Secondary battery, secondary battery crimping device and crimping method using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery, a crimping device for a secondary battery, and a crimping method using the crimping device. A secondary battery according to various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a battery container configured to receive an electrode arrangement; and a cover plate coupled to one side of the battery container, the cover plate being in contact with and electrically connected to the battery container.

Description

[BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION] 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery, a crimping device for a secondary battery and a crimping method using the crimping device. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Secondary batteries are used as energy sources in electric vehicles or electronic devices. A jelly coil electrode assembly is used in the secondary battery, in which an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a separator are wound together, or alternatively, an electrode assembly can be used that is produced by stacking an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a separator in a suitable sequence.

[0003] This electrode assembly is housed in a casing and connected to an anode and a cathode terminal. The casing is then sealed after being filled with an electrolyte. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a secondary battery can be provided which is capable of improving the sealing performance.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a secondary battery can be provided which is capable of providing a diversified pathway for electron migration.

[0006] A secondary battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a battery container configured to receive an electrode arrangement; and a cover plate coupled to one side of the battery container, the cover plate being in contact with and electrically connected to the battery container.

[0007] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may also include a first electrode terminal which is arranged in a direction opposite the opening part of the battery container based on the electrode arrangement, wherein the cover plate may form a second electrode terminal with a different polarity than that of the first electrode terminal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the battery container may include a crimped part that is bent such that at least one subsection of a side wall encloses at least one subsection of the cover plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cover plate may comprise: a body part arranged to cover an opening portion of the battery container; and an edge portion extending upwards along a circumference of the body part and touching the battery container.

[0010] In some embodiments, the crimp part can be arranged such that it encloses at least one section of the edge part.

[0011] In some embodiments, the edge part can be bent once or several times.

[0012] In some embodiments, the edge part may comprise: a first edge part extending upwards from the body part; and a second edge part bent inwards from the first edge part and at least partially enclosed by the crimp part.

[0013] In some embodiments, the crimp part may comprise: a first horizontal part in contact with an upper surface of the second edge part; a vertical part extending downwards from the first horizontal part; and a second horizontal part bent from the vertical part towards the side wall of the battery container and in contact with a lower surface of the first edge part.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second horizontal part can be in contact with an inner surface of the first edge part.

[0015] In some embodiments, the secondary battery may also include a seal located between the body part and the crimp part.

[0016] In some embodiments, the seal can be in contact with the second horizontal part of the crimp part.

[0017] In some embodiments, the seal can be arranged along an inner circumference of the edge part.

[0018] In some embodiments, the seal may have a ring shape.

[0019] In some designs, the seal can be pressed through the crimp part.

[0020] A crimping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a die support device; and a crimp die which is lowered by the die support device to exert a pressing force on an opening part of a battery container, wherein the crimp die can press the battery container such that at least a partial section of the side wall of the battery container and at least a partial section of a cover plate arranged in the opening part of the battery container are bent.

[0021] In some embodiments, the crimp form may comprise: a first form configured to press an open end portion of the side wall of the battery container to preform the side wall; and a second form configured to press the preformed side wall of the battery container to form a crimp portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the crimp form may also include a third form configured to press the crimp part to compress a seal located on an upper section of the cover plate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first form may include a preforming part formed on a lower surface thereof to have an upwardly concave curved surface in a vertical cross-section, and at least one subsection of the curved surface may include a direction change part configured to guide the open end portion of the side wall of the battery container to be bent downwards.

[0024] In some embodiments, the preforming part may include a semicircular shape in the vertical cross-section.

[0025] A crimping method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a preparatory step of sequentially placing a cover plate and a seal on one side of a battery container; a first crimping step of preforming at least one partial section of a side wall of the battery container and at least one partial section of the cover plate to be bent together; a second crimping step of forming a crimp part such that the preformed side wall of the battery container is joined while enclosing the bent section of the cover plate, and the seal is arranged between an unbent section of the cover plate and the crimp part; and a third crimping step of pressing the crimp part to compress the seal through the crimp part.

[0026] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the secondary battery with an anode connection can be provided without a separate fastening process by electrically connecting the cover plate to the battery container.

[0027] Additionally, the cover plate can have a relatively larger area than that of a separately attached terminal, thus providing a diversified path for electron migration.

[0028] Furthermore, since not only the battery container but also the cover plate can function as an anode connection, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the battery cells can be increased when forming a battery pack or directly arranging battery cells in a vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the edge part of the cover plate, which is bent together with the side wall, can be hermetically connected to the crimp part by a hook-like shape on the inside of the crimp part, thereby ensuring excellent sealing performance without welding.

[0030] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the seal, which is arranged on an upper section of the cover plate, can be compressed by the crimping part, thereby further improving the sealing performance. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0031] The above and other embodiments, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will become more clearly understandable from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates a cylindrical secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an initial arrangement structure of an opening part of a battery container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 to Fig. Five reference views for describing a sealing method using a crimping device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are; and Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a crimping process according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]

[0032] The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to describe the present disclosure in more detail for the person skilled in the art to whom the present invention relates. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0033] For the sake of simplicity, some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by means of exemplary drawings. When reference numerals are assigned to components of the respective drawings, it should be noted that the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings.

[0034] The terms or words used in this description and the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their conventional or lexical meanings, and instead should be interpreted in accordance with the principle that an inventor may define the concepts of terms or words in the most appropriate manner to describe his invention, based on the meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical ideas of the present disclosure.

