Rechargeable battery, housing, and method of manufacturing a housing

Abstract

Provided are a rechargeable battery, a case, and a manufacturing method of the case. The rechargeable battery includes a case forming an internal space and having an opening, a cover plate coupled to the opening in the case, and an electrode assembly in the internal space. The case includes a main body having a flat surface and a non-flat surface, the flat surface facing the non-flat surface, a first notch in the non-flat surface, and a gas discharge portion in the non-flat surface and overlapping the first notch. The non-flat surface has a curved structure convex in a direction away from the flat surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to rechargeable batteries, rechargeable battery housings, and methods for manufacturing rechargeable battery housings. Background Technology

[0002] In rechargeable batteries, gas is generated during repeated charging and discharging processes, causing the internal pressure to continuously increase, which can lead to battery swelling. This swelling can result in shortened battery life, reduced capacity, decreased performance, and may even cause safety accidents such as fires and explosions.

[0003] In this regard, rechargeable batteries typically have safety vents that physically burst to release gases from the battery if the internal pressure exceeds a reference pressure. These safety vents are usually attached to the battery's cover or casing by welding or similar means.

[0004] The information disclosed above in the background of this disclosure is for the purpose of better understanding the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a rechargeable battery having a gas emission section that can be easily ruptured.

[0006] Other embodiments of this disclosure provide a housing for the above-described rechargeable battery and a method for manufacturing the housing.

[0007] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description provided below.

[0008] A rechargeable battery according to an embodiment includes: a housing forming an internal space and having an opening; a cover plate engaging with the opening in the housing; and an electrode assembly in the internal space. The housing includes a body having a flat surface and a non-flat surface, a first recess in the non-flat surface, and a gas venting portion on the non-flat surface overlapping the first recess. The non-flat surface is opposite to the flat surface and protrudes in a direction away from the flat surface, and the non-flat surface has a curved structure.

[0009] The first notch can be in the inner surface of the non-flat surface, and the gas discharge portion can be on the outer surface of the non-flat surface opposite to the inner surface of the non-flat surface.

[0010] The first notch can be located at the highest point of the non-flat surface.

[0011] The first notch can extend from one end of the non-flat surface to the other along the length of the body.

[0012] The second notch can be in the outer surface of a non-flat surface.

[0013] The second notch can extend from one end of the non-flat surface to the other along the length of the body.

[0014] The second notch can overlap with the first notch.

[0015] The gas emission section can be part of the second notch.

[0016] The opening can be a first opening, and the housing can have a second opening in the body opposite to the first opening. A cover plate can be a first cover plate attached to the first opening, and a second cover plate can be attached to the second opening. A negative electrode terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly can be located at the first cover plate, and a positive electrode terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly can be located at the second cover plate.

[0017] The electrode assembly may include a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal, which protrude in different directions relative to each other and are electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal, respectively.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the casing of a rechargeable battery includes: a body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, a first opening and a second opening opposite to each other, forming an internal space; a first recess in the first surface; and a gas venting portion on the first surface and overlapping the first recess. One side of the first surface is connected to the third surface, and the other side of the first surface is connected to the fourth surface. One side of the second surface is connected to the third surface, and the other side of the second surface is connected to the fourth surface. The first surface protrudes in a direction away from the second surface and has a curved structure.

[0019] The first notch can be in the inner surface of the first surface, and the gas discharge portion can be on the outer surface of the first surface opposite to the inner surface of the first surface.

[0020] The first notch can be located at the highest point of the first surface.

[0021] The first notch can extend from one end of the first surface to the other in the length direction of the body.

[0022] The second notch can be on the outer surface of the first surface.

[0023] The second notch can extend from one end of the first surface to the other in the length direction of the body.

[0024] According to an embodiment, a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery casing includes: extruding a metal sheet to form a body having a first surface and a second surface facing each other, a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other, and a first notch in the inner surface of the first surface; the body forming an internal space and opening at both ends in a first direction; and forming a gas venting portion on the outer surface of the first surface and overlapping the first notch by a pressing process. In the process of extruding the metal sheet, the first surface protrudes in a direction away from the second surface and has a curved structure.

