Can, secondary battery including same, and method for manufacturing secondary battery including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a can, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide a can in which first to fifth surfaces and an opening facing the fifth surface are integrally formed. To this end, the can disclosed herein comprises: a first surface that includes a long side extending in a first direction; a second surface that is opposite the first surface and includes a long side extending in the first direction; a third surface that is perpendicular to the first surface and in contact with the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; a fourth surface that is opposite the third surface and in contact with the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; a fifth surface that is in contact with short sides of the first to fourth surfaces; an opening facing the fifth surface; and a first hole formed in the fifth surface. The first to fifth surfaces are integrally formed.

Description

Can, secondary battery including same, and method for manufacturing secondary battery including same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a can, a secondary battery including the can, and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery including the can. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a can used in a secondary battery, a secondary battery including the can, and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery including the can.

[0002] Secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries capable of being charged and discharged multiple times. These batteries are primarily used in a variety of applications, including electronic devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.), electric vehicles, solar power generation, and emergency power supplies. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are used in various electronic devices and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and high charge-discharge efficiency.

[0003] Secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type secondary batteries based on the shape of their housings. Prismatic secondary batteries have an electrode assembly housed within a square metal can. The electrode assembly is inserted into the can, and a cap plate is welded to seal the can. However, welding defects between the can and the cap plate can occur, increasing the difficulty of the manufacturing process.

[0004] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a can, a secondary battery, and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] 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.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem, a can includes a first surface including a long side extending in a first direction, a second surface opposite the first surface and including a long side extending in the first direction, a third surface perpendicular to the first surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface, a fourth surface opposite the third surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface, a fifth surface connected to the short sides of each of the first to fourth surfaces, an opening opposite the fifth surface, and a first hole formed on the fifth surface. The first to fifth surfaces are formed integrally.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can further includes a vent member formed on the first surface.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can further includes a first cap plate coupled to the first opening, the first cap plate including a second hole.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first to fifth sides are formed by a deep drawing process.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem, a can is provided, which includes first to fourth surfaces each including long sides and short sides, a fifth surface connected to each of the short sides of the first to fourth surfaces, and an opening opposite the fifth surface, a first hole formed on the fifth surface, a first insulating member and a first terminal plate coupled to the first hole, an electrode assembly disposed inside the can and connected to the first terminal plate, a cap plate coupled to the opening, and a second terminal plate coupled to the electrode assembly and coupled on the cap plate. The first to fifth surfaces of the can are formed integrally.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can is formed by a deep drawing process.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a rivet coupled to the first hole, wherein the rivet is riveted to the first insulating member and the first terminal plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly further includes a sub-plate assembly disposed on one side of the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly is connected to the first terminal plate through the sub-plate assembly.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a subplate assembly includes a subplate and a current collector coupled to the subplate, the current collector including a protrusion that contacts a first terminal plate.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery includes a step of integrally forming a can including first to fourth surfaces each including a long side and a short side, a fifth surface connected to each of the short sides of the first to fourth surfaces, and an opening opposite the fifth surface, a step of forming a first hole on the fifth surface, and a step of assembling a first insulating member and a first terminal plate on the first hole.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side and the second side are opposite each other, the third side and the fourth side are opposite each other, and the length of the short side of the first side is shorter than the length of the short side of the third side.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of forming a vent hole on the first surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming a vent hole is performed before the step of forming a first hole.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of inserting an electrode assembly inside the can.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises a sub-plate assembly disposed on one side of the electrode assembly and connected to the first terminal plate.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of coupling a cap assembly to the opening of the can.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a cap assembly includes a cap plate coupled to an opening, a second insulating member assembled on the cap plate, and a second terminal plate.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the can is formed by a deep drawing process.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of assembling the first insulating member and the first terminal plate in the first hole includes the steps of placing a rivet in the first hole, riveting the rivet and the first insulating member, and riveting the rivet and the first terminal plate.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal plate and the sub-plate assembly are welded together.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a can including the first to fifth sides can be formed integrally, thereby reducing welding defects between the can and the cap plate.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, by integrally forming a can including the first to fifth sides, the number of process steps for manufacturing a secondary battery can be reduced and the difficulty of the process can be reduced.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cost of producing a secondary battery can be reduced by integrally forming a can including the first to fifth sides.

