Battery cell degassing device and method
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250014078
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-11
Smart Images
Figure PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell degassing device and method, and more specifically, to a battery cell degassing device and method that improves degassing performance and prevents external defects of the battery cell case with a simple configuration at low cost. Background Technology
[0002] Rechargeable batteries can be classified into cylindrical cells, prismatic cells, and pouch-type cells. Among these, pouch-type cells are attracting significant attention due to their ability to be stacked with high integration density, high energy density per unit weight, low cost, and ease of deformation.
[0003] A pouch-type battery cell is manufactured by placing an electrode assembly, including a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode, into a pouch case, injecting an electrolyte, and sealing the edges. Afterward, the pouch-type battery cell is activated through several charge-discharge cycles.
[0004] Once the activation process is complete, a degassing process is performed to remove gas generated inside the cell, and then the pouch case is resealed. Failure to perform the degassing process results in degraded battery cell performance and a shortened lifespan.
[0005] Since the degassing process is carried out by applying pressure to pouch-type battery cells, external defects may occur in the pouch case. Therefore, a degassing device and method are required that sufficiently pressurize the pouch-type battery cells to improve degassing performance while preventing external defects. Prior art literature
[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0062839 The problem to be solved
[0007] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a battery cell degassing device and method that improve degassing performance and prevent external defects of the battery cell case with a simple configuration at low cost.
[0008] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell degassing device and method with improved stability.
[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. means of solving the problem
[0010] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a battery cell degassing device comprising: a first block (100) having a first front surface (FS1) positioned to face and contact a first cell surface (CS1) on one side in the thickness direction of a battery cell (50) and a first rear surface (BS1) on the opposite side of the first front surface (FS1); a first pressing member (200) positioned to face the first cell surface (CS1) with the first block (100) in between, and installed to be movable to one side or the other side of a first direction intersecting the thickness direction while pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) toward the other side in the thickness direction; and a driving unit (900) for moving the first pressing member (200) toward one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0011] In one embodiment, the compressive strength and bending strength of the first block (100) may each be greater than the compressive strength and bending strength of the case of the battery cell (50) including the first cell surface (CS1).
[0012] In one embodiment, the first pressure member (200) may be a roller.
[0013] In one embodiment, in a cross-section cut by a virtual plane extending in the thickness direction and the first direction, the first front surface (FS1) may form a convex curve toward the first cell surface (CS1).
[0014] In one embodiment, the first block (100) may be installed so that the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) rolls toward one side or the other side of the first direction according to the movement of the first pressure member (200).
[0015] In one embodiment, the first front surface (FS1) in the cross-section may form an arc.
[0016] In one embodiment, the first block (100) may include a pair of first extension links (300) that are respectively connected to and extendable at one end and the other end of the first direction.
[0017] In one embodiment, each of the first elastic links (300) may include an elastic member (330) that provides an elastic restoring force in the direction in which the length of the first elastic link (300) increases or decreases.
[0018] In one embodiment, at least one of the first extension links (300) may be rotatably installed.
[0019] In one embodiment, at least one of the first extension links (300) may have a rotation range restricted.
[0020] In one embodiment, the first rear surface (BS1) may have a shape corresponding to the first front surface (FS1).
[0021] In one embodiment, the first pressure member (200) can move in a first direction.
[0022] In one embodiment, the first block (100) may include a first body (110) in contact with the first pressure member (200) and a first compression pad (120) disposed on the other side of the thickness direction of the first body (110), coupled with the first body (110), and in contact with the first cell surface (CS1).
[0023] In one embodiment, the first block (100) may include a first guide rail (130) that is formed to protrude toward one side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1) and extends toward one side or the other side in the first direction, or may include a first guide groove that is formed to be recessed toward the other side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1) and extends toward one side or the other side in the first direction.
[0024] The first pressure member (200) may include a first groove (210) formed by being recessed inward and into which the first guide rail (130) is inserted, or a first protrusion formed by being protruded outward and inserted into the first guide groove.
[0025] In one embodiment, the battery cell degassing device (10) may include: a second block (500) having a second front surface (FS2) positioned to face and contact the second cell surface (CS2) on the other side of the thickness direction of the battery cell (50) and a second rear surface (BS2) opposite the second front surface (FS2); and a second pressing member (600) positioned to face the second cell surface (CS2) with the second block (500) in between, and installed to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while pressing the second block (500) and the second cell surface (CS2) toward one side of the thickness direction.
