BATTERY AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING SAME

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a housing and a battery disposed in the housing. The battery may comprise: a sealing member comprising a sealing material having top and bottom surfaces which are open; a first exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member and configured to cover the top surface of the sealing member; a second exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member and configured to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member; an electrode assembly including at least one electrode accommodated in the second exterior member; an electrolyte provided in the second exterior member; and a vent structure including at least one vent formed on at least one among an edge region of the sealing member, an edge region of the first exterior member, and an edge region of the second exterior member, the vent structure configured to make the inside and outside of the battery communicate with each other.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an electronic device, for example, a battery and an electronic device including the same.

Description of Related Art

At least one component related to sound effects may be disposed in an electronic device, which may correspond to, for example, a speaker. This component may have various forms and arrangement structures inside a housing of the electronic device, depending on arrangement relationships with other components such as a battery and/or various exterior designs of the electronic device. Electronic devices including speakers may include, for example, a wearable electronic device wearable close to a user's ears, such as wireless earphones or hearing aids. In such a wearable electronic device, a microphone may be additionally placed inside a housing to perform an active noise cancellation (ANC) function.

The wearable electronic device including a speaker may be used in connection to another electronic device. Accordingly, the wearable electronic device may include an antenna for performing wireless communication with the external electronic device, and the antenna may be used to implement true wireless stereo (TWS) technology for improving the sound quality of wireless earphones, such as the ANC function, as well as for achieving all levels of comfort for the user. To implement the TWS technology, the wearable electronic device may be provided with a battery with a larger capacity and higher energy density.

For a smaller electronic device, a cylindrical battery or a coin-type battery may be available for power supply. The use of the coin-type battery may increase the design freedom of an electronic device and meet the miniaturization/compactness requirements for the electronic device in that the coin-type battery may be manufactured to have a significantly smaller volume than the cylindrical battery.

An electronic device (or a wearable electronic device) may include a battery that may supply power to electrical components in the electronic device. A coin-type battery may include exterior members such as a can and a cup that are coupled to each other, a gasket that seals between the exterior members, an electrode assembly in a jelly-roll or stack structure, and an electrolyte injected into the battery. During use, the coin-type battery may develop gas within it as the electrolyte vaporizes, and when the internal pressure of the coin-type battery continues to increase, the exterior members may be separated and/or dislodge from the gasket. Since there is a risk that the electronic device with the coin-type battery may be damaged or that electrical components inside the electronic device may ignite, it is necessary to provide a means to prevent and/or reduce the internal pressure of the coin-type battery from increasing.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a battery and an electronic device including the same, which may vent gas generated inside the battery to the outside of the battery through a vent structure.

However, the problems addressed in the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and various other problems may be determined without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device includes: a housing; and a battery disposed inside the housing. The battery includes: a sealing member comprising a sealing material and having open top and bottom surfaces; a first exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member to cover the top surface of the sealing member; a second exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member; an electrode assembly accommodated in the second exterior member; an electrolyte injected into the second exterior member; and a vent structure including a vent formed in at least one of an edge region of the sealing member, an edge region of the first exterior member, and/or an edge region of the second exterior member, and configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the battery.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device includes: a housing including a protrusion; and a battery disposed inside the housing. The battery includes: a sealing member comprising a sealing material and having open top and bottom surfaces; a first exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member to cover the top surface of the sealing member; a second exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member; an electrode assembly accommodated in the second exterior member; an electrolyte injected into the second exterior member; and a vent structure including a vent formed in at least one of an edge region of the sealing member, an edge region of the first exterior member, and/or an edge region of the second exterior member, and configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the battery.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a battery includes: a sealing member comprising a sealing material having open top and bottom surfaces, and including an inner diameter portion, an outer diameter portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner diameter portion, and a connecting portion connecting a top of the inner diameter portion to a top of the outer diameter portion; a first exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member to cover the top surface of the sealing member, and including a first planar portion and a first diameter portion extending from an edge of the first planar portion to surround at least a part of the outer diameter portion; a second exterior member comprising a cap coupled to the sealing member to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member, and including a second planar portion and a second diameter portion extending from an edge of the second diameter portion to be located between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion; an electrode assembly accommodated in the second exterior member and including a first electrode tab electrically connected to the first exterior member and a second electrode tab electrically connected to the second exterior member; an electrolyte injected into the second exterior member; and a vent structure including a vent formed in at least one of a top edge region of the sealing member, a bottom edge region of the first exterior member, and/or a top edge region of the second exterior member, and configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the battery.

A battery according to various example embodiments of the disclosure may restrict a first exterior member and/or a second exterior member from being separated from a sealing member by venting gas inside the battery to the outside of the battery through a vent structure.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, increased durability of a battery may restrict breakage of the battery and an electronic device including the same.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, increased durability of a battery may restrict ignition of electrical components in the battery and/or an electronic device including the same.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, since no separate components are provided for venting gas inside a battery, the battery may be miniaturized in size and/or shape, thereby making the battery compatible with a variety of electronic devices.

The effects to be obtained from the disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device101in a network environment100according to various embodiments.

The processor120may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions. The processor120may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program140) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device101coupled with the processor120, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor120may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module176or the communication module190) in volatile memory132, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory132, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory134. According to an embodiment, the processor120may include a main processor121(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor123(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor121. For example, when the electronic device101includes the main processor121and the auxiliary processor123, the auxiliary processor123may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor121, or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor123may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor121.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

FIG.2is a block diagram200illustrating an example configuration of an audio module170(e.g., the audio module170inFIG.1) according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.2, the audio module170may include an audio input interface (e.g., including circuitry)210, an audio input mixer220, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)230, an audio signal processor (e.g., including processing circuitry)240, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC)250, an audio output mixer260, and/or an audio output interface (e.g., including circuitry)270.

The audio input interface210may include various circuitry and receive an audio signal corresponding to a sound obtained from the outside of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1) via a microphone (e.g., a dynamic microphone, a condenser microphone, or a piezo microphone) that is configured as part of an input module (e.g., the input module150inFIG.1) or separately from the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1). For example, if an audio signal is obtained from an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1) (e.g., a headset or a microphone), the audio input interface210may be connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1) directly via a connecting terminal (e.g., the connecting terminal178inFIG.1), or wirelessly (e.g., Bluetooth™ communication) via a wireless communication module (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1) to receive the audio signal. According to an embodiment, the audio input interface210may receive a control signal (e.g., a volume adjustment signal received via an input button) related to the audio signal obtained from the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1). The audio input interface210may include a plurality of audio input channels and may receive a different audio signal via a corresponding one of the plurality of audio input channels, respectively. According to an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the audio input interface210may receive an audio signal from another component (e.g., the processor120or the memory130inFIG.1) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1).

The audio input mixer220may synthesize a plurality of inputted audio signals into at least one audio signal. For example, according to an embodiment, the audio input mixer220may synthesize a plurality of analog audio signals inputted via the audio input interface210into at least one analog audio signal.

The ADC230may convert an analog audio signal into a digital audio signal. According to an embodiment, the ADC230may convert an analog audio signal received via the audio input interface210or, additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized via the audio input mixer220into a digital audio signal.

The audio signal processor240may include various processing circuitry (see, e.g., processor120ofFIG.1) perform various processing on a digital audio signal received via the ADC230or a digital audio signal received from another component of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1). According to an embodiment, the audio signal processor240may perform changing a sampling rate, applying one or more filters, interpolation processing, amplifying or attenuating a whole or partial frequency bandwidth, noise processing (e.g., attenuating noise or echoes), changing channels (e.g., switching between mono and stereo), mixing, or extracting a specified signal for one or more digital audio signals. According to an embodiment, one or more functions of the audio signal processor240may be implemented in the form of an equalizer.

