US20060099499A1 - Lithium rechargeable battery - Google Patents
Lithium rechargeable battery Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060099499A1 US20060099499A1 US11/239,080 US23908005A US2006099499A1 US 20060099499 A1 US20060099499 A1 US 20060099499A1 US 23908005 A US23908005 A US 23908005A US 2006099499 A1 US2006099499 A1 US 2006099499A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- electrode assembly
- electrode
- corner portions
- rechargeable battery
- battery
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title abstract description 32
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 title abstract description 32
- 239000003792 electrolyte Substances 0.000 abstract description 25
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 abstract description 16
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 abstract description 16
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 235000015110 jellies Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000008274 jelly Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011244 liquid electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005518 polymer electrolyte Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
- H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
- H01M10/058—Construction or manufacture
- H01M10/0587—Construction or manufacture of accumulators having only wound construction elements, i.e. wound positive electrodes, wound negative electrodes and wound separators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/102—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure
- H01M50/103—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure prismatic or rectangular
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a lithium rechargeable battery that has an internal space formed between a can and an electrode assembly to improve electrolyte injection.
- a rechargeable battery may be charged and discharged, in contrast to a nonrechargeable battery which is not rechargeable, and can be made in a compact size with a large power storage capacity.
- rechargeable batteries include nickel metal hydrogen (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium (Li) batteries, and lithium ion batteries. Recently developed lithium rechargeable batteries are widely used in cutting-edge electronic devices such as cellular phones and laptop computers.
- Rechargeable lithium batteries are classified into lithium ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte and lithium polymer batteries that use a polymer electrolyte.
- Rechargeable batteries may also be classified into cylindrical batteries that use a cylindrical aluminum can, rectangular box batteries that use a rectangular box-shaped aluminum can, and pouch-type batteries that are contained in a plate-shaped pouch case.
- a rechargeable battery generally comprises a can, an electrode assembly contained in the can, and a cap assembly that is coupled to the top opening of the can.
- the electrode assembly is formed by winding a first electrode and a second electrode together with a separator interposed between them into a jelly roll. The electrode assembly is placed into the can, the top opening of which is then sealed by the cap assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional rectangular box type rechargeable battery with angled corners and FIG. 2 is a top view of a rectangular box type rechargeable battery with rounded corners.
- a can 10 generally has angled corners, a rectangular box-shaped space, and an electrode assembly 12 contained therein.
- the corners of the rectangular box type rechargeable battery shown in FIG. 1 are angled and do not accurately correspond to the corners of the electrode assembly 12 , which are rounded.
- the can 10 has an unnecessary void that is not occupied by the electrode assembly 12 . This makes it difficult to maximize the battery capacity and degrades the aesthetic appearance.
- a rectangular box type rechargeable battery that has a can 20 with rounded or curved corners as shown in FIG. 2 have recently been used.
- the can 20 generally has curved corners, a rectangular box-shaped space, and an electrode assembly 22 contained therein together with an electrolyte (not shown).
- the curved corners of the can 20 accurately correspond to the curved portions of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly 22 . As a result, unnecessary space is not created in the sides of the can 20 .
- the present invention provides a lithium rechargeable battery that has an internal space formed between a can and an electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection.
- the present invention discloses a lithium rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them.
- the battery further comprises a can having an opening to hold the electrode assembly and a cap plate that is coupled with the top of the can, wherein a side of the can is asymmetrical to the other side thereof about at least one of the long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section thereof.
- the present invention also discloses a lithium rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them.
- the battery further comprises a can having an opening to hold the electrode assembly and a cap plate that is coupled with the top of the can, wherein a side of the electrode assembly is asymmetrical to the other side thereof about at least one of the long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section thereof.
- the present invention also discloses a lithium rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them.
- the battery further comprises a can having an opening to hold the electrode assembly and a cap plate that is coupled with the top of the can, wherein the spacing between the can and the outer periphery of the electrode assembly on the cross section of the can and the electrode assembly varies about at least one of the long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section.
- FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional rectangular box-type rechargeable battery with angled corners.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of a conventional rectangular box-type rechargeable battery with rounded corners.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- the lithium rechargeable battery of the present invention has a predetermined space formed between the can and the electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection, manufacturing efficiency, and power storage capacity of the battery. This avoids a drop in productivity caused by prolonged electrolyte injection time. Furthermore, a sufficient amount of the electrolyte is easily injected through the space formed between the can and the electrode assembly and is distributed between the electrodes in a uniform manner.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the lithium rechargeable battery 30 includes a can 31 , an electrode assembly 32 contained in the can 31 , and a cap assembly 40 that is coupled with the top opening of the can 31 .
- One side of the can 31 and another side of the can 31 are asymmetrical to each other about at least one of the long axis, the short axis, and the central point of the cross section of the can 31 .
- the cross section of the can 31 has four corner portions and at least one of the corner portions is curved.
- one of the corner portions of the can is curved with a curvature that is different from that of another.
- a first corner portion 34 a is asymmetrical to second corner portion 34 b and has a curvature smaller than that of the latter.
- the first corner portion 34 a does not accurately correspond to the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 and a space 31 a is formed between the first corner portion 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 .
- a space 31 b may be formed between the second corner portion 34 b and the curved portion of the electrode assembly 32 .
- the can 31 may comprise, but is not limited to iron, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.
- the battery may be lightweight due to the light weight of aluminum and it may not corrode even when used for a long time under high voltage.
- the electrode assembly 32 is formed by winding a first electrode 35 and a second electrode 37 with a separator 36 interposed between them.
- the first electrode 35 is coupled with a cap plate 60 via a first electrode tab 38 and the second electrode 37 is coupled with a second electrode terminal 50 formed on the cap plate 60 via a second electrode tab 39 .
- the first electrode 35 or second electrode 37 may act as a positive electrode or a negative electrode.
- the cap assembly 40 is coupled with the top opening of the can 31 to seal it while being insulated from the electrode assembly 32 by a separate insulation case 90 .
- the cap assembly 40 has a planar cap plate 60 that has a size and a shape corresponding to the top opening of the can 31 .
- the cap plate 60 has a terminal through-hole 61 that is formed at its center to allow the second electrode terminal 50 to pass through.
- the second electrode terminal 50 extends through the center of the cap plate 60 and has a tube-shaped gasket 35 that is positioned on its exterior to insulate the second electrode terminal 50 from the cap plate 60 .
- An insulation plate 70 is positioned on the lower surface of the cap plate 60 near the terminal through-hole 61 of the cap plate 60 .
- a terminal plate 80 is positioned on the lower surface of the insulation plate 70 while being coupled with the first electrode terminal 35 .
- the cap plate 60 may have a safety vent (not shown) that is formed thereon to discharge gas when the internal pressure rises and reaches a predetermined level.
- the cap plate 60 also has an electrolyte injection hole 62 that is formed on its side to provide a passage along which an electrolyte can be injected into the can 31 .
- the electrolyte injection hole 62 is sealed by an electrolyte injection ball 63 .
- the cap plate 60 may have a protective circuit module (not shown) that is positioned on its upper side to control the charging and discharging of the battery.
- the protective circuit module may be installed using a resin mold.
- a pair of second corner portions 34 b of the can 31 that are positioned on one side of the long axis of the cross section of the can 31 have a curvature that is different from that of a pair of first corner portions 34 a that are positioned on the other side thereof.
- predetermined spaces 31 a and 31 b may be formed between the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 and the first corner portions 34 a .
- the first corner portions 34 a may have a curvature that is smaller than that of the second corner portions 34 b and predetermined spaces 31 a and 31 b may be formed between the first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 .
- an electrolyte (not shown) can be rapidly injected into the can 31 . Furthermore, a sufficient amount of electrolyte may easily be injected into the electrode assembly 32 to be distributed between the electrodes in a uniform manner, thus increasing the battery's power storage capacity.