[0025] The first notch can be formed at the highest point of the first surface.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing portion of the rechargeable battery having a gas vent is bent or flexed, and the rupture pressure generated at the housing portion contributes to the rupture of the gas vent. Attached Figure Description

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

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line VV in the diagram.

[0033] Figures 6 to 10 This is a diagram showing the first surface of the housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery casing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Explanation of some figure labels

[0036] 100: Rechargeable battery; 200: Housing

[0037] 200A: Main body; 210: First surface

[0038] 210a: Outer surface; 210b: Inner surface

[0039] 211: Gas emission section 215: First notch

[0040] 216: Second notch; 220: Second surface

[0041] 230: Third surface; 240: Fourth surface

[0042] 250: First opening 260: Second opening

[0043] 310: First cover plate; 320: Second cover plate

[0044] 330: Negative electrode terminal; 340: Positive electrode terminal

[0045] 350: Injection port; 400: Electrode assembly

[0046] 410: Negative electrode connector; 420: Positive electrode connector Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily practice the present disclosure. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0048] In order to clearly explain the aspects and features of this disclosure, parts and configurations that are not related to the description or are well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art are omitted or only briefly described, and throughout the specification, the same or similar parts are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0049] Furthermore, for ease of illustration, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the figures can be arbitrarily displayed, and therefore this disclosure is not necessarily limited to those shown in the figures. For example, in the figures, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. And in the figures, for ease of illustration, the thicknesses of some layers and regions may be exaggerated.

[0050] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on that other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements present. Furthermore, being "on" or "above" a reference element means being positioned on or below the reference element, and does not necessarily mean being positioned "above" or "on" in a direction opposite to gravity.

[0051] 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 forms “a” and “an” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” and / or “containing” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0052] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following it, without modifying individual elements in the list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the terms “using,” “using…,” and “utilizing” can be considered synonymous with the terms “exploiting,” “utilizing…,” and “using,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0053] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, when "plan view" is mentioned, it means viewing the target portion from above, and when "section view" is mentioned, it means viewing the cross-section of the vertically cut target portion from the side.

[0054] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the symbols “x,” “y,” and “z” are used to indicate directions, where “x” is a first direction, “y” is a second direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the first direction, and “z” is a third direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the first and second directions. The first direction x may correspond to the horizontal or left-right direction of the rechargeable battery or electrode assembly. The second direction y may correspond to the vertical or length direction of the rechargeable battery or electrode assembly. The third direction z may correspond to the thickness, height, or vertical direction of the rechargeable battery or electrode assembly.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in view of the entirety of this disclosure, each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined with or in part with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various suitable ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other in any suitable manner, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0056] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0, i.e., all subranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly enumerate any subranges contained within the range expressly enumerated herein.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the rechargeable battery shown is as follows: Figure 3 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The rechargeable battery 100 according to this embodiment may include a housing 200, a first cover plate 310, a second cover plate 320, and an electrode assembly 400.

[0059] The housing 200 includes a body 200A having a first surface 210, a second surface 220, a third surface 230, and a fourth surface 240. The body 200A may have a tubular shape having (or forming) an internal space and a constant cross-sectional shape and extending along a first direction x (e.g., extending in the first direction x). The body 200A may have a first opening 250 and a second opening 260 opposite to each other (e.g., they are at opposite ends of the body 200A). For example, the housing 200 may have a structure that is open at both ends in the first direction x. The first direction x may be the length direction of the body 200A.

[0060] The first surface 210 and the second surface 220 may face each other in the third direction z, and the third surface 230 and the fourth surface 240 may face each other in the second direction y.