[0035] The terms used herein are employed to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] Furthermore, when used to describe and define the present disclosure, terms such as "comprise," "comprehensive," "consist of," and "have" should be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner. Unless expressly stated otherwise, these terms should be interpreted as implying the presence of the corresponding component and should therefore not be interpreted as excluding the presence of other components, but rather as including them.

[0037] Furthermore, when describing components of the embodiment of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components and do not impose any restrictions regarding its nature, sequence, or order, etc.

[0038] It is understood that when a component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” with another component, the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but it may also be “connected” or “coupled” to the other component with another component possibly positioned in between.

[0039] Spatial terms such as "below," "under," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate understanding of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature illustrated in the drawings. These spatial terms are used to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure in its various process or use states and are not intended to impose any limitations on the present disclosure. For example, if an element or feature is reversed in the drawing, the element or feature described as "below" or "under" becomes "above" or "upper." Accordingly, the term "below" represents a relative concept that includes "upper" or "lower" depending on the orientation.

[0040] The embodiments described in this description and the configurations illustrated in the drawings represent only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not encompass all the technical ideas of the present disclosure. It is understood that various modifications and equivalents may be implemented at the time of filing of the present application. Furthermore, publicly known features and configurations that are considered unnecessary for clarifying the essence of the present invention are not described.

[0041] A cylindrical secondary battery 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The secondary battery 1 described in the present disclosure can be any type of conventional battery cell that is capable of converting the chemical energy of materials stored in the battery into electrical energy and is capable of supporting multiple charge / discharge cycles.

[0043] In describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, the axial direction may refer to a direction in which a central axis extends along which a jelly-roll-shaped electrode arrangement 10 is wound, or a direction in which a central axis of a battery container 100, which is coaxially aligned with the former, extends. The radial direction may refer to a direction extending towards or away from the central axis.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates the cylindrical secondary battery 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 1 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary battery 1 can comprise the electrode arrangement 10, the battery container 100, a cover plate 200, a seal 300 and an upper current collector plate 400.

[0046] Additionally, the secondary battery 1 can include an electrode connection 600, a connection seal 700, an insulator 800 and a lower current collector plate 500.

[0047] First, the electrode arrangement 10 can comprise a first electrode plate (not shown), a second electrode plate (not shown) and a separator (not shown).

[0048] The first electrode plate can be either a cathode plate or an anode plate. For example, the first electrode plate can be an anode plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode plate can comprise an anode current collector in the form of a metal foil and an anode coating layer formed by applying an anode active material to the anode current collector. For example, the anode current collector can comprise copper or nickel.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the anode coating layer can be an electrically conductive coating and can comprise an anode active material. For example, the anode active material can be a silicon material (e.g., metallic silicon and silicon dioxide), a carbon-based material (e.g., graphite materials, graphene-containing materials, hard carbon, soft carbon, carbon nanotubes, porous carbon, or conductive carbon), a tin-based material, or a metal oxide, but is not limited to these, and any anode active material known to a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode plate can comprise a first electrode-coated part on which an anode coating layer is formed on the anode current collector, and a first electrode-uncoated part 11 in which no anode coating layer is formed.

[0051] The second electrode plate can be either a cathode plate or an anode plate. If the second electrode plate is a cathode plate, the first electrode plate can be an anode plate, and if the second electrode plate is an anode plate, the first electrode plate can be a cathode plate.

[0052] For example, the second electrode plate can be a cathode plate. In one exemplary embodiment, the second electrode plate can comprise a cathode current collector in the form of a metal foil and a cathode coating layer formed by applying a cathode active material to the cathode current collector. For example, the cathode current collector can comprise aluminum.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the cathode coating layer can be an electrically conductive coating and can comprise a cathode active material. For example, the cathode active material can comprise, but is not limited to, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium titanate (LTO), or a chalcogenide compound (such as LiTiS₂). Any cathode active material known to a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the second electrode plate can comprise a second electrode-coated part on which a cathode coating layer is formed on the cathode current collector, and a second electrode-uncoated part 12 in which no cathode active material is formed on the cathode current collector.

[0055] The separator can be arranged between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate to prevent them from becoming electrically connected and causing a short circuit. In one exemplary embodiment, the separator can comprise an electrically insulating material. For example, the separator can comprise a polymeric material. For example, the separator can comprise, but is not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination thereof.

[0056] The electrode assembly 10 can be wound in a jelly-roll form in which the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate described above are stacked. In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode-uncoated part 11 and the second electrode-uncoated part 12 can be exposed at opposite axial ends of the electrode assembly 10 to define electrode tabs.

[0057] In the present disclosure, a table structure can be used in which the uncoated parts of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate serve as electrode tabs without the need for separate electrode tabs, but is not limited to this, and it is obvious that a structure in which separate electrode tabs are connected to the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can also be used.

[0058] The battery container 100 can have an opening formed at at least one axial end, such that the electrode arrangement 10 can be received through the opening of the battery container 100. The battery container 100 can have an interior formed therein to receive the electrode arrangement 10. Here, as an example, an upper end of the battery container 100 is described as open, as in Fig. 2 shown, but it is obvious that the opposite configuration can also be used.

[0059] The battery container 100 can comprise a conductive metal material. The battery container 100 can be electrically connected to either the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate.