The DAC250may convert a digital audio signal into an analog audio signal. According to an embodiment, the DAC250may convert a digital audio signal processed by the audio signal processor240or a digital audio signal obtained from another component (e.g., the processor120or the memory130) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1) into an analog audio signal.

The audio output mixer260may synthesize a plurality of audio signals, which are to be outputted, into at least one audio signal. According to an embodiment, the audio output mixer260may synthesize an analog audio signal converted by the DAC250and another analog audio signal (e.g., an analog audio signal received via the audio input interface210) into at least one analog audio signal.

The audio output interface270may include various circuitry and output an analog audio signal converted by the DAC250or, additionally or alternatively, an analog audio signal synthesized by the audio output mixer260to the outside of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1) via a sound output module (e.g., the sound output module155inFIG.1). The sound output module (e.g., the sound output module155inFIG.1) may include, for example, a speaker, such as a dynamic driver or a balanced armature driver, or a receiver. According to an embodiment, the sound output module (e.g., the sound output module155inFIG.1) may include a plurality of speakers. In such a case, the audio output interface270may output audio signals having a plurality of different channels (e.g., stereo channels or 5.1 channels) via at least some of the plurality of speakers. According to an embodiment, the audio output interface270may be connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1) (e.g., an external speaker or a headset) directly via a communicating terminal (e.g., the connecting terminal178inFIG.1) or wirelessly via the wireless communication module (e.g., the wireless communication module192inFIG.1) to output an audio signal.

According to an embodiment, the audio module170may generate, without separately including the audio input mixer220or the audio output mixer260, at least one digital audio signal by synthesizing a plurality of digital audio signals using at least one function of the audio signal processor240.

According to an embodiment, the audio module170may include an audio amplifier (not shown) (e.g., a speaker amplifying circuit) that is capable of amplifying an analog audio signal inputted via the audio input interface210or an audio signal that is to be outputted via the audio output interface270. According to an embodiment, the audio amplifier may be configured as a module separate from the audio module170.

FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a side view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.3, an electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1) may include a housing310to accommodate components of the electronic device300. For example, the housing310may have acoustic components (e.g., the audio module170inFIG.2) and/or electronic components (e.g., the processor120, the power management module188, the battery189, or the wireless communication module192inFIG.1) disposed therein. The configuration of the electronic device300inFIG.3may be partially or wholly identical to that of the electronic device101inFIG.1.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300may include a wearable electronic device. The electronic device300may be wearable on a part of the body, such as an ear or the head. According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include an in-ear earset, an in-ear headset, or a hearing aid.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300may have an asymmetrical shape, as illustrated inFIG.3. According to an embodiment, as the electronic device300is formed to have an asymmetrical shape, it may be ergonomically designed and increase ease of use for a user. According to an embodiment, as the electronic device300is formed to have an asymmetrical shape, the acoustic components (e.g., the audio module170inFIG.2) and the electronic components (e.g., the processor120inFIG.1) may be disposed inside the housing310such that acoustic performance is improved.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300may be electrically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1). According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may function as an audio output interface (or the sound output module155inFIG.1) that outputs an acoustic signal received from the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1). Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device300of the disclosure may function as an audio input interface (or the input module150inFIG.1) to receive an audio signal corresponding to sound obtained from the outside of the electronic device300.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may also communicate with and/or be controlled by the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1). The electronic device300may be an interactive electronic device which is paired with the external electronic device, such as a smartphone, through a communication scheme such as Bluetooth to convert data received from the external electronic device to output sound or to receive a user's voice and transmit it to the external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may be wirelessly connected to the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1). For example, the electronic device300may communicate with the external electronic device via a network (e.g., a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network). For example, the network may include, but is not limited to, a cellular communication network, a LAN (e.g., Bluetooth communication), a wireless local area network (WLAN), the Internet, or a small area network (SAN). According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may be wiredly connected to the external electronic device via a cable.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may not communicate with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device102inFIG.1). In this case, the electronic device300may be implemented to receive a signal corresponding to externally obtained sound and output an acoustic signal to the outside based on operations (or control) of components included in the electronic device300, without being controlled by the external electronic device. For example, the electronic device300may be a stand-alone electronic device which plays music or a video on its own without communicating with the external electronic device and outputs sound accordingly or which receives and processes the user's voice.

Various drawings of the disclosure may mainly illustrate a canal-type in-ear earset to be mounted in the ear canal extending from the auricle to the eardrum, as an example of the electronic device300. However, it is to be noted that the disclosure is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment (not shown), the electronic device300may be described as an open-type earset to be mounted on the auricle.

According to various embodiments, the housing310may include a plurality of components. For example, the housing310may include a first housing311and a second housing315connected to and/or coupled to the first housing311. According to an embodiment, the first housing311and the second housing315may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device300and form an internal space in which components of the electronic device300are accommodated. According to an embodiment, with the electronic device300worn on the user, at least a portion of the second housing315may contact or face the user's body (e.g., an ear), and at least a portion of the first housing311may face an opposite direction of the user.

According to various embodiments, the housing311may include a microphone hole312. According to an embodiment, the microphone hole312may be understood as a through hole formed on the first housing311. According to an embodiment, sound from the outside of the electronic device300may pass through the microphone hole312and be transmitted to a microphone module (not shown) (e.g., the input module150inFIG.1) located inside the electronic device300. According to an embodiment, the microphone hole312may include a plurality of microphone holes313and314. For example, the microphone hole312may include a first microphone hole313and/or a second microphone hole314spaced apart from the first microphone hole313.

According to various embodiments, the housing310may include a protrusion316. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the protrusion316may be inserted into the user's body (e.g., an ear). For example, the electronic device300may be inserted and mounted on the user's body (e.g., in an ear canal or auricle of the body) using the protrusion316. According to an embodiment, the protrusion316may be understood as a portion of the housing310extending from the second housing315. According to an embodiment, the protrusion316may be further equipped with an ear tip (not shown), and the electronic device300may be brought into close contact with the user's ear using the ear tip. According to an embodiment, the protrusion316may include at least one recess (not shown), and sound output from a speaker module (not shown) (e.g., the audio module170inFIG.2) disposed inside the electronic device300may be emitted to the outside of the electronic device300using the recess located on the protrusion316.

FIG.4Ais a diagram illustrating a side view of an electronic device without a first housing according to various embodiments.FIG.4Bis a diagram illustrating a top view of an electronic device without a first housing according to various embodiments.FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating a cut portion of an electronic device without a first housing according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.4A,FIG.4B, and/orFIG.5, the electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device300inFIG.3) may include the first housing (not shown), the second housing315, the protrusion316, a support member320, a microphone chamber321, an antenna structure325, a connection path327, and/or a battery389.

The configuration of the first housing (not shown), the second housing315, and/or the protrusion316inFIG.4A,FIG.4B, and/orFIG.5may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first housing311, the second housing315, and/or the protrusion316inFIG.3. The configuration of the battery389inFIG.5may be partially or wholly identical to that of the battery189inFIG.1.

