Rechargeable battery and method for manufacturing the rechargeable battery

Abstract

A rechargeable battery and a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery are disclosed. The manufacturing method includes: manufacturing a housing having an opening on a first side; inserting an electrode assembly into the housing through the opening; and attaching a cover assembly to the first side, wherein manufacturing the housing includes: manufacturing a first intermediate member having a receiving space and an open first side; manufacturing a second intermediate member by forming a plurality of holes on a second side of the first intermediate member opposite to the first side; and attaching a first electrode terminal to the second side of the second intermediate member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to rechargeable batteries and methods for manufacturing such rechargeable batteries. Background Technology

[0002] A rechargeable battery with side terminals is manufactured in such a way that an electrode cover assembly is attached to the opposite side of a housing that has an open shape on the opposite side to accommodate the electrode assembly.

[0003] In other words, rechargeable batteries are manufactured by separately manufacturing the electrode cap assembly, separately manufacturing the housing, inserting the electrode assembly into the housing, and then attaching the electrode cap assembly to the opposite side of the housing.

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

[0005] The embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a rechargeable battery, the method comprising: manufacturing a housing having an opening on a first side; inserting an electrode assembly into the housing through the opening; and attaching a cover assembly to the first side, wherein manufacturing the housing comprises: manufacturing a first intermediate member having a receiving space and an open first side; manufacturing a second intermediate member by forming a plurality of holes on a second side of the first intermediate member opposite to the first side; and attaching a first electrode terminal to the second side of the second intermediate member.

[0006] Manufacturing the first intermediate component may include: inserting the shell raw material into the first mold; and applying pressure using the first punch.

[0007] Manufacturing the first intermediate component may include performing a deep drawing method.

[0008] Manufacturing the second intermediate component may include: fixing the first intermediate component to a second mold; and pressing the second side of the first intermediate component with a second punch including a plurality of protrusions.

[0009] The dimensions of the plurality of protrusions can correspond to the dimensions of the plurality of holes.

[0010] Forming the plurality of holes may include forming: a main hole and a secondary hole located near the main hole.

[0011] The size of the main hole can be larger than the size of the secondary hole.

[0012] The secondary hole may include multiple secondary holes, and the multiple secondary holes may be arranged radially based on the main hole.

[0013] The plurality of holes may further include electrolyte injection ports.

[0014] The manufacture of the first intermediate component and the manufacture of the second intermediate component can be performed together.

[0015] Applying pressure using the first punch may include applying pressure using the first punch having multiple protrusions.

[0016] The second side of the second intermediate member may have a first surface facing the receiving space and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and connecting the first electrode terminal may include: positioning the first electrode terminal spaced apart on the second surface; injecting a molten first connecting member between the first electrode terminal and the second surface through the secondary hole; and solidifying the molten first connecting member.

[0017] The first connecting member into which the molten material is injected may include injecting the molten first connecting member into the direction from the first surface toward the second surface via an injection device introduced from the first side of the second intermediate member.

[0018] Inserting the electrode assembly may include inserting the electrode assembly having a stacked structure with a diaphragm between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the electrode assembly may include: a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal, protruding from the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively; and a first current collector and a second current collector, electrically connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively.

[0019] Inserting the electrode assembly may include inserting the electrode assembly into the housing such that the second current collector faces the first side of the housing.

[0020] An embodiment includes a rechargeable battery comprising: a housing having an opening on a first side; an electrode assembly received within the housing through the opening, the electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a cover assembly coupled to the first side, wherein the housing includes: a base portion having a main aperture on a second side opposite to the first side; an extension extending from an edge of the base portion in a direction toward the first side of the housing; a first electrode terminal on the base portion; and a first connecting member between the first electrode terminal and the base portion.

[0021] The first connecting member may have electrical insulation properties.

[0022] The first connecting member may contain polyphenylene sulfide.

[0023] The base portion and the extension portion can be a single unit, the cover assembly can include a second electrode terminal, and the extension portion and the cover assembly can be connected by welding.