[0026] The above driving unit (900) can move the second pressure member (600) to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0027] In one embodiment, the first pressure member (200) and the second pressure member (600) are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction with the first block (100), battery cell (50), and second block (500) in between, and can move together to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0028] In addition, to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a battery cell degassing method (S900) comprising: a placement process (S910) in which the first pressing member (200) is positioned so as to face the battery cell (50) with the first block (100) in between; and a movement process (S920) in which the first pressing member (200) faces the first cell surface (CS1) of the battery cell (50) and contacts the first rear surface (BS1) of the first block (100), and presses the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) toward the other side in the thickness direction, while moving the first pressing member (200) toward one side or the other side in the first direction. Effects of the invention
[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell degassing device (10) may include: a first block (100) having a first front surface (FS1) positioned to face and contact a first cell surface (CS1) on one side in the thickness direction of a battery cell (50) and a first rear surface (BS1) on the opposite side of the first front surface (FS1); a first pressing member (200) positioned to face the first cell surface (CS1) with the first block (100) in between, and installed to be movable to one side or the other side of a first direction intersecting the thickness direction while pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) toward the other side in the thickness direction; and a driving unit (900) for moving the first pressing member (200) toward one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0030] Accordingly, in a battery cell degassing device (10) that removes gas from inside a battery cell (50) using a first pressurizing member (200) that moves while applying pressure to a local part of the battery cell (50), the battery cell case can be protected because the first pressurizing member (200) does not come into direct contact with the case (first cell surface (CS1)) of the battery cell (50). Accordingly, even if the pressure of the first pressurizing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage. Therefore, the degassing performance of the battery cell degassing device (10) can be improved and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0031] According to embodiments of the present invention, the compressive strength and bending strength of the first block (100) may each be greater than the compressive strength and bending strength of the case of the battery cell (50) including the first cell surface (CS1).
[0032] Accordingly, the pressing force of the first pressing member (200) can be dispersed rather than concentrated on a local part of the battery cell case. Accordingly, even if the pressing force of the first pressing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage.
[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first pressing member (200) may be a roller.
[0034] Accordingly, the first pressure member (200) can easily move to one side or the other side in the first direction while pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) in contact with the first rear surface (BS1).
[0035] According to embodiments of the present invention, in a cross-section cut by a virtual plane extending in the thickness direction and the first direction, the first front surface (FS1) may form a convex curve toward the first cell surface (CS1).
[0036] Accordingly, since the first front surface (FS1) of the first block (100) is not flat but curved, the first cell surface (CS1) can be evenly pressed. Accordingly, degassing performance can be improved.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first block (100) may be installed so that the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) rolls toward one side or the other side of the first direction as the first pressing member (200) moves.
[0038] Accordingly, the first cell surface (CS1) can be evenly pressed with a low-cost, simple configuration. Consequently, degassing performance can be improved with a low-cost, simple configuration. Additionally, since the first block (100) rolls without sliding along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1), the frictional force between the first block (100) and the battery cell case can be reduced and made uniform. Consequently, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage, thereby preventing defects in the appearance of the battery cell case.
[0039] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first front surface (FS1) in the cross-section may form an arc.
[0040] Accordingly, as the first block (100) rolls, the first cell surface (CS1) can be uniformly pressed, so the degassing performance can be improved.
[0041] According to embodiments of the present invention, a pair of first extension links (300) may be included, each coupled to and extending at one end and the other end of the first direction of the first block (100).
[0042] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be installed to roll along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) while pressing the first cell surface (CS1) as the first pressing member (200) moves, with a simple configuration at low cost, and the first block (100) can be stably supported. Additionally, the first block (100) can be installed to roll up and down along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1). Accordingly, since the first block (100) can push the gas inside the battery cell (50) upward and discharge it to the outside of the battery cell (50), the degassing performance can be improved.
[0043] According to embodiments of the present invention, each of the first elastic link (300) may include an elastic member (330) that provides an elastic restoring force in a direction in which the length of the first elastic link (300) increases or decreases.
[0044] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be installed to roll along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) while pressing the first cell surface (CS1) as the first pressing member (200) moves, with a simple configuration at low cost, and the first block (100) can be stably supported.
[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least one first extension link (300) can be rotatably installed.
[0046] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be installed to roll along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) while pressing the first cell surface (CS1) as the first pressing member (200) moves, with a simple configuration at low cost, and the first block (100) can be stably supported. Additionally, the first block (100) can be installed to roll up and down along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1).
[0047] According to embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the first extension links (300) among the at least one first extension link (300) may have a rotation range restricted.
[0048] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be stably supported.
[0049] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first rear surface (BS1) may have a shape corresponding to the first front surface (FS1).