[0061] The first surface 210 may bulge in the third direction z opposite to the second surface 220 and may have a curved structure. For example, the first surface 210 may be a structure with a non-flat surface, and the second surface 220, the third surface 230, and the fourth surface 240 may be structures with flat surfaces. In this embodiment, the first surface 210 is described as a curved structure, i.e., a structure with a non-flat surface, but in some embodiments, the second surface 220 opposite to the first surface 210 may also have a curved structure.

[0062] One side of the first surface 210 is connected to the third surface 230 (e.g., extending to the third surface 230), and the other side of the first surface 210 is connected to the fourth surface 240 (e.g., extending to the fourth surface 240). One side of the second surface 220 is connected to the third surface 230 (e.g., extending to the third surface 230), and the other side of the second surface 220 is connected to the fourth surface 240 (e.g., extending to the fourth surface 240). The second surface 220 and the third surface 230 form approximately right angles, and the second surface 220 and the fourth surface 240 form approximately right angles.

[0063] The first notch 215 can be located at the highest point of the first surface 210 and can extend from one end of the first surface 210 to the other end along the first direction x.

[0064] The gas emission portion 211 can be positioned at the highest point of the first surface 210. The gas emission portion 211 can be positioned in the central portion between one end and the other end of the first surface 210. The gas emission portion 211 can overlap with the first recess 215.

[0065] The first cover plate 310 and the second cover plate 320 face each other in the first direction x. The first cover plate 310 can be positioned at (or within) the first opening 250, and the second cover plate 320 can be positioned at (or within) the second opening 260. Therefore, the first cover plate 310 and the second cover plate 320 are respectively coupled to the body 200A to seal the body 200A. Thus, the electrode assembly 400 and the electrolyte can be accommodated in the internal space formed by the body 200A, the first cover plate 310, and the second cover plate 320.

[0066] The negative electrode terminal 330 can be disposed on the first cover plate 310, and the positive electrode terminal 340 can be disposed on the second cover plate 320. The polarities of the negative electrode terminal 330 and the positive electrode terminal 340 can be reversed.

[0067] The negative electrode terminal 330 may include a first connecting portion 331 and a first terminal plate 332, and the negative electrode tab 410 may be fixed to a first contact portion 333 connected to the first connecting portion 331. The positive electrode terminal 340 may include a second connecting portion 341 and a second terminal plate 342, and the positive electrode tab 420 may be fixed to a second contact portion 343 connected to the second connecting portion 341.

[0068] In addition, the negative electrode terminal 330 and the positive electrode terminal 340 can be insulated from the first cover plate 310 and the second cover plate 320 respectively by insulators.

[0069] An injection port (e.g., injection opening) 350 for injecting electrolyte can be positioned at a second cover plate 320 (e.g., it can be in or formed in the second cover plate 320), and a plug 351 can seal the injection port 350.

[0070] Electrolytes can contain non-aqueous organic solvents and lithium salts.

[0071] Non-aqueous organic solvents serve as the medium through which ions involved in the electrochemical reactions of rechargeable batteries can move. Non-aqueous organic solvents can be carbonate solvents, ester solvents, ether solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents, aprotic solvents, or combinations thereof, and can be used alone or as a mixture of two or more. Furthermore, when using carbonate solvents, mixtures of cyclic carbonates and linear carbonates can be used.

[0072] Electrode assembly 400 may include at least one negative electrode tab 410 and at least one positive electrode tab 420 protruding in different directions relative to each other. Electrode assembly 400 may be formed by winding a stack of a negative electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a positive electrode plate, which are formed in plate or film shapes. Alternatively, electrode assembly 400 may be stacked rather than wound, and this disclosure does not limit the shape of the electrode assembly. Additionally, electrode assembly 400 may be a Z-shaped stacked electrode assembly, wherein the positive and negative electrode plates are inserted on both sides (e.g., opposite sides) of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is then folded in a Z-shaped stack. Furthermore, electrode assembly 400 may be housed within housing 200 by stacking one or more electrode assemblies with their long sides adjacent to each other, and this disclosure does not limit the number of electrode assemblies.