[0024] The electrode assembly may further include: a plurality of first electrode tabs electrically connected to the first electrode, the plurality of first electrode tabs protruding toward the base portion; a first current collector plate electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode tabs, the first current collector plate being electrically connected to the first electrode terminal through the main hole; a plurality of second electrode tabs electrically connected to the second electrode, the plurality of second electrode tabs protruding toward the cover assembly; and a second current collector plate electrically connected to the plurality of second electrode tabs. 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 A perspective view illustrating a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 Example with Figure 1 Perspective views of rechargeable batteries viewed from different angles;

[0028] Figure 3 Examples along Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery taken from line III-III.

[0029] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 Example description of manufacturing Figure 4 A detailed flowchart of the operation of the housing;

[0031] Figure 6 Examples are used to describe Figure 5 The view of the formation operation;

[0032] Figure 7 Examples are used to describe Figure 5 A view of the punching operation;

[0033] Figure 8 Examples are used to describe based on Figure 7 Views of the punching operation in one embodiment and another embodiment; and

[0034] Figure 9 Examples are used to describe Figure 5 The view of the connection operation. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on that other layer or substrate, or there may be intervening layers. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "below" another layer, it may be directly below, and there may be one or more intervening layers. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between two layers," it may be the only layer between those two layers, or there may be one or more intervening layers. Similar reference numerals always refer to similar elements.

[0037] Additionally, when used herein, "comprising" and / or "including" specifies the presence of the mentioned shapes, quantities, steps, actions, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, quantities, steps, actions, components, elements, and / or groups thereof. In describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "can / may" indicates "at least one embodiment of this disclosure".

[0038] The statement that two comparison objects are “identical” means that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, substantially identical can include what is considered a low deviation in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, consistency of parameters over a given region can mean consistency in terms of the mean.

[0039] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, a first component may be a second component.

[0040] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0041] Arranging any component on the “upper (or lower) part” of a component or on the “upper (or lower)” of a component can mean that not only is the arbitrary component arranged to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but another component can be located between the component and the arbitrary component arranged on (or below) the component.

[0042] Furthermore, if a component is described as being "connected to" or "attached to" another component, the components may be directly connected to each other or connected to one another. However, it should be understood that other components may be "between" the components, or the components may be "connected," "combined," or "attached" through other components. Throughout the specification and appended claims, when an element is described as being "attached to" another element, the element may be "directly attached" to the other element or "electrically attached" to the other element through a third element.

[0043] Unless otherwise stated, throughout the specification, whenever "A and / or B" is mentioned, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of the listed items. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, when "C~D" is mentioned, it means C and below D.

[0044] Figure 1 An illustrative perspective view of a rechargeable battery 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Example with Figure 1 Perspective views of rechargeable batteries viewed from different angles, and Figure 3 Examples along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery 1 taken along line III-III is shown in the figure.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the first side of the rechargeable battery 1 can be observed, while Figure 1 In the middle, a second side, opposite to the first side, can be observed. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 The first side of the rechargeable battery 1 can point to the -X-axis direction, while in the same reference, the second side of the rechargeable battery 1 can point to the +X-axis direction.

[0046] refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a rechargeable battery 1 may include: a housing 10 having an open first side; and an electrode assembly 30 housed within the housing 10. The first side of the housing 10 may face the same direction as the first side of the rechargeable battery 1 (based on...). Figure 3 (to the right). For example, the housing 10 may have an opening on the first side, allowing the first side to be opened.

[0047] The housing 10 can be made of a metallic material. For example, the housing 10 can be made of a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, nickel-plated steel, etc.

[0048] The housing 10 may include: a base portion 110 located on a second side opposite to the open first side of the housing 10; and an extension 130 extending from the edge of the base portion 110 in a direction toward the first side. The second side of the housing 10 may face the same direction as the second side of the rechargeable battery 1 (based on...). Figure 3 (To the left). The housing 10 may have a receiving space 11 therein.

[0049] The base portion 110 can be integrally formed with the extension 130. The base portion 110 and the extension 130 can have a single continuous shape or can be a single unit, thereby improving strength and airtightness. In addition, there is no seam between the base portion 110 and the extension 130, so even if stress is concentrated between the two parts, fracture can be easily prevented.