[0030] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery can according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 4 to 8 are drawings for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention using the can described in FIG. 3.

[0036] Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms or 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 a 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 substitutes for them at the time of filing this application.

[0039] Additionally, when used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0040] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings may not be drawn to scale and some components may be exaggerated in size. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0041] The statement that two compared objects are "identical" means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may imply uniformity on average.

[0042] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0043] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0044] Any configuration being placed "on (or under)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0045] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Furthermore, when it is said that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0046] When reference is made throughout the specification to "A and / or B," this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. In other words, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When reference is made to "C through D," this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the secondary battery may include a can (100), an electrode assembly (110), a vent member (160), a first terminal plate (131), a first insulating member (132, see FIG. 6), and a cap assembly (230).

[0050] The electrode assembly (110) may be accommodated inside the can (100). Although not shown, the electrode assembly (110) may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator, etc. The first electrode plate, the second electrode plate, and the separator may each be formed in a thin plate shape or a film shape. The electrode assembly (110) may include a structure in which the first electrode plate, the separator, and the second electrode plate are sequentially laminated and wound, or are repeatedly laminated. When the electrode assembly (110) includes a wound laminate, the winding axis may be a first direction (X-axis). Here, the first direction (X-axis) may be a longitudinal direction of the can (100).

[0051] The first electrode plate can function as a cathode. The first electrode plate can include a cathode coated portion, in which a cathode active material is coated on a conductive metal sheet made of copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy, and a cathode uncoated portion, in which the cathode active material is not coated. The cathode active material can include, for example, a carbon-based material, silicon, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The second electrode plate can function as an anode. The second electrode plate can include a cathode-coated portion, in which a cathode active material is coated on a conductive metal thin plate, such as aluminum, and a cathode-free portion, in which the cathode active material is not coated. The cathode active material can include, for example, lithium cobalt oxide. However, the composition of the cathode active material according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] A separator may be interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The separator may prevent an electrical short between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate. The separator may include, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, a porous hollow polymer of polyethylene and polypropylene, etc. However, the composition of the separator according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0054] The first sub-plate assembly (120) may be disposed on one side of the electrode assembly (110). The first sub-plate assembly (120) may be electrically connected to a first electrode plate (e.g., a negative electrode plate) of the electrode assembly (110). The first sub-plate assembly (120) may be electrically connected to a first terminal plate (131) to be described later. The electrode assembly (110) may be electrically connected to the first terminal plate (131) through the first sub-plate assembly (120).

[0055] The second sub-plate assembly (220, see FIG. 8) may be positioned on the other side of the electrode assembly (110). Specifically, each of the first sub-plate assembly (120) and the second sub-plate assembly (220) may be positioned on opposite sides of the electrode assembly (110). The second sub-plate assembly (220) will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first sub-plate assembly (120) may include a sub-plate and a current collecting structure. The sub-plate may be connected to a tab formed on the negative electrode non-conductive portion. The current collecting structure may be disposed on the sub-plate. The current collecting structure may include a protrusion (121). The protrusion (121) of the current collecting structure may be in contact with the first terminal plate (131).

[0057] The can (100) can accommodate an electrode assembly (110) and an electrolyte. The can (100) can include a first side (101), a second side (102), a third side (103), a fourth side (104), a fifth side (105), and an opening (OP). Hereinafter, the external shape of the can (100) will be described in detail.

[0058] The first side (101) may include a long side extending in a first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in a second direction (Y-axis). The first side (101) may have a rectangular shape. The first direction (X-axis) may be the longitudinal direction of the can (100). Here, the first direction (X-axis) may be perpendicular to the second direction (Y-axis).

