Battery cell manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a vacuum chamber in which a battery cell semi-finished product is disposed, the battery cell semi-finished product including a receiving portion for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode assembly, and an air bag portion connected to the receiving portion and positioned above the receiving portion; a punching unit for forming a degassing hole in the air bag portion; a sealing tool for forming a temporary seal portion spanning between the degassing hole and the receiving portion, and the sealing tool forming a sealing area including the temporary seal portion while moving upward in contact with the air bag portion; a cutting unit for forming an opening by cutting off a portion of the upper end of the air bag portion after forming the temporary seal portion; and an injection unit for injecting gas into the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0091254, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery cell in which electrode components are filled with an electrolyte solution. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, a secondary battery consists of a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by a separator, and an electrolyte that facilitates ion migration between these two electrodes to provide electrical energy. Secondary batteries usually use a liquid electrolyte solution as the electrolyte that promotes ion movement within the battery.

[0005] A battery cell may include an electrode assembly and an outer packaging that houses the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode and a separator separating the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0006] The manufacturing process of battery cells includes a degassing process for releasing gases generated by activating electrode components, and a sealing process for sealing the battery cells after the degassing process.

[0007] Due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery cell, the degassing process is completed by releasing gas through the degassing pores of the battery cell in the vacuum chamber.

[0008] However, during the degassing process, some of the electrolyte solution may be released along with the gas or move upwards and remain on the inner surface of the battery cell. Therefore, during the sealing process of the battery cell, the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the sealed area of ​​the battery cell evaporates due to high temperature, causing unsealed bubbles, resulting in low sealing quality and low insulation resistance of the battery cell. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] This disclosure aims to provide a battery cell manufacturing apparatus and method that improves the sealing quality of the sealed area by removing electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag portion.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a vacuum chamber in which a semi-finished battery cell is placed, the semi-finished battery cell including a receiving portion for containing an electrolyte solution and an electrode assembly, and an air bag portion connected to the receiving portion and positioned above the receiving portion; a punching unit configured to form a degassing hole in the air bag portion by punching; a sealing tool configured to form a temporary sealing portion spanning between the degassing hole and the receiving portion, and the sealing tool forming a sealing area including the temporary sealing portion while moving upward in contact with the air bag portion; a cutting unit configured to cut off a portion of the upper part of the air bag portion to form an opening after the temporary sealing portion is formed; and an injection unit configured to inject gas into the opening.

[0013] The injection unit may include: a body; and a nozzle disposed at the lower end of the body and configured to inject gas into the opening.

[0014] The injection unit can be configured to inject gas at a temperature higher than room temperature.

[0015] The battery cell manufacturing equipment may further include a suction unit configured to suction the electrolyte solution dispersed by gas ejected from the jetting unit.

[0016] The suction unit may include a first suction section and a second suction section located on both sides, and the jetting unit is located between the first suction section and the second suction section.

[0017] The first and second suction portions may include: a main body; and an inclined portion connected to the lower end of the main body and inserted into the opening to widen the opening. The inclined portions of the first and second suction portions may move closer to each other as they face downwards.

[0018] The lower end of the inclined portion can be positioned below the lower end of the injection unit.

[0019] The inclined portion may have suction holes on its inner surface to suction out the scattered electrolyte solution.

[0020] The horizontal thickness of the inclined portion can decrease as it faces downwards.

[0021] As the sealing tool moves upward, the injection unit and the suction unit can move upward while maintaining a distance relative to the sealing tool.

[0022] The sealing tool can form the temporary seal in the degassing hole and the receiving portion at a location closer to the receiving portion.

[0023] The cutting unit can cut off a portion of the upper part of the air bag section along an imaginary cutting line passing through the degassing hole and the temporary seal.

[0024] A battery cell manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following steps: placing a semi-finished battery cell in a vacuum chamber, the semi-finished battery cell including a receiving portion for containing an electrolyte solution and an electrode assembly, and an air bag portion connected to the receiving portion and positioned above the receiving portion; forming a degassing hole in the air bag portion by punching; forming a temporary sealing portion spanning between the degassing hole and the receiving portion by a sealing tool; cutting off a portion of the upper part of the air bag portion to form an opening; and forming a sealing region including the temporary sealing portion. The step of forming the sealing region may include the following steps: injecting gas into the opening by an injection unit; and moving the sealing tool upward toward the opening while in contact with the air bag portion.