According to various embodiments, the support member (e.g., a support)320may be disposed inside the housing (e.g., the housing310inFIG.3). For example, at least a portion of the support member320may be surrounded by the first housing (not shown) (e.g., the first housing311inFIG.3) and the second housing315(e.g., the second housing315inFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the support member320may include a first support member320-1and a second support member320-2. The first support member320-1may be used as an antenna carrier which may include an antenna pattern. According to an embodiment, at least a portion (e.g., the first support member320-1) of the support member320may be integrally formed with the first housing (not shown) (e.g., the first housing311inFIG.3). For example, the first support member320-1may be connected to the first housing (not shown) (e.g., the first housing311inFIG.3) by insert injection molding or double shot injection molding. According to an embodiment, the first housing (not shown) (e.g., the first housing311inFIG.3) may be coupled to the second housing315, while being connected to the first support member320-1. According to an embodiment, the microphone chamber321and/or the connection path327may be formed or located in the first support member320-1. According to an embodiment, the support member320may include the second support member320-2(e.g., an inner housing) that supports at least a portion of a component (e.g., the battery389) of the electronic device300. According to an embodiment, the first support member320-1may be connected to the second support member320-2. According to an embodiment, the first support member320-1may be integrally formed with the second support member320-2.

According to various embodiments, the support member320(e.g., the first support member320-1) may include the antenna structure325. According to an embodiment, the configuration of the antenna structure325may be partially or wholly identical to that of the antenna module197inFIG.1. According to an embodiment, the antenna structure325may be a laser direct structuring (LDS) antenna formed on the support member320. For example, the support member320may include a pattern formed of a thermoplastic resin (e.g., polycarbonate) using a laser and the thermoplastic resin. The antenna structure325may include a metal (e.g., copper (Cu) and/or nickel (Ni)) disposed or plated on the pattern of the support member320.

According to various embodiments, the antenna structure325may be disposed on a surface of the support member320. According to an embodiment, the antenna structure325may face the first housing (e.g., the first housing311inFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the antenna structure325may be located between the first microphone hole (e.g., the first microphone hole313inFIG.3) and the second microphone hole (e.g., the second microphone hole314inFIG.3). For example, the antenna structure325may be located between a first connection path328and a second connection path329.

According to various embodiments, the support member320may include the microphone chamber321. According to an embodiment, the microphone chamber321may receive sound external to the electronic device300from the microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the microphone hole312inFIG.3). For example, external sound or vibration of the electronic device300may be transmitted to the microphone module (e.g., the input module150inFIG.1) via the microphone hole (e.g., the microphone hole312inFIG.3) and the microphone chamber321. According to an embodiment, the microphone chamber321may be understood as a hollow space formed in the support member320. According to an embodiment, the microphone chamber321may include at least one microphone chamber322and323. For example, microphone chamber321may include a first microphone chamber322connected to the first microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the first microphone hole312inFIG.3) and configured to receive sound from the first microphone hole312, and/or a second microphone chamber323connected to the second microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the second microphone hole313inFIG.3) and configured to receive sound from the second microphone hole313.

According to various embodiments, the support member320may include the connection path327. According to an embodiment, the connection path327may connect the microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the microphone hole312inFIG.3) and the microphone chamber321to each other. For example, the connection path327may extend from the microphone chamber321and face at least a portion of the microphone hole312. According to an embodiment, sound from the outside of the electronic device300may be transmitted to the microphone chamber321via the microphone hole312and the connection path327. According to an embodiment, the connection path327may be understood as a hollow space formed in the support member320. According to an embodiment, the connection path327may be understood as a structure spatially connected to the microphone hole312.

According to an embodiment, the connection path327may include at least one connection path328and329. For example, connection path327may include the first connection path328facing at least a portion of the first microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the first microphone hole312inFIG.3) and/or the second connection path329spaced apart from the first connection path328and facing at least a portion of the second microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the second microphone hole313inFIG.3). The first connection path328may extend from the first microphone chamber322toward the first microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the first microphone hole312inFIG.3), and the second connection path329may extend from the second microphone chamber323toward the second microphone hole (not shown) (e.g., the second microphone hole313inFIG.3).

According to various embodiments, the battery389(e.g., the battery189inFIG.1) may be supported at least partially by the second support member320-2. According to an embodiment, the battery389may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device300.

FIG.6Ais an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery according to various embodiments.FIG.6Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a battery according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, a battery400may include a first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)410, a second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)420, a sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)430, and/or an electrode assembly (e.g., including at least one electrode)440.

The configuration of the battery400inFIG.6Aand/orFIG.6Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the battery389inFIG.5.

According to various embodiments, the battery400may be disposed within a housing (not shown) (e.g., the housing310inFIG.3) of an electronic device (not shown) (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device300inFIGS.3to5).

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member410may have a cup shape (e.g., a cap) that is at least partially concave. According to an embodiment, the first exterior member410may include a first planar portion411having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a first diameter portion412extending continuously in a first direction along an edge of the first planar portion411. According to an embodiment (not shown), the first planar portion411may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape or a variety of cross-sectional shapes. According to an embodiment, the first planar portion411may include an outer surface411afacing the outside of the battery400and an inner surface411bfacing the inside of the battery400. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface411aof the first planar portion411may form an anode or a cathode. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface411aof the first planar portion411may form an anode (or a cathode), and at least a portion of an outer surface421aof a second planar portion421of the second exterior member420may form a cathode (or an anode). According to various embodiments, the first exterior member410may include, but is not limited to, a stainless steel (SUS) material. According to an embodiment, the first exterior member410may be coupled to the sealing member430to cover (or close) a top surface of the sealing member430.

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member420may have a cup shape (e.g., a cap) that is at least partially concave. According to an embodiment, the second exterior member420may include the second planar portion421having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and a second diameter portion422extending continuously in the first direction along an edge of the second planar portion421. According to an embodiment (not shown), the second planar portion421may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape or a variety of cross-sectional shapes. According to an embodiment, the second planar portion421may include the outer surface421afacing the outside of the battery400and an inner surface421bfacing the inside of the battery400. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface421aof the second planar portion421may form an anode or a cathode. For example, at least a portion of the outer surface421aof the second planar portion421may form an anode (or a cathode), and at least a portion of the outer surface411aof the first planar portion411of the first exterior member410may form a cathode (or an anode). According to an embodiment, the diameter of the second planar portion421and/or the second diameter portion422may be less than the diameter of the first planar portion411and/or the first diameter portion412. According to various embodiments, the second exterior member420may include, but is not limited to, a stainless steel (SUS) material. According to an embodiment, the second exterior member420may be coupled to the sealing member430to cover (or close) a bottom surface of the sealing member430.

According to various embodiments, the sealing member430(e.g., a seal comprising a sealing material) may be coupled to the first exterior member410and the second exterior member420and seal between the first exterior member410and the second exterior member420. According to various embodiments, the sealing member430may have a ring shape with a first surface (e.g., the top surface) and a second surface (e.g., the bottom surface) opened. According to an embodiment, one open surface of the sealing member430may be closed by the first exterior member410. According to an embodiment, the other open surface of the sealing member430may be closed by the second exterior member420. According to an embodiment, the sealing member430may include an inner diameter portion431, an outer diameter portion432, and/or a connecting portion433. According to various embodiments, the sealing member430may include various sealing materials, such as, for example, but not limited to, a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material having properties of chemical resistance, lubricity, heat resistance, insulation, and/or high temperature water resistance.

According to an embodiment, the inner diameter portion431may extend from the connecting portion433. According to an embodiment, the inner diameter portion431may be in the shape of a ring with any diameter and have any thickness (e.g., a thickness in a vertical direction inFIG.6B). The diameter of the inner diameter portion431may be less than the diameter of the second diameter portion422.