[0059] The second surface (102) may include a long side extending in the first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in the second direction (Y-axis). The second surface (102) may have a rectangular shape. The second surface (102) may be opposite the first surface (101). Specifically, the second surface (102) may face the first surface (101) in a third direction (Z-axis). Here, the third direction (Z-axis) may be perpendicular to the first direction (X-axis) and the second direction (Y-axis).

[0060] The length of the long side of the first side (101) and the length of the long side of the second side (102) may be the same. The length of the short side of the first side (101) and the length of the short side of the second side (102) may be the same. The shapes of the first side (101) and the second side (102) may be the same.

[0061] The third side (103) may include a long side extending in the first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in the third direction (Z-axis). The third side (103) may have a rectangular shape. The third side (103) may be connected to each of the long side of the first side (101) and the long side of the second side (102). That is, the long side of the third side (103) may be connected to the long side of the first side (101), and the long side of the third side (103) may be connected to the long side of the second side (102). The length of the short side of the third side (103) may be greater than the length of the short side of the first side (101).

[0062] The fourth surface (104) may include a long side extending in a first direction (X-axis) and a short side extending in a third direction (Z-axis). The fourth surface (104) may have a rectangular shape. The fourth surface (104) may be opposed to the third surface (103). Specifically, the fourth surface (104) may face the third surface (103) in the second direction (Y-axis). The fourth surface (104) may be connected to each of the long sides of the first surface (101) and the long sides of the second surface (102). That is, one of the long sides of the fourth surface (104) may be connected to the long side of the first surface (101), and the other of the long sides of the fourth surface (104) may be connected to the long side of the second surface (102). The length of the short side of the fourth side (104) may be greater than the length of the short side of the first side (101).

[0063] The fifth surface (105) may include a long side extending in the third direction (Z-axis) and a short side extending in the second direction (Y-axis). The fifth surface (105) may have a rectangular shape. The fifth surface (105) may be connected to the short sides of each of the first to fourth surfaces (101, 102, 103, 104). Specifically, the long side of the fifth surface (105) may be connected to the short side of the third surface (103) and the short side of the fourth surface (104), respectively. The short side of the fifth surface (105) may be connected to the short side of the first surface (101) and the short side of the second surface (102), respectively. The fifth surface (105) may cover one side of the electrode assembly (110). For example, the fifth surface (105) may cover the first sub-plate assembly (120).

[0064] The opening (OP) may be opposed to the fifth surface (105). Specifically, the opening (OP) may face the fifth surface (105) in the first direction (X-axis). The opening (OP) may be defined as a structure formed by a short side of each of the first to fourth surfaces (101, 102, 103, 104). The opening (OP) may be a passage through which the electrode assembly (110) is inserted.

[0065] The first side (101) and the second side (102) can cover the sides formed in the + Z-axis and - Z-axis directions of the electrode assembly (110), the third side (103) and the fourth side (104) can cover the sides formed in the + Y-axis and - Y-axis directions of the electrode assembly (110). The fifth side (105) can cover the side formed in the + X-axis direction of the electrode assembly (110). That is, the first to fourth sides (101, 102, 103, 104) can surround the electrode assembly (110) in the second direction (Y-axis) and the third direction (Z-axis), and the fifth side (105) can be combined with the first to fourth sides (101, 102, 103, 104) to seal one end of the can (100). In other words, the can (100) may have a rectangular column shape with one end open and the other end closed.

[0066] The first to fifth sides (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) of the can (100) can be formed integrally. The first to fifth sides (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) of the can (100) can be formed integrally, for example, by a deep drawing process.

[0067] The deep drawing process is a process in which the outer periphery of a plate is pressed inward using a punch and die in the press processing of plate materials to produce containers with no seams and a bottom.

[0068] The can (100) may comprise a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and nickel-plated steel.

[0069] The first terminal plate (131) can be in contact with the first sub-plate assembly (120). The first terminal plate (131) can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (110) through the first sub-plate assembly (120).