[0050] Accordingly, the first cell surface (CS1) can be uniformly pressurized, so the degassing performance can be improved.
[0051] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first pressure member (200) can move in a first direction.
[0052] Accordingly, a battery cell degassing device (10) can be implemented with a low-cost and simple configuration.
[0053] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first block (100) may include a first body (110) in contact with the first pressure member (200) and a first compression pad (120) disposed on the other side in the thickness direction of the first body (110), coupled with the first body (110), and in contact with the first cell surface (CS1).
[0054] Accordingly, the first block (100) may include a first compression pad (120). Accordingly, the battery cell case may be protected.
[0055] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first block (100) may include a first guide rail (130) formed protruding toward one side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1) and extending toward one side or the other side in the first direction, or a first guide groove formed recessed toward the other side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1) and extending toward one side or the other side in the first direction. The first pressure member (200) may include a first groove portion (210) formed recessed inward and into which the first guide rail (130) is inserted, or a first protrusion formed protruding outward and inserted into the first guide groove.
[0056] Accordingly, the first pressure member (200) can be guided by the first guide rail (130) or the first guide groove and move stably to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0057] According to embodiments of the present invention, the battery cell degassing device (10) may include: a second block (500) having a second front surface (FS2) positioned to face and contact a second cell surface (CS2) on the other side of the thickness direction of the battery cell (50) and a second rear surface (BS2) opposite to the second front surface (FS2); and a second pressing member (600) positioned to face the second cell surface (CS2) with the second block (500) in between, and installed to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while pressing the second block (500) and the second cell surface (CS2) toward one side of the thickness direction. The driving unit (900) may move the second pressing member (600) toward one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0058] Accordingly, since the second pressurizing member (600) does not directly contact the case (second cell surface (CS2)) of the battery cell (50), the battery cell case can be protected. Accordingly, even if the pressurizing force of the second pressurizing member (600) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage. Therefore, the degassing performance of the battery cell degassing device (10) can be improved, and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0059] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first pressure member (200) and the second pressure member (600) are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction with the first block (100), battery cell (50), and second block (500) in between, and can move together to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0060] Accordingly, the degassing performance of the battery cell degassing device (10) can be improved and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0061] According to embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell degassing method (S900) may include: a placement process (S910) in which the first pressing member (200) is positioned to face the battery cell (50) with the first block (100) in between; and a movement process (S920) in which the first pressing member (200) faces the first cell surface (CS1) of the battery cell (50) and contacts the first rear surface (BS1) of the first block (100), and presses the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) toward the other side in the thickness direction, while moving the first pressing member (200) toward one side or the other side in the first direction.
[0062] Accordingly, in a battery cell degassing method (S900) for removing gas from inside a battery cell (50) using a first pressurizing member (200) that moves while applying pressure to a local part of the battery cell (50), the battery cell case can be protected because the first pressurizing member (200) does not come into direct contact with the case (first cell surface (CS1)) of the battery cell (50). Accordingly, even if the pressure of the first pressurizing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage. Therefore, degassing performance can be improved and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0063] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0064] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are a perspective view and a side view schematically illustrating a battery cell degassing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a 3-3' cross-sectional view of Figure 1. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are a perspective view and a side view showing the state in which the first pressing member and the second pressing member have moved in the battery cell degassing device of FIGS. 1 to 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4 at 6-6'. FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are a perspective view and a side view showing the state in which the first pressing member and the second pressing member have moved in the battery cell degassing device of FIGS. 4 to 6. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 7 at 9-9'. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first expansion link of FIG. 1 to FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a battery cell degassing method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0065] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.
[0066] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.
[0067] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.
[0068] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.
[0069] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.
[0070] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.
[0071] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view and a side view schematically illustrating a battery cell degassing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at 3-3' of FIG. 1. FIGS. 4 and 5 are a perspective view and a side view illustrating the state in which the first pressurizing member and the second pressurizing member have moved in the battery cell degassing device of FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken at 6-6' of FIG. 4. FIGS. 7 and 8 are a perspective view and a side view illustrating the state in which the first pressurizing member and the second pressurizing member have moved in the battery cell degassing device of FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken at 9-9' of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first extension link of FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a battery cell degassing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] [Battery Cell Degassing Device]
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 9, a battery cell degassing device (10) according to one embodiment may include a first block (100), a first pressurizing member (200), and a driving member (900). The battery cell degassing device (10) may include a pair of first extension links (300). The battery cell degassing device (10) may include a first support member (400). The battery cell degassing device (10) may include a second block (500) and a second pressurizing member (600). The battery cell degassing device (10) may include a pair of second extension links (700). The battery cell degassing device (10) may include a second support member (800).
