Battery, battery pack and vehicle comprising battery, and method for manufacturing battery

Abstract

A battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode: a battery housing which accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening unit formed on one side of the battery housing; a battery terminal a part of which is located outside a closing unit provided on the opposite side of the opening unit and the remaining part of which is located inside the battery housing, and which is configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, and has a protrusion part protruding toward the battery housing; and a terminal sealing member interposed between the battery terminal and the battery housing and having a sealing reinforcement region compressed by the protrusion part.

Description

Battery, battery pack and vehicle including same, and method for manufacturing battery

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, a battery pack and a vehicle including the same, and a method for manufacturing the battery.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0113983, filed on August 29, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Batteries with high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0004] These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Currently, widely used battery types include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit battery cells ranges from approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple batteries are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity, multiple batteries are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of batteries and the electrical connection configuration included in a battery pack can vary depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] As the demand for batteries with high capacity and / or high output has increased recently, research on batteries that can ensure safety when a thermal event occurs in the battery is actively being conducted.

[0007] If an abnormality occurs during battery use, the battery's internal pressure may increase, leading to the generation of high-temperature gases and / or flames, potentially leading to a thermal event. In batteries with high capacity and / or high output, such a thermal event can result in even greater damage.

[0008] To prevent such damage, batteries are typically designed to vent when internal pressure exceeds a certain level. However, even if a battery is designed to allow venting due to pressure increases, the increased pressure can deform the battery housing before venting occurs, potentially causing electrolyte leakage in sealed areas.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need to develop a battery having a structure that can minimize the risk of leaks occurring in the sealing area of ​​the battery housing even when the shape of the battery housing is deformed due to an increase in internal pressure.

[0010] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its primary purpose the provision of a battery having a structure capable of minimizing the risk of leakage occurring in a sealing area of ​​a battery housing even when deformation of the battery housing occurs due to an increase in internal pressure.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery may include: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a battery housing accommodating the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side; a battery terminal having a protrusion protruding toward the battery housing, a portion of which is positioned outside a closed portion provided opposite the opening and the remaining portion is positioned inside the battery housing, and configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; and a terminal sealing member interposed between the battery terminal and the battery housing, and having a sealing reinforcement region compressed by the protrusion.

[0013] The above protrusions can be formed continuously along the circumferential direction of the battery terminal.

[0014] The above battery terminal may have a recessed portion formed in an area corresponding to the protrusion.

[0015] The battery terminal may include an inner flange portion located on the inside of the battery housing; and an outer flange portion located on the outside of the battery housing.

[0016] The terminal sealing member may include an inner sealing portion interposed between the inner flange portion and the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing; and an outer sealing portion interposed between the outer flange portion and the outer surface of the closing portion of the battery housing.

[0017] The inner flange portion may be riveted by being deformed in a direction toward the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing, and the inner sealing portion may be configured to be deformed together with the inner flange portion when riveting so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing.

[0018] The above protrusion may be formed on the inner surface of the outer flange portion.

[0019] The above outer flange portion may have a recessed portion formed on the outer surface of the outer flange portion in an area corresponding to the protrusion portion.

[0020] The battery may include a sealing reinforcing member configured to be interposed between the battery terminal and the terminal sealing member, at least in a region where the protrusion is not formed.

[0021]

[0022] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] A vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Meanwhile, a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal assembly preparation step of preparing a terminal assembly by combining a battery terminal and a terminal sealing member; an insertion step of inserting the terminal assembly through a closing portion of a battery housing; a sealing reinforcement region formation step of forming a sealing reinforcement region on the terminal sealing member by pressing the battery terminal so that a protrusion provided on the battery terminal presses the terminal sealing member; and a riveting step of pressing the battery terminal to rivet the battery terminal onto an inner surface of the battery housing.

[0025] The step of forming the above sealing reinforcement region may be a step of applying pressure to the battery terminal from the outside of the battery housing with a supporting jig so that the battery terminal partially deforms and applies pressure to the terminal sealing member.

[0026] The above riveting step may be a step of pressurizing the battery terminal inside the battery housing with a riveting jig.