[0060] The shape of the battery container 100 can be determined to match the specific shape of the electrode arrangement 10. For example, the battery container 100 can be cylindrical or have a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0061] The battery container 100 can comprise the opening part formed at an upper axial end, a lower wall 120 formed at an axial end opposite the opening part, and a side wall 110 connecting the opening part and the lower wall 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrode connection 600 can be arranged on the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100.

[0062] First, the structure of the secondary battery 1 on a lower side of the electrode arrangement 10 is described.

[0063] The electrode terminal 600 can be arranged by passing through a terminal hole formed in the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100. The electrode terminal 600 can be electrically connected to a lower current collector plate 500. The electrode terminal 600 can be electrically connected to the lower current collector plate 500 and serve as the electrode terminal 600 of the secondary battery 1 of the present disclosure. Here, the electrode terminal 600, which is arranged on the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100, can be described as a first electrode terminal. For example, the electrode terminal 600, or the first electrode terminal, can be a cathode terminal.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrode connection 600 can be provided in a rivet form, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows. For example, the electrode connection 600 can be attached to the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100 by passing through a connection hole formed in the lower wall.

[0065] The electrode terminal 600 can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate or the second electrode plate of the electrode arrangement 10. For example, the electrode terminal 600 can be directly connected to the second electrode plate or it can be connected to the second electrode plate via the lower current collector plate 500.

[0066] The electrode terminal 600 can be arranged so that it is electrically insulated from the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100. The electrode terminal 600 and the battery container 100 can have different polarities.

[0067] An upper end section of the electrode terminal 600 can be connected to the lower current collector plate 500 by a hollow section of the insulator 800. The upper end section of the electrode terminal 600 can be fixed while remaining exposed to the outside of the battery container 100 and insulated from the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100 by the terminal seal 700.

[0068] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the electrode connection 600 as installed in the rivet form by way of example, but is not limited to this, and it is obvious that any known type of electrode connection 600 can be used.

[0069] The terminal seal 700 can be positioned between the electrode terminal 600 and the battery container 100. The terminal seal 700 prevents the electrode terminal 600 from coming into direct contact with the battery container 100. For example, the terminal seal 700 can be made of an insulating material. The terminal seal 700 can electrically insulate the electrode terminal 600 from the battery container 100.

[0070] For example, the terminal seal 700 can comprise an elastic material. As an example, if the electrode terminal 600 is installed in the terminal hole by rivets, the terminal seal 700 can be deformed by the force exerted on it. In this case, an elastic restoring force can be generated in the terminal seal 700, and the terminal seal 700 can be positioned and thereby fixed between the electrode terminal 600 and the battery container 100.

[0071] Additionally, the connection seal 700 can maintain airtightness when the electrode connection 600 is installed in the connection hole of the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100.

[0072] The lower current collector plate 500 can be arranged adjacent to the upper end section of the electrode assembly 10 within the battery container 100. For example, the lower current collector plate 500 can be arranged adjacent to the second electrode-uncoated portion 12 of the second electrode plate. The lower current collector plate 500 can be electrically connected to the second electrode plate, thereby providing a path for electron migration. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower current collector plate 500 can be a cathode current collector.

[0073] The lower current collector plate 500 can be electrically connected to the electrode terminal 600. The lower current collector plate 500 can be electrically connected to the upper end section of the electrode terminal 600 and the second electrode plate of the electrode arrangement 10, thereby providing a path for electron migration.

[0074] For example, the lower current collector plate 500 can be in direct contact with a lower end section of the electrode terminal 600 and the second electrode-uncoated part 12. Alternatively, the lower current collector plate 500 can be electrically connected to the lower end section of the electrode terminal 600 or the second electrode-uncoated part 12 by a conductive element.

[0075] The lower current collector plate 500 can be provided in a shape that corresponds to the lower surface of the electrode arrangement 10. For example, the lower current collector plate 500 can be a circular metal plate.

[0076] The lower current collector plate 500 can be arranged to be electrically insulated from the battery container 100, and the lower current collector plate 500 and the battery container 100 can have opposite polarities. The lower current collector plate 500 can be electrically insulated from the side wall 110 and the outer wall of the battery container 100 by the insulator 800.

[0077] The insulator 800 can be arranged so that it is electrically insulated from the battery container 100. In the secondary battery 1, the insulator 800 can be arranged between the lower current collector plate 500 and the battery container 100, so that the lower current collector plate 500 and the battery container 100 can be electrically insulated.

[0078] The insulator 800 can be arranged between the lower current collector plate 500 and the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100, thus preventing the lower current collector plate 500 from touching the lower wall 120 or the side wall 110 of the battery container 100.

[0079] Alternatively, if the lower current collector plate 500 is omitted and the electrode connection 600 is directly connected to the second electrode-uncoated part 12, the insulator 800 can be arranged between the second electrode-uncoated part 12 of the electrode arrangement 10 and the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the insulator 800 can have a hollow circular plate shape. For example, the electrode terminal 600 can be electrically connected to the lower current collector plate 500 by passing through the hollow section of the insulator 800.

[0081] Next, the structure of the secondary battery 1 on an upper side of the electrode arrangement 10 will be described in detail.

[0082] In the secondary battery 1 of the present disclosure, an electrolyte can be injected into the battery container 100 through the opening during the manufacturing process, together with the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the electrolyte serves as a medium for the migration of lithium ions between the second electrode plate and the first electrode plate that form the electrode assembly 10. For example, the electrolyte can be a non-aqueous organic electrolyte, which is a mixture of a lithium salt and a high-purity organic solvent. Alternatively, the electrolyte can be a polymer, such as a polymer electrolyte or a solid electrolyte.