[0050] Furthermore, the base portion 110 and the extension portion 130 can be formed of the same material, thereby allowing consistent thermal stability and chemical durability, which in turn enhances the reliability of the housing 10 by preventing problems such as thermal deformation during the process of connecting the two components.

[0051] The base portion 110 may have a first surface 1111 facing a first side of the housing 10 or the receiving space 11, and a second surface 1113 opposite to the first surface 1111. The first surface 1111 may contact the first current collector 360, which will be described later, and the first electrode terminal 150 may be located on the second surface 1113.

[0052] The housing 10 may further include a first electrode terminal 150 and a first connecting member 170 disposed on the base portion 110. The first connecting member 170 may be located between the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113. The first electrode terminal 150 may contact the first current collector 360, which will be described later, and may have the same polarity as the first current collector 360.

[0053] The first connecting member 170 may be a material with electrical insulating properties. The first connecting member 170 may be made of plastic. For example, the first connecting member 170 may contain polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The base portion 110 may have a plurality of holes 1130 extending through the first surface 1111 and the second surface 1113. The holes 1130 may include: a main hole 1131; and a secondary hole 1133 located near the main hole 1131.

[0054] The first electrode terminal 150 and the first current collector plate 360 ​​can be electrically connected to each other through the main hole 1131. The first connecting member 170, in a molten state, can be supplied by the injection device 7 (see [reference]) through the secondary hole 1133. Figure 9The first connecting member 170 is injected between the first electrode terminal 150 and the base portion 110. For example, the first connecting member 170 can be provided between the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 of the base portion 110 by insertion injection.

[0055] In its molten state, the first connecting member 170 can fill the space between the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 of the base portion 110. When the first connecting member 170 fills the space in its molten state, it can provide a wider contact area to the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 of the base portion 110 than when it is in its solid state. When the first connecting member 170 in its molten state solidifies, it can provide stronger adhesion to the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 of the base portion 110.

[0056] Multiple secondary holes 1133 may exist, and they may be arranged radially based on the main hole 1131 (e.g., radially outward and separate from the main hole 1131). In this case, the first connecting member 170 can be injected at different points, thereby allowing uniform injection over a wider area. Accordingly, a more uniform adhesive layer can be provided between the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113, and the adhesive force can be improved across the entire bonding surface. Additionally, this can help increase bond strength and enhance durability against thermal and mechanical loads.

[0057] The rechargeable battery 1 may further include a second electrode cover assembly (also referred to as a cover assembly) 50 coupled to the open first side of the housing 10. For example, the extension 130 and the second electrode cover assembly 50 may be joined by welding. The method of joining the electrode assembly 30 and the second electrode cover assembly 50 may depend on a method designed for joining metallic materials. For example, the electrode assembly 30 and the second electrode cover assembly 50 may be joined by welding.

[0058] The second electrode cover assembly 50 may include a cover plate 510, a second electrode terminal 550 located on the cover plate 510, and a second connecting member 570 provided between the cover plate 510 and the second electrode terminal 550.

[0059] The second connecting member 570 may have electrical insulation properties and may be made of the same material as the first connecting member 170. The second electrode terminal 550 may be electrically connected to the second current collector 370. Accordingly, the second electrode terminal 550 may have the same polarity as the second electrode 330.

[0060] The electrode assembly 30 may include a first electrode 310, a second electrode 330, and a diaphragm 350 located therebetween. The electrode assembly 30 may have a structure in which the first electrode 310, the diaphragm 350, and the second electrode 330 are stacked.

[0061] For example, the electrode assembly 30 may be a stacked type with a diaphragm 350 provided between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330, or it may be a core type wound in a wound state around a central axis of winding (e.g., the X-axis). In this disclosure, it is assumed that the electrode assembly 30 is a stacked type, and the following description is based on this assumption.

[0062] Each of the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 can be a positive electrode or a negative electrode, and the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 can have different polarities. For example, if the first electrode 310 acts as a negative electrode, then the second electrode 330 can act as a positive electrode, and if the first electrode 310 acts as a positive electrode, then the second electrode 330 can act as a negative electrode. In this disclosure, it is assumed that the first electrode 310 acts as a positive electrode and the second electrode 330 acts as a negative electrode, and the following description is based on this assumption.