[0027] The above sealing reinforcement region forming step and the riveting step can be performed together by a process of supporting the battery terminal with a supporting jig from the outside of the battery housing and pressurizing the battery terminal with a riveting jig from the inside of the battery housing.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, even when deformation of the battery housing occurs due to an increase in internal pressure, the risk of leakage occurring in the sealing area of ​​the battery housing can be minimized.

[0029] However, the advantageous effects derived from the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and other advantageous effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the structure of a lower portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing some components of the battery illustrated in Figure 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an area where there is concern about shape deformation of the battery housing and resulting leaks occurring when the internal pressure of the battery illustrated in FIG. 1 increases.

[0034] Figure 4 is a plan view showing a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a battery terminal of a different embodiment from the battery terminal illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0036] Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining a riveting process for fixing a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a battery structure to which the sealing reinforcing member of the present invention is applied.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the structure of an upper portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

[0042]

[0043] First, a battery (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a lower portion structure of a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing some parts of the battery shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining an area where there is concern about shape deformation of the battery housing and resulting leak occurrence when the internal pressure of the battery shown in FIG. 1 increases, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery (1) may include an electrode assembly (10), a battery housing (20), a battery terminal (30), and a terminal sealing member (40). The battery (1) may be, for example, a cylindrical battery.

[0045] The electrode assembly (10) may include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrode assembly (10) may have a structure in which a laminate including the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator is wound. The electrode assembly (10) may be, for example, a jellyroll type electrode assembly. The first electrode may be an anode or a cathode, and the second electrode may be an electrode having an opposite polarity to the first electrode.

[0046] The first electrode may include a current collector foil and a first active material applied on one or both sides of the current collector foil. The first electrode may include a first uncoated portion (11), which is a region where the first active material is not applied. The first uncoated portion may extend from one end of the first electrode in the winding direction of the electrode assembly (10). The first uncoated portion (11) may be provided on the first side of the electrode assembly (10). The second electrode may include a current collector foil and a second active material applied on one or both sides of the current collector foil. The second electrode may include a second uncoated portion (12) (see FIG. 8), which is a region where the second active material is not applied. The second uncoated portion (12) may extend from one end of the second electrode in the winding direction of the electrode assembly (10). The second non-conductive portion (12) may be provided on the second surface of the electrode assembly (10). That is, the second non-conductive portion (12) may be provided on the opposite side from the first non-conductive portion (11).

[0047] The battery housing (20) may be configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (10) through an opening formed on one side. The battery housing (20) may be approximately cylindrical. The battery housing (20) may include a conductive metal. The battery housing (20) may be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The battery housing (20) may be electrically connected to a second non-conductive portion (12) (see FIG. 8).

[0048] The battery terminal (30) may be configured such that a portion thereof is positioned outside a closed portion provided opposite an opening of the battery housing (20), and the remaining portion thereof is positioned inside the battery housing (20). The battery terminal (30) may be configured to penetrate, for example, the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The battery terminal (30) may be configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly (10). The battery terminal (30) may have a protrusion (30a) protruding toward the battery housing (20). The protrusion (30a) may be configured to press the sealing member (40).

[0049] The terminal sealing member (40) may be interposed between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20). The terminal sealing member (40) may prevent contact between the battery housing (20) and the battery terminal (30), which are configured to have different polarities. The terminal sealing member (40) may be configured to enhance the sealing property of the battery (1) in the area where the battery terminal (30) is arranged. Considering this function, the terminal sealing member (40) may include a material that is elastic and electrically insulating.

[0050] The terminal sealing member (40) may have a sealing reinforcement region that is compressed by a protrusion (30a) provided on the battery terminal (30). Since the terminal sealing member (40) is interposed in a compressed state between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20), leakage of the electrolyte through the gap between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20) can be prevented under normal circumstances. However, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in an environment where the internal pressure increases due to an issue such as an abnormality in the battery (1), deformation such as the closing portion of the battery housing (20) being bent outward may occur. When such deformation of the battery housing (20) occurs, the sealing force between the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40) and / or between the terminal sealing member (40) and the battery housing (20) may be reduced. This reduction in sealing force may increase the risk of leakage of the electrolyte contained inside the battery housing (20).