[0070] The cap assembly (230) can be coupled to the opening (OP) of the can (100). The cap assembly (230) can be positioned in the opening (OP) and welded along the opening (OP) to seal the can (100). In FIG. 2, the cap assembly (230) is illustrated as being positioned spaced apart from the electrode assembly (110), but this is for illustrating the structure of the cap assembly (230), and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The vent member (160) can be placed on the first surface (101) of the can (100). Specifically, a vent hole (165, see FIG. 4) can be formed on the first surface (101) of the can (100), and the vent member (160) can be coupled to the vent hole (165).

[0072] The vent member (160) may be configured to open when the internal pressure of the secondary battery exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. The vent member (160) may prevent an explosion of the secondary battery or a chain reaction of exothermic reactions between one secondary battery and another secondary battery placed in close proximity to the other secondary battery.

[0073] In some embodiments, the vent member (160) may include a notch. The notch may be removed from the first surface (101) by a predetermined thickness or may be at least one flaw. The notch may be ruptured when the internal pressure of the can (100) exceeds a critical pressure.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery can according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Referring to Fig. 3, a can (100) used in a secondary battery can be formed. The can (100) can be formed, for example, using a deep drawing method. The can (100) can have a rectangular prism shape with one end closed and the other end open. The description of the can (100) is the same as that described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

[0076] A can (100) may include a first side (101), a second side (102), a third side (103), a fourth side (104), a fifth side (105), and an opening (OP). Since the can (100) is formed by a deep drawing method, the first to fifth sides (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) and the opening (OP) may be formed integrally. Accordingly, the number of steps in the secondary battery manufacturing process may be reduced, and the manufacturing cost may be reduced.

[0077] Conventional secondary battery cases can be formed by manufacturing a can with openings on both sides and welding a cap plate to each opening. In the manufacturing process of such secondary batteries, alignment errors may occur because the electrode assembly is inserted into the can and the cap plate is welded to the can. Specifically, when the cap plate is bonded to the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly may be pushed downward due to gravity. This can lead to welding defects between the cap plate connected to the electrode assembly and the can, preventing the can from being properly sealed.

[0078] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a can (100) has short sides of first to fourth sides (101, 102, 103, 104) and a fifth side (105) connected to each other. The first to fifth sides (101, 102, 103, 104, 105) of the can (100) are formed integrally. The fifth side (105) can serve to seal one end of the can (100). Therefore, a process of welding a cap plate (233) to one end of the can (100) is not necessary, and the can (100) can be sealed by welding the cap plate (233) to an opening (OP) corresponding to the other end of the can (100).

[0079] Since welding between the can (100) and the fifth surface (105) according to some embodiments of the present invention is not required, welding defects do not occur. Since the process of welding the can (100) and the fifth surface (105) is unnecessary, the difficulty of the process can be reduced. Furthermore, since the process of welding the can (100) and the fifth surface (105) is omitted, the number of process steps for manufacturing a secondary battery can be reduced, and production costs can be reduced.

[0080] FIGS. 4 to 8 are drawings for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention using the can described in FIG. 3.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, a can (100) formed by the deep drawing method illustrated in FIG. 3 may be provided. In one embodiment, a vent hole (165) may be formed on a first surface (101) of the can (100). The vent hole (165) may have a shape corresponding to the vent member (160). Additionally, the vent hole (165) may be formed on a second surface (102) of the can (100). Alternatively, the vent hole (165) may not be formed on the first surface (101) of the can (100), but may be formed only on the second surface (102) of the can (100).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, a first hole (135) may be formed on the fifth surface (105) of the can (100). In one embodiment, the first hole (135) may be one, or may be composed of a plurality of holes as illustrated in FIG. 5. The plurality of holes may have a shape to which a first insulating member (132, see FIG. 6) described below is coupled.