[0025] The injection unit can inject gases at temperatures higher than room temperature.

[0026] The step of forming the sealed area may further include the following steps: suctioning the electrolyte solution dispersed by the gas ejected from the injection unit by a suction unit.

[0027] The opening can be expanded by the suction unit, and the injection unit can inject gas into the expanded opening.

[0028] The injection unit and the suction unit can move upward while maintaining a distance relative to the sealing tool.

[0029] The step of forming the opening may include the following steps: cutting the air bag section along an imaginary cutting line passing through the degassing hole and the temporary seal.

[0030] The step of forming the temporary seal may include the following steps: forming the temporary seal at a location closer to the receiving portion in the degassing hole and the receiving portion.

[0031] The battery cell manufacturing method may further include the following step: trimming a portion of the upper part of the sealed area.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, since the residual electrolyte solution in the air bag section is removed by the injection unit, a sealed area free of residual electrolyte solution can be formed. Therefore, the sealing quality of the sealed area is improved, and there is no risk of reduced insulation resistance of the battery cell or moisture seeping into the battery cell from the outside.

[0034] Furthermore, the suction unit can suction out the electrolyte solution that has been dispersed by the gas ejected from the injection unit. Therefore, it can prevent the surrounding objects of the battery cell from being contaminated by the electrolyte solution.

[0035] The effects of this disclosure may include those that can be readily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configurations of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used, together with the following detailed description, to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is an assembly diagram of battery cells.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a battery cell placed in a vacuum chamber.

[0039] Figures 3 to 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell, illustrating the sequential operation of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The detailed flowchart of step S50 is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in full detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily perform the disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0043] In order to clearly describe this disclosure, irrelevant descriptions or detailed descriptions of related known techniques that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of this disclosure have been omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar elements when adding reference numerals to elements in each figure.

[0044] Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted according to their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to properly define terms for the best interpretation.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, each component of the secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically depicted, and for ease of understanding, the size of the components or the thickness of the lines may be exaggerated to some extent.

[0046] Figure 1 It is an assembly diagram of battery cells, and Figure 2 This is a diagram of a battery cell placed in a vacuum chamber.

[0047] As described herein, battery cell 1 can be in a state at a specific point in the manufacturing process, and can be interpreted appropriately according to the context or needs. That is to say, battery cell 1 can be a semi-finished battery cell.

[0048] The battery cell 1 may include an electrode assembly 10 and an outer packaging 20 for a secondary battery (hereinafter referred to as the "outer packaging").

[0049] Electrode assembly 10 can be formed by stacking positive and negative electrodes alternately and inserting a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. That is, electrode assembly 10 may include a plurality of electrodes and separators inserted between the plurality of electrodes to insulate the plurality of electrodes from each other. Electrode assembly 10 may be contained together with electrolyte solution in outer packaging 20, and more specifically, in housing 23 as described below.

[0050] The electrode assembly 10 can be of different types, such as stacked, coiled, or stacked and folded, and the type of electrode assembly 10 is not limited to these.

[0051] The electrode assembly 10 may include electrode tabs 11. The electrode tabs 11 may be connected to each of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly 10 and protrude outward from the electrode assembly 10 to serve as a path for the movement of electrons between the interior and exterior of the electrode assembly 10.

[0052] The electrode tab 11 can be formed by cutting off the uncoated portion of the electrode current collector or by connecting the conductor to the uncoated portion using ultrasonic welding.

[0053] The electrode tabs 11 may include a positive electrode tab 11a connected to the positive electrode and a negative electrode tab 11b connected to the negative electrode. The positive electrode tab 11a and the negative electrode tab 11b may protrude in different directions of the electrode assembly 10, but they are not limited to this, and may protrude in various directions, such as protruding side by side from one side in the same direction.