[0074] [Block 1]
[0075] The first block (100) may be configured to be positioned on one side of the battery cell (50) in the thickness direction (e.g., front-rear direction). The first block (100) may be positioned to face the battery cell (50) in the thickness direction. Here, the battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.
[0076] The first block (100) may have a first front surface (FS1) and a first rear surface (BS1). The first front surface (FS1) may be positioned to face and contact a first cell surface (CS1) on one side in the thickness direction of the battery cell (50). The first rear surface (BS1) may be the surface opposite to the first front surface (FS1).
[0077] The compressive strength and bending strength of the first block (100) may each be greater than the compressive strength and bending strength of the case (e.g., pouch case) of the battery cell (50) including the first cell surface (CS1).
[0078] Accordingly, the pressing force of the first pressing member (200) can be dispersed rather than concentrated on a local part of the battery cell case. Accordingly, even if the pressing force of the first pressing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage.
[0079] In a cross-section cut by a virtual plane extending in the thickness direction and the first direction (e.g., up and down direction), the first front surface (FS1) can form a convex curve toward the first cell surface (CS1).
[0080] Accordingly, since the first front surface (FS1) of the first block (100) is not flat but curved, the first cell surface (CS1) can be evenly pressed. Accordingly, degassing performance can be improved.
[0081] The first block (100) can be installed so that the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) rolls toward one side or the other side of the first direction according to the movement of the first pressurizing member (200) (Figs. 3, 6, 9).
[0082] Accordingly, the first cell surface (CS1) can be evenly pressed with a low-cost, simple configuration. Consequently, degassing performance can be improved with a low-cost, simple configuration. Additionally, since the first block (100) rolls without sliding along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1), the frictional force between the first block (100) and the battery cell case can be reduced and made uniform. Consequently, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage, thereby preventing defects in the appearance of the battery cell case.
[0083] At this time, the first front surface (FS1) in the above cross-section can form an arc.
[0084] Accordingly, as the first block (100) rolls, the first cell surface (CS1) can be uniformly pressed, so the degassing performance can be improved.
[0085] The first rear surface (BS1) may have a shape corresponding to the first front surface (FS1).
[0086] Accordingly, the first cell surface (CS1) can be uniformly pressurized, so the degassing performance can be improved.
[0087] The first block (100) may include a first body (110) and a first compression pad (120). The first block (100) may include a first guide rail (130) or a first guide groove.
[0088] The first body (110) may come into contact with the first pressure member (200). One side of the first body (110) in the thickness direction may be the first rear surface (BS1).
[0089] The first compression pad (120) may be positioned on the other side in the thickness direction of the first body (110). The first compression pad (120) may be coupled to the first body (110). The first compression pad (120) may be in contact with the first cell surface (CS1). The surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the first compression pad (120) may be the first front surface (FS1).
[0090] In this way, the first block (100) may include a first compression pad (120). Accordingly, the battery cell case can be protected.
[0091] The first guide rail (130) may be formed to protrude toward one side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1). The first guide rail (130) may be formed to extend toward one side or the other side in the first direction. The surface of the first guide rail (130) in the thickness direction may have a shape corresponding to the first rear surface (BS1).
[0092] The first guide groove (not shown) may be formed by being recessed toward the other side in the thickness direction relative to the first rear surface (BS1). The first guide groove may be formed extending toward one side or the other side in the first direction. The inner surface of the first guide groove in the thickness direction may have a shape corresponding to the first rear surface (BS1).
[0093] Meanwhile, a pair of first guide rails (130) or a pair of first guide grooves may be provided. A pair of first guide rails (130) or a pair of first guide grooves may be disposed or formed at both ends of the second direction of the first body (110).
[0094] [First pressure member]
[0095] The first pressure member (200) can be positioned to face the first cell surface (CS1) with the first block (100) in between.
[0096] The first pressure member (200) may be installed so as to be movable to one side (e.g., upper side) or the other side (e.g., lower side) of the first direction (e.g., up and down direction) that intersects the thickness direction while facing the first cell surface (CS1). The first pressure member (200) may be installed so as to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while in contact with the first rear surface (BS1). The first pressure member (200) may be installed so as to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) to the other side of the thickness direction.