[0083] Meanwhile, although it has been described that a vent hole (165) is formed on the first surface (101) of the can (100) and then a first hole (135) is formed on the fifth surface (105) of the can (100), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a first hole (135) may be formed on the fifth surface (105) of the can (100) and then a vent hole (165) may be formed on the first surface (101) of the can (100). As another example, a vent hole (165) on the first surface (101) of the can (100) and a first hole (135) on the fifth surface (105) of the can (100) may be formed simultaneously.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 6, a vent member (160), a first insulating member (132), and a first terminal plate (131) can be assembled on a can (100). For reference, Fig. 6 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the can (100) cut along an imaginary plane formed by the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0085] Specifically, a vent member (160) may be coupled to the vent hole (165). The vent member (160) may include a notch. The description of the vent member (160) and the notch is the same as that described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0086] A first hole (135) may be formed on the fifth surface (105). A first insulating member (132) may be coupled to the first hole (135). A first terminal plate (131) may be coupled to the first insulating member (132). The first insulating member (132) may seal between the fifth surface (105) and the first terminal plate (131). The first insulating member (132) may include an insulating material. The fifth surface (105) and the first terminal plate (131) may be insulated by the first insulating member (132).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7, an electrode assembly (110) can be inserted into the interior of a can (100).

[0088] An electrode assembly (110) may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator, and the like. The electrode assembly (110) may be provided with a first sub-plate assembly (120) coupled to one end and a second sub-plate assembly (220, see FIG. 8) coupled to the other end. The electrode assembly (110) may be inserted in a first direction (X-axis) through an opening (OP) of a can (100). The electrode assembly (110) may be inserted such that the first sub-plate assembly (120) contacts the first terminal plate (131). In some embodiments, the first sub-plate assembly (120) and the first terminal plate (131) may be connected by welding to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first sub-plate assembly (120) and the first terminal plate (131) may be welded after the cap assembly (230) described below is coupled.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, a cap assembly (230) can be coupled to the opening (OP) of the can (100).

[0090] The cap assembly (230) may include a cap plate (233), a second insulating member (232), and a second terminal plate (231).

[0091] The cap plate (233) can be welded and joined to the opening (OP) of the can (100). The cap plate (233) can seal one end of the can (100). The cap plate (233) can have a rectangular plate shape. The cap plate (233) can include a second hole. The second insulating member (232) can be joined onto the second hole. The second terminal plate (231) can be joined onto the second insulating member (232). The second insulating member (232) can seal between the cap plate (233) and the second terminal plate (231). The cap plate (233) and the second terminal plate (231) can be insulated by the second insulating member (232).

[0092] The second terminal plate (231) can be in contact with the second sub-plate assembly (220). The second terminal plate (231) can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (110) through the second sub-plate assembly (220).

[0093] The second sub-plate assembly (220) can be electrically connected to a second electrode plate (e.g., a positive electrode plate) of the electrode assembly (110, see FIG. 7). The second sub-plate assembly (220) can be electrically connected to a second terminal plate (231). The electrode assembly (110) can be electrically connected to the second terminal plate (231) through the second sub-plate assembly (220).

[0094] The cap plate (233) may include a second hole. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the second hole may be formed on the cap plate (233) with the same shape, number, and position as the first hole (135, see FIG. 5). The second hole may be one hole, or may be composed of multiple holes. The shape of the cap plate (233) may be the same as the shape of the fifth surface (105, see FIG. 5) of the can (100). The second insulating member (232) may be coupled onto the second hole. The second insulating member (232) may be coupled with the second hole. The second insulating member (232) may include an insulating material. The second terminal plate (231) may be coupled onto the second insulating member (232) to form a cap assembly (230).

[0095] The cap assembly (230) can be welded and joined to the opening (OP) of the can (100). Specifically, the cap plate (233) of the cap assembly (230) is placed on the opening (OP) of the can (100) and can be welded to the short sides of each of the first to fourth sides (101, 102, 103, 104, respectively, see FIG. 2). The cap assembly (230) is welded to the can (100), so that the can (100) can be sealed.

[0096] Next, the second sub-plate assembly (220) and the cap assembly (230) can be joined. Specifically, the second sub-plate assembly (220) and the second terminal plate (231) can be joined by welding.

[0097] Figure 9 is a flowchart for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention may be initiated by forming a can using a deep drawing process (S510). Specifically, the can may be formed integrally, including first to fourth sides each including a long side and a short side, a fifth side connected to each of the short sides of the first to fourth sides, and an opening facing the fifth side.