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- a pair of second corner portions 34 b of the can 31 that are positioned on one side of the short axis of the can 31 have a curvature that is different from a pair of first corner portions 34 a that are positioned on the other side thereof.
- the first corner portions 34 a have a curvature that is smaller than the curvatures of the second corner portions 34 b .
- predetermined spaces 31 a and 31 c may be formed between the first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 . Since the electrolyte is injected through the electrolyte injection hole 62 , the first corner portions 34 a are preferably positioned on a short edge on which the electrolyte injection hole 62 of the can 31 is formed. If the internal space of the can 31 formed by the first corner portions 34 a are formed on a short edge opposite to the electrolyte injection hole 62 , the electrolyte injection time may not be reduced as desired.
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- a pair of corner portions of the can 31 that are positioned on a side of the central point of the cross section of the can 31 are asymmetrical to each other, while the other pair of corner portions positioned on the other side thereof are symmetrical to each other.
- a first corner portion 34 a of the pair of corner portions which are asymmetrical to each other has a curvature that is smaller than that of the second corner portion 34 b and is preferably positioned on a short edge on which the electrolyte injection hole 62 of the can 31 is formed.
- the electrolyte injection time may not be reduced as desired if the internal space of the can 31 formed by the corner portion 34 a is formed on a short edge opposite to the electrolyte injection hole 62 .
- FIG. 7 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- a pair of first corner portions 34 a of the can 31 that are positioned diagonally from the central point of the cross section of the can 31 are symmetrical to each other and have a curvature that is smaller than that of the pair of second corner portions 34 b .
- predetermined spaces 31 a and 31 d may be formed between the first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 .
- three first corner portions 34 a may form a predetermined space with the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 , as shown in FIG. 8 .
- predetermined spaces 31 a , 31 b , and 31 c may be formed between the first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 .
- a pair of corner portions that are positioned diagonally about a central point may be right-angled, while the other pair of corner portions that are positioned diagonally about central point may be curved.
- FIG. 9 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- the can 31 has curved second corner portions 34 b and right-angled first corner portions 34 a that are positioned on the long or short edge thereof.
- predetermined spaces 31 e and 31 f may be formed between the right-angled first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 as shown in FIG. 9
- predetermined spaces 31 e and 31 g may be formed between the right-angled first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 as shown in FIG. 10 .
- the can 31 may have a pair of curved second corner portions 34 b and a pair of right-angled first corner portions 34 a .
- the curved second corner portions 34 b are positioned diagonally from the central point of the cross section of the can 31 .
- the right-angled first corner portions 34 a are positioned diagonally from the central point of the cross section of the can 31 .
- predetermined spaces 31 e and 31 h may be formed between the right-angled first corner portions 34 a and the curved portion 33 of the electrode assembly 32 as shown in FIG. 9
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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- Sealing Battery Cases Or Jackets (AREA)
Abstract
A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them, a can having an opening to contain the electrode assembly, and a cap plate coupled to the top of the can. A side of the can is asymmetrical with respect to another side thereof about at least one of a long axis, short axis, and central point of its cross section. The lithium rechargeable battery has a predetermined space formed between the can and the electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection and increased manufacturing efficiency and power storage capacity of the battery.
Description
- This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2004-0078187, filed on Oct. 1, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a lithium rechargeable battery that has an internal space formed between a can and an electrode assembly to improve electrolyte injection.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- In general, a rechargeable battery may be charged and discharged, in contrast to a nonrechargeable battery which is not rechargeable, and can be made in a compact size with a large power storage capacity. Typical examples of rechargeable batteries include nickel metal hydrogen (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium (Li) batteries, and lithium ion batteries. Recently developed lithium rechargeable batteries are widely used in cutting-edge electronic devices such as cellular phones and laptop computers.
- Rechargeable lithium batteries are classified into lithium ion batteries that use a liquid electrolyte and lithium polymer batteries that use a polymer electrolyte. Rechargeable batteries may also be classified into cylindrical batteries that use a cylindrical aluminum can, rectangular box batteries that use a rectangular box-shaped aluminum can, and pouch-type batteries that are contained in a plate-shaped pouch case.
