to the first opening. The second side panel is connected to the second opening. A first terminal is connected to the electrode assembly and coupled to the first side plate, extending away from the housing. The second terminal is connected to the electrode assembly and coupled to the second side plate, extending away from the housing.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, further comprising: The first electrode terminal is electrically connected to the positive electrode; as well as The second electrode terminal is electrically connected to the negative electrode. in: The first electrode contact and the second electrode contact face each other. The first electrode terminal is connected to the first terminal, and The second electrode terminal is connected to the second terminal.

4. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the retainer comprises a rigid membrane.

5. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrode assembly comprises: A pair of first surfaces, along a first direction; A pair of second surfaces, along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; as well as A pair of third surfaces, along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions. in: The area of ​​the pair of second surfaces is greater than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces, and The retainer surrounds at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces and at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 5, further comprising a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, wherein the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are each electrically connected to a different one of the pair of first surfaces.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein the retainer comprises: A first frame surrounds at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces; as well as The second frame surrounds at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

8. The secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein: The width of the pair of second surfaces is less than the length of the pair of second surfaces. The first frame includes a plurality of first slots, and The width of each of the plurality of first slots is determined based on the width of the pair of second surfaces.

9. The secondary battery of claim 8, wherein the width of each of the plurality of first slots is within 17.5% of the width of the pair of second surfaces.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein: The width of the pair of third surfaces is less than the length of the pair of third surfaces. The second frame includes a plurality of second slots, and The width of each of the plurality of second slots is determined based on the width of the pair of third surfaces.

11. The secondary battery of claim 10, wherein the width of each of the plurality of second slots is within 35% of the width of the pair of third surfaces.

12. The secondary battery of claim 10, wherein the number of the plurality of second cells is less than the number of the plurality of first cells.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein the sum of the areas of the plurality of slots is 60% to 80% of the sum of the areas of the pair of second surfaces and the pair of third surfaces.

14. The secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the retainer is in the range of 4.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

15. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: An electrode assembly is prepared, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a membrane between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; A retainer is arranged to surround the outer surface of the electrode assembly; as well as The electrode assembly and the retainer are housed within the housing. The retainer includes a plurality of slots through which the electrode assembly is exposed.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein prior to the arrangement of the retainer, the method comprises: The adhesive component is arranged on one surface of the retainer, and The plurality of grooves are formed by cutting at least a portion of the retainer.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the retainer comprises a rigid membrane.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the electrode assembly comprises: A pair of first surfaces, set along a first direction; A pair of second surfaces are disposed along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; as well as A pair of third surfaces are arranged along a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions. in: The area of ​​the pair of second surfaces is greater than the area of ​​the pair of third surfaces, and The retainer surrounds at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces and at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the retainer comprises: A first frame surrounds at least a portion of the pair of second surfaces; as well as The second frame surrounds at least a portion of the pair of third surfaces. in: The width of the pair of second surfaces is less than the length of the pair of second surfaces. The first frame includes a plurality of first slots, and The width of each of the plurality of first slots is determined based on the width of the pair of second surfaces.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The width of the pair of third surfaces is less than the length of the pair of third surfaces. The second frame includes a plurality of second slots, and The width of each of the plurality of second slots is determined based on the width of the pair of third surfaces.

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