Rechargeable battery

A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a first and second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrode; a case receiving the electrode assembly and having a top end opening; a cap assembly sealing the top end opening of the case, the cap assembly including a first terminal part and a second terminal part outwardly protruding; and a first collector plate received inside the case and electrically connecting the first electrode and the first terminal part, wherein the first collector plate includes a first lead part including a first electrode connection part connected to the first electrode, a first terminal connection part connected to the first terminal part, and a first connecting part electrically connecting the first electrode connection part and the first terminal connection part; and a first resin part on the first lead part, the first resin part covering the first connecting part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0018609 filed on Feb. 21, 2013, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and entitled: “RECHARGEABLE BATTERY,” is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments relate to a rechargeable battery.

2. Description of the Related Art

Unlike a primary battery that is incapable of being recharged, a rechargeable battery is a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. A low-capacity rechargeable battery (having a single cell) may be used in small portable electronic apparatuses, such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and camcorders. A large-capacity rechargeable battery (that includes a plurality of rechargeable cells connected in a pack shape) may be used as a power source for driving a motor of a hybrid electric vehicle and the like. Rechargeable batteries may be manufactured in various shapes, for example a cylindrical shape and a prismatic shape.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a rechargeable battery.

The embodiments may be realized by providing a rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case receiving the electrode assembly therein and having a top end opening; a cap assembly sealing the top end opening of the case, the cap assembly including a first terminal part and a second terminal part outwardly protruding; and a first collector plate received inside the case and electrically connecting the first electrode and the first terminal part, wherein the first collector plate includes a first lead part including a first electrode connection part connected to the first electrode, a first terminal connection part connected to the first terminal part, and a first connecting part electrically connecting the first electrode connection part and the first terminal connection part; and a first resin part on the first lead part, the first resin part covering the first connecting part.

The first resin part may be insert-molded to the first lead part to be integrally engaged with the first lead part.

The first resin part may be made of one of polypropylene and perfluorinated acid.

The first connecting part may have one side connected to the first electrode connection part and another side connected to the first terminal connection part, the first connecting part extending from a top portion of the first electrode connection part to then be bent toward an upper portion of the electrode assembly.

The first connecting part may include a fuse region, the fuse region having a smaller sectional area than other regions of the first connecting part.

The fuse region may be positioned inside the first resin part.

The fuse region may be positioned at one side of the first connecting part connected to the first terminal connection part and has a fuse hole formed therein.

The first resin part may be insert-molded to the first lead part that is engaged with a first fastening terminal of the first terminal part, the first resin part covering the first connecting part and the first terminal connection part.

The rechargeable battery may further include a second collector plate received inside the case, the second collector plate electrically connecting the second electrode and the second terminal part.

The second collector plate may include a second lead part including a second electrode connection part connected to the second electrode, a second terminal connection part connected to the second terminal part, and a second connecting part electrically connecting the second electrode connection part and the second terminal connection part; and a second resin part on the second lead part, the second resin part covering the second connecting part.

The second resin part may be insert-molded to the second lead part to be integrally engaged with the second lead part.

The second resin part may be made of one of polypropylene and perfluorinated acid.

The second connecting part may have one side connected to the second electrode connection part and another side connected to the second terminal connection part, the second connecting part extending from a top portion of the second electrode connection part to then be bent toward an upper portion of the electrode assembly.

The second resin part may be insert-molded to the second lead part that is engaged with a second fastening terminal of the second terminal part, the second resin part covering the second connecting part and the second terminal connection part.

The cap assembly may include a cap plate sealing the case; and a vent plate in the cap plate, the vent plate being configured to be opened when an internal pressure of the case exceeds a preset pressure.

The rechargeable battery may further include a first short-circuit plate on a short-circuit hole in the cap plate, the first short-circuit plate being electrically connected to the cap plate and upwardly convexly protruding when the internal pressure of the case exceeds a preset pressure; and a second short-circuit plate upwardly spaced apart from the first short-circuit plate and being electrically connected to the second terminal part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Aillustrates a perspective view of a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment.FIG. 1Billustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the line1b-1bofFIG. 1A.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the rechargeable battery100according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly110, a first collector plate120, a first terminal part130, a second collector plate140, a second terminal part150, a case160, and a cap assembly170.