[0054] Electrode leads 12 can be connected to electrode tabs 11 of electrode assembly 10 to supply power to the outside of battery cell 1. Furthermore, a portion of electrode leads 12 can be surrounded by an insulating member 14. The insulating member 14 can be sealed between a first sheet portion 21 and a second sheet portion 22. Therefore, the insulating member 14 insulates the electrode leads 12 from the outer packaging 20 and maintains the seal of the outer packaging 20. Typically, the insulating member 14 includes an insulating tape that is easy to attach to the electrode leads 12 and has a relatively small thickness, but is not limited to this, and may include any insulating element that insulates the electrode leads 12.

[0055] The electrode lead 12 may be connected to the electrode tab 11 at one end and protrude outward from the outer packaging 20 at the other end. The electrode lead 12 may include a positive lead 12a connected to the positive tab 11a and a negative lead 12b connected to the negative tab 11b.

[0056] Electrode leads 12 can electrically connect electrode assembly 10 to an external load. Furthermore, since each of the positive electrode tabs 11a and 11b protrudes in each direction, each of the positive electrode leads 12a and 12b can also extend in each direction.

[0057] The outer packaging 20 can internally house the electrode assembly 10. For example, the outer packaging 20 can include a bag-shaped housing formed by a lamination forming process. More specifically, the outer packaging 20 can be manufactured by drawing a flexible laminate using a die and a punch, and stretching portions of the laminate to form a receiving portion 23 with a bag-shaped receiving space.

[0058] However, the structure of the receiving portion 23 is not limited to this, and the receiving portion 23 can be formed by any method other than that shown. For example, the receiving portion 23 can be formed by folding the laminate into a predetermined shape.

[0059] In the following text, the outer packaging 20 may be in a state at a specific point in the manufacturing process or in a final completed state. That is, the description of the outer packaging 20 may include, for example: Figure 1 The unfolded state shown and Figure 2 The sealing condition is shown and can be interpreted appropriately according to the context or as needed.

[0060] The outer packaging 20, which contains the electrode assembly 10 and exposes a portion of the electrode leads 12, can be sealed.

[0061] The outer packaging 20 may include a first sheet portion 21 and a second sheet portion 22, which are sealed together with the electrode assembly 10 located therebetween.

[0062] The first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22 can be connected to each other via the folding portion 27. However, the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22 are not limited to this, and can be separate components that can be separated from each other.

[0063] When the fold 27 is folded, the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22 can face each other. The fold 27 can extend parallel to the length direction of the electrode assembly 10, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] The receiving portion 23 may be formed in the first sheet portion 21, and the second sheet portion 22 may cover the receiving portion 23. The receiving portion 23 may have a recessed shape.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the receiving portion 23 may be formed in the second sheet portion 22. The receiving portions 23 of the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22 may communicate with each other to form a receiving space in which the electrode assembly 10 is received. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the receiving portion 23 may be formed only in the first sheet portion 21, and the second sheet portion 22 may be flat.

[0066] In each sheet portion 21, 22, a platform portion 24 may be formed in the area surrounding the receiving portion 23. That is, the outer packaging 20 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a receiving portion 23 having a recessed shape and a platform portion 24 disposed around the receiving portion 23.

[0067] The platform portion 24 may include a pair of first platform portions 25 located on both sides and a second platform portion 26 connecting the pair of first platform portions 25, wherein the receiving portion 23 is located between the pair of first platform portions 25.

[0068] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first platform portion 25 may include a pair of first platform portions 25 located on both sides of the receiving portion 23 in the length direction, and the second platform portion 26 may connect the pair of first platform portions 25 and be located on one side of the receiving portion 23 in the width direction. The second platform portion 26 may be positioned relative to the receiving portion 23 opposite to the folding portion 27.

[0069] When the fold 27 is folded, the platform portions 24 of each of the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22 can come into contact with each other. In this case, the electrode leads 12 of the electrode assembly 10 can extend between the first platform portions 25 of the first sheet portion 21 and the first platform portions 25 of the second sheet portion 22. The insulating member 14 can be located between the first platform portions 25 of the first sheet portion 21 and the first platform portions 25 of the second sheet portion 22.

