Secondary batteries, secondary battery manufacturing methods, and battery modules

Abstract

A secondary battery, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, and a battery module are disclosed. The secondary battery includes: a housing; an electrode assembly inside the housing; a cover plate connected to the housing and sealing the housing; a terminal member extending from the electrode assembly in a first direction; a terminal protruding outward from the cover plate and facing the terminal member; a support plate inserted into the terminal member in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a connecting member between the terminal member and the terminal, the connecting member connecting the terminal member and the terminal. According to this disclosure, by utilizing the support plate to prevent a portion of the terminal member from not engaging with the connecting member, the number of terminal members can be reduced and the power efficiency of the secondary battery can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to secondary batteries, methods for manufacturing secondary batteries, and battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] Generally speaking, due to the recent surge in battery-powered electronic devices (such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles), the demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density and high capacity has increased rapidly. Correspondingly, research and development to improve the performance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are actively underway.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode containing active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions, as well as an electrolyte. The lithium secondary battery generates electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are inserted into / deintercalated from the positive and negative electrodes.

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

[0005] An embodiment includes a secondary battery comprising: a housing; an electrode assembly inside the housing; a cover plate coupled to the housing and sealing the housing; a terminal piece extending from the electrode assembly in a first direction; a terminal protruding outward from the cover plate and facing the terminal piece; a support plate inserted into the terminal piece in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a connecting member between the terminal piece and the terminal, the connecting member connecting the terminal piece and the terminal.

[0006] The secondary battery may further include a plurality of insertion holes passing through the terminal block member in the second direction, wherein the support plate may include: a first support plate outside the plurality of insertion holes; and a plurality of second support plates extending from the first support plate, the plurality of second support plates being inserted into the plurality of insertion holes.

[0007] The first support plate can be located between the electrode assembly and the cover plate.

[0008] The connector component may include a bent portion that bends in a direction opposite to the second direction, and both the first support plate and one end of the bent portion face the electrode assembly in the first direction.

[0009] The plurality of insertion holes and the plurality of second support plates can be arranged in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0010] The connecting component may include: a plurality of first connecting plates connected to the terminal; and a plurality of second connecting plates connected to the plurality of first connecting plates and the terminal block component.

[0011] The plurality of first connecting plates and the plurality of second connecting plates may alternate in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0012] The terminal may include a first terminal surface facing the connector member and a second terminal surface opposite to the first terminal surface, and each of the plurality of first connecting plates may include: a terminal connecting portion spaced apart from the connector member, the terminal connecting portion contacting the first terminal surface of the terminal; and an extension portion extending from the terminal connecting portion, the extension portion being connected to one of the plurality of second connecting plates.

[0013] The terminal connection portion may have a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] The terminal connection portion may include: a first terminal connection portion spaced apart from the first terminal surface of the terminal; and a second terminal connection portion located between the first terminal connection portion and the first terminal surface of the terminal, wherein the second terminal connection portion contacts the first terminal surface of the terminal.

[0015] The plurality of second connecting plates are located between the cover plate and the terminal block component, and the plurality of second connecting plates are in contact with the terminal block component.

[0016] Each of the plurality of second connecting plates may face a different second support plate among the plurality of second support plates in the first direction.

[0017] The terminal may include: a first terminal surface facing the connector member; a second terminal surface opposite to the first terminal surface; and a plurality of grooves recessed from the second terminal surface toward the first terminal surface.

[0018] Each of the plurality of slots may face a different first connecting plate among the plurality of first connecting plates in the first direction.

[0019] The terminal block assembly may include a pair of terminal blocks, one of which may be connected to a first electrode of the electrode assembly, and the other of which may be connected to a second electrode of the electrode assembly.

[0020] Various embodiments include a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: inserting a support plate into a terminal piece extending from an electrode assembly in a first direction; placing a connecting member on the terminal piece; connecting the terminal piece, the support plate, and the connecting member; placing a terminal on the connecting member; and connecting the connecting member and the terminal.

[0021] The secondary battery manufacturing method may further include: forming a bent portion by bending the terminal component before or after inserting the support plate into the terminal component.

[0022] When the support plate is inserted into the connector member, the support plate can be inserted into the connector member in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and when the connector member is bent to form the bent portion, the connector member can be bent in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0023] After inserting the support plate into the connector member and forming the bent portion by bending the connector member, one end of the bent portion may be positioned to face the electrode assembly in the first direction.

[0024] Various embodiments include a battery module comprising: a housing; and a plurality of secondary batteries disposed within the housing, wherein each of the plurality of secondary batteries includes: a housing; an electrode assembly within the housing; a cover plate coupled to the housing and sealing the housing; a terminal piece extending from the electrode assembly in a first direction; a terminal protruding outward from the cover plate and facing the terminal piece; a support plate inserted into the terminal piece in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a connecting member between the terminal piece and the terminal, the connecting member connecting the terminal piece and the terminal. 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 perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a view schematically illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the arrangement of terminals, support plates, and connecting members according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the arrangement of terminals, support plates, and connecting members according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery or the sequence of secondary battery manufacturing methods according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figures 8 to 15 This is a view illustrating a process for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 16 It is an illustrative example. Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a modified example of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery;

[0035] Figure 17 and Figure 18 It is an illustrative example. Figure 16 A view illustrating the process of manufacturing a secondary battery;

[0036] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0037] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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.

[0039] In the drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be enlarged 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.

[0040] 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 as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is his / her own lexicographer capable of defining the concepts of the terms appropriately.

[0041] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all 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.

[0042] It should 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 one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. 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, no intermediary element or layer is present. 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.

[0043] In the figures, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar 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 preceding / following it, and do not modify individual elements in 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 one of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations or subsets of them, 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.

[0044] It should 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.

[0045] 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 figure. It should 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 figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented as “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.

[0046] 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 should 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.

[0047] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0 (and including both the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described 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 described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described herein 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 describe any subranges contained within the scope explicitly described herein.

[0048] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean “they are substantially the same.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially the same” can include cases where there is a deviation that 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.

[0049] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0050] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, it may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be located between the component and any element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another element, these elements may be directly "connected," "linked," or "attached" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediary elements between them through which the element can be "connected," "linked," or "attached" to the other element. Additionally, when a part is referred to as "electrically connected" to another part, that part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediary parts between them, allowing that part to be indirectly electrically connected to the other part.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 The battery module according to this embodiment may include a housing 1 and a secondary battery 2.

[0056] The outer casing 1 can form the general shape of the battery module and provide space for the secondary battery 2 to be housed therein.