The electrode assembly110may be formed by winding or laminating a stacked structure of a first electrode111, a separator113, and a second electrode112, which may be formed of thin plates or layers. For example, the first electrode111may function as a positive electrode, and the second electrode112may function as a negative electrode, and vice versa.

The first electrode111may be formed by applying a first active material, e.g., a transition metal oxide, to a first electrode current collector of a metal foil, e.g., aluminum. The first electrode111may include a first electrode uncoated portion111athat is not coated with the first active material. The first electrode uncoated portion111amay function as a path of the flow of current between the first electrode111and the outside of the first electrode111. However, the embodiments do not limit the material of the first electrode111.

The second electrode112may be formed by applying a second active material, e.g., graphite or carbon, to a second electrode collector plate made of a metal foil, e.g., copper or nickel. The second electrode112may include a second electrode uncoated portion112athat is not coated with the second active material. The second electrode uncoated portion112amay function as a path of the flow of current between the second electrode112and the outside of the second electrode112. However, the embodiments do not limit the material of the second electrode112.

The separator113may be interposed between the first electrode111and the second electrode112for preventing a short-circuit therebetween and for allowing movement of lithium ions. The separator113may be formed of, e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or a composite film of PE and PP. However, the material of the separator113is not limited thereto.

A first collector plate120and a second collector plate140may be coupled with opposing ends of the electrode assembly110to be electrically connected to the first electrode111and the second electrode112, respectively.

The electrode assembly110may be received in the case160with an electrolyte. In an implementation, the electrolyte may include an organic solvent, e.g., ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), or dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and a lithium salt, e.g., LiPF6or LiBF4. The electrolyte may be a liquid, solid, and/or gel electrolyte.

FIG. 2illustrates an enlarged view of the first collector plate120, andFIG. 3illustrates a first lead part121of the first collector plate. A configuration of the first collector plate120will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3.

The first collector plate120may include a first lead part121(which may be made of a metal or an equivalent thereof) and a first resin part122covering a portion of the first lead part121.

The first lead part121may be electrically connected to the first electrode111and the first terminal part130. For example, the first lead part121may include a first electrode connection part121a(connected to the first electrode111), a first terminal connection part121b(connected to the first terminal part130), and a first connecting part121c(connecting the first electrode connection part121aand the first terminal connection part121b). The first lead part121may be formed as a single body, e.g., may be integrally formed as a single piece. In an implementation, the first lead part121may be formed in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., a ‘┐’ shape. The first lead part121may be made of, e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, the material of the first lead part121is not limited thereto.

The first electrode connection part121amay be welded to the first electrode uncoated portion111aof the electrode assembly110and may be arranged to stand in a vertical direction, e.g., in an up and down direction inFIG. 1B. The first electrode connection part121amay include as many first electrode connection parts as electrode assemblies that are received in the case160. For example, each of the first electrode connection parts121amay be welded to the first electrode uncoated portion111aof the electrode assembly110. The number of the first electrode connection parts121ais exemplified as4inFIG. 2, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first terminal connection part121bmay be welded to the first terminal part130and may be arranged in a substantially horizontally lying position to be parallel with the cap plate170, which will be described below. A first fastening hole121hmay be formed in the first terminal connection part121b, and may pass through top and bottom surfaces of the first terminal connection part121b. A first fastening terminal131(of the first terminal part130) may be fitted into the first fastening hole121hto be engaged therewith. For example, the first fastening hole121hmay be sized to correspond to the first fastening terminal131to facilitate receiving of the first fastening terminal131therein.

The first connecting part121cmay have one side thereof connected to or coupled with the first electrode connection part121aand another side thereof connected to or coupled with the first terminal connection part121b. The first connecting part121cmay extend from a top end of the first electrode connection part121a, and may be bent and may further extend a predetermined length in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. For example, the first connecting part121cmay extend from the first electrode connection part121ain a vertically standing shape, and may be vertically bent to be parallel with the cap plate170, which will be described below, to then be connected to the first terminal connection part121b.