[0097] Accordingly, in a battery cell degassing device (10) that removes gas from inside a battery cell (50) using a first pressurizing member (200) that moves while applying pressure to a local part of the battery cell (50), the battery cell case can be protected because the first pressurizing member (200) does not come into direct contact with the case (first cell surface (CS1)) of the battery cell (50). Accordingly, even if the pressure of the first pressurizing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage. Therefore, the degassing performance of the battery cell degassing device (10) can be improved and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0098] Unlike the present invention, when the first pressurizing member (200) comes into direct contact with the case (first cell surface (CS1)) of the battery cell (50), pressure may be concentrated in a localized area of the battery cell case that comes into contact with the first pressurizing member (200). Accordingly, if the pressurizing force of the first pressurizing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may easily undergo plastic deformation and / or damage.
[0099] In addition, unlike the present invention, if the first pressure member (200) is a roller that directly contacts the case (first cell surface (CS1)) of the battery cell (50), the first pressure member (200) may move while rotating, but as the pressure acting on the first pressure member (200) increases, the first pressure member (200) may not be able to rotate and may slide. Accordingly, the frictional force between the first pressure member (200) and the battery cell case increases, and the battery cell case may easily undergo plastic deformation and / or damage.
[0100] The width of the first direction of the area where the stationary first pressure member (200) contacts the first rear surface (BS1) may be smaller than the width (length) of the first direction of the first front surface (FS1), the first rear surface (BS1), and the first cell surface (CS1). Accordingly, the first pressure member (200) can move while facing the first cell surface (CS1) and contacting the first rear surface (BS1).
[0101] The pressure position of the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) can change depending on the movement of the first pressure member (200). Accordingly, the first cell surface (CS1) can be sequentially pressured depending on the movement of the first pressure member (200).
[0102] The first pressure member (200) may be a roller.
[0103] Accordingly, the first pressure member (200) can easily move to one side or the other side in the first direction while pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) in contact with the first rear surface (BS1).
[0104] The first pressure member (200) can move in the first direction.
[0105] Accordingly, a battery cell degassing device (10) can be implemented with a low-cost and simple configuration.
[0106] The first pressure member (200) may include a first groove (210) or a first protrusion.
[0107] The first groove (210) may be formed by being recessed inward. The first guide rail (130) of the first block (100) may be inserted into the first groove (210).
[0108] A first protrusion (not shown) may be formed to protrude outward. The first protrusion may be inserted into a first guide groove of the first block (100).
[0109] Accordingly, the first pressure member (200) can be guided by the first guide rail (130) or the first guide groove and move stably to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0110] Meanwhile, a pair of first grooves (210) or a pair of first protrusions may be formed. A pair of first grooves (210) or a pair of first protrusions may be formed at both ends of the second direction of the first pressure member (200).
[0111] [1st New Link, 1st Support]
[0112] A pair of first extension links (300) can be connected to one end and the other end of the first direction of the first block (100), respectively. A pair of first extension links (300) can be extended.
[0113] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be installed to roll along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) while pressing the first cell surface (CS1) as the first pressing member (200) moves, with a simple configuration at low cost, and the first block (100) can be stably supported. Additionally, the first block (100) can be installed to roll up and down along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1). Accordingly, since the first block (100) can push the gas inside the battery cell (50) upward and discharge it to the outside of the battery cell (50), the degassing performance can be improved.
[0114] At least one first extension link (300) may be rotatably installed. For example, one end of a pair of first extension links (300) may be rotatably connected to one end and the other end of a first direction of the first block (100), respectively. Additionally, the other end of a pair of first extension links (300) may be rotatably connected to a first support member (400).
[0115] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be installed to roll along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) while pressing the first cell surface (CS1) as the first pressing member (200) moves, with a simple configuration at low cost, and the first block (100) can be stably supported. Additionally, the first block (100) can be installed to roll up and down along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1).
[0116] At least one first extension link (300) and the first block (100) or at least one first extension link (300) and the first support member (400) can be rotatably connected by a bearing (e.g., a surface bearing).
[0117] Among the above at least one first extension link (300), one or more first extension links (300) may have their rotation range restricted.
[0118] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be stably supported.
[0119] Each first extension link (300) may be installed so that its length changes in the thickness direction. Each first extension link (300) may be installed so that it extends in the thickness direction or extends at an angle from the thickness direction toward the first direction.
[0120] Referring further to FIG. 10, a first extension link (300) according to one embodiment may include a cylinder (310), a piston (320), and an elastic member (330).
[0121] The cylinder (310) may have an internal space open on one side in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder (310). A piston (320) may be inserted into the internal space of the cylinder (310). The piston (320) may slide in the longitudinal direction. An elastic member (330) may be disposed in the internal space of the cylinder (310). The elastic member (330) may be disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the piston (320).