[0070] The two edge portions of the contact area of ​​the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22 can be joined by heat to form a first seal portion 31. More specifically, the outer packaging 20 may have a first seal portion 31 at the contact area of ​​the two edge portions of the platform portion 24 of each sheet portion 21, 22. For example, the first seal portion 31 can be formed by joining polymer layers (e.g., polypropylene), each polymer layer forming the innermost layer of each of the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22.

[0071] The first sealing portion 31 may include a pair of first sealing portions located on both sides, and the receiving portion 23 is located between the pair of first sealing portions. The first sealing portion 31 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the first platform portion 25 of the first sheet portion 21 and the second sheet portion 22. The first sealing portion 31 may be formed on both sides of the receiving portion 23 in the longitudinal direction. The electrode lead 12 may protrude outward from the outer packaging 20 through the first sealing portion 31.

[0072] The air bag portion 40 may be formed between a pair of first sealing portions 31. The air bag portion 40 may be the portion of the second platform portion 26 of each sheet portion 21, 22 facing each other.

[0073] The interior of the airbag section 40 can communicate with the interior space of the receiving section 23. The airbag section 40 can be located on one side of the receiving section 23 (with...). Figure 2 (Based on the upper side). The air bag portion 40 can be positioned relative to the receiving portion 23 opposite to the folding portion 27.

[0074] The air bag section 40 can have a generally enveloping shape. During formation Figure 2 Before the second sealing part 32, the top of the air bag part 40 can be open. Electrolyte solution can be injected into the battery cell 1 through the open top of the air bag part 40. The electrolyte solution can flow into the receiving part 23 and fill the electrode assembly 10 within the receiving part 23.

[0075] To allow the electrolyte solution to flow smoothly into the receiving section 23, the electrolyte solution can be injected into the upright battery cell 1. In this case, the air bag section 40 can be positioned higher than the receiving section 23.

[0076] When the electrolyte solution injection is complete, the open top of the air bag portion 40 can be sealed to form a second sealing portion 32. The second sealing portion 32 can extend along the length of the receiving portion 23. The second sealing portion 32 can connect a pair of first sealing portions 31. The battery cell 1 having the first sealing portion 31 and the second sealing portion 32 can be referred to as a semi-finished battery cell. That is, the semi-finished battery cell may include a receiving portion 23 for containing the electrolyte solution and the electrode assembly 10, and an air bag portion 40 connected to the receiving portion 23.

[0077] After the second sealing part 32 is formed, an activation process involving charging and discharging the battery cell 1 can be performed, and the gas generated in the process can be trapped in the gas bag part 40.

[0078] A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vacuum chamber 100.

[0079] To release the gas trapped in the gas bag section 40, the battery cell 1 can be placed in the vacuum chamber 100. As described above, the battery cell 1 at this time can be referred to as a semi-finished battery cell. The vacuum chamber 100 can refer to a chamber whose internal pressure can be adjusted to below atmospheric pressure. The time for which the battery cell 1 is placed in the vacuum chamber 100 is not limited to a specific time.

[0080] Figures 3 to 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell, illustrating the sequential operation of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus may include a punching unit 200 to form degassing holes H on the air bag portion 40 by punching.

[0082] The punching unit 200 can be configured to form degassing holes H on the air bag portion 40 by punching. Preferably, the punching unit 200 can form a plurality of degassing holes H on the air bag portion 40 by punching. For example, the punching unit 200 may include a plurality of rods extending toward the air bag portion 40. However, the punching unit 200 is not limited thereto, and can be configured in any way to form degassing holes H by punching.

[0083] When a degassing hole H is formed on the gas bag section 40 through punching, the internal pressure of the vacuum chamber 100 can be reduced. Alternatively, the degassing hole H can be formed on the gas bag section 40 while maintaining a low internal pressure in the vacuum chamber 100. Therefore, due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery cell 1, the gas inside the battery cell 1 can be released to the outside through the degassing hole H. This gas release can be referred to as degassing.

[0084] However, during the gas release process through the degassing hole H, the electrolyte solution may adhere to or stick to the inner surface of the gas bag portion 40. According to conventional methods, after degassing is complete, a seal is formed in the gas bag portion 40 between the receiving portion 23 and the degassing hole H, and the area outside the seal is removed. However, due to the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag portion 40, the sealing quality of the seal is reduced. This disclosure solves this problem and will be described in more detail below.