[0083] Meanwhile, in the manufacturing process of the secondary battery 1, after the electrode assembly 10 has been received within the battery container 100, a groove 130 can be formed by indenting a section of the side wall 110 of the battery container inwards towards the center. The battery container 100 can exert a physical fixing force on the electrode assembly 10 received therein by means of the groove 130. In another embodiment, a method for fixing the electrode assembly 10 by means of the arrangement of internal components of the electrode assembly 10 onto the secondary battery can be applied without forming the groove 130 in the battery container 100.

[0084] Meanwhile, the battery container 100 can be sealed by the cover plate 200 in a state in which the opening part of the battery container 100 is positioned and the upper current collector plate 400 is arranged on the upper section of the arrangement.

[0085] First, the upper current collector plate 400 can be arranged adjacent to the upper end section of the electrode assembly 10 inside the battery container 100. For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can be arranged adjacent to the first uncoated electrode part 11 of the first electrode plate inside the battery container 100.

[0086] The upper current collector plate 400 can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate, thus providing a path for electron migration. The upper current collector plate 400 can be provided in a shape corresponding to the upper surface of the electrode arrangement 10. For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can have a circular metal structure. For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can have a hollow circular plate shape.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper current collector plate 400 can be an anode current collector plate. The upper current collector plate 400 can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate via the first electrode-uncoated part 11. For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can be in direct contact with the first electrode-uncoated part 11.

[0088] For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can be coupled to the first electrode-uncoated part 11 by pressing, soldering, laser welding, or the like, but is not limited to this. For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can be electrically connected to the first electrode-uncoated part 11 by a conductive element.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper current collector plate 400 can be arranged to be electrically connected to the battery container 100. The upper current collector plate 400 can have the same polarity as the battery container 100. For example, the battery container 100 can have a negative polarity and can serve as an anode terminal.

[0090] For example, the upper current collector plate 400 can comprise an electrode connection part 410 coupled to the first electrode-uncoated part 11 and a battery container connection part 430 formed around the electrode connection part 410 and connected to the battery container 100.

[0091] The battery container connection part 430 can sit on the corrugated part 130, which is formed by recessing a section of the side wall 110 of the battery container 100 inwards towards the center.

[0092] The cover plate 200 can be coupled with the opening part of the battery container 100 to seal the opening part of the battery container 100.

[0093] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover plate 200 can be electrically connected to the battery container 100 and can have the same polarity as the battery container 100. The cover plate 200 can be made of a conductive metal. Here, the cover plate 200 can be described as a second electrode terminal with a different polarity than that of the first electrode terminal described above.

[0094] For example, the cover plate 200 or the second electrode connection can be in direct contact with the battery container 100 and together with the battery container 100 function as an anode connection.

[0095] Generally, in a structure where the cover plate 200 is insulated from the battery container 100, a separate anode terminal must be attached to the lower wall 120 or the side wall 110 of the battery container 100. However, if the anode terminal is attached to the lower wall 120 of the battery container 100, there is a risk of a short circuit because it is located adjacent to a cathode terminal located on the lower wall 120. If the anode terminal is attached to the side wall 110 of the battery container 100, there is also a risk that the terminal will detach due to the weakened adhesion caused by the curvature of the side wall 110.

[0096] In contrast, in the present disclosure, an anode connection can be provided by electrically connecting the cover plate 200 to the battery container 100 via contact, without a separate fastening process. Additionally, the cover plate 200 can have a relatively larger area than that of a separately fastened connection, thus providing a diversified path for electron migration. Since both the cover plate 200 and the battery container 100 can function as the anode connection, the degree of freedom in battery cell arrangement can be increased when forming a battery pack or directly arranging battery cells in a vehicle.

[0097] The cover plate 200 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the opening portion of the battery container 100. For example, the cover plate 200 can have a generally circular plate shape. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an outer circumferential end of the cover plate 200 can be bent together with the side wall 110 while in contact with the side wall 110 of the opening portion of the battery container 100 to form a crimped part 150.

[0098] In particular, the cover plate 200 can comprise a body part 210 having a shape corresponding to the opening part of the battery container 100, and an edge part 230 extending upwards along the circumference of the body part 210.

[0099] The body part 210 has a shape corresponding to the opening portion of the battery container 100 and can be located on one side of the battery container. For example, the body part 210 can be located on the beaded portion 130 of the battery container 100. Alternatively, the body part 210 can be mounted on the upper section of the upper current collector plate 400 in a position where the battery container connecting part 430 of the upper current collector plate 400 rests on the beaded portion 130. The body part 210 can be arranged to cover the opening portion of the battery container 100.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the body part 210 can comprise at least one terminal part (not shown). The terminal part can be arranged to project axially upwards from one side of the body part 210. For example, the terminal part can be arranged coaxially with the central axis of the battery container in the body part 210, but is not limited to this. The secondary battery of the present disclosure can be easily connected to an external component (e.g., a busbar, not shown) through the terminal part and can provide a path for electron movement.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one notched portion (not shown) can be arranged on one side of the body part 210 to facilitate breakage when the internal pressure of the battery container increases. For example, the notched portion can be provided in the form of a groove that is concave to a predetermined depth on at least one face of the upper or lower surface of the body part 210. For example, the notched portion can be formed in the terminal part, but is not limited to this.