[0063] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode composite layer coated with a positive electrode active material (e.g., transition metal oxides such as LiCoO2, LiNiO2, LiMn2O4, etc.) onto the positive electrode current collector, and the negative electrode may include a negative electrode composite layer coated with a negative electrode active material (e.g., graphite, carbon, etc.) onto the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector plate may be copper (Cu) foil, and the positive electrode current collector plate may be aluminum (Al) foil, but the material of each current collector plate may vary.

[0064] The diaphragm 350 can prevent contact between the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 to prevent electrical short circuits and allow the movement of ions (e.g., lithium (Li) ions). The diaphragm 350 can be formed of polyethylene (PE) membrane, polypropylene (PP) membrane, etc.

[0065] The electrode assembly 30 may further include: a first electrode connector 320 electrically connected to the first electrode 310; and a second electrode connector 340 electrically connected to the second electrode 330.

[0066] The first electrode terminal 320 and the second electrode terminal 340 may be configured separately from the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330, or may be uncoated areas protruding from the first electrode 310 and the second electrode 330 (e.g., current collectors without an active material layer).

[0067] In this disclosure, the first electrode terminal 320 can be used as a positive electrode terminal and can be made of aluminum (Al), and the second electrode terminal 340 can be used as a negative electrode terminal and can be made of copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni).

[0068] The first electrode connector 320 may protrude from the first electrode 310 in a direction toward the second side of the base portion 110 or the housing 10, and the second electrode connector 340 may protrude from the second electrode 330 in a direction toward the first side of the second electrode cover assembly 50 or the housing 10. However, the protruding directions of the first electrode connector 320 and the second electrode connector 340 may be opposite to the directions described above.

[0069] Multiple first electrode tabs 320 and multiple second electrode tabs 340 may exist. In one embodiment, the multiple first electrode tabs 320 may be electrically connected to a first electrode 310, and the multiple first electrode tabs 320 may protrude toward the base portion 110. In one embodiment, the multiple second electrode tabs 340 may be electrically connected to a second electrode 330, and the multiple second electrode tabs 340 may protrude toward the second electrode cover assembly 50. The electrode assembly 30 may further include: a first current collector plate 360, which contacts and is electrically connected to the multiple first electrode tabs 320; and a second current collector plate 370, which contacts and is electrically connected to the multiple second electrode tabs 340.

[0070] The first current collector plate 360 ​​can contact and be electrically connected to the first electrode terminal 150 through the main hole 1131 of the base portion 110, while the second current collector plate 370 can contact the second electrode terminal 550. In this disclosure, the first electrode terminal 150 can be used as a positive electrode, and the second electrode terminal 550 can be used as a negative electrode.

[0071] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. References Figure 4 The manufacturing method for a rechargeable battery may include an operation (S110) of manufacturing a casing having an opening on a first side. A detailed description of the casing manufacturing operation (S110) will be provided later. Figures 5 to 9 describe.

[0072] The method of manufacturing a rechargeable battery may further include an operation of inserting an electrode assembly into a housing through an opening (S130). The electrode assembly to be inserted has a stacked structure with a diaphragm disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, and may include a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab protruding from the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, and a first current collector plate and a second current collector plate are electrically connected to these tabs (i.e., the first electrode tab and the second electrode tab).

[0073] The electrode assembly can be inserted into the housing such that the first current collector plate faces the second side of the housing, and the second current collector plate faces the first side of the housing. The base portion can be located on the second side opposite to the first side of the housing, such that the first current collector plate can face the base portion.

[0074] The method of manufacturing a rechargeable battery may further include an operation of attaching a cover assembly to a first side of the housing (S150). The cover assembly to be attached may be a second electrode cover assembly including a second electrode terminal.

[0075] The second electrode cover assembly can be located on the open first side of the housing and connected to the housing by a metal joining method such as welding. Through the connection of the housing and the second electrode cover assembly, the electrode assembly can be isolated from the outside.