[0057] According to this embodiment, the outer casing 1 may include an outer casing body 11 and a cover 12.

[0058] The outer casing 11 can be formed into a box shape with a hollow interior and an open side. The cross-sectional shape of the outer casing 11 can be different from... Figure 1 The example shown is a quadrilateral shape, and its design can be changed to various shapes, such as polygons, circles, or ovals.

[0059] The cover 12 can be attached to the housing body 11 and can seal the interior space of the housing body 11. As an example, the cover 12 can be formed in a generally plate-like shape and can be configured as an open side facing the housing body 11. The cover 12 can be secured to the housing body 11 by various types of connection methods such as bolting, welding, assembly, etc. (e.g., to seal the housing body 11).

[0060] The secondary battery 2 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying power in the battery module. The secondary battery 2 can be disposed inside the housing 1.

[0061] Multiple secondary batteries 2 can be provided. The multiple secondary batteries 2 can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the casing 1 (based on...). Figure 1 (in the X-axis direction) and width direction (based on) Figure 1 The secondary batteries 2 are arranged in two or more rows along at least one of the Y-axis directions. Multiple secondary batteries 2 can be arranged parallel to each other. The number of secondary batteries 2 can be varied in various ways depending on the size, shape, etc. of the housing 1.

[0062] Multiple secondary batteries 2 can be electrically connected via busbar 3.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the busbar 3 can be disposed between the cover 12 and the secondary battery 2. Each of the busbars 3 can connect a pair of adjacent secondary batteries 2 in series or in parallel.

[0064] Busbar 3 can be formed of conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, or nickel. The specific shape of busbar 3 can differ from... Figure 1 The shape shown is that of a secondary battery, and its design can be changed to various shapes that can electrically connect to adjacent secondary batteries in the secondary battery 2.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] The following will describe an example in which the secondary battery is a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery. However, the secondary battery can also be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0067] based on Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first direction described below can be exemplified as the +Z direction, the second direction as the +X direction, and the third direction as the +Y direction.

[0068] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment includes a housing 100 and an electrode assembly 200 (see...). Figure 4 ), cover plate 300, wiring lug assembly 400, a pair of terminals 500, a pair of support plates 600 and a pair of connecting members 700.

[0069] The housing 100 can form the general shape of the secondary battery 2 and house the electrode assembly 200.

[0070] The housing 100 according to this embodiment may include a bottom portion 110, a front surface portion 120, a rear surface portion 130, a first side portion 140, and a second side portion 150.

[0071] The bottom portion 110 can form the lower side of the housing 100 (based on...) Figure 3 The bottom portion 110 according to this embodiment may have the shape of a rectangular plate. The bottom portion 110 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing body 11.

[0072] The front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side portion 140, and the second side portion 150 can form the outer peripheral surface of the housing 100.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the front surface portion 120, rear surface portion 130, first side portion 140, and second side portion 150 may have a plate shape extending from the edge of the bottom portion 110 in a first direction. The front surface portion 120, rear surface portion 130, first side portion 140, and second side portion 150 may be configured to surround the upper space of the bottom portion 110. The front surface portion 120, rear surface portion 130, first side portion 140, and second side portion 150 may be configured to form a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0074] The front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 can be arranged to face each other in a second direction. The front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 can be arranged parallel to each other. The areas of the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 can be the same.

[0075] The first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150 can be positioned so that they face each other in a third-order direction. The first side portion 140 and the second side portion 150 can be positioned parallel to each other. The area of ​​the first side portion 140 and the area of ​​the second side portion 150 can be the same. The area of ​​the first side portion 140 and the area of ​​the second side portion 150 can be smaller than the area of ​​the front surface portion 120 and the area of ​​the rear surface portion 130.

[0076] The housing 100 may further include an opening 160. According to this embodiment, the opening 160 may refer to the space surrounded by the upper portions of the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side portion 140, and the second side portion 150. The opening 160 may be configured to face the bottom portion 110 in a first direction. The opening 160 connects the internal and external spaces of the housing 100 to each other.

[0077] The electrode assembly 200 can be used as a unit structure for performing charging and discharging operations of the electricity in the secondary battery 2. The electrode assembly 200 can be housed inside the housing 100.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a view schematically illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The electrode assembly 200 according to this embodiment may include a first electrode 210, a second electrode 220, and a diaphragm 230 disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. Multiple first electrodes 210, multiple diaphragms 230, and multiple second electrodes 220 may be provided.

[0080] In the following description, an electrode assembly 200 in a stacked form, wherein a plurality of first electrodes 210, a plurality of diaphragms 230, and a plurality of second electrodes 220 are alternately stacked in a second direction, will be described as an example. However, the electrode assembly 200 may also be formed having the following shape: the plurality of first electrodes 210, the plurality of diaphragms 230, and the plurality of second electrodes 220 are wound clockwise or counterclockwise around a winding axis parallel to the first direction in a stacked state.

[0081] The first electrode 210 can be used as one of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 200. In the following description, by way of example, the first electrode 210 will be described as the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 200. However, the first electrode 210 can also be used as the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200.

[0082] The first electrode 210 according to this embodiment can be formed into a foil shape containing a metallic material (such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy). The first electrode 210 can vary in type, size, and shape, as long as the material is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. The cross-sectional shape of the first electrode 210 can be designed differently from... Figure 4 Various shapes of rectangles are shown in the examples.

[0083] Multiple first electrodes 210 can be provided. The multiple first electrodes 210 can be arranged in a second direction between the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 of the housing 100. The number of the multiple first electrodes 210 can be designed to vary according to the charging capacity of the secondary battery 2, etc.

[0084] The first active material layer 211 can be applied to at least a portion of the first electrode 210. The first active material layer 211 can be applied to both surfaces of the first electrode 210, or in other embodiments, it can be applied to only one surface of the first electrode 210.

[0085] In this embodiment, since the first electrode 210 is used as a positive electrode, the first active material layer 211 may contain a positive electrode active material.

[0086] The positive electrode active material can be a compound capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (lithiation intercalation compound). More specifically, as the positive electrode active material, one or more composite oxides of lithium with metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, iron, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0087] As an example, the positive electrode active material may include at least one of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, NCM). Here, 0 < x < 1, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, and x + y + z = 1 can be satisfied. The positive electrode active material may include only one of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, LNCM), or may include two or all of lithium iron phosphate oxide (LiFePO4, LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate oxide (LiMnFePO4, LMFP), and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (LiNi x Co y Mn z O2, LNCM).

[0088] The first active material layer 211 may further contain a positive electrode conductive material.