[0051] As described above, the battery (1) of the present invention is configured such that the terminal sealing member (40) has an additional compressed area by the protrusion (30a) provided on the battery terminal (30), thereby minimizing the risk of electrolyte leakage even if the shape of the battery housing (20) is deformed due to an increase in internal pressure.

[0052] Referring to Fig. 5, the protrusion (30a) provided on the battery terminal (30) may be formed continuously along the circumferential direction of the battery terminal (30). The protrusion (30a) may have an extended shape to form a closed loop. In this case, a sealing reinforcement area may be formed along the entire circumference of the space between the battery terminal (30) and the battery housing (20), thereby maximizing the effect of preventing electrolyte leakage.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a structure in which a recessed portion (30b) is formed in a battery terminal (30) of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a battery terminal of a different embodiment from the battery terminal illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery terminal (30) of the present invention may have a recessed portion (30b) formed in an area corresponding to the protrusion (30a) described above. The protrusion (30a) and the recessed portion (30b) may be formed together by a single process. For example, by pressing the battery terminal (30) using a jig on one side of the battery terminal (30), the recessed portion (30b) may be formed on the side of the battery terminal (30) that is in contact with the jig, and the protrusion (30a) may be formed on the opposite side of the side on which the recessed portion (30b) is formed. The recessed portion (30b) and the protrusion (30a) formed by such pressing may be formed, for example, by pressing the battery terminal (30) using a jig having a protrusion having a size and shape corresponding to the shape of the recessed portion (30b). Pressurization of the battery terminal (30) using such a jig can be performed, for example, when supporting the battery terminal (30) on the outside of the battery (1) with the jig in order to rivet the assembly of the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40) to the battery housing (20).

[0055] In this way, the sealing reinforcement region formed in the terminal sealing member (40) of the present invention can be formed while performing a conventional process without undergoing a separate additional process for forming the sealing reinforcement region. Therefore, according to the structure of the battery (1) of the present invention, the sealing force can be strengthened without reducing productivity.

[0056]

[0057] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 5, the battery terminal (30) may include an inner flange portion (31) and an outer flange portion (32). The battery terminal (30) may further include an electrical connection portion (33).

[0058] The inner flange portion (31) may be located on the inside of the battery housing (20). The inner flange portion (31) may be inserted inside through the closing portion of the battery housing (20) and may be fixed on the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20) by a riveting process to be described later. The inner flange portion (31) may be configured to have a larger diameter or width than the hole formed in the closing portion of the battery terminal (30) for insertion of the battery terminal (30).

[0059] The external flange portion (32) may be located on the outside of the battery housing (20). The external flange portion (32) may function as an external terminal of the battery (1). The external flange portion (32) may be configured to have a larger diameter or width than the hole formed in the closed portion of the battery terminal (30) for insertion of the battery terminal (30).

[0060] The above-described connecting portion (33) can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (10). The connecting portion (33) can be connected, for example, to the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10) or to a current collector (first current collector) (50) to be described later. The connecting portion (33) can be provided at a position corresponding to a winding center hole formed in the core of the electrode assembly (10). The connecting portion (33) can be located on the inside of the inner flange portion (31).

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the terminal sealing member (40) may include an inner sealing portion (41) and an outer sealing portion (42).

[0062] The inner sealing portion (41) may be located on the inside of the battery housing (20). The inner sealing portion (41) may be interposed between the inner flange portion (31) of the battery terminal (30) and the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20). As a result, the inner sealing portion (41) may prevent the inner flange portion (31) and the battery housing (20) from contacting each other. In addition, the inner sealing portion (41) may prevent the electrolyte from flowing between the inner flange portion (31) and the battery housing (20). The inner sealing portion (41) may extend further outward than the inner flange portion (31) of the battery terminal (30). In this case, the contact prevention effect between the inner flange portion (31) and the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20) may be enhanced.