A fuse region (having a smaller sectional area than other regions of the first connecting part121c) may be provided at the other side of the first connecting part121c. For example, the first connecting part121cmay include a fuse hole121f(formed at its other side) that passes through top and bottom surfaces of the first connecting part121cand that includes the fuse region having a smaller sectional area than other regions of the first connecting part121c. The fuse hole121fmay have an oblong elongated shape in a widthwise direction and, in an implementation, may include two fuse holes. However, the embodiments do not limit the shape and number of the fuse hole121f. The fuse region may be melted by heat generated when a short-circuit occurs in the rechargeable battery100and a large amount of current flows to the first collector plate120, thereby blocking the flow of current.

The first connecting part121cmay be positioned inside the first resin part122. In an implementation, the fuse region may also be positioned inside the first resin part122. For example, the first connecting part121c(having the fuse hole121ftherein) may be covered by the first resin part122.

The first resin part122may be integrally formed with the first lead part121so as to cover the first connecting part121c. For example, the first resin part122may be insert-molded to the first lead part121to entirely cover the first connecting part121cto then be integrally formed with the first lead part121. The first resin part122may be made of, e.g., one of polypropylene and/or perfluorinated acid (PFA).

For example, a strength of the first collector plate120may be reinforced by insert-molding the first connecting part121c(that is bent from or in the first lead part121) made of a metal so as to be entirely covered by the first resin part122that is made of an insulating material. In addition, the shape of the first collector plate120may be maintained by the first resin part122, even if the first collector plate120is electrically disconnected by the fuse region being melted by heat generated when a high voltage due to a short-circuit is applied to the fuse region. Thus, additional short-circuits (caused by an arc) may be prevented from occurring.

The first terminal part130may be made of a metal or equivalents thereof and may be electrically connected to the first collector plate120. The first terminal part130may include the first fastening terminal131(received in the first fastening hole121hof the first collector plate120) and a first electrode terminal132(engaged with the first fastening terminal131).

The first fastening terminal131may pass through the cap plate171(described below) and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and may protrude to then be electrically connected to the first collector plate120under the cap plate171. The first fastening terminal131may upwardly extend a predetermined length and may protrude from the cap plate171. A laterally extending flange131amay be formed under the cap plate171so as to prevent the first fastening terminal131from being dislodged from the cap plate171. A region of the first fastening terminal131under the flange131amay be fitted into the first fastening hole121hof the first collector plate120and may be riveted or welded to the first collector plate120. In addition, a region of the first fastening terminal131on the flange131amay pass through the cap plate171and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and may protrude, and the first electrode terminal132may be fixed to the region.

The first electrode terminal132may have a ring shape due to a first terminal hole132apassing through top and bottom surfaces of the first electrode terminal132. The first terminal hole132aof the first electrode terminal132may have a size and a shape corresponding to a horizontal size and shape of the first fastening terminal131so as to receive the first fastening terminal131. The first fastening terminal131(that upwardly protrudes from the cap plate171) may be fitted into the first terminal hole132aand may then be riveted or welded to the first electrode terminal132.

The first terminal part130may be electrically insulated from the cap plate171. The first terminal part130may be made of, e.g., one selected from aluminum, an aluminum alloy, and/or equivalents thereof. However, the material of the first terminal part130is not limited thereto.

The second collector plate140may include a second lead part141made of a metal or an equivalent thereof, and a second resin part142covering a portion of the second lead part141. The second collector plate140may have the same shape as the first collector plate120, and a repeated detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The second lead part141may include a second electrode connection part141a(connected to the second electrode111), a second terminal connection part141b(connected to the second terminal part150), and a second connecting part141c(connecting the second electrode connection part141aand the second terminal connection part141b). In an implementation, the second lead part141may be formed as a single body. In addition, the second lead part141may be formed in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. The second lead part141may be made of, e.g., one selected from copper, a copper alloy, and/or equivalents thereof. However, the material of the second lead part141is not limited thereto.

The second electrode connection part141amay be welded to the second electrode uncoated portion111aof the electrode assembly110and may be arranged to stand in a vertical direction, e.g., an up and down direction inFIG. 1B. The second terminal connection part141bmay be welded to the second terminal part150and may be arranged in a substantially horizontally lying position to be parallel with the cap plate170, which will be described below. The second connecting part141cmay have one side connected to the second electrode connection part141aand another side connected to the second terminal connection part141b.