[0073] The negative electrode plate may include a negative electrode current collector plate and a negative electrode active material layer on the negative electrode current collector plate. In addition, the negative electrode plate may include a negative electrode tab 410, which is a region where no negative electrode active material layer is present. In some embodiments, the negative electrode tab 410 may be formed by cutting the negative electrode plate during manufacture of the negative electrode plate to protrude to one side in advance, or may protrude to one side further than the separator without separate cutting.

[0074] The negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material, and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material. The negative electrode active material layer may include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the binder, and 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0075] The negative electrode active material includes a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, a material capable of being doped into and dedoped from lithium metal, a lithium alloy, lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0076] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions may include carbon-based negative electrode active materials, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, and calcined coke.

[0077] As the material capable of being doped into and dedoped from lithium metal, a lithium alloy, 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-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0078] 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 surfaces of the silicon particles.

[0079] 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.

[0080] The binder may be a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof. The aqueous binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of providing viscosity.

[0081] Conductive materials may include: carbon-based materials, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black (which is a highly conductive carbon black), carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers, including copper, nickel, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0082] As a negative electrode current collector, materials selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, polymer substrates coated with conductive metal, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0083] The positive electrode plate may include a positive electrode current collector and a layer of positive electrode active material on the positive electrode current collector. Additionally, the positive electrode plate may include a positive electrode terminal piece 420, which is a region where the layer of positive electrode active material is absent. In some embodiments, the positive electrode terminal piece 420 may be formed by cutting during the manufacture of the positive electrode plate to pre-protrude to the other side, or it may protrude further to the other side than the diaphragm without separate cutting.

[0084] The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material. The content of the positive electrode active material may be from about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% relative to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, and the content of the binder and the conductive material may be from about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% respectively relative to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer.

[0085] Compounds capable of reversibly inserting and deintercalating lithium (lithiated intercalation compounds) can be used as positive electrode active materials. For example, a composite oxide of lithium and at least one of metals selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0086] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and some specific examples include lithium nickel oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel-manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0087] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following chemical formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Lia Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b- c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-b G b O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2); Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0088] In the above chemical formulas, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; and L 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0089] The adhesive can be a non-aqueous adhesive, an aqueous adhesive, a dry adhesive, or a combination thereof. Aqueous adhesives further include cellulose compounds capable of providing viscosity.

[0090] Conductive materials may include: carbon-based materials, such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black (which is a highly conductive carbon black), carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metal-based materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers, including copper, nickel, silver, etc.; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0091] Al can be used as a positive electrode current collector, but is not limited to this.

[0092] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate, comprising organic materials, inorganic materials, or combinations thereof.

[0093] The porous substrate can be a polymer film formed from any of the following polymers: polyolefins (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate), polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyetherketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyetherimide, polyamideimide (PAI), polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene ether, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (also known as Teflon), or copolymers or mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0094] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylamide polymers.

[0095] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, inorganic particles selected from Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite and combinations thereof.

[0096] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a single coating, or they can be in the form of a laminate containing an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0097] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken by line IV-IV in the middle, and Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line VV in the diagram.

[0098] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The first notch 215 can be located on (or within) the inner surface 210b of the first surface 210 facing the second surface 220. The first notch 215 can have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the first notch 215 is not necessarily limited to a trapezoidal shape.

[0099] The gas emission portion 211 can be positioned on (or within) the outer surface 210a of the first surface 210 and can overlap with the first recess 215. The gas emission portion 211 can be a recess with a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The gas emission portion 211 can be integrally formed with the first surface 210 by a pressing process that applies pressure to the outer surface 210a of the first surface 210.

[0100] When the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery 100 increases (or increases excessively), the gas venting section 211 physically ruptures or breaks (e.g., tears) to reduce the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery 100 and prevent the rechargeable battery 100 from exploding. For example, the gas venting section 211 may rupture under rupture pressure.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first surface 210 has a curved structure. According to this structure, the gas venting portion 211 can easily rupture when the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery 100 exceeds the rupture pressure.