[0085] Reference Figure 4The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a sealing tool 300 to form a temporary seal 33 spanning between the degassing hole H and the receiving portion 23.

[0086] The sealing tool 300 can apply heat and pressure to the air bag portion 40 to form a temporary seal 33. For example, the sealing tool 300, heated to 180°C, can apply pressure to the air bag portion 40.

[0087] The sealing tool 300 can be connected to a known moving device for movement in both horizontal and vertical directions.

[0088] The sealing tool 300 can form a temporary seal 33 in the degassing hole H and the receiving portion 23, closer to the receiving portion 23. That is, the distance between the temporary seal 33 and the receiving portion 23 can be smaller than the distance between the temporary seal 33 and the degassing hole H. This may help to smoothly form the sealing area 34 as described below.

[0089] As will be described below, the sealing tool 300 can move upward while in contact with the air bag portion 40, and form a sealing area 34 including a temporary sealing portion 33 (see below). Figure 7 Therefore, compared to the height dimension (h) of the sealing region 34, the sealing tool 300 can have a relatively small thickness dimension (t). Therefore, the height dimension of the temporary sealing portion 33 corresponding to the thickness dimension (t) of the sealing tool 300 can be small. For example, the height dimension (h) of the sealing region 34 can be approximately 10 mm, and the thickness dimension (t) of the sealing tool 300 (i.e., the height dimension of the temporary sealing portion 33) can be approximately 1 mm.

[0090] For example, the sealing tool 300 may include a horizontal plate portion. However, the sealing tool 300 is not limited to this and can be configured in any way to form a temporary seal 33 and a sealing area 34.

[0091] also, Figure 4 An example is shown where the sealing tool 300 is located on both sides of the air bag portion 40, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a fixed support plate (not shown) may be provided on one side of the air bag portion 40, and the sealing tool 300 located on the other side of the air bag portion 40 may be moved toward the support plate to form a temporary seal portion 33.

[0092] The container 23 can be sealed by a temporary seal 33 formed by the sealing tool 300. That is, the internal space of the container 23 can be isolated from the outside. Therefore, any further release or flow of electrolyte solution and gas within the container 23 can be prevented.

[0093] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a cutting unit (not shown) to cut off a portion of the upper part of the air bag portion 40 after the temporary seal portion 33 is formed, so as to form an opening 41.

[0094] For example, the cutting unit may include a blade or a laser cutter. However, the cutting unit is not limited to this and can be configured in any way to cut the air bag section 40.

[0095] The cutting unit can cut off a portion of the upper part of the air bag section 40 along an imaginary cutting line CL passing through the degassing hole H and the temporary seal 33. That is, the degassing hole H and the second seal 32 can be removed. In addition, an opening 41 corresponding to the cutting line CL can be formed. The opening 41 can refer to the gap between the edge of the first sheet section 21 and the edge of the second sheet section 22.

[0096] Reference Figure 6 The battery cell manufacturing method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include an injection unit 400 to inject gas into an opening 41.

[0097] The injection unit 400 can be configured to inject gas into the opening 41. Therefore, the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag portion 40 can be evaporated and dispersed. As the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag portion 40 is removed, the sealing quality of the sealing area 34 can be prevented from deteriorating when the sealing tool 300 forms the sealing area 34.

[0098] Preferably, the injection unit 400 can be configured to inject a gas at a temperature higher than room temperature. For example, the injection unit 400 can inject heated air. Therefore, the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag section 40 can be evaporated more effectively.

[0099] The injection unit 400 can be configured to move upward. For example, the main body 410 of the injection unit 400 can be connected to a known lifting device.

[0100] The injection unit 400 may include a body 410 and a nozzle 420. The body 410 may stand generally upright. The nozzle 420 may be disposed at the lower end of the body 410. The nozzle 420 may inject gas into the opening 41. The nozzle 420 may inject gas downward. The nozzle 420 may extend along the length of the opening 41, or may include a plurality of nozzles arranged along the length of the opening 41.