[0122] The elastic member (330) can provide an elastic restoring force in a direction in which the length of the first elastic link (300) increases or decreases. For example, the elastic member (330) can provide an elastic restoring force in a direction in which the length of the first elastic link (300) increases (Fig. 10).
[0123] Accordingly, the first block (100) can be installed to roll along the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) while pressing the first cell surface (CS1) as the first pressing member (200) moves, with a simple configuration at low cost, and the first block (100) can be stably supported.
[0124] Meanwhile, a pair of first extension links (300) may be provided. That is, a pair of first extension links (300) may be connected to one end (e.g., left) of the second direction (e.g., left-right direction) of the first block (100). Additionally, a pair of first extension links (300) may be connected to one end (e.g., left) of the second direction of the first support member (400). Another pair of first extension links (300) may be connected to the other end (e.g., right) of the second direction of the first block (100). Additionally, another pair of first extension links (300) may be connected to the other end (e.g., right) of the second direction of the first support member (400). Here, the second direction may intersect with the thickness direction and the first direction.
[0125] The first support member (400) may be positioned on one side in the thickness direction of the first block (100) and the first pressure member (200). The first support member (400) may be fixedly installed. The first support member (400) may be combined with a pair of first extension links (300).
[0126] [Block 2]
[0127] The second block (500) may be configured to be placed on the other side in the thickness direction of the battery cell (50). The second block (200) may be placed to face the first block (100) in the thickness direction with the battery cell (50) in between.
[0128] The second block (500) may have a second front surface (FS2) and a second rear surface (BS2). The second front surface (FS2) may be positioned to face and contact the second cell surface (CS2) on the other side in the thickness direction of the battery cell (50). The second rear surface (BS2) may be the side opposite to the second front surface (FS2).
[0129] The compressive strength and bending strength of the second block (500) may each be greater than the compressive strength and bending strength of the case (e.g., pouch case) of the battery cell (50) including the second cell surface (CS2).
[0130] In a cross-section cut by a virtual plane extending in the thickness direction and the first direction, the second front surface (FS2) can form a convex curve toward the second cell surface (CS2).
[0131] The second block (500) can be installed so that the surface of the second cell surface (CS2) rolls to one side or the other side of the first direction as the second pressure member (600) moves (Figs. 3, 6, 9).
[0132] At this time, the second front surface (FS2) in the above cross-section can form an arc.
[0133] The second rear surface (BS2) may have a shape corresponding to the second front surface (FS2).
[0134] The second block (500) may include a second body (510) and a second compression pad (520). The second block (500) may include a second guide rail (530) or a second guide groove.
[0135] The second body (510) may come into contact with the second pressure member (600). The other side of the second body (510) in the thickness direction may be the second rear surface (BS2).
[0136] The second compression pad (520) may be disposed on one side in the thickness direction of the second body (510). The second compression pad (520) may be coupled to the second body (510). The second compression pad (520) may be in contact with the second cell surface (CS2). The surface on one side in the thickness direction of the second compression pad (520) may be the second front surface (FS2).
[0137] The second guide rail (530) may be formed to protrude toward the other side in the thickness direction from the second rear surface (BS2). The second guide rail (530) may be formed to extend toward one side or the other side in the first direction. The surface of the second guide rail (530) on the other side in the thickness direction may have a shape corresponding to the second rear surface (BS2).
[0138] The second guide groove (not shown) may be formed by being recessed toward one side in the thickness direction relative to the second rear surface (BS2). The second guide groove may be formed by extending toward one side or the other side in the first direction. The inner surface of the second guide groove in the thickness direction may have a shape corresponding to the second rear surface (BS2).
[0139] Meanwhile, a pair of second guide rails (530) or a pair of second guide grooves may be provided. A pair of second guide rails (530) or a pair of second guide grooves may be disposed or formed at both ends of the second direction of the second body (510).
[0140] [Second Pressure Member]
[0141] The second pressure member (600) can be positioned to face the second cell surface (CS2) with the second block (500) in between.
[0142] The second pressure member (600) may be installed so as to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while facing the second cell surface (CS2). The second pressure member (600) may be installed so as to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while in contact with the second rear surface (BS2). The second pressure member (600) may be installed so as to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while pressing the second block (500) and the second cell surface (CS2) to one side of the thickness direction.