- A rechargeable battery generally comprises a can, an electrode assembly contained in the can, and a cap assembly that is coupled to the top opening of the can. The electrode assembly is formed by winding a first electrode and a second electrode together with a separator interposed between them into a jelly roll. The electrode assembly is placed into the can, the top opening of which is then sealed by the cap assembly.
-
FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional rectangular box type rechargeable battery with angled corners andFIG. 2 is a top view of a rectangular box type rechargeable battery with rounded corners. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , acan 10 generally has angled corners, a rectangular box-shaped space, and anelectrode assembly 12 contained therein. However, the corners of the rectangular box type rechargeable battery shown inFIG. 1 are angled and do not accurately correspond to the corners of theelectrode assembly 12, which are rounded. As a result, thecan 10 has an unnecessary void that is not occupied by theelectrode assembly 12. This makes it difficult to maximize the battery capacity and degrades the aesthetic appearance. In order to solve this problem, a rectangular box type rechargeable battery that has acan 20 with rounded or curved corners as shown inFIG. 2 have recently been used. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thecan 20 generally has curved corners, a rectangular box-shaped space, and anelectrode assembly 22 contained therein together with an electrolyte (not shown). The curved corners of thecan 20 accurately correspond to the curved portions of the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly 22. As a result, unnecessary space is not created in the sides of thecan 20. - However, since there is no space between the
electrode assembly 22 and thecan 20 in the rechargeable battery with curved corners as shown inFIG. 2 , it takes a long time to inject an electrolyte and the productivity of the battery deteriorates. Furthermore, the lack of space between thecan 20 and theelectrode assembly 22 makes it difficult to uniformly inject the electrolyte into theelectrode assembly 22. This decreases the battery's power storage capacity. - The present invention provides a lithium rechargeable battery that has an internal space formed between a can and an electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection.
- Additional features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
- The present invention discloses a lithium rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them. The battery further comprises a can having an opening to hold the electrode assembly and a cap plate that is coupled with the top of the can, wherein a side of the can is asymmetrical to the other side thereof about at least one of the long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section thereof.
- The present invention also discloses a lithium rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them. The battery further comprises a can having an opening to hold the electrode assembly and a cap plate that is coupled with the top of the can, wherein a side of the electrode assembly is asymmetrical to the other side thereof about at least one of the long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section thereof.
- The present invention also discloses a lithium rechargeable battery comprising an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them. The battery further comprises a can having an opening to hold the electrode assembly and a cap plate that is coupled with the top of the can, wherein the spacing between the can and the outer periphery of the electrode assembly on the cross section of the can and the electrode assembly varies about at least one of the long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed
- The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a top view of a conventional rectangular box-type rechargeable battery with angled corners. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of a conventional rectangular box-type rechargeable battery with rounded corners. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. - The lithium rechargeable battery of the present invention has a predetermined space formed between the can and the electrode assembly for improved electrolyte injection, manufacturing efficiency, and power storage capacity of the battery. This avoids a drop in productivity caused by prolonged electrolyte injection time. Furthermore, a sufficient amount of the electrolyte is easily injected through the space formed between the can and the electrode assembly and is distributed between the electrodes in a uniform manner.