According to an embodiment, the outer diameter portion432may extend from the connecting portion433. According to an embodiment, the outer diameter portion432may be in the shape of a ring with any diameter and have any thickness (e.g., a thickness in the vertical direction inFIG.6B). According to an embodiment, the outer diameter portion432may be spaced apart from the inner diameter portion431by any distance. For example, the diameter of the outer diameter portion432may be greater than the diameter of the second diameter portion422and/or the diameter of the inner diameter portion431, and less than the diameter of the first diameter portion412. For example, the thickness of the outer diameter portion432(e.g., the thickness in the vertical direction inFIG.6B) may be greater than the thickness of the inner diameter portion431(e.g., the thickness in the vertical direction inFIG.6B).

According to an embodiment, the connecting portion433may connect the inner diameter portion431and the outer diameter portion432to each other. According to an embodiment, the connecting portion433may have a bent shape to have any curvature.

According to various embodiments, the electrode assembly440may be accommodated in the second exterior member420. According to an embodiment, the electrode assembly440may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly formed by rolling up a stack of an anode, a cathode, and a separator. According to an embodiment, the electrode assembly440may be a stack-type electrode assembly formed by stacking an anode plate, a cathode plate, and a separator. According to various embodiments, the size and/or volume of the electrode assembly440may be less than the size and/or volume of an internal space of the battery400.

According to various embodiments, the battery400may include a first electrode tab441and a second electrode tab442. The first electrode tab441may electrically connect the electrode assembly440and the first exterior member410to each other, and the second electrode tab442may electrically connect the electrode assembly440and the second exterior member420to each other. According to an embodiment, the first electrode tab441may extend from an outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly440or from a position adjacent to the outer circumferential surface and be connected to the inner surface411bof the first planar portion411of the first exterior member410. According to an embodiment, the second electrode tab442may extend from an outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly440or from a position adjacent to the outer circumferential surface and be connected to the inner surface421bof the second planar portion421of the second exterior member420. In an embodiment, the first electrode tab441and/or the second electrode tab442may be understood as a partial configuration of the battery400. In an embodiment, the first electrode tab441and/or the second electrode tab442may be understood as a partial configuration of the electrode assembly440. According to an embodiment, the first electrode tab441and/or the second electrode tab442may include, but is not limited to, nickel (Ni) and/or aluminum (Al).

According to various embodiments, an electrolyte (not shown) may be injected into the second exterior member420. As the electrode assembly440is accommodated in the second exterior member420and the electrolyte is injected into the second exterior member420, an environment for ions to move between an anode and a cathode of the electrode assembly440may be provided. For example, the battery400may be charged or discharged by movement of ions through the electrolyte and movement of electrons corresponding to the movement of the ions through the first electrode tab441and the second electrode tab442.

FIG.7is a perspective view illustrating a battery according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.7, a battery500(e.g., the battery400inFIGS.6A and6B) may include a first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)510, a second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)520, a sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)530, and/or an electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member510, the second exterior member520, the sealing member530, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.7may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member410, the second exterior member420, the sealing member430, and/or the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the battery500may include a vent structure513formed on at least one of edge regions of the sealing member530(e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B), the first exterior member510(e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B), and the second exterior member520(e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B), for communicating between the inside and outside of the battery500.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member510may include a first planar portion511(e.g., the first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface (not shown) (e.g., the inner surface411binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface511a(e.g., the outer surface411ainFIGS.6A and6B), a first diameter portion512(e.g., the first diameter portion412inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or the vent structure513.

According to an embodiment, the vent structure513may be a groove (or slit) recessed upward from at least a portion of a bottom edge region of the first exterior member510. For example, the vent structure513may be formed in a bottom edge region of the first diameter portion512, and at least one vent structure513may be formed. According to an embodiment, the vent structure513may include a first portion513ahaving a width equal to any thickness and a second portion513bhaving a width gradually decreasing from the top of the first portion513ain the bottom edge region of the first diameter portion512. According to an embodiment (not shown), the shape of the vent structure513may vary depending on the design. In an embodiment, the vent structure513may be understood as a partial configuration of the battery500. In an embodiment, the vent structure513may be understood as a partial configuration of the first exterior member510.

FIG.8Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled battery according to various embodiments.FIG.8Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating gas venting from a battery according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the battery500(e.g., the battery500inFIG.7) may include the first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)510, the vent structure (e.g., including a vent)513, the second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)520, the sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)530, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member510, the vent structure513, the second exterior member520, and/or the sealing member530inFIG.8Aand/orFIG.8Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member510, the vent structure513, the second exterior member520, and/or the sealing member530inFIG.7. The configuration of the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.8Aand/orFIG.8Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member510(e.g., the first exterior member510inFIG.7) may include the first planar portion511(e.g., the first planar portion511inFIG.7) including an inner surface511b(e.g., the inner surface411binFIGS.6A and6B) and the outer surface511a(e.g., the outer surface511ainFIG.7), the first diameter portion512(e.g., the first diameter portion512inFIG.7), and/or the vent structure513(e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7) including the first portion513a(e.g., the first portion513ainFIG.7) and the second portion513b(e.g., the second portion513binFIG.7).

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member520(e.g., the second exterior member520inFIG.7) may include a second planar portion521(e.g., the second planar portion421inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface521b(e.g., the inner surface421binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface521a(e.g. the outer surface421ainFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a second diameter portion522(e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, the sealing member530(e.g., the sealing member530inFIG.7) may include an inner diameter portion531(e.g., the inner diameter portion431inFIGS.6A and6B), an outer diameter portion532(e.g., the outer diameter portion432inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a connecting portion533(e.g., the connecting portion433inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, the electrode assembly (not shown) (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) may be electrically connected to the first exterior member510via a first electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the first electrode tab441inFIGS.6A and6B) and electrically connected to the second exterior member520via a second electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the second electrode tab442inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, in an assembled (or manufactured) state of the battery500, the first exterior member510and the second exterior member520may be coupled to the sealing member530, as illustrated inFIG.8A. For example, the first exterior member510may be coupled to the sealing member530such that the inner surface511aof the first planar portion511contacts the connecting portion533of the sealing member530, and the second exterior member520may be coupled to the sealing member530such that the second diameter portion522is inserted between the inner diameter portion531and the outer diameter portion532of the sealing member530. The battery500may generate gas inside it due to long-term use, deterioration of pole plates of the electrode assembly (not shown) or an electrolyte (not shown), and/or vaporization of the electrolyte caused by an abnormal operation. As a result, the battery500may experience a continuous increase in internal pressure, which may cause the first exterior member510and/or the second exterior member520coupled to the sealing member530to be separated.

According to various embodiments, the inclusion of the vent structure513in the battery500may restrict the separation of the first exterior member510and/or the second exterior member520from the sealing member530.

According to various embodiments, the battery500may be moved in a direction in which the first exterior member510recedes from the sealing member530(e.g., in an upward direction inFIG.8B) due to increased internal pressure caused by the generation of gas within the battery500, as illustrated inFIG.8B.

According to various embodiments, as the vent structure513is moved in the direction in which the first exterior member510recedes from the sealing member530, at least a portion of the second portion513bof the vent structure513may be disposed above the connecting portion533of the sealing member530. For example, the vent structure513may be configured to form a gap between the sealing member530and the first exterior member510, when the internal pressure of the battery500is equal to or greater than an arbitrary pressure. The arbitrary pressure may be understood as a pressure to which the internal pressure of the battery500increases, causing the first exterior member510to recede from the sealing member530. In this case, the first exterior member510and the sealing member530may form a gap between them, through which the inside and outside of the battery500may communicate. As illustrated inFIG.8B, gas may be vented from the inside of the battery500to the outside of the battery500(see a path “G1” inFIG.8B).