[0143] Accordingly, since the second pressurizing member (600) does not directly contact the case (second cell surface (CS2)) of the battery cell (50), the battery cell case can be protected. Accordingly, even if the pressurizing force of the second pressurizing member (600) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage. Therefore, the degassing performance of the battery cell degassing device (10) can be improved, and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0144] Meanwhile, the first pressure member (200) and the second pressure member (600) may be arranged to face each other in the thickness direction with the first block (100), the battery cell (50), and the second block (500) in between. The first pressure member (200) and the second pressure member (600) may move together to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0145] Accordingly, the degassing performance of the battery cell degassing device (10) can be improved and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0146] The width of the first direction of the area where the stationary second pressure member (600) contacts the second rear surface (BS2) may be smaller than the width (length) of the first direction of the second front surface (FS2), the second rear surface (BS2), and the second cell surface (CS2). Accordingly, the second pressure member (600) can move while facing the second cell surface (CS2) and contacting the second rear surface (BS2).
[0147] The pressure position of the second block (500) and the second cell surface (CS2) may change depending on the movement of the second pressure member (600). Accordingly, the second cell surface (CS2) may be sequentially pressured depending on the movement of the second pressure member (600).
[0148] The second pressure member (600) may be a roller. The second pressure member (600) may move in the first direction.
[0149] The second pressure member (600) may include a second groove (610) or a first protrusion.
[0150] The second groove (610) may be formed by being recessed inward. The second guide rail (530) of the second block (500) may be inserted into the first groove (210).
[0151] A second protrusion (not shown) may be formed to protrude outward. The second protrusion may be inserted into the second guide groove of the second block (500).
[0152] Meanwhile, a pair of second grooves (610) or a pair of second protrusions may be formed. A pair of second grooves (610) or a pair of second protrusions may be formed at both ends of the second direction of the second pressure member (600).
[0153] [2nd New Link, 2nd Support Section]
[0154] A pair of second extension links (700) can be connected to one end and the other end of the first direction of the second block (500), respectively. A pair of second extension links (700) can be extended.
[0155] At least one second extension link (700) may be rotatably installed. For example, one end of a pair of second extension links (700) may be rotatably connected to one end and the other end of a first direction of the second block (500), respectively. Additionally, the other end of a pair of second extension links (700) may be rotatably connected to a second support member (800).
[0156] Meanwhile, matters not mentioned regarding the second new link (700) can be easily inferred from the first new link (300) mentioned above.
[0157] The second support member (800) may be positioned on the other side in the thickness direction of the second block (500) and the second pressure member (600). The second support member (800) may be fixedly installed. The second support member (800) may be combined with a pair of second extension links (700).
[0158] [Gudongbu]
[0159] The driving unit (900) can move the first pressure member (200) to one side or the other side of the first direction. The driving unit (900) can move the second pressure member (600) to one side or the other side of the first direction.
[0160] The driving unit (900) may include a pair of ball screw bolts (910), a pair of ball screw nuts (920), and a pair of motors.
[0161] A pair of ball screw bolts (910) may be disposed on one side and the other side of the second direction of the battery cell (50), respectively. A pair of ball screw bolts (910) may be formed to extend in the first direction.
[0162] A pair of ball screw nuts (920) can be threaded to a pair of ball screw bolts (910) respectively. A pair of ball screw nuts (920) can move in a first direction according to the rotation of a pair of ball screw bolts (910). A pair of ball screw nuts (920) can be coupled to one end and the other end of a second direction of a first pressure member (200). A pair of ball screw nuts (920) can be coupled to one end and the other end of a second direction of a second pressure member (600).
[0163] A pair of motors can each be coupled to a pair of ball screw bolts (910). A pair of motors can each rotate a pair of ball screw bolts (910).
[0164] [Battery Cell Degassing Method]
[0165] Referring to FIG. 11, a battery cell degassing method (S900) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a placement process (S910) and a moving process (S920).
[0166] In the placement process (S910), the first pressure member (200) can be placed so as to face the battery cell (50) with the first block (100) in between.
[0167] In the movement process (S920), the first pressing member (200) may be moved to one side or the other side in the first direction while i) facing the first cell surface (CS1) of the battery cell (50), ii) contacting the first rear surface (BS1) of the first block (100), and iii) pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) in the thickness direction.
[0168] Accordingly, in a battery cell degassing method (S900) for removing gas from inside a battery cell (50) using a first pressurizing member (200) that moves while applying pressure to a local part of the battery cell (50), the battery cell case can be protected because the first pressurizing member (200) does not come into direct contact with the case (first cell surface (CS1)) of the battery cell (50). Accordingly, even if the pressure of the first pressurizing member (200) increases, the battery cell case may not undergo plastic deformation and / or damage. Therefore, degassing performance can be improved and defects in the appearance of the battery cell case can be prevented.
[0169] The embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention will be defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims set forth below, as well as all modifications and variations derived from equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.