[0089] The positive electrode conductive material is used to impart conductivity to the first active material layer 211, and any conductive material that does not cause a chemical change can be used. Examples of the positive electrode conductive material may include carbon materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon nanotube; metal materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0090] The first active material layer 211 may further contain a positive electrode binder.

[0091] The positive electrode binder is used to adhere the particles constituting the positive electrode active material to each other well and also adhere the positive electrode active material well to the first electrode 210.

[0092] Examples of the positive electrode binder may include non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0093] The non-aqueous binder may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamideimide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0094] Waterborne adhesives can be styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acryloyl resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0095] When an aqueous binder is used as a positive electrode binder, the aqueous binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts may be mixed and used. The alkali metal may be Na, K, or Li.

[0096] Dry adhesives can be fibrous polymeric materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0097] The first electrode 210 may include a first uncoated portion 212 to which the first active material layer 211 is not applied. According to this embodiment, the first uncoated portion 212 may be disposed in the upper region of the first electrode 210, inside the housing 100 facing the opening 160. However, the first uncoated portion 212 may be formed over the entire edge region of the first electrode 210.

[0098] The second electrode 220 can be used as another of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 200. In the following description, by way of example, the second electrode 220 will be described as the negative electrode of the electrode assembly 200. However, the second electrode 220 can also be used as the positive electrode of the electrode assembly 200.

[0099] Multiple second electrodes 220 may be provided. The multiple second electrodes 220 may be arranged in a second direction between the front surface portion 120 and the rear surface portion 130 of the housing 100. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 may be alternately arranged (e.g., alternately) in the second direction. The second electrode 220 may be spaced apart from the first electrode 210 by a predetermined distance in the second direction.

[0100] The second electrode 220 according to this embodiment can be formed into the shape of a foil containing a metallic material such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy. The second electrode 220 can vary in type, size, and shape, as long as the material is conductive and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery. The cross-sectional shape of the second electrode 220 can be designed differently from... Figure 4 Various shapes of rectangles are shown in the examples.

[0101] The second active material layer 221 may be coated on at least a part of the second electrode 220. The second active material layer 221 may be coated on both surfaces of the second electrode 220, or in other embodiments, may be coated on only one surface of the second electrode 220.

[0102] Since the second electrode 220 serves as a negative electrode, the second active material layer 221 may include a negative electrode active material.

[0103] The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions, lithium metal, a lithium metal alloy, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0104] The material capable of reversibly inserting / extracting 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 in amorphous, plate-like, flaky, spherical, or fibrous forms, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0105] As the lithium metal alloy, an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn may be used.

[0106] As the material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, a Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x ≤ 2), a Si-Q alloy (Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, group 13 elements, group 14 elements (excluding Si), group 15 elements, group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material may be Sn, SnO x (0 < x ≤ 2, for example, SnO2), a Sn alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0107] 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. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are aggregated and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) on the surface of the secondary particles. The amorphous carbon may be located between the primary silicon particles, for example, such that the primary silicon particles may be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix. <​The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles, and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0109] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used in combination with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0110] The second active material layer 221 may further include a negative electrode conductive material and a negative electrode binder.

[0111] The negative electrode conductive material is used to impart conductivity to the second active material layer 221, and any conductive material that does not cause a chemical change can be used. Examples of negative electrode conductive materials may include carbon materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metallic materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0112] The negative electrode binder is used to ensure that the particles constituting the negative electrode active material adhere well to each other, and also to ensure that the negative electrode active material adheres well to the second electrode 220.

[0113] Examples of negative electrode adhesives may include non-aqueous adhesives, aqueous adhesives, dry adhesives, or combinations thereof.

[0114] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide-imide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0115] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acryloyl resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0116] When an aqueous binder is used as a positive electrode binder, the aqueous binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and their alkali metal salts may be mixed and used. The alkali metal may be Na, K, or Li.

[0117] Dry adhesives can be fibrous polymeric materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0118] The second electrode 220 may include a second uncoated portion 222 to which the second active material layer 221 is not coated. According to this embodiment, the second uncoated portion 222 may be disposed in the upper region of the second electrode 220, inside the housing 100 facing the opening 160. However, the second uncoated portion 222 may be formed over the entire edge region of the second electrode 220.

[0119] A diaphragm 230 can be disposed between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. The diaphragm 230 can prevent short circuits between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 while allowing lithium ions to move between them.

[0120] The diaphragm 230 can be configured to completely surround the surface area of ​​the electrode assembly 200. Accordingly, the diaphragm 230 can prevent the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 from being directly exposed to the outside of the electrode assembly 200.

[0121] The diaphragm 230 can be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer membrane having two or more of these layers, and can be a mixed multilayer membrane such as a two-layer membrane of polyethylene / polypropylene, a three-layer membrane of polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene, or a three-layer membrane of polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene.

[0122] The diaphragm 230 may include a porous substrate and a coating comprising organic material, inorganic material or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0123] The porous substrate may be a polymer selected from polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, and polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon), or a polymer film made of copolymers or mixtures of two or more of the above materials.

[0124] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylic polymers.

[0125] Inorganic materials may include 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, but may vary.

[0126] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a coating, or they can be in the form of a coating that includes (or contains) organic materials and a coating that includes (or contains) inorganic materials stacked on top of each other.

[0127] The cover plate 300 can be attached to the housing 100 and seal the housing 100.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the cover plate 300 can be formed into a flat plate shape. The cover plate 300 can be disposed in the opening 160 of the housing 100. The cover plate 300 can be disposed parallel to the bottom portion 110 of the housing 100. The cover plate 300 can be disposed at the upper end of the housing 100, more specifically, at the upper ends of the front surface portion 120, the rear surface portion 130, the first side portion 140, and the second side portion 150. The cover plate 300 can be connected to the housing 100 by various types of connection methods such as welding, bolting, assembly, etc. The inner surface of the cover plate 300 can be configured to face the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction.

[0129] Vent 310 and vent 320 may be formed in the cover plate 300 according to this embodiment.

[0130] According to this embodiment, the vent 310 can be formed into a shape having a hole (e.g., an ellipse) that vertically passes through both surfaces of the cover plate 300 in a first direction. When the secondary battery 2 experiences thermal runaway due to overcurrent or the like, the vent 310 can serve as a component that provides a path for venting flames, gases, smoke, etc., generated inside the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100. The cross-sectional shape of the vent 310 can be designed in various shapes, such as ellipse, circle, polygon, etc.