[0102] The cover plate 200 can be in contact with the side wall 110 of the battery container 100 via the edge part 230. The edge part 230 can be in surface contact with the side wall 110 of the battery container 100. The edge part 230, together with the side wall 110, can be bent at least in a partial section of the upper end section to form the crimp part 150. The edge part 230 can be arranged such that it is enclosed by a partial section of the open end part 111 of the side wall 110, which forms the opening part.

[0103] In particular, the edge part 230 can comprise a vertical edge part 231 extending upwards from the body part 210, and a horizontal edge part 233 extending radially inwards from the vertical edge part 231. Here, the vertical edge part 231 can be described as a first edge part, and the horizontal edge part 233 can be described as a second edge part.

[0104] The horizontal edge portion 233 can be formed by bending it together during the process in which an upper section of the side wall 110 is bent inwards by a crimp die 900 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the edge portion 233 can be bent once or several times.

[0105] An outer surface of the vertical edge part 231 can be in contact with the inner surface of the side wall 110, and the inner surface of the vertical edge part 231 can be in contact with the second horizontal part 155 of the side wall 110. That is, the inner surface of the vertical edge part 231 can be in contact with the upper end surface of the side wall 110.

[0106] The horizontal edge part 233 can be enclosed by the side wall 110 of the battery container 100. For example, an upper surface of the horizontal edge part 233 can be in contact with the first horizontal part 151 of the side wall 110, a lower surface of the horizontal edge part 233 can be in contact with the second horizontal part 155 of the side wall 110, and the end surface of the horizontal edge part 233 can be in contact with the vertical part 153 of the side wall 110.

[0107] Meanwhile, at least one upper section of the side wall 110, forming the opening portion of the battery container 100, can be pressed through the crimp die 900 and bent to form the crimp part 150. The crimp part 150 can be formed on an upper section of the beaded portion 130. The crimp part 150 can be bent together with the edge portion 230 while enclosing the edge portion 230 on the inside to form the crimp part 150. A specific process for forming the crimp part 150 in the present disclosure is described below.

[0108] In particular, the crimp part 150 can comprise: a first horizontal part 151 extending towards the center of the electrode arrangement 10, formed by bending the side wall 110 inwards in the radial direction; a vertical part 153 extending downwards from the first horizontal part 151 to approach the electrode arrangement 10; and a second horizontal part 155 extending from the vertical part 153 to the side wall 110 of the battery container 100.

[0109] The sealing of the battery container 100 can be carried out in a state in which at least a partial section of the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200 is arranged on the inside of the crimp part 150 and the crimp part 150 encloses the edge part 230. In particular, a lower surface of the first horizontal part 151 can be in contact with the upper surface of the horizontal edge part 233, and an upper surface of the second horizontal part 155 can be in contact with the lower surface of the horizontal edge part 233. The inner surface of the vertical part 153 can be in contact with the end surface of the horizontal edge part 233. Additionally, the end surface of the second horizontal part 155 can be in contact with the inner surface of the vertical edge part 231.

[0110] In the present disclosure, the sealing performance of the container can be improved without welding by compressing the edge part 230 while it is enclosed by the crimp part 150.

[0111] Meanwhile, the gasket 300 can be positioned between the crimp part 150 and the cover plate 200 to further improve sealing performance. The gasket 300 can also be positioned between the cover plate 200 and the crimp part 150 of the side wall 110 to maintain airtightness. The gasket 300 can be pressed through the crimp part.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 300 can be provided in a ring shape. The seal 300 can be provided in a ring shape with a predetermined thickness in the axial direction and an extended length in the radial direction. The seal 300 can be arranged along the inner circumference of the edge portion 230 of the cover plate 200 on the body portion 210 of the cover plate 200. The seal 300 can be made of an elastic material.

[0113] The seal 300 can be positioned between the second horizontal part 155 of the crimp part 150 and the body part 210 of the cover plate 200. An upper surface of the seal 300 can be in contact with the second horizontal part 155 of the crimp part 150, and a lower surface of the seal 300 can be in contact with the upper surface of the body part 210 of the cover plate 200. Additionally, the outer surface of the seal 300 can be in contact with the inner surface of the vertical edge part 231.

[0114] That is to say, the present disclosure provides a structure in which the seal 300 is arranged between an outer surface of the side wall 110 of the battery container 100 and the cover plate 200.

[0115] The seal 300 can be compressed by the crimp part 150, while its upper surface, lower surface and inner surface are in contact with the crimp part 150, the body part 210 of the cover plate 200 or the edge part 230, thus maintaining airtightness.

[0116] The present disclosure makes it possible to seal the battery container 100 without welding, while it has a structure in which the battery container 100 and the cover plate 200 are in direct contact.

[0117] In the manufacturing process of the present disclosure, the secondary battery 1 has a structure in which the open end part 111 of the side wall 110, together with the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200, is bent to enclose the edge part 230, thereby ensuring the sealing performance of the battery container 100 without welding, while the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200 is in contact with the side wall 110. Additionally, the sealing performance can be further improved by pressing the seal 300 against the body part 210 of the cover plate 200 through the bent crimp part 150 of the side wall 110.

[0118] A crimping device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] Fig. Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an initial arrangement structure of an opening part of the battery container 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] With reference to Fig. 2 In order to carry out a crimping process in the secondary battery 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an upper current collector plate 400, the cover plate 200 and the seal 300 can be arranged successively on the beaded part 130 of the battery container 100.