-
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4 is a top view of the lithium rechargeable battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , the lithiumrechargeable battery 30 includes acan 31, anelectrode assembly 32 contained in thecan 31, and acap assembly 40 that is coupled with the top opening of thecan 31. - One side of the
can 31 and another side of thecan 31 are asymmetrical to each other about at least one of the long axis, the short axis, and the central point of the cross section of thecan 31. The cross section of thecan 31 has four corner portions and at least one of the corner portions is curved. In addition, one of the corner portions of the can is curved with a curvature that is different from that of another. As shown inFIG. 3 , afirst corner portion 34 a is asymmetrical tosecond corner portion 34 b and has a curvature smaller than that of the latter. Consequently, thefirst corner portion 34 a does not accurately correspond to thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32 and aspace 31 a is formed between thefirst corner portion 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32. Similarly, aspace 31 b may be formed between thesecond corner portion 34 b and the curved portion of theelectrode assembly 32. - The
can 31 may comprise, but is not limited to iron, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. When thecan 31 is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the battery may be lightweight due to the light weight of aluminum and it may not corrode even when used for a long time under high voltage. - The
electrode assembly 32 is formed by winding afirst electrode 35 and asecond electrode 37 with aseparator 36 interposed between them. Thefirst electrode 35 is coupled with acap plate 60 via afirst electrode tab 38 and thesecond electrode 37 is coupled with asecond electrode terminal 50 formed on thecap plate 60 via asecond electrode tab 39. Thefirst electrode 35 orsecond electrode 37 may act as a positive electrode or a negative electrode. - The
cap assembly 40 is coupled with the top opening of thecan 31 to seal it while being insulated from theelectrode assembly 32 by aseparate insulation case 90. Thecap assembly 40 has aplanar cap plate 60 that has a size and a shape corresponding to the top opening of thecan 31. Thecap plate 60 has a terminal through-hole 61 that is formed at its center to allow thesecond electrode terminal 50 to pass through. - The
second electrode terminal 50 extends through the center of thecap plate 60 and has a tube-shapedgasket 35 that is positioned on its exterior to insulate thesecond electrode terminal 50 from thecap plate 60. Aninsulation plate 70 is positioned on the lower surface of thecap plate 60 near the terminal through-hole 61 of thecap plate 60. Aterminal plate 80 is positioned on the lower surface of theinsulation plate 70 while being coupled with thefirst electrode terminal 35. - The
cap plate 60 may have a safety vent (not shown) that is formed thereon to discharge gas when the internal pressure rises and reaches a predetermined level. Thecap plate 60 also has anelectrolyte injection hole 62 that is formed on its side to provide a passage along which an electrolyte can be injected into thecan 31. Theelectrolyte injection hole 62 is sealed by anelectrolyte injection ball 63. Thecap plate 60 may have a protective circuit module (not shown) that is positioned on its upper side to control the charging and discharging of the battery. The protective circuit module may be installed using a resin mold. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , a pair ofsecond corner portions 34 b of thecan 31 that are positioned on one side of the long axis of the cross section of thecan 31 have a curvature that is different from that of a pair offirst corner portions 34 a that are positioned on the other side thereof. As a result,predetermined spaces curved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32 and thefirst corner portions 34 a. For example, thefirst corner portions 34 a may have a curvature that is smaller than that of thesecond corner portions 34 b andpredetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32. - With
spaces can 31. Furthermore, a sufficient amount of electrolyte may easily be injected into theelectrode assembly 32 to be distributed between the electrodes in a uniform manner, thus increasing the battery's power storage capacity. -
FIG. 5 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a second embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a pair ofsecond corner portions 34 b of thecan 31 that are positioned on one side of the short axis of thecan 31 have a curvature that is different from a pair offirst corner portions 34 a that are positioned on the other side thereof. Thefirst corner portions 34 a have a curvature that is smaller than the curvatures of thesecond corner portions 34 b. Thuspredetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32. Since the electrolyte is injected through theelectrolyte injection hole 62, thefirst corner portions 34 a are preferably positioned on a short edge on which theelectrolyte injection hole 62 of thecan 31 is formed. If the internal space of thecan 31 formed by thefirst corner portions 34 a are formed on a short edge opposite to theelectrolyte injection hole 62, the electrolyte injection time may not be reduced as desired. -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a third embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , a pair of corner portions of thecan 31 that are positioned on a side of the central point of the cross section of thecan 31 are asymmetrical to each other, while the other pair of corner portions positioned on the other side thereof are symmetrical to each other. Afirst corner portion 34 a of the pair of corner portions which are asymmetrical to each other has a curvature that is smaller than that of thesecond corner portion 34 b and is preferably positioned on a short edge on which theelectrolyte injection hole 62 of thecan 31 is formed. Since the electrolyte is injected through theelectrolyte injection hole 62, the electrolyte injection time may not be reduced as desired if the internal space of thecan 31 formed by thecorner portion 34 a is formed on a short edge opposite to theelectrolyte injection hole 62. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 8 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , a pair offirst corner portions 34 a of thecan 31 that are positioned diagonally from the central point of the cross section of thecan 31 are symmetrical to each other and have a curvature that is smaller than that of the pair ofsecond corner portions 34 b. Thus,predetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32. Alternatively, threefirst corner portions 34 a may form a predetermined space with thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32, as shown inFIG. 8 . In that case,predetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32. - In addition, a pair of corner portions that are positioned diagonally about a central point may be right-angled, while the other pair of corner portions that are positioned diagonally about central point may be curved.