[0102] Furthermore, the curvature of the first surface 210 can be adjusted during the manufacturing process of the housing 200. For example, the rupture pressure of the gas emission section 211 can be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the first surface 210. Therefore, by adjusting the curvature of the first surface 210, the rupture pressure of the gas emission section 211 as desired by the customer can be achieved.

[0103] The gas vent portion 211 is physically ruptured, and it ruptures easily when it has a thickness thinner than that of the first surface 210. In this embodiment, because the gas vent portion 211 overlaps with the first notch 215, the gas vent portion 211 can have a thickness thinner than that of the first surface 210. Therefore, the gas vent portion 211 can rupture more easily when the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery 100 exceeds the rupture pressure.

[0104] The first notch 215 can have various cross-sectional shapes. (Refer to...) Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe some such example implementations.

[0105] Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are schematic cross-sectional views of the first surface of the housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] refer to Figure 6The first notch 215 is positioned on (or within) the inner surface 210b of the first surface 210, and the first notch 215 may have a triangular cross-sectional shape. (See reference.) Figure 7 The first notch 215 is located on (or in) the inner surface 210b of the first surface 210, and the first notch 215 may have a semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0107] Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the housing 200 may have two notches. (See reference...) Figures 8 to 10 Describe such an implementation.

[0108] Figures 8 to 10 These are schematic cross-sectional views of the first surface of the housing according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] refer to Figures 8 to 10 The first notch 215 can be located on (or within) the inner surface 210b of the first surface 210, and the second notch 216 can be located on (or within) the outer surface 210a of the first surface 210. The first notch 215 and the second notch 216 can overlap each other.

[0110] Each of the first notch 215 and the second notch 216 may be located at the highest point of the first surface 210. Furthermore, each of the first notch 215 and the second notch 216 may extend along a first direction x from one end of the first surface 210 to the other end. The second notch 216 may be located at the central portion (or central location or region) between one end and the other end of the first surface 210, and a portion of the second notch 216 may be a gas emission portion 211.

[0111] The first notch 215 and the second notch 216 can have various cross-sectional shapes. (Reference) Figure 8 The first notch 215 may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, and the second notch 216 may have an inverted triangular cross-sectional shape. (See reference) Figure 9 The first notch 215 may have a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, and the second notch 216 may have a semi-circular cross-sectional shape. (See reference) Figure 10 The first notch 215 may have a semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the second notch 216 may have a semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

[0112] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 11 A method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery casing according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0113] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a rechargeable battery casing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] refer to Figure 11 An extrusion process (e.g., extruding a metal sheet) is performed on the metal sheet to form a tubular shape having a constant cross-sectional shape and extending along a first direction x, forming a body 200A. The body 200A may have a first opening 250 and a second opening 260 opposite to each other. For example, the housing 200 has (or forms) an internal space and may have a structure in which both ends (e.g., opposite ends) are open in the first direction x. The first direction x may be the length direction of the body 200A. Alternatively, the metal sheet may be an aluminum sheet.

[0115] The main body 200A has a first surface 210, a second surface 220, a third surface 230, and a fourth surface 240. The first surface 210 and the second surface 220 may face each other in the third direction z, and the third surface 230 and the fourth surface 240 may face each other in the second direction y.

[0116] The first surface 210 may protrude in the third direction z opposite to the second surface 220, and may have a curved structure.

[0117] The first notch 215 is located on the inner surface (or within) the first surface 210, and the first notch 215 may be located at the highest point of the first surface 210. The first notch 215 may extend from one end of the first surface 210 to the other end along a first direction x. The first notch 215 may be formed together when the housing 200 is formed by performing an extrusion process on a metal sheet.

[0118] Next, refer to again Figure 3 The gas emission portion 211 is formed by a pressing process that applies pressure to the outer surface of the first surface 210. The gas emission portion 211 is formed to overlap with the first recess 215. Therefore, the main body 200A can be integrally formed with the gas emission portion 211. For example, the housing 200 according to this embodiment can be integrally formed with the gas emission portion 211.