The second connecting part141cmay extend from a top end of the second electrode connection part141a, and may be bent and may further extend a predetermined length in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. For example, the second connecting part141cmay extend from the second electrode connection part141ain a vertically standing shape, and may be, e.g., vertically, bent to be parallel with the cap plate170(which will be described below) to then be connected to the second terminal connection part141b. A fuse region (having a smaller sectional area than other regions of the second connecting part141c) may be provided at the other side of the second connecting part141c. The second connecting part141cmay be positioned inside the second resin part142.

The second resin part142may be integrally formed with the second lead part141so as to cover the second connecting part141c. For example, the second resin part142may be insert-molded to the second lead part141to entirely cover the second connecting part141cto then be integrally formed with the second lead part141. The second resin part142may be made of, e.g., one of polypropylene and/or perfluorinated acid (PFA).

For example, the strength of the second collector plate140may be reinforced by insert-molding the second connecting part141c(that is bent from the second lead part141made of a metal) so as to be entirely covered by the second resin part142made of an insulating material. In addition, the second collector plate140may help prevent additional short-circuit from occurring due to an arc, which may occur when the fuse region is melted by a high voltage applied thereto.

The second collector plate140may have substantially the same configuration as the first collector plate120.

The second terminal part150may be made of a metal or equivalents thereof and may be electrically connected to the second collector plate140. The second terminal part150may include a second fastening terminal151(received in the second fastening hole141hof the second collector plate140) and a second electrode terminal152(engaged with the second fastening terminal151).

The second fastening terminal151may pass through the cap plate171(to be described below) and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and may protrude to then be electrically connected to the second collector plate140under the cap plate171. A region of the second fastening terminal151under a flange151amay be fitted into the second fastening hole141hof the second collector plate140and may be riveted or welded to the second collector plate140. In addition, a region of the second fastening terminal151on the flange151amay pass through the cap plate171and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and protrude, and the second electrode terminal152may be fixed to the region. The second terminal part150may have substantially the same configuration as the first terminal part130.

The case160may be made from an electrically conductive metal, e.g., steel plated with aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel, and may be formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped so as to form a space for receiving the electrode assembly110, the first collector plate120, and the second collector plate140.FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate an assembled state in which the case160and the cap assembly170are combined with each other, and an opening is not illustrated. For example, the opening may be a substantially opened peripheral portion of the cap assembly170. In an implementation, an internal surface of the case160may be insulated, so that the case160may be insulated from the electrode assembly110, the first collector plate120, the second collector plate140, and the cap assembly170.

The cap assembly170may be combined or coupled with the case160. For example, the cap assembly170may include a cap plate171, a seal gasket172, a plug173, a safety vent174, an upper insulation member175, a lower insulation member176, a connecting plate177, a first short-circuit plate178, and a second short-circuit plate179.

The cap plate171may seal the opening of the case160and may be made of a same material as the case160. For example, the cap plate171may be combined or coupled with the case160by laser welding. In an implementation, if the cap plate171is electrically connected to the first terminal part130, the cap plate171may have the same polarity as the first terminal part130. Accordingly, the cap plate171and the case160may have the same polarity.

The seal gasket172may be made of an insulating material and may be between each of the first fastening terminal131and the second fastening terminal151and the cap plate171, thereby sealing portions between each of the first fastening terminal131and the second fastening terminal151and the cap plate171. The seal gasket172may help prevent external moisture from flowing into the rechargeable battery100or an electrolyte in the rechargeable battery100from flowing out.

The plug173may seal an electrolyte injection hole171aof the cap plate171. The safety vent174may be installed in a vent hole171bof the cap plate171and may have a notch174aconfigured to be opened at a preset pressure.

The upper insulation member175may be between the second short-circuit plate179and the cap plate171to electrically insulate the second short-circuit plate179and the cap plate171from each other. In addition, the upper insulation member175may make close contact with the cap plate171. Further, the upper insulation member175may also make close contact with the seal gasket172. The upper insulation member175may insulate the second terminal part150and the cap plate171from each other.