[0099] Subsequently, a vent hole can be formed on the first side of the can (S520). Next, a first hole can be formed on the fifth side of the can (S530). Next, a vent member can be assembled into the vent hole, and a first insulating member and a first terminal plate can be assembled into the first hole (S540).

[0100] Subsequently, an electrode assembly may be inserted into the can (S550). Here, the electrode assembly may be provided with a first sub-plate assembly and a second sub-plate assembly respectively joined to each of both sides. After the electrode assembly is inserted into the can, the first sub-plate assembly and the first terminal plate may be welded to be electrically connected.

[0101] Subsequently, a cap assembly may be assembled into the opening of the can (S560). Here, the cap assembly may be provided with a second insulating member and a second terminal plate coupled to the cap plate. The cap assembly may be positioned in the opening of the can and may be welded to the short sides of each of the first to fourth sides of the can. Subsequently, the second subplate assembly and the second terminal plate may be welded and electrically connected to manufacture a secondary battery.

[0102] FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention. For reference, FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery following FIG. 4. For convenience of explanation, the description will focus on differences from those described in FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 10 following FIG. 4, a third hole (335) may be formed on the fifth surface (105) of the can (100). Unlike FIG. 5, the third hole (335) may consist of a single hole. The third hole (335) may have a size corresponding to a rivet to be described later.

[0104] Meanwhile, a vent hole (165) may be formed on the first side (101) of the can (100), followed by a third hole (335) formed on the fifth side (105) of the can (100). Alternatively, a third hole (335) may be formed on the fifth side (105) of the can (100), followed by a vent hole (165) formed on the first side (101) of the can (100). As another example, the vent hole (165) on the first side (101) of the can (100) and the third hole (335) on the fifth side (105) of the can (100) may be formed simultaneously.

[0105] Referring to Fig. 11, a vent member (160), a third terminal plate (331), an upper insulating member (332), a rivet (333), a gasket (334), a lower insulating member (336), and a current collector (337) can be assembled on a can (100). For reference, Fig. 11 corresponds to a cross-sectional view cut along an imaginary plane formed by the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0106] Specifically, a vent member (160) may be coupled to the vent hole (165). The vent member (160) may include a notch. The description of the vent member (160) and the notch is the same as that described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0107] A rivet (333) can be coupled onto the third hole (335). The rivet (333) can penetrate the third hole (335). A gasket (334) can be coupled onto the rivet (333) to seal the third hole (335). The gasket (334) can block gas generated inside the secondary battery from being discharged to the outside.

[0108] The upper insulating member (332) can be riveted to the outside of the can (100) with a rivet (333). The third terminal plate (331) can be riveted to the upper insulating member (332) with a rivet (333). The upper insulating member (332) can be positioned between the fifth side (105, see FIG. 10) of the can (100) and the third terminal plate (331). The can (100) and the third terminal plate (331) can be insulated by the upper insulating member (332). The third terminal plate (331) can be electrically connected to the rivet (333).

[0109] The lower insulating member (336) can be riveted to the inside of the can (100) with a rivet (333). The current collector (337) can be riveted to the lower insulating member (336) with a rivet (333). The lower insulating member (336) can be positioned between the current collector (337) and the fifth side (105, see FIG. 10) of the can (100). The can (100) and the current collector (337) can be insulated by the lower insulating member (336). The current collector (337) can be electrically connected to the rivet (333).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 12, an electrode assembly (110) can be inserted into the can (100), and a cap assembly (400) can be coupled to the opening (OP) of the can (100).

[0111] An electrode assembly (110) may include a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator, etc. The electrode assembly (110) may be coupled to a current collector (337, see FIG. 11). The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly (110) may be electrically connected to a third terminal plate (331) via the current collector (337).

[0112] The cap assembly (400) can be coupled to the opening (OP) of the can (100). The cap assembly (400) can include a cap plate (410), a fourth terminal plate (431), a rivet, a gasket, an upper insulating member, a lower insulating member, and a current collector.

[0113] The description of the components of the cap assembly (400) may be substantially the same as the description of the rivet (333), gasket (334), upper insulating member (332), lower insulating member (336), and current collector (337) of FIG. 11. For convenience of explanation, the description will focus on the differences from those described in FIG. 11.