FIG.9is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery with a first exterior member separated according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.9, a battery600(e.g., the battery400inFIGS.6A and6B) may include a first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)610, a second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)620, a sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)630, and/or an electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member610, the second exterior member620, the sealing member630, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.9may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member410, the second exterior member420, the sealing member430, and/or the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the battery600may include a vent structure634formed in at least one of edge regions of the sealing member630(e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B), the first exterior member610(e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B), and the second exterior member620(e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B), for communicating between the inside and outside of the battery600.

According to various embodiments, the sealing member630may include an inner diameter portion631(e.g., the inner diameter portion431inFIGS.6A and6B), an outer diameter portion632(e.g., the outer diameter portion432inFIGS.6A and6B), a connecting portion633(e.g., the connecting portion433inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or the vent structure634.

According to an embodiment, the vent structure634may be a groove (or slit) recessed downward from at least a portion of a top edge region of the sealing member630. According to an embodiment, the vent structure634may be recessed toward the inner diameter portion631and/or the outer diameter portion632from a top edge region of the connecting portion633, and at least one vent structure634may be formed. According to an embodiment (not shown), the shape of the vent structure634may vary depending on the design. In an embodiment, the vent structure634may be understood as a partial configuration of the battery600. In an embodiment, the vent structure634may be understood as a partial configuration of the sealing member630.

FIG.10Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled battery according to various embodiments.FIG.10Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating gas venting from a battery according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the battery600(e.g., the battery600inFIG.9) may include the first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)610, the vent structure (e.g., including a vent)634, the second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)620, the sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)630, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member610, the vent structure634, the second exterior member620, and/or the sealing member630inFIG.10Aand/orFIG.10Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member610, the vent structure634, the second exterior member620, and/or the sealing member630inFIG.9. The configuration of the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.10Aand/orFIG.10Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member610(e.g., the first exterior member610inFIG.9) may include a first planar portion611(e.g., the first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface611b(e.g., the inner surface411binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface611a(e.g., the outer surface411ainFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a first diameter portion612(e.g., the first diameter portion412inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member620(e.g., the second exterior member620inFIG.9) may include a second planar portion621(e.g., the second planar portion421inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface621b(e.g., the inner surface421binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface621a(e.g., the outer surface421ainFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a second diameter portion622(e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, the sealing member630(e.g., the sealing member630inFIG.9) may include the inner diameter portion631(e.g., the inner diameter portion631inFIG.9), the outer diameter portion632(e.g., the outer diameter portion632inFIG.9), the connecting portion633(e.g., the connecting portion633inFIG.9), and/or the vent structure634(e.g., the vent structure634inFIG.9).

According to various embodiments, the electrode assembly (not shown) (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) may be electrically connected to the first exterior member610via a first electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the first electrode tab441inFIGS.6A and6B) and electrically connected to the second exterior member620via a second electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the second electrode tab442inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, in an assembled (or manufactured) state of the battery600, the first exterior member610and the second exterior member620may be coupled to the sealing member630, as illustrated inFIG.10A. For example, the first exterior member610may be coupled to the sealing member630such that the inner surface611aof the first planar portion611contacts the connecting portion633of the sealing member630, and the second exterior member620may be coupled to the sealing member630such that the second diameter portion622is inserted between the inner diameter portion631and the outer diameter portion632of the sealing member630. The battery600may generate gas inside it due to long-term use, deterioration of the pole plates of the electrode assembly (not shown) or the electrolyte (not shown), and/or vaporization of the electrolyte caused by an abnormal operation. As a result, the battery600may experience a continuous increase in internal pressure, which may cause the first exterior member610and/or the second exterior member620coupled to the sealing member630to be separated.

According to various embodiments, the inclusion of the vent structure634in the battery600may restrict the separation of the first exterior member610and/or the second exterior member620from the sealing member630.

According to various embodiments, the battery600may be moved in a direction in which the first exterior member610recedes from the sealing member630(e.g., in an upward direction inFIG.10B) as illustrated inFIG.10Bdue to increased internal pressure caused by the generation of gas within the battery600.

According to various embodiments, as the vent structure634may be moved in the direction in which the first exterior member610recedes from the sealing member630, a deepest portion634aof the vent structure634(e.g., a deepest portion of the vent structure634formed in the outer diameter portion633) may be disposed lower than a bottom edge region of the first diameter portion611of the first exterior member610. For example, the vent structure634may be configured to form a gap between the sealing member630and the first exterior member610, when the internal pressure of the battery600is equal to or greater than an arbitrary pressure. The arbitrary pressure may be understood as a pressure to which the internal pressure of the battery600increases, causing the first exterior member610to recede from the sealing member630. In this case, the first exterior member610and the sealing member630may form a gap therebetween, through which the inside and outside of the battery600may communicate. As illustrated inFIG.10B, gas may be vented from the inside of the battery600to the outside of the battery600(see a path “G2” inFIG.10B).

FIG.11is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.11, a battery700(e.g., the battery400inFIGS.6A and6B) may include a first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)710, a second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)720, a sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)730, and/or an electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member710, the second exterior member720, the sealing member730, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.11may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member410, the second exterior member420, the sealing member430, and/or the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the battery700may include a vent structure723formed in at least one of edge regions of the sealing member730(e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B), the first exterior member710(e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B), and the second exterior member720(e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B), for communicating between the inside and outside of the battery700.

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member720may include a second planar portion721(e.g., the second planar portion421inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface (not shown) (e.g., the inner surface421binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface721a(e.g., the outer surface421ainFIGS.6A and6B), a second diameter portion722(e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or the vent structure723.

According to an embodiment, the vent structure723may be a groove (or slit) recessed downward from at least a portion of a top edge region of the second exterior member720. For example, the vent structure723may be formed in a top edge region of the second diameter portion722, and at least one vent structure723may be formed. According to an embodiment, the vent structure723may include a first portion723ahaving a width equal to any thickness and a second portion723bhaving a width gradually decreasing from the bottom of the first portion723ain the top edge region of the second diameter portion722. According to an embodiment (not shown), the shape of the vent structure723may vary depending on the design. In an embodiment, the vent structure723may be understood as a partial configuration of the battery700. In an embodiment, the vent structure723may be understood as a partial configuration of the second exterior member720.

FIG.12Ais a cross-sectional view illustrating an assembled battery according to various embodiments.FIG.12Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating gas venting from a battery according to various embodiments.

According to various embodiments, the battery700(e.g., the battery700inFIG.11) may include the first exterior member710, the vent structure723, the second exterior member720, the sealing member730, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member710, the vent structure723, the second exterior member720, and/or the sealing member730inFIG.12Aand/orFIG.12Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member710, the vent structure723, the second exterior member720, and/or the sealing member730inFIG.11. The configuration of the electrode assembly (not shown) ofFIG.12Aand/orFIG.12Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member710(e.g., the first exterior member710inFIG.11) may include a first planar portion711(e.g., first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface711b(e.g., the inner surface411binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface711a(e.g., the outer surface411ainFIGS.6A to6B), and/or a first diameter portion712(e.g., the first diameter portion712inFIG.11).

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member720(e.g., the second exterior member720inFIG.11) may include the second planar portion721(e.g., the second planar portion721inFIG.11) including an inner surface721b(e.g., the inner surface421binFIGS.6A and6B) and the outer surface721a(e.g., the outer surface721ainFIG.11), the second diameter portion722(e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or the vent structure723(e.g., the vent structure723inFIG.11).