[0076] The electrode assembly can be housed within a housing such that the second current collector plate of the electrode assembly faces the second electrode cover assembly. The first current collector plate of the electrode assembly housed within the housing can contact the first electrode terminal, and the second current collector plate can contact the second electrode terminal. Accordingly, the first electrode terminal can have the same polarity as the first electrode, and the second electrode terminal can have the same polarity as the second electrode.

[0077] Figure 5 Example description of manufacturing Figure 4 The detailed operation flowchart of the housing S110, and Figures 6 to 9 Examples are used to describe in detail. Figure 5 A view of each operation described in the text.

[0078] refer to Figure 5 The operation S110 of manufacturing the housing may include: a forming operation (S1110) of manufacturing a first intermediate member 10' having an internal receiving space 11 and an open first side; a punching operation (S1130) of manufacturing a second intermediate member 10'' by forming a plurality of holes 1130 on a second side of the first intermediate member 10' opposite to the first side; and a connection operation (S1150) of connecting the first electrode terminal 150 to the second side of the second intermediate member 10''.

[0079] Figures 6 to 9 The forming operation (S1110), the punching operation (S1130), and the operation based on the specific examples are given respectively. Figure 7 The embodiments include punching operations (S1130') and joining operations (S1150) in different embodiments.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The forming operation (S1110) can be performed by inserting the shell material into the first mold 2 and then applying pressure using the first punch 3. The shell material can refer to metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloys, and nickel-plated steel as described above.

[0081] The first mold 2 may have a hollow space into which the shell material can be inserted. The first punch 3 may be located on the first mold 2 and may move through the hollow space. The first punch 3 may be positioned in the direction of insertion of the shell material (e.g., ...). Figure 6 The raw material of the housing is pressurized (from top to bottom as shown in the diagram). That is, pressure can be applied using the first punch 3.

[0082] The shell material pressurized by the first punch 3 can deform in shape to fill the space between the first punch 3 and the first die 2. When sufficient pressure is achieved, it can be deformed in the opposite direction to the pressurization direction ( Figure 6 The first punch 3 moves from bottom to top to release the pressurized state.

[0083] Accordingly, the shell material can be manufactured under pressure into a first intermediate member 10' having the same shape as the space between the first punch 3 and the first die 2. A receiving space 11 having the same shape as the first punch 3 can be provided inside the first intermediate member 10'. For example, the first intermediate member 10' can be manufactured by a deep drawing method.

[0084] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The punching operation (S1130) can be performed by fixing the first intermediate member 10' to the second mold 4 and then pressing the second side of the first intermediate member 10' using a second punch 5 including a plurality of protrusions 51. In this way, a second intermediate member 10'' with a plurality of holes 1130 provided on the second side can be manufactured.

[0085] The hole 1130 may include a main hole 1131 and a secondary hole 1133 located near the main hole 1131. The main hole 1131 and the secondary hole 1133 may have different dimensions. For example, the main hole 1131 may have a larger dimension than the secondary hole 1133. The protrusion 51 of the second punch 5 may have a dimension corresponding to the hole 1130 in the second intermediate member 10'' (e.g., the size of the protrusion is adapted to the hole or equal to the size of the hole), and the dimensions of the protrusions 51 may be different from each other.

[0086] The manufacturing method for a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can simplify the manufacturing process by omitting the operation of cutting the second side of the housing and instead using a method of directly creating a plurality of holes 1130 on the second side of the housing, thereby reducing manufacturing time and cost.

[0087] In addition, the hole 1130 may include an electrolyte injection port 1135 (see Figure 1 In other words, during the punching operation (S1130), the electrolyte injection port 1135 can be provided on the second side of the second intermediate member 10''.

[0088] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8 The punching operation (S1130) can be performed together with the forming operation (S1110). In other words, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the punching operation (S1130) and the forming operation (S1110) can be performed using the same die and punch.

[0089] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first punch 3' may include a plurality of protrusions 31', and in this case, when the first punch 3' presses against the housing material (i.e., pressure is applied using the first punch 3' having a plurality of protrusions 31'), the housing material can be formed with the first intermediate member 10' (see [reference]) while being processed into a second intermediate member 10'' having a plurality of holes 1130 on the second side. Figure 6 The shape is similar to the shape of the object.