[0063] The outer sealing portion (42) may be located on the outside of the battery housing (20). The outer sealing portion (42) may be interposed between the outer flange portion (32) of the battery terminal (30) and the outer surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20). As a result, the outer sealing portion (42) may prevent the outer flange portion (32) and the battery housing (20) from contacting each other. In addition, the outer sealing portion (42) may prevent the electrolyte from flowing between the outer flange portion (32) and the battery housing (20). The outer sealing portion (42) may extend further outward than the outer flange portion (32) of the battery terminal (30). In this case, the contact prevention effect between the outer flange portion (32) and the outer surface of the closing portion of the battery housing (20) may be enhanced.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the protrusion (30a) may be formed on the inner surface of the outer flange portion (32) of the battery terminal (30). When the battery terminal (30) is provided with a recessed portion (30b) together with the protrusion (30a), the recessed portion (30b) may be formed on the outer surface of the outer flange portion (32) in an area corresponding to the protrusion (30a). In this way, when the protrusion (30a) is formed on the outer flange portion (32) of the battery terminal (30), the process of forming the protrusion (30a) using a jig on the outside of the battery (1) as described above may be easy.

[0065] Next, with reference to FIG. 6 along with FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, a process for fixing a battery terminal (30) and a terminal sealing member (40) of the present invention to a battery housing (20) will be described. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a riveting process for fixing a battery terminal of the present invention.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40) can be fixed to the battery housing (20) by changing their shape through a riveting process while being in a mutually coupled state. The terminal sealing member (40) can be coupled to the battery terminal (30) such that the inner sealing portion (41) surrounds the periphery of the inner flange portion (31) of the battery terminal (30) and the outer sealing portion (42) covers the inner surface of the outer flange portion (32) of the battery terminal (30).

[0067] The inner flange portion (31) of the battery terminal (30) may be deformed to face the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20) and may be riveted on the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20). The inner sealing portion (41) of the terminal sealing member (40) may be deformed together with the riveting of the inner flange portion (31) of the battery terminal (30) and may be pressed against the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing (20).

[0068] The pressing of the terminal sealing member (40) by the protrusion (30a) formed on the battery terminal (30) and the formation of a sealing reinforcement area accordingly can be performed when the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40) are joined and / or when the riveting process is performed.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 1, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a current collector (first current collector) (50) and / or an insulator (60).

[0070] The current collector (50) may be configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) and the battery terminal (30). A first surface of the current collector (50) may be electrically coupled to a first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10). A second surface (opposite the first surface) of the current collector (50) may be electrically coupled to a battery terminal (30).

[0071] The above insulator (60) may be interposed between the closing portion of the electrode assembly (10) and the battery housing (20) or between the current collector (50) and the closing portion of the battery housing (20). The insulator (60) may prevent electrical contact between the first non-conductive portion (11) of the electrode assembly (10) and the battery housing (20), which are configured to have different polarities. The insulator (60) may have a hole configured to allow the assembly of the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40) to pass through. The hole of the insulator (60) may be formed at a position that roughly corresponds to the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (10). Electrical coupling between the electrode assembly (10) and the battery terminal (30) or electrical coupling between the current collector (50) and the battery terminal (30) may be achieved through the hole formed in the insulator (60).

[0072]

[0073] Next, the sealing reinforcing member (70) of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a battery structure to which the sealing reinforcing member of the present invention is applied.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a sealing reinforcement member (70). The sealing reinforcement member (70) may be configured to be interposed between the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40) in an area where at least a portion of the protrusion (30a) is not formed. The sealing reinforcement member (70) may include, for example, a Teflon tape. The sealing reinforcement member (70) may be provided in an internal area and / or an external area of ​​the battery housing (20). The sealing reinforcement member (70) may form an additional sealing reinforcement area in addition to the sealing reinforcement area formed by the protrusion (30a) described above, thereby further enhancing the effect of preventing leakage of the internal electrolyte.

[0075]

[0076] Next, with reference to Fig. 8, an exemplary structure of the upper portion of a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the structure of the upper portion of a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8, a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cap (80) and / or a current collector (second current collector) (90) and / or an opening sealing member (G).

[0078] The cap (80) may be configured to cover an opening formed on one side of the battery housing (20). The cap (80) may include a venting portion (80a). The venting portion (80a) may be configured to be rigidly weaker compared to the remaining area of ​​the cap (80). The venting portion (80a) may be configured to have a thinner thickness compared to the remaining area of ​​the cap (80). The venting portion (80a) may have a structure in which one or both sides are notched, for example. The venting portion (80a) may be configured to be broken when the internal pressure of the battery (1) rises above a reference value.