[0101] Reference Figure 6 The battery cell manufacturing equipment may also include a suction unit 500 to suction electrolyte solution that has been dispersed by gas ejected from the jetting unit 400.

[0102] The suction unit 500 can be positioned around the ejection unit 400 and configured to suction the electrolyte solution that splashes from the opening 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the surrounding objects of the battery cell 1 from being contaminated by the electrolyte solution.

[0103] More specifically, the suction unit 500 may include a first suction section 500A and a second suction section 500B located on both sides, and the spray unit 400 is located between the first suction section 500A and the second suction section 500B. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suction scattered electrolyte solutions.

[0104] The suction unit 500 can be configured to move vertically. For example, the main body 510 of the suction unit 500 can be connected to a known lifting device. Furthermore, the jetting unit 400 and the suction unit 500 can be lifted together using a single lifting device.

[0105] The first suction section 500A and the second suction section 500B can be spaced apart in the direction in which the opening 41 is expanded, that is, spaced apart in the direction in which the first sheet section 21 and the second sheet section 22 of the outer packaging 20 face each other.

[0106] Each of the first suction section 500A and the second suction section 500B may include a main body 510 and an inclined section 520. The main body 510 can stand generally upright.

[0107] The inclined portion 520 can be connected to the lower end of the main body 510. The inclined portion 520 can be inserted into the opening 41 to expand the opening 41. For this purpose, the inclined portions 520 of the first suction portion 500A and the inclined portions 520 of the second suction portion 500B can be brought closer to each other as they face downwards. Furthermore, the horizontal thickness of each inclined portion 520 can be thinned as it faces downwards.

[0108] Therefore, the two inclined portions 520 can easily enter the opening 41, and the opening 41 can be expanded when the suction unit 500 moves downward.

[0109] The lower end of each inclined portion 520 can be positioned below the lower end of the injection unit 400. That is, the lower end of each inclined portion 520 can be positioned below the lower end of the nozzle 420. Therefore, the nozzle 420 of the injection unit 400 can inject gas between the two inclined portions 520. Thus, the injection unit 400 can smoothly inject gas into the opening 41 expanded by the two inclined portions 520, and the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag portion 40 can be evaporated and dispersed more quickly.

[0110] Each inclined portion 520 may have a suction hole 521 on its inner surface to suction out spilled electrolyte solution. The inner surface of the inclined portion 520 may refer to the respective surfaces of the two inclined portions 520 facing each other. Preferably, the suction hole 521 includes multiple suction holes. Therefore, spilled electrolyte solution can be suctioned out more reliably.

[0111] Reference Figure 7 When the sealing tool 300 moves upward to contact the air bag portion 40, the sealing tool 300 can form a sealing area 34 including a temporary sealing portion 33.

[0112] The sealing tool 300 can move upward while applying heat and pressure to the air bag section 40, and form a sealing area 34 with a predetermined height dimension (h).

[0113] As described above, since the residual electrolyte solution in the air bag section 40 is removed by the injection unit 400, a sealed area 34 free of residual electrolyte solution can be formed. Therefore, the sealing quality of the sealed area 34 is improved, and there is no risk of a decrease in the insulation resistance of the battery cell 1 or moisture seeping into the battery cell 1 from the outside.

[0114] As the sealing tool 300 moves upward, the spraying unit 400 and the suction unit 500 can move upward while maintaining a distance relative to the sealing tool 300. Therefore, the spraying unit 400 can reliably and completely remove residual electrolyte solution from the air bag section 40, and in addition, the suction unit 500 can more reliably suction out any scattered electrolyte solution.

[0115] Reference Figure 8 This allows for the formation of a sealed region 34, and the manufacture of the battery cell 1 can be completed. When the sealed region 34 is formed, the vacuum chamber 100 (see...) Figure 2 The pressure in the vacuum chamber 100 can be restored from a low-pressure state. Alternatively, the battery cell 1 can be removed from the vacuum chamber 100.

[0116] Furthermore, if necessary, a portion of the upper part of the sealing area 34 can be trimmed. Trimming can be performed by the aforementioned cutting unit or trimming unit (not shown). For example, the trimming unit can be a cutting tool or a laser cutter. However, the trimming unit is not limited to these.