-
FIG. 9 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 11 is a top view of a lithium rechargeable battery according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 9 andFIG. 10 , thecan 31 has curvedsecond corner portions 34 b and right-angledfirst corner portions 34 a that are positioned on the long or short edge thereof. Thus,predetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32 as shown inFIG. 9 , andpredetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32 as shown inFIG. 10 . - Referring to
FIG. 11 , thecan 31 may have a pair of curvedsecond corner portions 34 b and a pair of right-angledfirst corner portions 34 a. The curvedsecond corner portions 34 b are positioned diagonally from the central point of the cross section of thecan 31. The right-angledfirst corner portions 34 a are positioned diagonally from the central point of the cross section of thecan 31. Thus,predetermined spaces first corner portions 34 a and thecurved portion 33 of theelectrode assembly 32 as shown inFIG. 9 - It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variation can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (11)
1. A battery, comprising:
an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them;
a can having an opening to contain the electrode assembly; and
a cap plate coupled to the can,
wherein a side of the can is asymmetrical with respect to another side of the can about at least one of a long axis, short axis, and central point of its cross section.
2. The battery of claim 1 ,
wherein the can has four corner portions in its cross section, and
wherein at least one of the corner portions is curved.
3. The battery of claim 2 ,
wherein one side of the can has a different curvature than another side thereof.
4. The battery of claim 2 ,
wherein one side of the can and another side thereof have a curved corner portion and a right-angled corner portion, respectively.
5. The battery of claim 2 ,
wherein corner portions that are positioned on a side of the long axis have a curvature that is different from corner portions that are positioned on another side of the long axis.
6. The battery of claim 2 ,
wherein corner portions that are positioned on a side of the short axis have a curvature that is different from corner portions that are positioned on another side of the short axis.
7. The battery of claim 2 ,
wherein a first pair of corner portions that are positioned on two sides about the central point are right-angled, and
wherein a second pair of corner portions that are positioned on two sides about the central point are curved with a predetermined curvature.
8. The battery of claim 2 ,
wherein a first pair of corner portions that are positioned on two sides about the central point are asymmetrical to each other, and
wherein a second pair of corner portions that are positioned on two sides about the central point are symmetrical to each other.
9. A battery, comprising:
an electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between them;
a can having an opening to contain the electrode assembly; and
a cap plate coupled to the can,
wherein a side of the electrode assembly is asymmetrical with respect to another side thereof about at least one of a long axis, short axis, and central point of its cross section.
10. The battery of claim 9 ,
wherein one side of the electrode assembly has a curvature different from that of another side thereof.