[0119] When the gas emission portion is attached to the main body via welding, deformation may occur due to welding, and the burst pressure of the gas emission portion may be unevenly distributed on the main body. In the embodiments of this disclosure, because the gas emission portion 211 is integrally formed with the main body 200A, problems caused by the welding process are avoided.

[0120] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements using the basic concepts of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents, which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery, comprising: A shell that forms an internal space, the shell having an opening; A cover plate, which is incorporated into the opening in the housing; as well as Electrode assembly, within the internal space, The housing includes: The body has a flat surface and a non-flat surface, the flat surface facing the non-flat surface; A first notch is located in the non-flat surface; and The gas emission portion is located on the non-flat surface and overlaps with the first notch. The non-flat surface has a curved structure that protrudes in a direction away from the flat surface.

2. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein: The first notch is in the inner surface of the non-flat surface; and The gas emission portion is located on the outer surface of the non-flat surface, which is opposite to the inner surface of the non-flat surface.

3. The rechargeable battery of claim 2, wherein the first notch is located at the highest point of the non-flat surface.

4. The rechargeable battery of claim 3, wherein the first notch extends along the length of the body from one end of the non-flat surface to the other.

5. The rechargeable battery of claim 1, wherein the second notch is in the outer surface of the non-flat surface.

6. The rechargeable battery of claim 5, wherein the second notch extends along the length of the body from one end of the non-flat surface to the other.

7. The rechargeable battery of claim 5, wherein the second notch overlaps with the first notch.

8. The rechargeable battery of claim 5, wherein the gas venting portion is part of the second notch.

9. The rechargeable battery according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is the first opening; The housing has a second opening in the body that is opposite to the first opening; The cover plate is a first cover plate attached to the first opening; The second cover plate is attached to the second opening; The negative electrode terminal, which is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly, is located at the first cover plate; as well as The positive electrode terminal, which is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly, is located at the second cover plate.

10. The rechargeable battery of claim 9, wherein the electrode assembly includes a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal protruding in different directions relative to each other and electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal, respectively.

11. A casing for a rechargeable battery, comprising: The main body forms an internal space and has a first and a second surface facing each other, a third and a fourth surface facing each other, and a first and a second opening facing each other; A first notch is located in the first surface; as well as The gas emission section is located on the first surface and overlaps with the first notch. One side of the first surface is connected to the third surface, and the other side of the first surface is connected to the fourth surface. One side of the second surface is connected to the third surface, and the other side of the second surface is connected to the fourth surface. The first surface protrudes in a direction away from the second surface, and the first surface has a curved structure.

12. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 11, wherein: The first notch is located in the inner surface of the first surface; and The gas emission portion is located on the outer surface of the first surface, opposite to the inner surface.

13. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 12, wherein the first notch is located at the highest point of the first surface.

14. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 13, wherein the first notch extends along the length of the body from one end of the first surface to the other.

15. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 11, wherein the second notch is in the outer surface of the first surface.

16. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 15, wherein the second notch extends along the length of the body from one end of the first surface to the other end.

17. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 15, wherein the second notch overlaps with the first notch.

18. The housing of the rechargeable battery according to claim 15, wherein the gas venting portion is part of the second notch.

19. A method for manufacturing a casing for a rechargeable battery, the method comprising: A metal sheet is extruded to form a body having a first surface and a second surface facing each other, a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other, and a first notch in the inner surface of the first surface. The body forms an internal space and is open at both ends in a first direction. as well as The gas emission section is formed by a pressing process, and the gas emission section is on the outer surface of the first surface and overlaps with the first notch. In the process of extruding the metal sheet, the first surface protrudes in a direction away from the second surface and has a curved structure.

20. The method of manufacturing a housing for a rechargeable battery according to claim 19, wherein the first notch is formed at the highest point of the first surface.

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