[0131] A vent 320 can be provided in the vent 310 and can be opened and closed in response to changes in the internal pressure of the housing 100. That is, the vent 320 can close the vent 310 during normal operation of the secondary battery 2 to prevent leakage of electrolyte or other substances from the housing 100, or to prevent moisture, foreign objects, etc., from entering the housing 100. The vent 320 can open the vent 310 during thermal runaway of the secondary battery 2 to allow flames, gases, smoke, etc., generated inside the housing 100 to escape to the outside of the housing 100.

[0132] According to this embodiment, the exhaust member 320 can be formed in a form that is approximately plate-shaped. The exhaust member 320 can be fixed to the cover plate 300 by various types of connection methods such as welding, bolting, assembly, etc. The exhaust member 320 can be disposed inside the exhaust hole 310, or it can be disposed facing the exhaust hole 310 in a first direction on the upper or lower side of the cover plate 300.

[0133] The thickness of the exhaust element 320 can be less than the thickness of the cover plate 300. Accordingly, the exhaust element 320 can easily rupture or break when the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases. The exhaust element 320 may include a recess formed in the interior of the exhaust element 320 to preferentially rupture when the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases.

[0134] An electrolyte injection port 330 may be formed in a cover plate 300 according to this embodiment.

[0135] The electrolyte inlet 330 may have the shape of an opening (e.g., a circular opening) that passes through the cover plate 300 in a first direction. A sealing plug may be installed in the electrolyte inlet 330 to prevent leakage of the electrolyte filling the housing 100. The electrolyte inlet 330 may be configured to be spaced a predetermined distance from the vent 310 in a third direction or in a direction opposite to the third direction.

[0136] A pair of terminal holes (or only one terminal hole) 340 may be formed in the cover plate 300 according to this embodiment.

[0137] Each of the pair of terminal holes 340 according to this embodiment may have the shape of a hole passing through the cover plate 300 in a first direction. The pair of terminal holes 340 may be configured to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a third direction. A vent hole 310 and an electrolyte injection port 330 may be disposed between the pair of terminal holes 340.

[0138] The connector member 400 can be connected to the electrode assembly 200 and can extend from the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction. The connector member 400 can be disposed between the electrode assembly 200 and the cover plate 300.

[0139] A pair of terminal blocks 400 (e.g., more generally, multiple terminal blocks 400) may be provided. One of the pair of terminal blocks 400 may be connected to the first electrode 210 of the electrode assembly 200. The remaining terminal blocks 400 of the pair may be connected to the second electrode 220 of the electrode assembly 200. Accordingly, the pair of terminal blocks 400 may serve as the positive and negative terminal blocks of the secondary battery 2, respectively. The pair of terminal blocks 400 may be configured to be spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a third-order direction on the electrode assembly 200.

[0140] The electrode tab 401 of the tab member 400 connected to the first electrode 210 of the electrode assembly 200 may have the shape of a foil extending in a first direction from a first uncoated portion 212 of a different electrode in the first electrode 210. The electrode tabs 401 connected to the first electrode 210 may be stacked in a second direction. Accordingly, the tab member 400 connected to the first electrode 210 of the electrode assembly 200 may be an assembly of electrode tabs 401 extending in the first direction from the first uncoated portion 212 and stacked in the second direction.

[0141] The electrode tab 401 of a pair of tab members 400 connected to the second electrode 220 of the electrode assembly 200 may have the shape of a foil extending in a first direction from a second uncoated portion 222 of a different electrode in the second electrode 220. The electrode tabs 401 connected to the second electrode 220 may be stacked in a second direction. Accordingly, the tab member 400 connected to the second electrode 220 of the electrode assembly 200 may be an assembly of a plurality of electrode tabs 401 extending in the first direction from the second uncoated portion 222 and stacked in the second direction.

[0142] A pair of terminals 500 may each protrude outward from the cover plate 300 and may each be configured to face the terminal block member 400. The pair of terminals 500 may be formed of a conductive material such as aluminum, nickel, copper, etc. The pair of terminals 500 may be electrically connected to the terminal block member 400 via a pair of connecting members 700 described below.

[0143] A pair of terminals 500 may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance on the cover plate 300 in a third-order direction. The pair of terminals 500 may be respectively configured to face different terminal members 400. The pair of terminals 500 may be respectively electrically connected to different terminal members 400. Accordingly, the pair of terminals 500 may be respectively used as the positive and negative terminals of the secondary battery 2.

[0144] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the arrangement of terminals, support plates, and connecting members according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of terminals, support plates, and connecting members according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The terminal block 400 illustrated may be one of a pair of terminal blocks 400 connected to the first electrode 210, or alternatively, it may be one of a pair of terminal blocks 400 connected to the second electrode 220.

[0146] refer to Figures 2 to 6 According to this embodiment, a pair of terminals 500 can be disposed on the outer surface of the cover plate 300, which is configured to face the outer space of the housing 100. The pair of terminals 500 can be configured to face a pair of terminal holes 340 passing through the cover plate 300. Figure 3 In the example, a pair of terminals 500 is illustrated as having an approximately rectangular hexahedral shape, but its design can be changed to various shapes.

[0147] Each of a pair of terminals 500 may include a first terminal surface 501 and a second terminal surface 502.

[0148] The first terminal surface 501 can be, for example, the lower surface of the tab member 400 facing through a pair of terminal holes 340, with each of the pairs of terminals 500 facing the lower surface. The first terminal surface 501 can be arranged perpendicular to a first direction.

[0149] The second terminal surface 502 can be, for example, the upper surface of a pair of terminals 500 located on the opposite side of the first terminal surface 501 and configured to face the external space of the housing 100. The second terminal surface 502 can be configured perpendicular to the first direction.

[0150] A pair of gaskets 510 can be installed between the cover plate 300 and the pair of terminals 500. The pair of gaskets 510 can electrically insulate the cover plate 300 and the pair of terminals 500 and prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering between the cover plate 300 and the pair of terminals 500.

[0151] A pair of gaskets 510 can be respectively disposed between different terminals 500 and cover plates 300.

[0152] According to this embodiment, the gasket 510 can be disposed in each of a pair of terminal holes 340. The inner surface of each of the gaskets 510 can be configured to surround the outer surface of each of the pair of terminals 500. The outer surface of the gasket 510 can be configured to surround the inner surface of the cover plate 300 forming the pair of terminal holes 340. The gasket 510 can be formed of an insulating material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) rubber, etc. The pair of gaskets 510 can be fixed between the cover plate 300 and the pair of terminals 500 by pressing, injection molding, bonding, etc.