[0117] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The detailed flowchart of step S50 is shown.

[0118] In the following, as another embodiment of this disclosure, a battery cell manufacturing method that can be performed by a battery cell manufacturing apparatus will be described. Therefore, reference can be made to the above description.

[0119] A battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "manufacturing method") may include the step of placing a battery cell 1, including a receiving portion 23 and an air bag portion 40, inside a vacuum chamber 100 (S10). The battery cell 1 may have a first sealing portion 31 and a second sealing portion 32, and may have undergone an activation process.

[0120] The manufacturing method may include the step of forming a degassing hole H on the air bag portion 40 by punching (S20). The punching unit 200 can form the degassing hole H on the air bag portion 40 by punching. Therefore, due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery cell 1, the gas inside the battery cell 1 can be released to the outside through the degassing hole H.

[0121] The manufacturing method may include the step (S30) of forming a temporary seal 33 spanning between the degassing hole H and the receiving portion 23 using a sealing tool 300. The sealing tool 300 may apply heat and pressure to the air bag portion 40 to form the temporary seal 33. The temporary seal 33 may be formed at a location closer to the receiving portion 23 within the degassing hole H and the receiving portion 23.

[0122] The manufacturing method may include the step of cutting off a portion of the upper part of the air bag portion 40 to form an opening 41 (S40). The cutting unit may cut off a portion of the upper part of the air bag portion 40 along an imaginary cutting line CL passing through the degassing hole H and the temporary seal portion 33. That is, the air bag portion 40 may be cut along the imaginary cutting line CL. Therefore, an opening 41 corresponding to the cutting line CL may be formed.

[0123] The manufacturing method may also include the step of forming a sealing region 34 including a temporary sealing portion 33 (S50).

[0124] More specifically, the step of forming the sealed area 34 (S50) may include the step of injecting gas into the opening 41 through the injection unit 400 (S51) and the step of moving the sealing tool 300 upward toward the opening 41 while in contact with the gas bag portion 40 (S53). In addition, the step of forming the sealed area 34 (S50) may also include the step of sucking up the electrolyte solution that has been dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit 400 through the suction unit 500 (S52).

[0125] although Figure 10 Steps S51 to S53 are shown to be performed sequentially, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and two or more steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0126] The injection unit 400 can inject gases at temperatures higher than room temperature. Electrolyte solutions remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag section 40 can be evaporated and dispersed through the injection unit 400. Therefore, the step of moving the sealing tool 300 upward (S53) can help prevent a decrease in the sealing quality of the sealing area 34.

[0127] The suction unit 500 can suction the electrolyte solution that has been dispersed by the gas ejected from the injection unit 400. Therefore, it can prevent the surrounding objects of the battery cell 1 from being contaminated by the electrolyte solution.

[0128] The opening 41 can be expanded by the suction unit 500, and the injection unit 400 can inject gas into the expanded opening 41. Therefore, the electrolyte solution remaining on the inner surface of the gas bag section 40 can be evaporated and dispersed more quickly.

[0129] In the step (S50) of forming the sealing area 34, the injection unit 400 and the suction unit 500 can move upward while maintaining a distance relative to the sealing tool 300. Therefore, residual electrolyte solution in the air bag section 40 can be reliably and completely removed, and scattered electrolyte solution can be suctioned more reliably.

[0130] Simultaneously, the manufacturing method may also include a step of trimming a portion of the upper part of the sealing region 34 (S60). Therefore, the appearance quality of the battery cell 1 can be improved, and the energy density can be reduced.

[0131] Although this disclosure has been described above to describe its technical aspects, those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from its essential characteristics.

[0132] Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are provided to describe the technical aspects of this disclosure, but are not intended to be limiting, and the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0133] The scope of protection of this disclosure shall be interpreted by the appended claims, and it should be understood that the scope of protection of this disclosure includes all technical aspects within the equivalent scope.