[0090] When the punching operation (S1130) and the forming operation (S1110) are performed together, each operation can be performed without changing the position of the shell raw material. As a result, the manufacturing time for the second intermediate member 10'' can be reduced, manufacturing costs can be lowered, and manufacturing tolerances can be minimized. In other words, the overall manufacturing time of the shell 10 can be shortened, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and manufacturing tolerances can be minimized.

[0091] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 9 The second side of the second intermediate member 10'' may have an orientation towards the receiving space 11 (see Figure 6 The first surface 1111 and the second surface 1113 opposite to the first surface 1111. The secondary hole 1133 may extend through the first surface 1111 and the second surface 1113.

[0092] The connection operation (S1150) may include: spaced the first electrode terminals 150 on the second surface 1113 on the second side of the second intermediate member 10''; injecting the first connecting member 170 in a molten state between the first electrode terminals 150 and the second surface 1113 through the secondary hole 1133 of the second intermediate member 10''; and solidifying the first connecting member 170 in a molten state. Through the connection operation (S1150), the second intermediate member 10'' can be manufactured as a housing 10.

[0093] During the connection operation (S1150), the moving device 6 can be used to position the first electrode terminal 150 at a distance from the second side of the second intermediate member 10''. In one embodiment, the first electrode terminal 150 can be positioned spaced apart on the second surface 1113. For example, the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 on the second side of the housing 10 may not be in contact with each other.

[0094] After the first electrode terminal 150 is positioned, the first connecting member 170 in a molten state can be injected between the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 through the injection device 7 introduced from the first side of the second intermediate member 10''. The first connecting member 170 in a molten state can be injected through the secondary hole 1133 of the second intermediate member 10''. The injection direction can be from the first surface 1111 towards the second surface 1113.

[0095] The first connecting member 170, injected through the secondary hole 1133 of the second intermediate member 10'', can have a wide contact area relative to the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113. When multiple secondary holes 1133 are present, the first connecting member 170 can be injected at more different points than when there is only one secondary hole 1133.

[0096] When the first connecting member 170 is cured, the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113 can be fixed while being spaced apart. The first connecting member 170 can prevent direct contact between the first electrode terminal 150 and the second surface 1113. In addition, the first connecting member 170 can have insulating properties to prevent the first electrode terminal 150 from contacting the base portion 110 (see [link]). Figure 3 An electrical short circuit between them. The first connecting member 170 may be made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0097] By summarizing and reviewing, it was found that when manufacturing a housing, the housing needs to be made with an open opposite side. Typically, the housing is first processed by a deep-drawing method in which metal is placed on a mold and then pressed using a punch, and the housing processed by the above method has a shape with only one side open.

[0098] Accordingly, to manufacture a shell with an open opposite side, an additional process is required to remove the closed side of the shell. This cutting process not only increases manufacturing time but also results in a loss of raw materials as the cut metal parts are treated as scrap. Furthermore, if subsequent processes are added to smooth or evenly trim the cut portion, the manufacturing process may become even more complex, further increasing manufacturing time and cost.

[0099] Furthermore, attaching separately manufactured electrode cap assemblies to a housing that is open on the opposite side increases manufacturing tolerances. Consequently, adhesion may be reduced due to dimensional deviations at the bonding area, which could lead to severe performance degradation due to the nature of rechargeable batteries that require airtightness.

[0100] Furthermore, the bonding process between the housing and the electrode cap assembly can apply heat and pressure to the bonding point, which may lead to potential defects or thermal deformation issues that could be other factors contributing to quality degradation. Such defects or deformations can not only reduce the durability of rechargeable batteries but also potentially cause long-term stability problems, thereby compromising product reliability.

[0101] In contrast, the manufacturing method for a rechargeable battery according to embodiments of this disclosure can reduce manufacturing time and prevent material waste by omitting the cutting process during the manufacturing of the housing 10. Furthermore, it solves the problems caused by the need to manufacture the first electrode cover assembly separately. For example, it can solve the problem that manufacturing tolerances in the first electrode cover assembly may prevent the provision of a complete seal when attached to the housing.