[0079] The above-described opening sealing member (G) may be interposed between the cap (80) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20). The above-described opening sealing member (G) may be configured to secure the cap (80). The above-described opening sealing member (G) may be configured to prevent electrolyte from leaking between the cap (80) and the inner surface of the battery housing (20).

[0080] The current collector (90) may be configured to electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) and the battery housing (20). The current collector (90) may include a non-coated portion coupling portion configured to be coupled with the second non-coated portion (12) of the electrode assembly (10) and a housing coupling portion configured to be coupled with the battery housing (20). The housing coupling portion may be electrically coupled on a beading portion formed by press-fitting the outer periphery of the battery housing (20). The housing coupling portion may be interposed between the beading portion and the open portion sealing member (G). The current collector (90) may have a current collector hole formed in an area corresponding to the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (10). A welding tool may be inserted or laser irradiated into the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (10) through the current collector hole, thereby welding the battery terminal (30) and the current collector (first current collector) (50). The above-mentioned collector hole can function as a passage for injection and / or circulation of electrolyte.

[0081]

[0082] Next, a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 14 together with FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, a battery pack (3) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention and a pack housing (2) accommodating the battery (1). A plurality of batteries (1) may be provided, and the plurality of batteries (1) may be electrically connected to each other. The battery (1) of the present invention may be configured such that the battery terminal (30) and the closing portion of the battery housing (20) may function as an external terminal having a first polarity and an external terminal having a second polarity, respectively. Therefore, when arranging a plurality of batteries (1) within the pack housing (2), the battery terminals (30) of all the batteries (1) are arranged to face upward, thereby making an electrical connection at the upper portion of the battery (1).

[0084] Next, with reference to Fig. 10, a vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 10, a vehicle (5) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (3) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (5) may be configured to operate by receiving power from the battery pack (3). The vehicle (5) may be, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0086]

[0087] Next, a battery manufacturing method for manufacturing a battery (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a battery manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a terminal assembly preparation step, an insertion step, a sealing reinforcement area formation step, and a riveting step.

[0089] The above terminal assembly preparation step may be a step of preparing a terminal assembly by combining a battery terminal (30) and a terminal sealing member (40). The insertion step may be a step of inserting the terminal assembly through a closing portion of the battery housing (20). The sealing reinforcement region formation step may be a step of pressing the battery terminal (30) so that a protrusion (30a) provided on the battery terminal (30) presses the terminal sealing member (40), thereby forming a sealing reinforcement region on the terminal sealing member (40). The riveting step may be a step of pressing the battery terminal (30) so that the battery terminal (30) is riveted onto the inner surface of the battery housing (20).

[0090] The above sealing reinforcement region forming step may be a step in which the battery housing (20) presses the battery terminal (30) from the outside with a supporting jig (not shown) so that the battery terminal (30) is partially deformed and presses the terminal sealing member (40).

[0091] The supporting jig used at this time may be provided with a protrusion for forming a protrusion (30a), and a recessed portion (30b) may be formed in the terminal (30) by pressure applied by this protrusion. That is, by pressing the battery terminal (30) by the protrusion of the supporting jig, a recessed portion (30b) may be formed on the pressed surface of the battery terminal (30), and a protrusion (30a) may be formed in an area corresponding to the recessed portion (30b) on the opposite surface where the pressure is applied.

[0092] The above riveting step may be a step of pressing the battery terminal (30) with a riveting jig (not shown) inside the battery housing (20). The sealing reinforcement region forming step and the riveting step may be performed together by a process of pressing the battery terminal (30) with a riveting jig inside the battery housing (20) while supporting the terminal (30) with a supporting jig outside the battery housing (20). That is, a protrusion formed on a supporting jig that supports the battery terminal (30) to perform the riveting process stamps the battery terminal (30) by the pressure applied during riveting, thereby forming a recessed portion (30b) and a protruding portion (30a) together in the battery terminal (30).

[0093] Meanwhile, in the case where the battery (1) of the present invention is provided with a sealing reinforcing member (70) as illustrated in FIG. 7, the terminal assembly preparation step of the present invention may further include a step of providing a sealing reinforcing member (70) on the outer circumferential surface of the terminal sealing member (40) after combining the battery terminal (30) and the terminal sealing member (40).