[0121] For example, if the electrode connection part 410 of the upper current collector plate 400 is welded to the first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 10, the battery container connection part 430 of the upper current collector plate 400 can sit on the bead part 130, while the electrode assembly 10 is housed inside the battery container 100.

[0122] As described above, the cover plate 200 can comprise the body part 210 and the edge part 230, which extends upwards along the circumference of the body part 210. When the body part 210 of the cover plate 200 is seated on the upper current collector plate 400, the edge part 230 can come into contact with the side wall 110 of the battery container 100. At this point, the upper end section of the edge part 230 can be positioned lower than the open end section 111 of the side wall 110 of the battery container 100.

[0123] Since in the present disclosure the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 is positioned higher than the upper end section of the edge part 230, when the crimping die 900 is lowered, the side wall 110 positioned on the outside is pressed first, and the edge part 230 positioned on the inside can be pressed through the side wall 110.

[0124] An annular seal 300 can be placed on the upper section of the cover plate 200. At this point, the seal 300 can be positioned along the inner circumference of the edge part 230 and arranged so that the outer surface of the seal 300 comes into contact with the inner surface of the edge part 230.

[0125] As described above, if the cover plate 200 and the seal 300 are positioned on the opening part of the battery container 100, a crimping process can then be carried out.

[0126] The crimping process can be carried out by the crimping device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The crimping device is a device for sealing the battery container 100 of the secondary battery 1 by pressing and bending the upper end section of the secondary battery 1 after the preparation step has been completed.

[0127] The crimping device can include the crimping die 900 and a die support device (not shown) for supporting the crimping die 900 while it is lowered from top to bottom of the battery container 100.

[0128] The crimping die 900 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise: a first die 900a configured to press the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 of the battery container 100, such that the side wall 110 approaches a form that encloses the edge part 230 by gradually being inclined towards the central axis of the battery container 100; and a second die 900b configured to form the first horizontal part 151, the vertical part 153, and the second horizontal part 155 in the side wall 110 in the form in which the side wall 110 encloses the edge part 230. Additionally, the crimping die 900 can also comprise a third die 900c configured to press the seal 300 through the crimping part 150.

[0129] The first to third forms 900a to 900c of the crimping device can be provided to rotate and lower around the central axis of the battery container 100 through the form support device.

[0130] Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 5 are reference views for describing a sealing method using the crimping device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0131] With reference to Fig. 3. The first form 900a can be lowered from above towards the underside of the battery container 100, while the central axis of the first form 900a is aligned with that of the battery container 100.

[0132] At this point, a lower surface of the first mold 900a, facing the opening portion of the battery container 100, can include a preformed part 910, which is shaped to have an upwardly concave curved surface in a vertical cross-section. Here, the process of forming using the preformed part 910 of the first mold 900a can be described as a preforming process.

[0133] For example, the preforming part 910 can be formed to have a semicircular shape in the vertical cross-section. The preforming part 910 can comprise an entry part 911 formed on the outermost side of the semicircular shape, a direction change part 913 formed on the top of the semicircular shape, and a closing part 915 formed on the innermost side of the semicircular shape.

[0134] When the first form 900a pushes the opening part of the battery container 100 from top to bottom, the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 can gradually be inclined towards the central axis of the battery container 100 along the curved surface of the preform part 910.

[0135] First, the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 comes into contact with the inlet part 911 of the preform part 910 and begins to tilt along the curved surface, and can gradually be tilted towards the central axis of the battery container 100 up to the direction change part 913.

[0136] Then, when the first form 900a is lowered further, the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 can gradually be guided and bent towards the electrode arrangement 10 as it passes through the direction change part 913.

[0137] For example, the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 can be bent so that at least one section is oriented away from the central axis of the battery container 100 while passing through the end part 915.

[0138] Meanwhile, the edge portion 230 of the cover plate 200, together with the open end portion 111 of the side wall 110, can be bent when it is pressed and bent by the first form 900a. At least a partial section of the upper end portion of the edge portion 230 can be pressed through the open end portion 111 of the side wall 110 and inclined together with it. At this point, a partial section of the upper end portion of the edge portion 230 can be enclosed by the open end portion 111 of the side wall 110 while inclined inwards.

[0139] When the first form 900a is lowered, the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 can be bent along the inlet part 911, the direction change part 913, and the end part 915 by the applied pressure force to be in a position next to the seal 300. Here, the process of pressing through the preform part 910 of the first form 900a can be described as a first crimping step.

[0140] With reference to Fig. 4. After the first crimping step has been completed, a pressing force can be exerted on the battery container 100 by the second die 900b in a second crimping step. The second die 900b can be lowered from above towards the underside of the battery container 100, while the central axis of the second die 900b is aligned with that of the battery container 100.

[0141] At this point, a lower surface of the second form 900b, which faces the opening part of the battery container 100, can include a main forming part 920 which is concave upwards in the vertical cross-section.

[0142] For example, the main forming part 920 can comprise a first vertical forming part 921 in contact with the side wall 110 in the vertical cross-section, a first horizontal forming part 923 configured to form the first horizontal part 151 of the crimp part 150, and a second vertical forming part 925 configured to form the vertical part 153 of the crimp part 150. Additionally, the second vertical forming part 925 can also include a stepped part 927 formed at one end of it in the vertical cross-section to prevent interference with the seal 300.