[0134] [List of reference numerals]

[0135] 1: Battery cell; 10: Electrode assembly

[0136] 12: Electrode leads; 20: Outer packaging

[0137] 21: First Sheet Department 22: Second Sheet Department

[0138] 23: Receiving part; 31: First sealing part

[0139] 32: Second sealing part; 33: Temporary sealing part

[0140] 34: Sealed area; 40: Air bag section

[0141] 41: Opening 100: Vacuum Chamber

[0142] 200: Punching unit; 300: Sealing tool

[0143] 400: Injection unit; 410: Main body

[0144] 420: Nozzle; 500: Suction unit

[0145] 500A: First suction section; 500B: Second suction section

[0146] 510: Main body 520: Inclined section

[0147] 521: Suction port

Claims

1. A battery cell manufacturing apparatus, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: A vacuum chamber in which a semi-finished battery cell is placed, the semi-finished battery cell including a receiving portion for containing an electrolyte solution and an electrode assembly, and an air bag portion connected to the receiving portion and positioned above the receiving portion; A punching unit, configured to form degassing holes on the air bag portion by punching; A sealing tool configured to form a temporary seal across the degassing hole and the receiving portion, and to form a sealing area including the temporary seal while moving upward in contact with the air bag portion; A cutting unit configured to cut off a portion of the upper part of the air bag portion to form an opening after the temporary seal is formed; as well as An injection unit configured to inject gas into the opening.

2. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The injection unit includes: The main body; and A nozzle is disposed at the lower end of the body and configured to inject gas into the opening.

3. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The injection unit is configured to inject gas at a temperature higher than room temperature.

4. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A suction unit configured to suction the electrolyte solution dispersed by gas ejected from the jetting unit.

5. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 4, in, The suction unit includes a first suction section and a second suction section located on both sides, and the jetting unit is located between the first suction section and the second suction section.

6. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, in, The first suction section and the second suction section include: The main body; and An inclined portion, which is connected to the lower end of the body and inserted into the opening to widen the opening, and The inclined portions of the first suction section and the inclined portions of the second suction section move closer to each other as they face downwards.

7. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 6, in, The lower end of the inclined portion is positioned below the lower end of the injection unit.

8. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 6, in, The inclined portion has suction holes on its inner surface to suction out the scattered electrolyte solution.

9. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 6, in, The horizontal thickness of the inclined portion decreases as it faces downwards.

10. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 4, in, As the sealing tool moves upward, the injection unit and the suction unit move upward while maintaining a distance relative to the sealing tool.

11. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The sealing tool forms the temporary seal in the degassing hole and the receiving portion at a position closer to the receiving portion.

12. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The cutting unit cuts off a portion of the upper part of the air bag section along an imaginary cutting line passing through the degassing hole and the temporary seal.

13. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, the method comprising the following steps: The semi-finished battery cell is placed in a vacuum chamber. The semi-finished battery cell includes a receiving part that contains an electrolyte solution and an electrode assembly, and an air bag part that is connected to the receiving part and positioned above the receiving part. Degassing holes are formed on the air bag section by punching; A temporary seal is formed between the degassing hole and the receiving portion using a sealing tool; A portion of the upper part of the air bag is cut off to form an opening; as well as A sealing area including the temporary sealing portion is formed. The step of forming the sealed area includes the following steps: Gas is injected into the opening via an injection unit; and The sealing tool is moved upward toward the opening while in contact with the air bag portion.

14. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 13, in, The injection unit injects gas at a temperature higher than room temperature.

15. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 13, in, The step of forming the sealing area further includes the following steps: The electrolyte solution, dispersed by the gas ejected from the spraying unit, is drawn in by the suction unit.

16. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 15, in, The opening is expanded by the suction unit, and The injection unit injects gas into the expanded opening.

17. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 15, in, The injection unit and the suction unit move upward while maintaining a distance relative to the sealing tool.

18. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 13, in, The step of forming the opening includes the following steps: cutting the air bag section along an imaginary cutting line passing through the degassing hole and the temporary seal.

19. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 13, in, The step of forming the temporary seal includes the following steps: forming the temporary seal at a location closer to the receiving portion in both the degassing hole and the receiving portion.

20. The battery cell manufacturing method according to claim 13, further comprising the following steps: Trim a portion of the upper part of the sealing area.

Images