The lower insulation member176may be between each of the first collector plate120and the second collector plate140and the cap plate171to help prevent an undesirable electrical short-circuit from occurring. For example, the lower insulation member176may help prevent a short-circuit between the first collector plate120and the cap plate171and a short-circuit between the second collector plate140and the cap plate171. In addition, the lower insulation member176may be between each of the first electrode terminal123and the second electrode terminal133and the cap plate171, thereby helping to prevent unnecessary short-circuits between each of the first electrode terminal123and the second electrode terminal133and the cap plate171.

The connecting plate177may be interposed between the first electrode terminal132and the cap plate171and may make close contact with the cap plate171and the seal gasket172through the first electrode terminal132. The connecting plate177may electrically connect the first electrode terminal132and the cap plate171to each other.

The first short-circuit plate178may be between the upper insulation member175and the cap plate171in a short-circuit hole171cof the cap plate171. The first short-circuit plate178may be formed of an inverting plate having a downwardly convex round part, and an edge part fixed to the cap plate171. The first short-circuit plate178may be inverted to upwardly convexly protrude when the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery100exceeds a predefined pressure due to, e.g., over-charge. In an implementation, the first short-circuit plate178and the cap plate171may have the same polarity.

The second short-circuit plate179may be disposed at an outside of and spaced apart from the cap plate171, e.g., above the upper insulation member175. The second short-circuit plate179may allow the second electrode terminal152to be inserted thereto, and may extend to cover the short-circuit hole171c. The second short-circuit plate179may be electrically connected to the second electrode terminal152. The second short-circuit plate179may make contact with the upwardly convexly protruding first short-circuit plate178when the internal pressure of the rechargeable battery100exceeds the predefined pressure due to, e.g., over-charge, thereby causing or inducing an electrical short-circuit. If the short-circuit is induced, a large amount of current may flow, generating heat. In an implementation, a fuse region having the fuse hole121fof the first collector plate120may thus be melted, thereby functioning as a fuse.

FIG. 4illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery according to another embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4, the rechargeable battery200according to the present embodiment may include an electrode assembly110, a first collector plate220, a first terminal part230, a second collector plate240, a second terminal part250, a case160, and a cap assembly170.

The rechargeable battery200may be substantially the same as the rechargeable battery100shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, in view of the electrode assembly110, the case160, and the cap assembly170. Thus, the following description will focus on the first collector plate220, the first terminal part230, the second collector plate240, and the second terminal part250of the rechargeable battery200, which may be different from the corresponding components of the rechargeable battery100.

First, the first collector plate220may include a first lead part221made of a metal or an equivalent thereof, and a first resin part222covering a portion of the first lead part221. The first resin part222may cover portions of the first fastening terminal231and the first lead part221after it is combined with the first lead part221and the first fastening terminal231of the first terminal part230.

FIG. 5illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the first collector plate220and the fastening terminal231.

Hereinafter, configurations of the first collector plate220and the first fastening terminal231will be described with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

The first lead part221may be electrically connected to the first electrode111and the first fastening terminal231of the first terminal part230. The first lead part221may include a first electrode connection part221a(connected to the first electrode Ill), a first terminal connection part221b(connected to the first fastening terminal231), and a first connecting part221c(connecting the first electrode connection part221aand the first terminal connection part221b). The first lead part221may be formed as a single body, e.g., may be integrally formed as a one-piece unit. The first lead part221may be formed in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. The first lead part221may be made of, e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy. However, the material of the first lead part221is not limited thereto.

The first electrode connection part221amay be welded to the first electrode uncoated portion111aof the electrode assembly110and may be arranged to stand in a vertical direction, e.g., an up and down direction inFIG. 4. The first electrode connection part221amay include as many first electrode connection parts as electrode assemblies that are received in the case160. For example, each of the first electrode connection parts221amay be welded to the first electrode uncoated portion111aof the electrode assembly110. The number of the first electrode connection parts221ais exemplified as4inFIG. 5, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

The first terminal connection part221bmay be welded to the first fastening terminal231and may be arranged in a substantially horizontally lying position to be parallel with the cap plate170. A first fastening hole221hmay be formed in the first terminal connection part221band may pass through top and bottom surfaces of the first terminal connection part221b. The first fastening terminal231may be fitted into the first fastening hole221hto be engaged therewith. For example, the first fastening hole221hmay be sized to correspond to the first fastening terminal231to allow the first fastening terminal231to be received therein.