[0153] A pair of support plates 600 can be inserted into a pair of terminal block members 400. Each of the pair of support plates 600 can serve as a component that structurally supports the pair of terminal block members 400 and aligns the shape, position, etc., of the pair of terminal block members 400. Accordingly, when the pair of terminal block members 400 are engaged with the pair of connecting members 700 described below, the pair of support plates 600 can prevent deformation of the pair of terminal block members 400 and improve the engagement strength between the pair of terminal block members 400 and the pair of connecting members 700.

[0154] A pair of support plates 600 can be inserted into a pair of terminal piece members 400 in the second direction. Accordingly, the pair of support plates 600 can simultaneously support a plurality of electrode terminals 401 stacked in the pair of terminal piece members 400 in the second direction (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0155] A pair of support plates 600 can be inserted into different terminal components in a pair of terminal component 400 respectively.

[0156] A pair of support plates 600 can be formed from conductive materials such as copper, nickel, aluminum, etc.

[0157] The secondary battery 2 may include a plurality of insertion holes 410. The insertion holes 410 may be formed in each of a pair of terminal piece members 400 according to this embodiment.

[0158] Each of the insertion holes 410 may have a shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) that passes through the tab member 400 in the second direction. Each of the insertion holes 410 may simultaneously pass through multiple electrode tabs 401 stacked in the second direction. In addition... Figures 3 to 5 In addition to the rectangular shape shown, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion hole 410 can be designed to be various shapes, such as circles, ellipses, polygons, etc.

[0159] The width W0 of each of the insertion holes 410 in the third direction can be more than 10 mm and less than 15 mm. For example, the width W0 of each of the insertion holes 410 in the third direction can be 10 mm.

[0160] Multiple insertion holes 410 can be provided. The multiple insertion holes 410 can be arranged at predetermined intervals in a third direction. Figures 3 to 5 The example shows four insertion holes 410, but the number of insertion holes 410 can be varied, such as two, five, etc.

[0161] The distance between a pair of adjacent insertion holes 410 in the third direction can be more than 10 mm and less than 15 mm. For example, the distance between a pair of adjacent insertion holes 410 in the third direction can be 12 mm.

[0162] The number, spacing, etc. of the multiple insertion holes 410 formed in each terminal block component 400 can be the same.

[0163] According to this embodiment, a pair of support plates 600 may include a first support plate 610 and a second support plate 620.

[0164] The first support plate 610 may form the exterior of one side of a pair of support plates 600 and support the second support plate 620. The first support plate 610 may be disposed outside the insertion hole 410 (e.g., after the first support plate 610 is inserted).

[0165] According to this embodiment, the first support plate 610 may have the shape of a strip extending upward in a third direction. The first support plate 610 may be configured to face the connector member 400 in a second direction. The first support plate 610 may be configured to face a surface of the connector member 400 that faces a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0166] Each of the second support plates 620 may extend from the first support plate 610 and may form the exterior of the other side of the pair of support plates 600. The second support plate 620 may be inserted into the insertion hole 410.

[0167] According to this embodiment, the second support plate 620 may have the shape of a strip extending from the first support plate 610 in a second direction. The second support plate 620 may be inserted into the insertion hole 410 in the second direction. One end of the second support plate 620 may protrude outward from the other surface of the connector member 400, which is positioned to face the second direction, through the insertion hole 410.

[0168] The width W1 of the second support plate 620 in the third direction can be smaller than the width W0 of the insertion hole 410 in the third direction. For example, the width W0 of the insertion hole 410 in the third direction can be 10 mm, and the width W1 of the second support plate 620 in the third direction can be 8 mm. Accordingly, the second support plate 620 can be smoothly inserted into the insertion hole 410.

[0169] Multiple second support plates 620 can be provided. These multiple second support plates 620 can be arranged in a third-order orientation. The number of second support plates 620 can be the same as the number of insertion holes 410. Each second support plate 620 can be inserted into a different insertion hole 410.

[0170] The connector component 400 according to this embodiment may further include a bent portion 420.

[0171] The bent portion 420 can be bent in a direction intersecting the first direction. Accordingly, the bent portion 420 can increase the bonding strength between the terminal block member 400 and the pair of connecting members 700 described below by increasing the contact area between the terminal block member 400 and the pair of connecting members 700.

[0172] The bent portion 420 according to this embodiment can be bent in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second support plate 620 is inserted into the insertion hole 410. For example, the bent portion 420 according to this embodiment can be bent in a direction opposite to the second direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction). The bent portion 420 can be formed by bending the upper region of the electrode tab 401 extending from the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0173] When the second support plate 620 is fully inserted into the insertion hole 410, the first support plate 610 can be positioned between the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200 and the lower surface of the cover plate 300. That is, the first support plate 610 can be positioned facing the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction.

[0174] With the first support plate 610 positioned facing the electrode assembly 200 in a first direction, the first support plate 610 can press the terminal piece 400 in a second direction onto a surface facing the opposite direction.

[0175] The central portion of some electrode terminals 401 that are adjacent to the first support plate 610 can be deformed by the pressing pressure of the first support plate 610 and move toward the second direction.

[0176] Accordingly, one end of the bent portion 420 does not protrude outward from the electrode assembly 200 and can be positioned at a location facing the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction. For example, the length L1 of the bent portion 420 in the second direction can be less than the length L0 of the electrode assembly 200 in the second direction. Accordingly, the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment can maintain the length of the bent portion 420 within a certain range, thereby ensuring that all electrode terminals 401 constituting the terminal member 400 are in contact with a pair of connecting members 700.

[0177] A pair of connecting members 700 may be disposed between the terminal block member 400 and a pair of terminals 500. The pair of connecting members 700 can electrically connect the terminal block member 400 and the pair of terminals 500 to each other.

[0178] A pair of connecting members 700 may be provided. The connecting members 700 may be configured to be spaced apart at a predetermined distance in a third-order direction. One of the pair of connecting members 700 may connect to a terminal of a connector member 400 connected to the first electrode 210 and to one terminal of a pair of terminals 500 facing the connector member 400 connected to the first electrode 210. The other of the pair of connecting members 700 may connect to a connector member 400 connected to the second electrode 220 and to the other terminal of a pair of terminals 500 facing the connector member 400 connected to the second electrode 220.

[0179] According to this embodiment, a pair of connecting members 700 may include a first connecting plate 710 and a second connecting plate 720.

[0180] The first connecting plate 710 can form the exterior of one side of the pair of connecting members 700 and can be connected to the pair of terminals 500. Multiple first connecting plates 710 can be provided. The multiple first connecting plates 710 can be arranged at a predetermined interval in a third-order orientation. Since the pair of connecting members 700 are connected to the pair of terminals 500 at multiple points via multiple first connecting plates 710, the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment can expand the current conduction path and reduce the generated heat.