[0143] When a compressive force is applied to the preformed side wall 110 when the second mold 900b is lowered, the preformed side wall 110 can be pressed and formed so that the side wall 110 encloses the edge part 230 according to the shape of the main forming part 920 of the second mold 900b.

[0144] In the second crimping step, the horizontal rim section 233 can be formed by bending a portion of the upper end section of the rim section 230 inwards towards the central axis of the battery container 100. The horizontal rim section 233 can be formed into a hook-like shape by bending this portion of the upper end section of the rim section 230.

[0145] Additionally, the side wall 110 can be formed in a shape in which the side wall 110 encloses and is connected to the horizontal edge part 233 by forming the first horizontal part 151 in contact with the upper surface of the horizontal edge part 233, the vertical part 153 in contact with the end surface of the horizontal edge part 233, and the second horizontal part 155 in contact with the lower surface of the horizontal edge part 233.

[0146] In the present disclosure, the crimp part 150 is firmly connected to the outside of the edge part 230, which is bent into a hook-like shape, so that the sealing performance of the battery container 100 can be improved compared to the conventional crimp structure.

[0147] Meanwhile, the seal 300 can be arranged between the body part 210, which is an unbent section of the cover plate 200, and the crimp part 150. For example, the second horizontal part 155 of the crimp part 150 can be arranged adjacent to the seal 300.

[0148] At this point, the second horizontal part 155 of the crimp part 150 cannot form sufficient adhesive force with the seal 300, but the sealing performance can be improved by sufficiently compressing the seal 300 with the crimp part 150 by a third crimping step thereafter. Fig. 4. It should be noted that the distance between the crimp part 150 and the seal 300 is intentionally exaggerated to make it easier to understand.

[0149] With reference to Fig. In the third crimping step, a pressing force can be exerted on the battery container 100 by the third die 900c. The third die 900c can be lowered from above towards the underside of the battery container 100, while the central axis of the third die 900c is aligned with that of the battery container 100.

[0150] A lower surface of the third form 900c, facing the opening part of the battery container 100, can include a main forming part 930, which is concave upwards in vertical cross-section. The shape of the main forming part 930 is the same as that of the main forming part 920 of the second form 900b, but there is a difference in the concavity depth.

[0151] For example, the main forming part 930 can comprise a first vertical forming part 931 in contact with the side wall 110 in the vertical cross-section, a first horizontal forming part 933 configured to form the first horizontal part 151 of the crimp part 150, and a second vertical forming part 935 configured to form the vertical part 153 of the crimp part 150. Additionally, the second vertical forming part 935 can also include a stepped part 937 formed at one end of it in the vertical cross-section to prevent interference with the seal 300.

[0152] For example, the concavity depth of the first horizontal forming part 933 of the main forming part 930 of the third mold 900c may be shallower than that of the first horizontal forming part 923 of the main forming part 920 of the second mold 900b.

[0153] When a pressure force is exerted on the battery container 100 by the third form 900c, the crimp part 150 of the side wall 110 can be pressed downwards to come into close contact with the seal 300. In the process by which the crimp part 150 comes into close contact with the seal 300, the first horizontal part 151, the vertical part 153 and the second horizontal part 155 of the crimp part 150 can be hermetically connected to the horizontal edge part 233.

[0154] In the present disclosure, the crimp part 150 of the side wall 110 is bent to form the first horizontal part 151, the vertical part 153 and the second horizontal part 155, thereby forming a structure that tightly encloses the horizontal edge part 233, which is bent together on the inside, to structurally ensure the sealing performance.

[0155] Additionally, in the present disclosure, the second horizontal part 155 of the crimp part 150 can compress the seal 300, thereby further improving the sealing performance. This can be a structure that ensures the sealing performance by compressing the seal 300, which is arranged between the body part 210 of the cover plate 200 and the outer surface of the side wall 110 of the battery container 100.

[0156] Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart of a crimping process according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0157] The secondary battery 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be sealed by the crimping device described above.

[0158] First, in the preparation step, the cover plate 200 and the seal 300 can be placed on one side of the battery container 100 (S610). For example, in the preparation step, the cover plate 200 and the seal 300 can be placed on the corrugated part 130 of the battery container 100.

[0159] The preforming to form the crimp part 150 can be carried out, wherein, when the first form 900a is lowered from top to bottom of the battery container 100, a pressure force is exerted on the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 by the preforming part 910, so that the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 is bent along the inlet part 911, the direction change part 913 and the end part 915 (S620).

[0160] A section of the upper end portion of the edge part 230 is pressed through the side wall 110 and begins to tilt inwards, and the side wall 110 can be bent downwards so that the upper end portion of it surrounds the edge part 230 and is adjacent to the seal 300.

[0161] At this point, the side wall 110 is inclined and presses the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200, which is located adjacent to the inside of the side wall 110, so that the side wall 110 and the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200 can be bent together.

[0162] When the second form 900b is lowered from above towards the underside of the battery container 100, the crimp part 150 including the first horizontal part 151, the vertical part 153 and the second horizontal part 155 can be formed at the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 (S630).

[0163] In particular, a downward compressive force can be exerted on the curved side wall 110 by the first horizontal forming part 923, thereby forming the first horizontal part 151. At this point, the side wall 110 can be prevented from deforming outwards by the first vertical forming part 921, and the vertical part 153 can be formed by the second vertical forming part 925. In this case, the end of the side wall 110 can be pressed between the seal 300 and the first horizontal forming part 923 by the downward pressure, thereby forming the second horizontal part 155. Here, the open end part 111 of the side wall 110 can be connected while enclosing the horizontal edge part 233 of the cover plate 200, thereby forming the crimp part 150.