The first connecting part221cmay have one side connected to the first electrode connection part221aand another side connected to the first terminal connection part221b. The first connecting part221cmay extend from a top end of the first electrode connection part221a, and may be bent and may further extend a predetermined length in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. For example, the first connecting part221cmay extend from the first electrode connection part221ain a vertically standing shape, and may be vertically bent to be parallel with the cap plate170to then be connected to the first terminal connection part221b.

A fuse region having a smaller sectional area than other regions of the first connecting part221cmay be provided at the other side of the first connecting part221c. For example, the first connecting part221cmay have a fuse hole221fat its other side while passing through top and bottom surfaces of the first connecting part221cand may include the fuse region having a smaller sectional area than other regions of the first connecting part221c. The fuse hole221fhave an oblong elongated shape in a widthwise direction, and may include two fuse holes. However, the embodiments do not limit the shape and number of the fuse hole221f. The fuse region may be melted by heat generated when a short-circuit occurs to the rechargeable battery200and a large amount of current flows to the first collector plate220, thereby blocking the flow of current.

In addition, the first connecting part221cmay be positioned inside the first resin part222. In an implementation, the fuse region may also be positioned inside the first resin part222. For example, the first connecting part221cmay be covered by the first resin part222.

The first resin part222may be formed in the first lead part221so as to cover the first connecting part221cand the first terminal connection part221b(engaged with the first fastening terminal231). For example, the first resin part222may be insert-molded to the first lead part221to entirely cover the first terminal connection part221band the first connecting part221cto then be integrally formed with the first lead part221. For example, a lower portion of the first terminal connection part221bmay be exposed to the outside.

The first resin part222may be made of, e.g., one of polypropylene and/or perfluorinated acid (PFA).

For example, the first collector plate220may be insert-molded such that the first connecting part221cof the first lead part221(made of a metal) and the first terminal connection part221b(engaged with the first fastening terminal231) are covered by the first resin part222made of an insulating material, thereby increasing a coupling force between the first collector plate220and the first fastening terminal231. In addition, a shape of the first collector plate220may be maintained by the first resin part222, even if it is electrically disconnected by the fuse region melted by heat generated when a high voltage due to a short-circuit is applied to the fuse region, and may help prevent additional short-circuit from occurring due to an arc.

The first terminal part230may be made of a metal or equivalents thereof and may be electrically connected to the first collector plate220. The first terminal part230may include the first fastening terminal231received in the first fastening hole221hof the first collector plate220, and a first electrode terminal232engaged with the first fastening terminal231.

The first fastening terminal231may pass through the cap plate171and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and may protrude to then be engaged with the first fastening hole221hof the first collector plate220under the cap plate171. A laterally extending flange231amay be under the cap plate171so as to help prevent the first fastening terminal231from being dislodged from the cap plate171. A region of the first fastening terminal231under the flange231amay be fitted into the first fastening hole221hof the first collector plate220and may be riveted or welded to the first collector plate220. In addition, the first fastening terminal231(engaged with the first fastening hole221hof the first collector plate220) may be covered by the first resin part222. In addition, a region of the first fastening terminal231on the flange231amay pass through the cap plate171and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and protrude, and the first electrode terminal232may be fixed to the region.

The first electrode terminal232may have a ring shape due to a first terminal hole232apassing through top and bottom surfaces of the first electrode terminal232. The first terminal hole232aof the first electrode terminal232may have a size and a shape corresponding to a horizontal size and shape of the first fastening terminal231so as to receive the first fastening terminal231. The first electrode terminal232(upwardly protruding from the cap plate171) may be fitted into the first terminal hole232aand may then be riveted or welded to the first electrode terminal232.

The first terminal part230may be electrically insulated from the cap plate171.