According to various embodiments, the sealing member730(e.g., the sealing member730inFIG.11) may include an inner diameter portion731(e.g., the inner diameter portion431inFIGS.6A and6B), an outer diameter portion732(e.g., the outer diameter portion432inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a connecting portion733(e.g., the connecting portion433inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, the electrode assembly (not shown) (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) may be electrically connected to the first exterior member710via a first electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the first electrode tab441inFIGS.6A and6B) and electrically connected to the second exterior member720via a second electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the second electrode tab442inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, in an assembled (or manufactured) state of the battery700, the first exterior member710and the second exterior member720may be coupled to the sealing member730, as illustrated inFIG.12A. For example, the first exterior member710may be coupled to the sealing member730such that the inner surface711aof the first planar portion711contacts the connecting portion733of the sealing member730, and the second exterior member720may be coupled to the sealing member730such that the second diameter portion722is inserted between the inner diameter portion731and the outer diameter portion732of the sealing member730. The battery700may generate gas inside it due to long-term use, deterioration of pole plates of the electrode assembly (not shown) or an electrolyte (not shown), and/or vaporization of the electrolyte caused by an abnormal operation. As a result, the battery700may experience a continuous increase in internal pressure, which may cause the first exterior member710and/or the second exterior member720coupled to the sealing member730to be separated.

According to various embodiments, the inclusion of the vent structure723in the battery700may restrict the separation of the first exterior member710and/or the second exterior member720from the sealing member730.

According to various embodiments, the sealing member730may have a corrugated shape such that an area corresponding to the vent structure723of the second exterior member720is more flexible. According to an embodiment, the sealing member730may have a corrugated shape because the increased internal pressure causes at least a portion (e.g., a portion corresponding to the vent structure723of the second diameter portion732) to be pushed into an empty space formed by the vent structure723. According to an embodiment, the sealing member730may form a specific gap between the corrugated portion and the first diameter portion712of the first exterior member710.

According to various embodiments, the battery700may be moved in a direction in which the first exterior member710recedes from the sealing member730(e.g., in an upward direction inFIG.12B) due to increased internal pressure caused by the generation of gas within the battery700, as illustrated inFIG.12B.

According to various embodiments, as the vent structure723is moved in the direction in which the first exterior member710recedes from the sealing member730, a deepest portion723b-1of the vent structure723(e.g., a deepest portion of the second portion723bof the vent structure723) may be located lower than a bottom edge region of the first diameter portion712of the first exterior member710. For example, the vent structure723may be configured to form a gap between the sealing member730and the first exterior member710, when the internal pressure of the battery700is equal to or greater than an arbitrary pressure. The arbitrary pressure may be understood as a pressure to which the internal pressure of the battery700increases, causing the first exterior member710to recede from the sealing member730. In this case, the specific gap formed between the first exterior member710and the sealing member730may be opened, thereby allowing communication between the inside and outside of the battery700through the gap. As illustrated inFIG.12B, gas may be vented from the inside of the battery700to the outside (see a path “G3” inFIG.12B).

FIG.13is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a protrusion member formed on a first exterior member according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.13, the battery700(e.g., the battery700inFIGS.11and12B) may include the first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)710, the second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)720, the sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)730, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member710, the second exterior member720, and/or the sealing member730inFIG.13may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member710, the second exterior member720, and/or the sealing member730inFIGS.11to12B. The configuration of the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.13may be partially or wholly identical to that of the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member710(e.g., the first exterior member710inFIGS.11to12B) may include the first planar portion711(e.g., the first planar portion711inFIGS.11to12B) and the first diameter portion712(e.g., the first diameter portion712inFIGS.11to12B).

According to an embodiment, the first diameter portion712may include a (1-1)thdiameter portion712-1and a (1-2)thdiameter portion712-2. For example, the (1-1)thdiameter portion712-1may extend from an edge of the first planar portion711, and the (1-2)thdiameter portion712-2may extend from the (1-1)thdiameter portion712-1. According to an embodiment, the diameter D1of the (1-1)thdiameter portion712-1may be less than the diameter D2of the (1-2)thdiameter portion712-2.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member710may further include a protrusion member714. According to an embodiment, the protrusion member714may be formed on an inner surface of the first diameter portion712, facing the inside of the battery700. For example, the protrusion member714may be formed on an inner surface of the (1-2)thdiameter portion712-2, facing the inside of the battery700. According to an embodiment, the protrusion member714may correspond to the vent structure723in number and position.

According to various embodiments, in an assembled (or manufactured) state of the battery700, the first exterior member710and the second exterior member720may be coupled to the sealing member730. For example, the first exterior member710may be coupled to the sealing member730such that the inner surface711aof the first planar portion711contacts the connecting portion733of the sealing member730, and the second exterior member720may be coupled to the sealing member730such that the second diameter portion722is inserted between the inner diameter portion731and the outer diameter portion732of the sealing member730. The battery700may generate gas inside it due to long-term use, deterioration of pole plates of the electrode assembly (not shown) or an electrolyte (not shown), and/or vaporization of the electrolyte caused by an abnormal operation. As a result, the battery700may experience a continuous increase in internal pressure, which may cause the first exterior member710and/or the second exterior member720coupled to the sealing member730to be separated.

According to various embodiments, the inclusion of the vent structure723in the battery700may restrict the separation of the first exterior member710and/or the second exterior member720from the sealing member730.

According to various embodiments, the sealing member730may have a corrugated shape in an area corresponding to the vent structure723of the second exterior member720. According to an embodiment, the sealing member730may have a corrugated shape because at least a portion (e.g., a portion of the second diameter portion732corresponding to the vent structure723) is pushed into an empty space formed by the vent structure723. According to an embodiment, the sealing member730may form a specific gap between the corrugated portion and the first diameter portion712of the first exterior member710.

According to various embodiments, the battery700may be moved in a direction in which the first exterior member710recedes from the sealing member730(e.g., in an upward direction inFIG.13) due to increased internal pressure caused by the generation of gas within the battery700, as illustrated inFIG.13.

According to various embodiments, as the vent structure723is moved in the direction in which the first exterior member710recedes from the sealing member730, the deepest portion723b-1of the vent structure723(e.g., the deepest portion of the second portion723bof the vent structure723) may be disposed lower than the bottom edge region of the first diameter portion712of the first exterior member710. For example, the vent structure723may be configured to form a gap between the sealing member730and the first exterior member710, when the internal pressure of the battery700is equal to or greater than an arbitrary pressure. The arbitrary pressure may be understood as a pressure to which the internal pressure of the battery700increases, causing the first exterior member710to recede from the sealing member730. In this case, the predetermined gap formed between the first exterior member710and the sealing member730may be opened, thereby allowing communication between the inside and outside of the battery700through the gap. As illustrated inFIG.13, gas may be vent from the inside of the battery700to the outside (see a path “G4” inFIG.13). In this case, as the protruding member714presses against the sealing member730, the specific gap may be further corrugated, thereby forming a larger path through which the gas is vented.

FIG.14is an exploded perspective view illustrating a battery according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.14, a battery800(e.g., the battery400inFIGS.6A and6B) may include a first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)810, a second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)820, a sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)830, and/or an electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member810, the second exterior member820, the sealing member830, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.14may be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member410, the second exterior member420, the sealing member430, and/or the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the battery800may include a vent structure823formed in at least one of edge regions of the sealing member830(e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B), the first exterior member810(e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B), and the second exterior member820(e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B), for communicating between the inside and outside of the battery800.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member810may include a first planar portion811(e.g., the first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface (not shown) (e.g., the inner surface411binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface811a(e.g., the outer surface411ainFIGS.6A and6B), a first diameter portion812(e.g., the first diameter portion412inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a first through hole815.