[0181] The first connecting plate 710 according to this embodiment may include a terminal connecting portion 711 and an extension portion 712.

[0182] The terminal connection portion 711 may be spaced apart from the terminal piece 400 and may contact the first terminal surface 501.

[0183] According to this embodiment, the terminal connection portion 711 may have the shape of a flat plate arranged perpendicular to a first direction. The terminal connection portion 711 may be disposed between the connector member 400 and a pair of terminals 500. One surface of the terminal connection portion 711 may be spaced apart from the connector member 400 (more specifically, the bent portion 420) in the first direction. The other surface of the terminal connection portion 711 may contact the first terminal surface 501 of the pair of terminals 500.

[0184] The terminal connection portion 711 can be joined to a pair of terminals 500 by means of laser welding or the like.

[0185] According to this embodiment, a pair of terminals 500 may further include a slot 503.

[0186] The groove 503 may have a groove shape that is recessed or formed from the second terminal surface 502 of the pair of terminals 500 toward the first terminal surface 501. The groove 503 may be configured to face the first connecting plate 710 in a first direction, and more specifically, to face the terminal connection portion 711. Accordingly, the groove 503 may reduce the thickness of the portion of the pair of terminals 500 directly facing the terminal connection portion 711, thereby allowing the joining process between the pair of terminals 500 and the terminal connection portion 711 to be performed smoothly.

[0187] Multiple slots 503 may be provided. The multiple slots 503 may be arranged in a third direction. Each of the multiple slots 503 may be respectively configured to face the terminal connection portion 711 of a different first connecting plate in the first connecting plate 710 in a first direction.

[0188] The extension portion 712 may extend from the terminal connection portion 711 (e.g., in the first direction). The extension portion 712 may serve as a component of the mechanical and electrical connection terminal connection portion 711 and the second connection plate 720 described below.

[0189] According to this embodiment, the extension portion 712 can extend from the terminal connection portion 711 toward the terminal piece member 400. The extension portion 712 can be arranged at an angle relative to the first direction, or it can be arranged parallel to the first direction.

[0190] Each of the first connecting plates 710 may include a pair of extension portions 712. The pair of extension portions 712 may extend toward the terminal piece member 400 from both ends of the terminal connecting portion 711, which are configured to face a third direction and in a direction opposite to the third direction.

[0191] The second connecting plate 720 can form the exterior of the other side of the pair of connecting members 700 and can be connected to the first connecting plate 710 and the terminal block member 400. Multiple second connecting plates 720 can be provided. The multiple second connecting plates 720 can be arranged at a predetermined interval in a third-order orientation. With the pair of connecting members 700 connected to the terminal block member 400 at multiple points via multiple second connecting plates 720, the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment can expand the current conduction path and reduce the generated heat.

[0192] The first connecting plate 710 and the second connecting plate 720 can be alternately arranged in the third direction. For example, the number of second connecting plates 720 can be one more than the number of first connecting plates 710. Each of the first connecting plates 710 can be arranged between a pair of second connecting plates 720 arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction.

[0193] The second connecting plate 720 according to this embodiment may have a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction. The second connecting plate 720 may be disposed between the cover plate 300 and the terminal block member 400. The second connecting plate 720 may be connected to one end of the extension portion 712 extending from the terminal connection portion 711.

[0194] One surface of the second connecting plate 720 may contact the terminal block member 400, and more specifically, the bent portion 420. The second connecting plate 720 may be configured to face the second support plate 620 in a first direction, and the bent portion 420 may be located between the second connecting plate 720 and the second support plate 620. Each second connecting plate 720 may be configured to face a different second support plate 620 in the first direction.

[0195] The second connecting plate 720 can be integrally joined to the bent portion 420 and the second support plate 620 by means of laser welding or the like.

[0196] The length L2 of the second connecting plate 720 in the second direction can be less than the length L0 of the electrode assembly 200 in the second direction. Accordingly, the second connecting plate 720 can be prevented from interfering with the components located between the electrode assembly 200 and the housing 100.

[0197] The length L2 of the second connecting plate 720 in the second direction can be greater than the length L1 of the bent portion 420 in the second direction. Accordingly, the second connecting plate 720 can be joined to all the plurality of electrode tabs 401 constituting the tab member 400, thereby preventing the deterioration of electrical performance due to the lack of welding of some tab members 400.

[0198] The width W2 of the second connecting plate 720 in the third direction can be greater than the width W1 of the second support plate 620 in the third direction. For example, the width W2 of the second connecting plate 720 in the third direction can be greater than 8 mm. Accordingly, the second support plate 620 can be joined to the second connecting plate 720 over its entire area.

[0199] The width W3 of the terminal connection portion 711 in the third direction can be greater than the width W2 of the second connecting plate 720 in the third direction. Accordingly, even when the number of first connecting plates 710 is less than the number of second connecting plates 720, the pair of connecting members 700 according to this embodiment can prevent the contact area between the first connecting plate 710 and the pair of terminals 500 from being excessively reduced compared to the contact area between the second connecting plate 720 and the terminal piece 400.

[0200] The other surface of the second connecting plate 720 can be spaced apart from the cover plate 300 by a predetermined distance in a direction opposite to the first direction. Accordingly, the height of the second connecting plate 720 in the first direction can be lower than the height of the terminal connection portion 711 of the first connecting plate 710 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the distance H between the terminal connection portion 711 and the second connecting plate 720 in the first direction can be 1 mm or more.

[0201] In the following, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery 2 or a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0202] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the sequence of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figures 8 to 15 This is a view illustrating a process for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 One of the pair of support plates 600 is inserted into the terminal piece member 400 extending from the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction (S100).

[0204] In operation S100, a pair of support plates 600 can be inserted into the terminal block member 400 in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0205] For example, operation S100 can be performed by a first clamp J1 that can move outside the electrode assembly 200.

[0206] With a pair of support plates 600 spaced a predetermined distance from the terminal block member 400 in a direction opposite to the second direction, the first clamp J1 can be connected to the first support plate 610.

[0207] The first clamp J1 can adjust the position of a pair of support plates 600 so that one end of each second support plate 620 faces a different insertion hole 410 in the second direction.

[0208] Then, the first clamp J1 can move a pair of support plates 600 in the second direction, and the second support plate 620 can be inserted into the insertion hole 410 in the second direction.

[0209] The first clamp J1 can move a pair of support plates 600 in the second direction until the first support plate 610 is positioned to face the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction.