The first terminal part230may be made of, e.g., one selected from aluminum, an aluminum alloy, and equivalents thereof. However, the material of the first terminal part230is not limited thereto.

The second collector plate240may include a second lead part241made of a metal or an equivalent thereof, and a second resin part242covering a portion of the second lead part241. The second collector plate240may have the same shape as the first collector plate220, except for a fuse region, and a repeated detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The second lead part241may include a first electrode connection part241a(connected to the second electrode112), a first terminal connection part241b(connected to the second fastening terminal251), and a first connecting part241c(connecting the first electrode connection part241aand the first terminal connection part241b). The first lead part241may be formed as a single body, e.g., may be integrally formed as a one-piece unit. In addition, the second lead part241may be formed in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. The second lead part241may be made of, e.g., copper or a copper alloy. However, the material of the second lead part241is not limited thereto.

The second electrode connection part241amay be welded to the second electrode uncoated portion111aof the electrode assembly110and may be arranged to stand in a vertical direction, e.g., an up and down direction inFIG. 4. The second terminal connection part241bmay be welded to the second fastening terminal251and may be arranged in a substantially horizontally lying position to be parallel with the cap plate170. The second connecting part241cmay have one side connected to the second electrode connection part241aand another side connected to the second terminal connection part241b.

The second connecting part241cmay extend from a top end of the second electrode connection part241a, and may be bent and may further extend a predetermined length in a substantially inverted-L shape, i.e., ‘┐’ shape. For example, the second connecting part241cmay extend from the second electrode connection part241ain a vertically standing shape, and may be, e.g., vertically, bent to be parallel with the cap plate170, to then be connected to the second terminal connection part241b. The second connecting part241cmay be positioned inside the second resin part242.

The second resin part242may be formed on the second lead part241to cover the second connecting part241cand the second terminal connection part241bengaged with the second fastening terminal251. For example, the second resin part242may be insert-molded to the second lead part241to entirely cover the second connecting part241cand the second terminal connection part241bto then be integrally formed with the second lead part241. A lower portion of the second terminal connection part241bmay be exposed to the outside. In an implementation, the first resin part222may be made of, e.g., one of polypropylene and/or perfluorinated acid (PFA).

For example, the second collector plate240may be insert-molded such that the second connecting part241cof the first lead part241(made of a metal) and the first terminal connection part241b(engaged with the second fastening terminal251) may be covered by the second resin part242made of an insulating material, thereby increasing a coupling force between the second lead part241and the second fastening terminal251. In addition, a shape of the second collector plate240may be maintained by the second resin part242, even if it is electrically disconnected by the fuse region melted by heat generated due to an external short-circuit, and may help prevent additional short-circuit from occurring due to an arc.

The second terminal part250may made of a metal or equivalents thereof and may be electrically connected to the second collector plate240. The second terminal part250may include a second fastening terminal251(received in the second fastening hole241hof the second collector plate240) and a second electrode terminal252(engaged with the second fastening terminal251).

The second fastening terminal251may pass through the cap plate171and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and may protrude to then be engaged with the second collector plate240under the cap plate171. A region of the second fastening terminal251under a flange251amay be fitted into the second fastening hole241hof the second collector plate240and may be riveted or welded to the second collector plate240. In addition, a region of the second fastening terminal251on the flange251amay pass through the cap plate171and may upwardly extend a predetermined length and protrude, and the second electrode terminal252may be fixed to the region. The second terminal part250may have a same shape as the first terminal part230.

By way of summation and review, rechargeable batteries may be configured by housing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (positioned between the positive and negative electrodes) as an insulator in a case, together with an electrolyte, and sealing the case with a cap assembly. Positive and negative electrode terminals may be connected to the electrode assembly and may be exposed to or may protrude to the outside through the cap plate.

An undesirable arc may occur to the rechargeable battery if a fuse region is melted by a short-circuit. The arc may be transferred to other regions of the rechargeable battery, as well as the fuse region, resulting in ignition or explosion.

Accordingly, the embodiments provide a rechargeable battery having improved safety against arcs. Embodiments provide a rechargeable battery, which can reinforce the strength of a collector plate by insert-molding resin to cover some portions of the collector plate while preventing additional damages due to arc jump.