[0170] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized. Explanation of the symbols
[0171] 10: Battery cell degassing device 50: Battery cell CS1: 1st cell surface CS2: 2nd cell surface 100: Block 1 110: First body 120: First compression pad 130: First guide rail FS1: 1st Front BS1: 1st Rear 200: First pressure member 210: First groove 300: 1st extension link 310: Cylinder 320: Piston 330: Elastic member 400: 1st Support Section 500: Block 2 510: Second body 520: Second compression pad 530: Second guide rail FS2: 2nd Front BS2: 2nd Rear 600: Second pressure member 610: Second groove 700: 2nd new link 800: 2nd Support Section 900: Drive unit 910: Ball screw bolt 920: Ball screw nut
Claims
Claim 1 A battery cell degassing device comprising: a first block (100) having a first front surface (FS1) positioned to face and contact a first cell surface (CS1) on one side of the thickness direction of a battery cell (50) and a first rear surface (BS1) on the opposite side of the first front surface (FS1); a first pressing member (200) positioned to face the first cell surface (CS1) with the first block (100) in between, and installed to be movable to one side or the other side of a first direction intersecting the thickness direction while pressing the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) toward the other side of the thickness direction; and a driving unit (900) for moving the first pressing member (200) toward one side or the other side of the first direction. Claim 2 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein the compressive strength and bending strength of the first block (100) are each greater than the compressive strength and bending strength of the case of the battery cell (50) including the first cell surface (CS1). Claim 3 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein the first pressing member (200) is a roller. Claim 4 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein in a cross-section cut by a virtual plane extending in the thickness direction and the first direction, the first front surface (FS1) forms a convex curve toward the first cell surface (CS1). Claim 5 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 4, wherein the first block (100) is installed to roll the surface of the first cell surface (CS1) toward one side or the other side of the first direction according to the movement of the first pressurizing member (200). Claim 6 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 5, wherein the first front surface (FS1) in the cross-section forms an arc. Claim 7 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 5, comprising a pair of first extension links (300) that are respectively connected to and extendable at one end and the other end of the first direction of the first block (100). Claim 8 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 7, wherein each of the first elastic link (300) comprises an elastic member (330) that provides an elastic restoring force in a direction in which the length of the first elastic link (300) increases or decreases. Claim 9 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first extension links (300) is rotatably installed. Claim 10 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first extension links (300) has a rotation range restricted. Claim 11 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein the first rear surface (BS1) has a shape corresponding to the first front surface (FS1). Claim 12 In claim 11, the first pressing member (200) moves in a first direction, forming a battery cell degassing device. Claim 13 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein the first block (100) comprises a first body (110) in contact with the first pressure member (200) and a first compression pad (120) disposed on the other side in the thickness direction of the first body (110), coupled with the first body (110), and in contact with the first cell surface (CS1). Claim 14 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein the first block (100) includes a first guide rail (130) formed protruding toward one side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1) and extending toward one side or the other side in the first direction, or includes a first guide groove formed recessed toward the other side in the thickness direction from the first rear surface (BS1) and extending toward one side or the other side in the first direction, and the first pressing member (200) includes a first groove portion (210) formed recessed inward and into which the first guide rail (130) is inserted, or includes a first protrusion formed protruding outward and inserted into the first guide groove. Claim 15 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, comprising: a second block (500) having a second front surface (FS2) positioned to face and contact a second cell surface (CS2) on the other side of the thickness direction of the battery cell (50), and a second rear surface (BS2) opposite to the second front surface (FS2); and a second pressing member (600) positioned to face the second cell surface (CS2) with the second block (500) in between, and installed to be movable to one side or the other side of the first direction while pressing the second block (500) and the second cell surface (CS2) toward one side of the thickness direction, wherein the driving unit (900) moves the second pressing member (600) toward one side or the other side of the first direction. Claim 16 A battery cell degassing device according to claim 1, wherein the first pressing member (200) and the second pressing member (600) are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction with the first block (100), battery cell (50), and second block (500) in between, and move together to one side or the other side of the first direction. Claim 17 A battery cell degassing method (S900) using a battery cell degassing device (10) of claims 1 to 16, comprising: a placement process (S910) in which the first pressing member (200) is positioned to face the battery cell (50) with the first block (100) in between; and a movement process (S920) in which the first pressing member (200) faces the first cell surface (CS1) of the battery cell (50) and contacts the first rear surface (BS1) of the first block (100), and presses the first block (100) and the first cell surface (CS1) toward the other side in the thickness direction, while moving the first pressing member (200) toward one side or the other side in the first direction.