11. A battery, comprising:
an electrode assembly having a first electrode and second electrode, and a separator interposed between them;
a can having an opening to contain the electrode assembly; and
a cap plate coupled to the can,
wherein the spacing between the can and an outer periphery of the electrode assembly on a cross section of the can and the electrode assembly varies about at least one of a long axis, short axis, and central point of the cross section.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/816,690 US8216716B2 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2010-06-16 | Lithium rechargeable battery having an internal space |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR10-2004-0078187 | 2004-10-01 | ||
KR1020040078187A KR100646522B1 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2004-10-01 | Lithium Secondary Battery |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/816,690 Continuation US8216716B2 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2010-06-16 | Lithium rechargeable battery having an internal space |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060099499A1 true US20060099499A1 (en) | 2006-05-11 |
Family
ID=36316707
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/239,080 Abandoned US20060099499A1 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2005-09-30 | Lithium rechargeable battery |
US12/816,690 Active US8216716B2 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2010-06-16 | Lithium rechargeable battery having an internal space |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/816,690 Active US8216716B2 (en) | 2004-10-01 | 2010-06-16 | Lithium rechargeable battery having an internal space |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20060099499A1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2006108096A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100646522B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1755966A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2824729A1 (en) * | 2013-07-12 | 2015-01-14 | Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | Rechargeable battery |
US10741804B2 (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2020-08-11 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Laminated battery for serial connection and battery pack |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100624952B1 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2006-09-19 | 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 | Can for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery using the same |
JP2009110832A (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2009-05-21 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Rectangular battery and battery pack |
JP5726773B2 (en) * | 2012-02-02 | 2015-06-03 | 日立オートモティブシステムズ株式会社 | Flat wound secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same |
JP6094803B2 (en) * | 2012-03-12 | 2017-03-15 | 株式会社Gsユアサ | Electricity storage element |
US20230083571A1 (en) * | 2021-09-14 | 2023-03-16 | Apple Inc. | Battery with an asymmetric design and electronic devices with an asymmetric battery design |
WO2023225911A1 (en) * | 2022-05-25 | 2023-11-30 | 宁德时代新能源科技股份有限公司 | Battery cell, battery, and electrical device |
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US6040082A (en) * | 1997-07-30 | 2000-03-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Volumetrically efficient battery for implantable medical devices |
US20060057433A1 (en) * | 2002-12-26 | 2006-03-16 | Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrical storage device and manufacturing electrical storage device |
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JP3015667B2 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 2000-03-06 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Sealed prismatic batteries |
JP4789295B2 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2011-10-12 | 株式会社Gsユアサ | Sealed battery |
KR20000051638A (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2000-08-16 | 김순택 | Secondary battery |
JP3811388B2 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2006-08-16 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | battery |
KR200326873Y1 (en) | 2003-05-06 | 2003-09-19 | 주식회사 엘지화학 | Li-ION BATTERY WITH PRISMATIC CAN HOUSING |
-
2004
- 2004-10-01 KR KR1020040078187A patent/KR100646522B1/en active IP Right Grant
-
2005
- 2005-09-30 JP JP2005288892A patent/JP2006108096A/en active Pending
- 2005-09-30 US US11/239,080 patent/US20060099499A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-09-30 CN CNA2005101077800A patent/CN1755966A/en active Pending
-
2010
- 2010-06-02 JP JP2010126889A patent/JP5190488B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-06-16 US US12/816,690 patent/US8216716B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (2)
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US6040082A (en) * | 1997-07-30 | 2000-03-21 | Medtronic, Inc. | Volumetrically efficient battery for implantable medical devices |
US20060057433A1 (en) * | 2002-12-26 | 2006-03-16 | Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electrical storage device and manufacturing electrical storage device |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP2824729A1 (en) * | 2013-07-12 | 2015-01-14 | Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. | Rechargeable battery |
US9716261B2 (en) | 2013-07-12 | 2017-07-25 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Rechargeable battery |
US10741804B2 (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2020-08-11 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Laminated battery for serial connection and battery pack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20100248013A1 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
JP5190488B2 (en) | 2013-04-24 |
KR100646522B1 (en) | 2006-11-15 |
JP2010219060A (en) | 2010-09-30 |
CN1755966A (en) | 2006-04-05 |
KR20060029749A (en) | 2006-04-07 |
JP2006108096A (en) | 2006-04-20 |
US8216716B2 (en) | 2012-07-10 |
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