According to an embodiment, the first through hole815may be formed to penetrate at least a portion of the first diameter portion812. At least one first through hole815may be formed. The first through hole815is not limited to the illustrated shape and may have various shapes depending on design changes. In an embodiment, the first through hole815may be understood as a partial configuration of the battery800. In an embodiment, the first through hole815may be understood as a partial configuration of the first exterior member810.

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member820may include a second planar portion821(e.g., the second planar portion421inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface (not shown) (e.g., the inner surface421binFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer surface821a(e.g., the outer surface421ainFIGS.6A and6B), a second diameter portion822(e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or the vent structure823.

According to an embodiment, the vent structure823may be a groove (or slit) recessed downward from at least a portion of a top edge region of the second exterior member820. For example, the vent structure823may be formed in a top edge region of the second diameter portion822, and at least one vent structure823may be formed. According to an embodiment, the vent structure823may include a first portion823ahaving a width equal to any thickness and a second portion823bhaving a width gradually decreasing from the bottom of the first portion823ain the top edge region of the second diameter portion822. According to an embodiment (not shown), the shape of the vent structure823may vary depending on the design. In an embodiment, the vent structure823may be understood as a partial configuration of the battery800. In an embodiment, the vent structure823may be understood as a partial configuration of the second exterior member820.

FIG.15Ais a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating gas venting from a battery through a first through hole according to various embodiments.FIG.15Bis a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating gas venting from a battery through a first through hole and/or a vent structure according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG.15Aand/orFIG.15B, the battery800(e.g., the battery800inFIG.14) may include the first exterior member (e.g., including a cap)810, the second exterior member (e.g., including a cap)820, the sealing member (e.g., including a sealing material)830, and/or the electrode assembly (not shown).

The configuration of the first exterior member810, the second exterior member820, and/or the sealing member830inFIG.15Aand/orFIG.15Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the first exterior member810, the second exterior member820, and/or the sealing member830inFIG.14. The configuration of the electrode assembly (not shown) inFIG.15Aand/orFIG.15Bmay be partially or wholly identical to that of the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B.

According to various embodiments, the first exterior member810(e.g., the first exterior member810inFIG.14) may include the first planar portion811(e.g., the first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) including an inner surface811b(e.g., the inner surface411binFIGS.6A and6B) and the outer surface811a(e.g., the outer surface411ainFIGS.6A and6B), the first diameter portion812(e.g., the first diameter portion812inFIG.14), and/or the first through hole815.

According to various embodiments, the second exterior member820(e.g., the second exterior member820ofFIG.14) may include the second planar portion821(e.g., the second planar portion821inFIG.14) an inner surface821b(e.g., the inner surface421binFIGS.6A and6B), and the outer surface821a(e.g., the outer surface821ainFIG.14), the second diameter portion822(e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or the vent structure823(e.g., the vent structure823inFIG.14).

According to various embodiments, the sealing member830(e.g., the sealing member830ofFIG.14) may include an inner diameter portion831(e.g., the inner diameter portion431inFIGS.6A and6B), an outer diameter portion832(e.g., the outer diameter portion432inFIGS.6A and6B), and/or a connecting portion833(e.g., the connecting portion433inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, the electrode assembly (not shown) (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) may be electrically connected to the first exterior member810via a first electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the first electrode tab441inFIGS.6A and6B) and electrically connected to the second exterior member820via a second electrode tab (not shown) (e.g., the second electrode tab442inFIGS.6A and6B).

According to various embodiments, in an assembled (or manufactured) state of the battery800, the first exterior member810and the second exterior member820may be coupled to the sealing member830. For example, the first exterior member810may be coupled to the sealing member830such that the inner surface811aof the first planar portion811contacts the connecting portion833of the sealing member830, and the second exterior member820may be coupled to the sealing member830such that the second diameter portion822is inserted between the inner diameter portion831and the outer diameter portion832of the sealing member830. The battery800may generate gas inside it due to long-term use, deterioration of pole plates of the electrode assembly (not shown) or an electrolyte (not shown), and/or vaporization of the electrolyte caused by an abnormal operation. As a result, the battery800may experience a continuous increase in internal pressure, which may cause the first exterior member810and/or the second exterior member820coupled to the sealing member830to be separated.

According to various embodiments, the inclusion of the first through hole815and/or the vent structure823in the battery800may restrict the separation of the first exterior member810and/or the second exterior member820from the sealing member830.

According to various embodiments, the battery800may be moved in a direction (e.g., in a +Z direction ofFIG.15A) in which the first exterior member810recedes from the sealing member830due to increased internal pressure caused by the generation of gas within the battery800.

According to various embodiments, as the first through hole815is moved in the direction in which the first exterior member810recedes from the sealing member830, a top portion of the first through hole815may be disposed above the top edge region of the sealing member830(e.g., disposed biased in the +Z direction ofFIG.15A). In this case, the first through hole815may be at least partially open, and the resulting communication between the inside and outside of the battery800may allow gas to be vented from the inside of the battery800to the outside of the battery800.

The first through hole815may be blocked by a foreign material inside and/or outside of the battery800or by the electrode assembly (not shown), and gas may not be vented smoothly from the inside of the battery800. As a result, the battery800may cause the first exterior member810and/or the second exterior member820to be separated from the sealing member830.

According to various embodiments, the inclusion of the vent structure823in the battery800may restrict the separation of the first exterior member810and/or the second exterior member820from the sealing member830, even if the first through hole815is blocked.

According to various embodiments, the sealing member830may have a corrugated shape in an area corresponding to the vent structure823of the second exterior member820. According to an embodiment, the sealing member830may have a corrugated shape as at least a portion (e.g., a portion corresponding to the vent structure823of the second diameter portion832) is pushed into an empty space formed by the vent structure823. According to an embodiment, the sealing member830may form a specific gap between the corrugated portion and the first diameter portion812of the first exterior member810.

According to various embodiments, the battery800may be moved in the direction in which the first exterior member810recedes from the sealing member830(e.g., in the +Z direction inFIG.15B) due to increased internal pressure caused by the generation of gas within the battery800, as illustrated inFIG.15B.

According to various embodiments, as the vent structure823is moved in the direction in which the first exterior member810recedes from the sealing member830, a deepest portion of the vent structure823(e.g., a most −Z direction-biased portion of the second portion823bof the vent structure823inFIG.15B) may be disposed lower than a bottom edge region of the first diameter portion812of the first exterior member810. For example, the vent structure823may be configured to form a gap between the sealing member830and the first exterior member810, when the internal pressure of the battery800is equal to or greater than an arbitrary pressure. The arbitrary pressure may be understood as a pressure to which the internal pressure of the battery800increases, causing the first exterior member810to recede from the sealing member830. In this case, the specific gap formed between the first exterior member810and the sealing member830may be opened, thereby allowing communication between the inside and outside of the battery800. In the case, gas may be vented from the inside of the battery800to the outside.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1) may include a housing (e.g., the housing310inFIG.3) and a battery (e.g., the battery389inFIG.5) disposed inside the housing, and the battery may include: a sealing member comprising a sealing material (e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B) with open top and bottom surfaces, a first exterior member comprising a cap (e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B) coupled to the sealing member and configured to cover the top surface of the sealing member, a second exterior member comprising a cap (e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B) coupled to the sealing member and configured to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member, an electrode assembly including at least one electrode (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) accommodated in the second exterior member, an electrolyte provided in the second exterior member, and a vent structure including a vent (e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7, the vent structure634inFIG.9, the vent structure723inFIG.11, or the vent structure823inFIG.14) formed in at least one of an edge region of the sealing member, an edge region of the first exterior member, and an edge region of the second exterior member, and configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the battery.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure may be configured to form a gap between the sealing member and the first exterior member, based on internal pressure of the battery being equal to or greater than an arbitrary pressure.