[0114] The shape of the cap plate (410) may be the same as the fifth side (105, see FIG. 10) of the can (100). The cap plate (410) may include a fourth hole. The description of the fourth hole is the same as that of the third hole (335, see FIG. 11).

[0115] The cap assembly (400) can be welded and joined to the opening (OP) of the can (100). Specifically, the cap plate (410) of the cap assembly (400) is placed on the opening (OP) of the can (100) and can be welded to the short sides of each of the first to fourth sides (101, 102, 103, 104). The cap assembly (400) is welded to the can (100), so that the can (100) can be sealed. The second electrode plate of the electrode assembly (110) can be electrically connected to the fourth terminal plate (431) through the current collector of the cap assembly (400).

[0116] 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.

Claims

1. A first surface including a long side extending in a first direction; A second side including a longitudinal side extending in the first direction and facing the first side; A third surface perpendicular to the first surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; A fourth surface opposite to the third surface and connected to the long side of the first surface and the long side of the second surface; A fifth surface connected to each of the short sides of the first to fourth surfaces; an opening opposite to the fifth surface; and Including a first hole formed on the fifth surface, A can wherein the first to fifth surfaces are formed integrally.

2. In paragraph 1, A can further comprising a vent member formed on the first surface.

3. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a cap plate coupled to the first opening; The above cap plate comprises a second hole, can.

4. In paragraph 1, A can, wherein the first to fifth sides are formed by a deep drawing process.

5. A can including first to fourth surfaces each including a long side and a short side, a fifth surface connected to each of the short sides of the first to fourth surfaces, and an opening opposite the fifth surface; A first hole formed on the fifth surface; A first insulating member and a first terminal plate coupled to the first hole; An electrode assembly disposed inside the can and connected to the first terminal plate; A cap plate coupled to the above opening; A second terminal plate connected to the electrode assembly and coupled on the cap plate, A secondary battery, wherein the first to fifth sides of the can are formed integrally.

6. In paragraph 5, The above can is a secondary battery formed by a deep drawing process.

7. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a rivet coupled to the first hole; A secondary battery, wherein the above rivet is riveted to the first insulating member and the first terminal plate.

8. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a sub-plate assembly disposed on one side of the above electrode assembly, A secondary battery, wherein the electrode assembly is connected to the first terminal plate through the subplate assembly.

9. In paragraph 8, The above subplate assembly includes a subplate and a current collector coupled on the subplate, A secondary battery, wherein the above-mentioned collector includes a protrusion that contacts the first terminal plate.

10. A step of integrally forming a can, which includes first to fourth surfaces each including a long side and a short side, a fifth surface connected to each of the short sides of the first to fourth surfaces, and an opening opposite to the fifth surface; a step of forming a first hole on the fifth surface; and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising the step of assembling a first insulating member and a first terminal plate on the first hole.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first side and the above second side are opposite each other, The above third side and the above fourth side are opposite each other, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the length of the short side of the first side is shorter than the length of the short side of the third side.

12. In paragraph 11, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, further comprising the step of forming a vent hole on the first surface.

13. In paragraph 12, The step of forming the above vent hole is: A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, performed before the step of forming the first hole.

14. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, further comprising the step of inserting an electrode assembly into the can.

15. In paragraph 14, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, further comprising a sub-plate assembly disposed on one side of the electrode assembly and connected to the first terminal plate.

16. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, further comprising the step of joining a cap assembly to the opening of the can.

17. In paragraph 16, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the cap assembly includes a cap plate coupled to the opening, a second insulating member assembled on the cap plate, and a second terminal plate.

18. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the above can is formed by a deep drawing process.

19. In paragraph 10, The step of assembling the first insulating member and the first terminal plate in the first hole is: Place a rivet in the first hole above, The above rivet and the first insulating member are riveted together, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising a step of riveting the rivet and the first terminal plate.

20. In paragraph 15, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the first terminal plate and the sub-plate assembly are welded together.

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