[0210] In this process, the first support plate 610 can press the terminal piece member 400 in the second direction, and the central portion of some electrode terminals 401 arranged adjacent to the first support plate 610 can be deformed by the pressing pressure of the first support plate 610 and move toward the second direction.

[0211] refer to Figure 7 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 After operation S100, the terminal block member 400 can be bent to form a bent portion 420 (S200).

[0212] Operation S200 can be performed by the second fixture J2 (see...) Figure 10 The second clamp J2 is spaced apart from the first clamp J1 and can move outside the electrode assembly 200.

[0213] The second clamp J2 can be positioned at a height above the insertion hole 410, with the other surface of the connector member 400 facing the second direction.

[0214] As the second clamp J2 moves in the direction opposite to the second direction, the second clamp J2 can press the upper region of the connector member 400 located above the insertion hole 410 in the direction opposite to the second direction.

[0215] The upper region of the connector component 400 can be bent in the opposite direction to the second direction by the pressing force of the second clamp J2, thereby forming a bent portion 420.

[0216] With the first support plate 610 positioned facing the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction, one end of the bent portion 420 can be positioned facing the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction without protruding outward from the electrode assembly 200.

[0217] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 12 One of the pair of connecting members 700 is mounted on the terminal block member 400 (S300).

[0218] In operation S300, while spaced apart from the terminal block member 400 along the first direction, a pair of connecting members 700 can move toward the terminal block member 400 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0219] Operation S300 can be performed until the point in time when the second connecting plate 720 of the pair of connecting members 700 comes into contact with the bent portion 420 of the terminal block member 400.

[0220] In operation S300, each second connecting plate 720 can be configured to face different second support plates 620 in a first direction, and the curved portion 420 is between the second connecting plate 720 and the second support plate 620.

[0221] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 13 The terminal block component 400, a pair of support plates 600 and a pair of connecting components 700 are connected (S400).

[0222] Operation S400 can be performed by using laser welding to join the terminal block component 400, the second support plate 620, and the second connecting plate 720.

[0223] The laser welding machine can emit a laser beam toward the upper surface of the second connecting plate 720, and the second connecting plate 720, the terminal block component 400, and the second support plate 620 can be melted and mixed by the laser beam to form the first weld A (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0224] Then, as the first weld A hardens, the terminal block component 400, the second support plate 620, and the second connecting plate 720 can be mechanically and electrically connected.

[0225] For each second connection board 720, operation S400 can be performed at least once.

[0226] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 14 A pair of terminals 500 are mounted on a pair of connecting members 700 (S500).

[0227] In operation S500, while the pair of terminals 500 are spaced apart from the pair of connecting members 700 along the first direction, the pair of terminals 500 can move toward the pair of connecting members 700 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0228] exist Figure 14 In this example, a pair of terminals 500 are illustrated as moving toward a pair of connecting members 700 while connected to the cover plate 300. However, in other embodiments, during operation S500, a pair of terminals 500 may also move toward a pair of connecting members 700 while separated from the cover plate 300.

[0229] Operation S500 can be performed until the point in time when the first terminal surface 501 of a pair of terminals 500 contacts the terminal connection portion 711 of a pair of connecting members 700.

[0230] In operation S500, each slot 503 can be configured to face the terminal connection portion 711 in a first direction.

[0231] refer to Figure 7and Figure 15 A pair of connecting members 700 and a pair of terminals 500 are connected (S600).

[0232] Operation S600 can be performed by using laser welding to join a pair of terminals 500 and terminal connection portion 711.

[0233] The laser welding machine can emit a laser beam toward the bottom surface of the groove 503, and a pair of terminals 500 and the terminal connection portion 711 are melted and mixed by the laser beam to form a second weld B (see [reference]). Figure 15 ).

[0234] Then, as the second weld B hardens, a pair of terminals 500 and terminal connection portion 711 can be mechanically and electrically connected.

[0235] For each slot 503, operation S600 can be performed at least once.

[0236] The above process can be performed sequentially on a pair of terminal block components 400, a pair of terminals 500, a pair of support plates 600, and a pair of connecting components 700, or simultaneously.

[0237] In the following, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery 2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0238] Figure 16 It is an illustrative example. Figure 7 The flowchart illustrates a modified example of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0239] refer to Figure 16 Operation S200 can be performed before operation S100.

[0240] Figure 17 and Figure 18 It is an illustrative example. Figure 16 A view illustrating the process of manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0241] refer to Figure 17 First, before the pair of support plates 600 are inserted into the connector member 400, the connector member 400 can be bent to form a bent portion 420 (S200).

[0242] The second clamp J2 can be positioned at a height above the insertion hole 410, with the other surface of the connector member 400 facing the second direction.

[0243] As the second clamp J2 moves in the direction opposite to the second direction, the second clamp J2 can press the upper region of the connector member 400 located above the insertion hole 410 in the direction opposite to the second direction.

[0244] The upper region of the connector component 400 can be bent in the opposite direction to the second direction by the pressing force of the second clamp J2, thereby forming a bent portion 420.

[0245] In this process, one end of the bent portion 420 may not be positioned facing the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction, but may protrude outward from the electrode assembly 200.

[0246] refer to Figure 18 After the curved portion 420 is formed, a pair of support plates 600 can be inserted into the terminal block member 400 in a second direction intersecting the first direction (S100).

[0247] With a pair of support plates 600 spaced a predetermined distance from the terminal block member 400 in a direction opposite to the second direction, the first clamp J1 can be connected to the first support plate 610.

[0248] The first clamp J1 can adjust the position of a pair of support plates 600 so that one end of each second support plate 620 faces a different insertion hole 410 in the second direction.

[0249] Then, the first clamp J1 can move a pair of support plates 600 in the second direction, and the second support plate 620 can be inserted into the insertion hole 410 in the second direction.

[0250] The first clamp J1 can move a pair of support plates 600 in the second direction until the first support plate 610 is positioned to face the upper surface of the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction.

[0251] In this process, the first support plate 610 can press the terminal piece member 400 in the second direction, and the central portion of some electrode terminals 401 arranged adjacent to the first support plate 610 can be deformed by the pressing pressure of the first support plate 610 and move toward the second direction.

[0252] Accordingly, the end of the bent portion 420 that protrudes outward from the electrode assembly 200 can be moved in the second direction and is configured to face the electrode assembly 200 in the first direction.

[0253] Then, operations S300~S600 can be performed according to... Figures 7 to 15 The operations S300~S600 described herein are performed in the same manner.