According to various example embodiments, the sealing member may include an inner diameter portion (e.g., the inner diameter portion inFIGS.6A and6B) and an outer diameter portion (e.g., the outer diameter portion432inFIGS.6A and6B) having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner diameter portion, the first exterior member may include a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) and a first diameter portion (e.g., the first diameter portion412inFIGS.6A and6B) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the outer diameter portion, and the second exterior member may include a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion421inFIGS.6A and6B) and a second diameter portion (e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B) having a diameter less than the diameter of the outer diameter portion.

According to various example embodiments, the second diameter portion may be disposed between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7) may include a groove recessed from at least a portion of a bottom edge region of the first exterior member (e.g., the first exterior member510inFIG.7) toward a top end of the first exterior member.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion513ainFIG.7) extending with a constant width from the bottom edge region of the first exterior member toward the top end of the first exterior member, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion513binFIG.7) extending with a decreasing width from a top of the first portion toward the top end of the first exterior member.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure634inFIG.9) may include a groove recessed from at least a portion of a top edge region of the sealing member (e.g., the sealing member630inFIG.9) toward a bottom end of the sealing member.

According to various example embodiments, the sealing member may include an inner diameter portion (e.g., the inner diameter portion631inFIG.9), an outer diameter portion (e.g., the outer diameter portion632inFIG.9) having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner diameter portion, and a connecting portion (e.g., the connecting portion633inFIG.9) connecting a top end of the inner diameter portion to a top end of the outer diameter portion, wherein the vent structure may be recessed from a top edge region of the connecting portion toward the outer diameter portion.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure723inFIG.11) may include a groove recessed from at least a portion of a top edge region of the second exterior member (e.g., the second exterior member720inFIG.11) toward a bottom of the second exterior member.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion723ainFIG.11) extending with a constant width from the top edge region of the second exterior member toward the bottom of the second exterior member, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion723binFIG.11) extending with a decreasing width from a bottom end of the first portion toward the bottom end of the second exterior member.

According to various example embodiments, the first exterior member (e.g., the first exterior member710inFIG.13) includes a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion711inFIG.13), a first diameter portion (e.g., the first diameter portion712inFIG.13) extending from an edge of the first planar portion, and a protrusion member including a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion member714inFIG.13) formed on a portion facing the sealing member (e.g., the sealing member730inFIG.13), of the first diameter portion.

According to various example embodiments, the protrusion member (e.g., the protrusion member714inFIG.13) may correspond to the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure723inFIG.13).

According to various example embodiments, the first diameter portion (e.g., the first diameter portion712inFIG.13) may include a first first diameter portion (e.g., the (1-1)thdiameter portion712-1inFIG.13) extending from the edge of the first planar portion and a second first diameter portion (e.g., the (1-2)thdiameter portion712-2inFIG.13) extending from the first first diameter portion and having a diameter (e.g., the diameter d2inFIG.13) greater than a diameter (e.g., the diameter d1inFIG.13) of the first first diameter portion, and the protrusion member (e.g., the protrusion member714inFIG.13) may be formed on the second first diameter portion.

According to various example embodiments, the first exterior member (e.g., the exterior member810inFIG.14) may include a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion811inFIG.14), a first diameter portion (e.g., the first diameter portion812inFIG.14) extending from the edge of the first planar portion, and a first through hole (e.g., the first through hole815inFIG.14) penetrating at least a portion of the first diameter portion.

According to various example embodiments, based on an internal pressure of the battery (e.g., the battery700inFIG.11or the battery800inFIG.14) increasing and the first exterior member (e.g., the first exterior member510inFIG.7, the first exterior member610inFIG.9, the first exterior member710inFIG.11, or the first exterior member810inFIG.14) moving in a direction receding from the sealing member (e.g., the sealing member530inFIG.7, the sealing member630inFIG.9, the sealing member730inFIG.11, or the sealing member830inFIG.14), the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7, the vent structure634inFIG.9, the vent structure723inFIG.11, or the vent structure823inFIG.14) may form a gap communicating between the inside and outside of the battery.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a wearable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101inFIG.1or the electronic device300inFIG.3) may include a housing (e.g., the housing310inFIG.3) including a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion316inFIG.3) and a battery (e.g., the battery389inFIG.5) disposed inside the housing. The battery may include: a sealing member comprising a sealing material (e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B) with open top and bottom surfaces, a first exterior member comprising a cap (e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B) coupled to the sealing member and configured to cover the top surface of the sealing member, a second exterior member comprising a cap (e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B) coupled to the sealing member and configured to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member, an electrode assembly including at least one electrode (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) accommodated in the second exterior member, an electrolyte provided in the second exterior member, and a vent structure including at least one vent (e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7, the vent structure634inFIG.9, the vent structure723inFIG.11, or the vent structure823inFIG.14) formed in at least one of an edge region of the sealing member, an edge region of the first exterior member, and an edge region of the second exterior member, and configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the battery.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7) may include a groove recessed from at least a portion of a bottom edge region of the first exterior member (e.g., the first exterior member510inFIG.7) toward a top of the first exterior member.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure634inFIG.9) may include a groove recessed from at least a portion of a top edge region of the sealing member (e.g., the sealing member630inFIG.9) toward a bottom of the sealing member.

According to various example embodiments, the vent structure (e.g., the vent structure723inFIG.11) may include a groove recessed from at least a portion of a top edge region of the second exterior member (e.g., the second exterior member720inFIG.11) toward a bottom of the second exterior member.

According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, a battery (e.g., the battery389inFIG.5) may include: a sealing member comprising a sealing material (e.g., the sealing member430inFIGS.6A and6B), having open top and bottom surfaces, and including an inner diameter portion (e.g., the inner diameter portion431inFIGS.6A and6B), an outer diameter portion (e.g., the outer diameter portion432inFIGS.6A and6B) having a diameter greater than a diameter of the inner diameter portion, and a connecting portion (e.g., the connecting portion433inFIGS.6A and6B) connecting a top of the inner diameter portion to a top of the outer diameter portion, a first exterior member comprising a cap (e.g., the first exterior member410inFIGS.6A and6B) coupled to the sealing member, configured to cover the top surface of the sealing member, and including a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion411inFIGS.6A and6B) and a first diameter portion (e.g., the first diameter portion412in FIGS.6A and6B) extending from an edge of the first planar portion to surround the outer diameter portion, a second exterior member comprising a cap (e.g., the second exterior member420inFIGS.6A and6B) coupled to the sealing member, configured to cover the bottom surface of the sealing member, and including a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion421inFIGS.6A and6B) and a second diameter portion (e.g., the second diameter portion422inFIGS.6A and6B) extending from an edge of the second diameter portion located between the inner diameter portion and the outer diameter portion, an electrode assembly (e.g., the electrode assembly440inFIGS.6A and6B) accommodated in the second exterior member and including a first electrode tab (e.g., the first electrode tab441inFIGS.6A and6B) electrically connected to the first exterior member and a second electrode tab (e.g., the second electrode tab442inFIGS.6A and6B) electrically connected to the second exterior member, an electrolyte provided in the second exterior member, and a vent structure comprising a vent (e.g., the vent structure513inFIG.7, the vent structure634inFIG.9, the vent structure723inFIG.11, or the vent structure823inFIG.14) formed in at least one of a top edge region of the sealing member, a bottom edge region of the first exterior member, and an edge region of the second exterior member, and configured to communicate between an inside and an outside of the battery.