[0164] In the present disclosure, the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200, which is bent together with the side wall 110, can be hermetically connected to the crimp part 150 by a hook-like shape on the inside of the crimp part 150, thereby ensuring excellent sealing performance without welding.

[0165] Then, when the third form 900c is lowered from above towards the underside of the battery container 100, the crimp part 150 is pressed downwards to compress the seal 300, which is located on the upper section of the cover plate 200 (S640).

[0166] In the present disclosure, the seal 300 between the cover plate 200 and the crimp part 150 can be elastically deformed, thereby further improving the sealing performance of the battery container 100.

[0167] As described above, in the secondary battery 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover plate 200 can be in direct contact with the battery container 100, whereby it serves as the electrode terminal 600, while having the same polarity as the battery container 100.

[0168] In the present disclosure, an anode terminal can be provided by electrically connecting the cover plate 200 to the battery container 100 via contact, without a separate fastening process. Additionally, the cover plate 200 can have a relatively larger area than that of a separately fastened terminal, thus providing a diversified path for electron migration. Since both the cover plate 200 and the battery container 100 can function as the anode terminal, the degree of freedom in battery cell arrangement can be increased when forming a battery pack or directly arranging battery cells in a vehicle.

[0169] In the present disclosure, the edge part 230 of the cover plate 200, which is bent together with the side wall 110, can be hermetically connected to the crimp part 150 by the hook-like shape on the inside of the crimp part 150, thereby ensuring excellent sealing performance without welding.

[0170] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the seal 300, which is arranged on the upper section of the cover plate 200, can be compressed by the crimp part 150, thereby further improving the sealing performance.

[0171] Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described with all components that are combined or operate in combination, this disclosure is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. Within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure, all components can be selectively combined in one or more ways and operate accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as they are generally understood by the person skilled in the art to whom this disclosure relates.Commonly used terms, such as those defined in dictionaries, should be interpreted according to their contextual meaning in the relevant technical field and, unless expressly defined in this disclosure, should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0172] The foregoing description merely illustrates the technical spirit of the present disclosure, and it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art, to whom the present disclosure relates, that various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to describe the technical spirit of the present disclosure and not to limit it, and the scope of the technical spirit is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is to be defined by the following claims, and all technical ideas falling within the equivalent scope are to be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Secondary battery, comprising: a battery container configured to accommodate an electrode assembly; and a cover plate that is coupled to one side of the battery container, the cover plate is in contact with the battery container and electrically connected to it. [2] Secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a first electrode terminal arranged in a direction opposite the opening part of the battery container based on the electrode arrangement, wherein the cover plate forms a second electrode terminal with a polarity other than that of the first electrode terminal. [3] Secondary battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery container comprises a crimp part which is bent such that at least one subsection of a side wall thereof encloses at least one subsection of the cover plate. [4] Secondary battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cover plate comprises: a body part that is arranged in such a way as to cover an opening part of the battery container; and a rim section that extends upwards along a circumference of the body part and touches the battery compartment. [5] Secondary battery according to claim 4, wherein the edge part is bent once or several times. [6] Secondary battery according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the edge part comprises: a first marginal part that extends upwards from the body part; and a second edge part that is bent inwards from the first edge part and is at least partially enclosed by the crimp part. [7] Secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein the crimp part comprises: a first horizontal part in contact with an upper surface of the second edge part; a vertical part extending downwards from the first horizontal part; and a second horizontal part that is bent from the vertical part towards the side wall of the battery container and is in contact with a lower surface of the first edge part. [8] Secondary battery according to claim 7, wherein the second horizontal part is in contact with an inner surface of the first edge part. [9] Secondary battery according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising a seal arranged between the body part and the crimp part. [10] Secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein the seal is in contact with the second horizontal part of the crimp part. [11] Secondary battery according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the seal is arranged along an inner circumference of the edge part. [12] Crimping device comprising: a mold support device; and a crimping die that is lowered by the die support device to exert a pressure force on an opening part of a battery container, wherein the crimping die presses the battery container in such a way that at least one section of the side wall of the battery container and at least one section of a cover plate arranged in the opening part of the battery container are bent. [13] Crimping device according to claim 12, wherein the crimping die comprises: a first form configured to press an open end portion of the side wall of the battery container to pre-shape the side wall; a second form configured to press the pre-formed side wall of the battery container to form a crimp part; and a third form configured to press the crimp part to compress a seal located on an upper section of the cover plate. [14] Crimping device according to claim 13, wherein the first form comprises a preforming part formed on a lower surface thereof to have an upwardly concave curved surface in a vertical cross-section, and at least one subsection of the curved surface comprises a direction change part configured to guide the open end part of the side wall of the battery container to be bent downwards. [15] Crimping processes, comprising: a preparatory step of sequentially placing a cover plate and a seal on one side of a battery container; a first crimping step of preforming at least one subsection of a side wall of the battery container and at least one subsection of the cover plate to be bent together; a second crimping step of forming a crimp part, so that the pre-formed side wall of the battery container is joined while enclosing the curved section of the cover plate, and the seal is positioned between an uncurved section of the cover plate and the crimp part; and a third crimping step of pressing the crimp part to compress the seal through the crimp part.

Images