[0102] According to this disclosure, the cutting process and subsequent processes in the manufacturing of the casing can be omitted, thereby reducing the time and cost for manufacturing rechargeable batteries.

[0103] According to this disclosure, the reliability of rechargeable batteries can be improved.

[0104] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and is not intended to be limiting. In some instances, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing this application, unless specifically instructed otherwise, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery, the method comprising: Manufacture a housing with an opening on the first side; The electrode assembly is inserted into the housing through the opening; as well as Connect the cover assembly to the first side. Manufacturing the housing includes: Manufacture a first intermediate component having a accommodating space and an open first side; The second intermediate member is manufactured by forming a plurality of holes on a second side of the first intermediate member opposite to the first side; and Connect the first electrode terminal to the second side of the second intermediate member.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein manufacturing the first intermediate component comprises: Insert the shell material into the first mold; as well as Apply pressure using the first punch.

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein manufacturing the first intermediate component includes performing a deep drawing method.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein manufacturing the second intermediate component comprises: Fix the first intermediate component to the second mold; as well as The second side of the first intermediate member is pressed using a second punch that includes multiple protrusions.

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the dimensions of the plurality of protrusions correspond to the dimensions of the plurality of holes.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein forming the plurality of holes comprises forming: Main hole; and A secondary hole located near the main hole.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the size of the main hole is larger than the size of the secondary hole.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein: The secondary holes include multiple secondary holes; and The plurality of secondary holes are arranged radially based on the main hole.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of holes further includes an electrolyte injection port.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein manufacturing the first intermediate component and manufacturing the second intermediate component are performed together.

11. The manufacturing method of claim 10, wherein applying pressure using the first punch includes applying pressure using the first punch having a plurality of protrusions.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein: The second side of the second intermediate member has a first surface facing the receiving space and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and Connecting the first electrode terminal includes: The first electrode terminals are positioned spaced apart on the second surface; The molten first connecting member is injected between the first electrode terminal and the second surface through the secondary hole; and Solidify the molten first connecting member.

13. The manufacturing method of claim 12, wherein injecting the molten first connecting member comprises injecting the molten first connecting member in a direction from the first surface toward the second surface via an injection device introduced from a first side of the second intermediate member.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein: Inserting the electrode assembly includes inserting the electrode assembly having a stacked structure with a diaphragm between the first electrode and the second electrode; and The electrode assembly includes: The first electrode connector and the second electrode connector protrude from the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively; as well as The first current collector plate and the second current collector plate are electrically connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively.

15. The manufacturing method of claim 14, wherein inserting the electrode assembly comprises inserting the electrode assembly into the housing such that the second current collector faces the first side of the housing.

16. A rechargeable battery, comprising: The housing has an opening on a first side; An electrode assembly is housed in the housing through the opening, the electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm between the first electrode and the second electrode; as well as The cover assembly is connected to the first side. The housing includes: The base portion has a main hole on a second side opposite to the first side; An extension extends from the edge of the base portion in a direction toward the first side of the housing; The first electrode terminal is located on the base portion; and A first connecting member is located between the first electrode terminal and the base portion.

17. The rechargeable battery of claim 16, wherein the first connecting member has electrical insulation properties.

18. The rechargeable battery of claim 17, wherein the first connecting member comprises polyphenylene sulfide.

19. The rechargeable battery according to claim 18, wherein: The base portion and the extension portion are a single unit; The cover assembly includes a second electrode terminal; and The extension and the cover assembly are connected by welding.

20. The rechargeable battery according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the electrode assembly further comprises: Multiple first electrode terminals are electrically connected to the first electrode, and the multiple first electrode terminals protrude toward the base portion; A first current collector plate is electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode terminals, and the first current collector plate is electrically connected to the first electrode terminals through the main hole; Multiple second electrode terminals are electrically connected to the second electrode, and the multiple second electrode terminals protrude toward the cover assembly; as well as The second current collector plate is electrically connected to the plurality of second electrode terminals.

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