[0254] In the following, a secondary battery 2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0255] The secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment can be configured to differ from the secondary battery 2 according to an embodiment of this disclosure only in the detailed configuration of the terminal connection portion 711.

[0256] Accordingly, when describing the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment, only the detailed configuration of the terminal connection portion 711, which is different from that of the secondary battery 2 according to an embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0257] The description of the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment can be applied as is to the other components of the secondary battery 2 according to this embodiment.

[0258] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0259] refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 According to this embodiment, the terminal connection portion 711 may include a first terminal connection portion 711a and a second terminal connection portion 711b.

[0260] The first terminal connection portion 711a may be formed on the exterior of one side of the terminal connection portion 711 and may be spaced apart from the first terminal surface 501 of one of the pair of terminals 500.

[0261] According to this embodiment, the first terminal connection portion 711a may have the shape of a flat plate arranged perpendicular to a first direction. The first terminal connection portion 711a may be disposed between the connector member 400 and a pair of terminals 500. One surface of the first terminal connection portion 711a may be spaced apart from the connector member 400 (more specifically, the bent portion 420) in the first direction. The other surface of the first terminal connection portion 711a may be spaced apart from the first terminal surface 501 of the pair of terminals 500 in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0262] According to this embodiment, the extension portion 712 can extend from the first terminal connection portion 711a toward the terminal piece member 400. The first terminal connection portion 711a can be arranged at an angle relative to the first direction, or it can be arranged parallel to the first direction.

[0263] A pair of extension portions 712 can be connected to each first terminal connection portion 711a. The pair of extension portions 712 can extend from both ends of the first terminal connection portion 711a, which are configured to face a third direction and in the opposite direction to the third direction, toward the terminal piece member 400.

[0264] The second terminal connection portion 711b can form the exterior of the other side of the terminal connection portion 711, and can be disposed between the first terminal connection portion 711a and the first terminal surface 501.

[0265] According to this embodiment, the second terminal connection portion 711b can have a cylindrical shape, with its central axis arranged parallel to the first direction. The two surfaces of the second terminal connection portion 711b can respectively contact the first terminal surface 501 and the first terminal connection portion 711a. The second terminal connection portion 711b can be integrally joined to the first terminal surface 501 and the first terminal connection portion 711a by laser welding.

[0266] The cross-sectional area of ​​the second terminal connection portion 711b perpendicular to the first direction can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first terminal connection portion 711a perpendicular to the first direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the terminal connection portion 711 can contact the pair of terminals 500 over a wider area, thereby reducing resistance and reducing the generated heat.

[0267] According to this disclosure, by using a support plate to prevent a portion of the terminal block component from not being engaged with the connecting component, the number of terminal block components can be reduced and the power efficiency of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0268] According to this disclosure, by increasing the electrical connection paths between the connecting member and the terminal block and between the connecting member and the terminal, the resistance of the secondary battery can be reduced and the generated heat can be decreased.

[0269] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the above description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0270] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely exemplary, and it should be understood that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments can be derived by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments.

[0271] 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 expressly indicated 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 secondary battery, comprising: case; Electrode assembly, inside the housing; A cover plate is attached to the housing, and the cover plate seals the housing; A terminal component extends from the electrode assembly in a first direction; A terminal protrudes outward from the cover plate, with the terminal facing the terminal piece component; A support plate is inserted into the connector component in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as A connecting member is provided between the terminal block and the terminal, the connecting member connecting the terminal block and the terminal.

2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of insertion holes passing through the terminal piece member in the second direction. The support plate includes: A first support plate is located outside the plurality of insertion holes; as well as A plurality of second support plates extend from the first support plate and are inserted into the plurality of insertion holes.

3. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the first support plate is between the electrode assembly and the cover plate.

4. The secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein the terminal component comprises: The curved portion bends in a direction opposite to the second direction, and Both the first support plate and one end of the curved portion face the electrode assembly in the first direction.

5. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of insertion holes and the plurality of second support plates are arranged in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

6. The secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the connecting member comprises: Multiple first connecting plates are connected to the terminals; as well as Multiple second connecting plates are connected to the multiple first connecting plates and the terminal block component.

7. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of first connecting plates and the plurality of second connecting plates alternate in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

8. The secondary battery of claim 6, wherein the terminal comprises a first terminal surface facing the terminal member and a second terminal surface opposite to the first terminal surface, and Each of the plurality of first connecting plates includes: The terminal connection portion is spaced apart from the terminal piece component, and the terminal connection portion contacts the surface of the first terminal of the terminal. as well as An extension portion extends from the terminal connection portion and is connected to one of the plurality of second connection plates.

9. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein the terminal connection portion has a flat plate shape perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The secondary battery according to claim 8, wherein the terminal connection portion comprises: The first terminal connection portion is spaced apart from the first terminal surface of the terminal; as well as The second terminal connection portion is located between the first terminal connection portion and the first terminal surface of the terminal, and the second terminal connection portion contacts the first terminal surface of the terminal.

11. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of second connecting plates are between the cover plate and the terminal block member, and the plurality of second connecting plates are in contact with the terminal block member.

12. The secondary battery of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of second connecting plates faces a different second support plate of the plurality of second support plates in the first direction.

13. The secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the terminals comprise: The surface of the first terminal faces the terminal piece component; The surface of the second terminal is opposite to the surface of the first terminal. as well as Multiple grooves are recessed from the surface of the second terminal toward the surface of the first terminal.

14. The secondary battery of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of slots faces a different first connecting plate of the plurality of first connecting plates in the first direction.

15. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein: The terminal block assembly includes a pair of terminal block components. One of the pair of terminal blocks is connected to the first electrode of the electrode assembly, and The other of the pair of terminal blocks is connected to the second electrode of the electrode assembly.

16. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: The support plate is inserted into the terminal piece member that extends from the electrode assembly in the first direction; The connecting component is placed on the terminal block component; Connect the terminal block component, the support plate, and the connecting component; The terminals are placed on the connecting member; as well as Connect the connecting member and the terminal.

17. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 16, further comprising: Before or after inserting the support plate into the connector member, a bent portion is formed by bending the connector member.

18. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein: When the support plate is inserted into the connector component, the support plate is inserted into the connector component in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as When the bent portion is formed by bending the connector member, the connector member bends in a direction opposite to the second direction.

19. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 17, wherein after inserting the support plate into the terminal piece member and forming the bent portion by bending the terminal piece member, one end of the bent portion is configured to face the electrode assembly in the first direction.

20. A battery module, comprising: shell; as well as Multiple secondary batteries are disposed inside the casing. Each of the plurality of secondary batteries is a secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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