[0094]

[0095] In this way, according to a battery manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, as the riveting process of the battery terminal (30) is performed, a protrusion (30a) can be naturally formed on the battery terminal (30), and thus the protrusion (30a) can press the terminal sealing member (40) to form a sealing reinforcement area. Accordingly, a separate process for sealing reinforcement can be omitted, and a decrease in productivity due to the addition of a separate process can be prevented.

[0096]

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0098] [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1: Battery

[0100] 2: Pack housing

[0101] 3: Battery pack

[0102] 5: Car

[0103] 10: Electrode assembly

[0104] 11: 1st Military Department

[0105] 12: 2nd Military Department

[0106] 20: Battery housing

[0107] 30: Battery terminals

[0108] 31: Inner flange

[0109] 32: External flange

[0110] 33: Electrical connections

[0111] 40: Terminal sealing member

[0112] 41: Inner sealing part

[0113] 42: Outer sealing part

[0114] 50: Whole house (1st whole house)

[0115] 60: Insulator

[0116] 70: Sealing member

[0117] 80: Cap

[0118] 80a: Venting section

[0119] 90: Whole house (second whole house)

[0120] G: Opening sealing member

Claims

1. An electrode assembly comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; A battery housing that accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side; A battery terminal having a protrusion protruding toward the battery housing, some of which are positioned outside the closed portion opposite the opening and the remaining portions are positioned inside the battery housing, and configured to be electrically coupled to the electrode assembly; and A terminal sealing member interposed between the battery terminal and the battery housing and having a sealing reinforcement area compressed by the protrusion; A battery containing .

2. In paragraph 1, The above protrusion is, A battery characterized in that it is continuously formed along the circumferential direction of the battery terminal.

3. In paragraph 1, The above battery terminals, A battery characterized by having a recess formed in an area corresponding to the protrusion.

4. In paragraph 1, The above battery terminals, an inner flange portion located on the inside of the battery housing; and An external flange portion located on the outside of the battery housing; A battery characterized by including:

5. In paragraph 4, The above terminal sealing member is, An inner sealing portion interposed between the inner flange portion and the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing; and An outer sealing portion interposed between the outer flange portion and the outer surface of the closure portion of the battery housing; A battery characterized by including:

6. In paragraph 5, The inner flange portion is riveted and deformed in a direction toward the inner surface of the closed portion of the battery housing, A battery characterized in that the inner sealing portion is configured to be shaped together with the inner flange portion when riveting so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the closing portion of the battery housing.

7. In paragraph 5, A battery characterized in that the protrusion is formed on the inner surface of the outer flange portion.

8. In paragraph 7, The above outer flange portion, A battery characterized by having a recessed portion formed on the outer surface of the outer flange portion in an area corresponding to the protrusion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above battery, A battery characterized in that it includes a sealing reinforcing member configured to be interposed between the battery terminal and the terminal sealing member in an area where at least a portion of the protrusion is not formed.

10. A battery pack comprising a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A vehicle including a battery pack according to Article 10.

12. A terminal assembly preparation step for preparing a terminal assembly by combining a battery terminal and a terminal sealing member; An insertion step of inserting the terminal assembly through the closing portion of the battery housing; A sealing reinforcement region forming step of forming a sealing reinforcement region on the terminal sealing member by pressurizing the battery terminal so that a protrusion provided on the battery terminal presses the terminal sealing member; and A riveting step of pressurizing the battery terminal to rivet the battery terminal onto the inner surface of the battery housing; A method for manufacturing a battery comprising:

13. In paragraph 12, The above sealing reinforcement area forming step is: A battery manufacturing method characterized by a step of applying pressure to the battery terminal from the outside of the battery housing with a supporting jig to partially deform the battery terminal and thereby apply pressure to the terminal sealing member.

14. In paragraph 12, The above riveting step is, A battery manufacturing method characterized by a step of pressurizing the battery terminal inside the battery housing with a riveting jig.

15. In paragraph 12, The above sealing reinforcement area forming step and the above riveting step are, A battery manufacturing method characterized in that it is carried out together by a process of supporting the battery terminal with a supporting jig on the outside of the battery housing and pressurizing the battery terminal with a riveting jig on the inside of the battery housing.

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