Battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the steps of driving a vacuum pump disposed outside a case to flow gas inside the case into a first chamber and a second chamber disposed outside the case, and flowing an electrolyte inside the first chamber and the second chamber into the case through a first recovery pipe connecting the first chamber and the inside of the case and a second recovery pipe connecting the second chamber and the inside of the case.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a battery manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method. Background Technology

[0002] Rechargeable batteries are widely used in portable mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and laptops due to their rechargeable and dischargeable capabilities. In particular, with the rapid development of the electrical, electronic, telecommunications, and computer industries in recent years, the demand for high-performance and high-stability rechargeable batteries is increasing even further.

[0003] Generally, depending on the structure of the electrode assembly, the secondary battery may include a jelly-roll electrode assembly in which long sheet-type positive and negative electrodes are wound with a separator in between, a stack-type electrode assembly in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes cut into units of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked with a separator in between, and a stack / folding-type electrode assembly in which bicells or full cells in which positive and negative electrodes of a predetermined unit are stacked with a separator in between are wound.

[0004] In addition, depending on the shape of the battery case, the secondary battery may be composed of a cylindrical secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical metal can, a prismatic secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a prismatic metal can, a pouch-type secondary battery in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type case made of an aluminum laminate sheet, etc.

[0005] Meanwhile, electrolyte is injected into the battery cell of a secondary battery, and during this injection process, it is necessary to vent the gas inside the battery cell to the outside. When venting the gas inside the battery cell, the electrolyte inside the battery cell may also be discharged to the outside, and an amount of electrolyte is lost inside the battery cell equivalent to the amount discharged to the outside. The problem to be solved

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are designed to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art as described above.

[0007] The problem to be solved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be to reduce the loss of the electrolyte.

[0008] The problem to be solved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be to smoothly discharge gas to the outside of the battery cell.

[0009] The problem to be solved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be to recover the electrolyte from outside the battery cell into the battery cell.

[0010] The problem to be solved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be to simplify the structure for discharging gas.

[0011] The problems to be solved in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above. means of solving the problem

[0012] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first chamber disposed outside a battery cell and configured to allow gas inside the battery cell to flow.

[0013] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second chamber spaced apart from the first chamber, which is disposed outside the battery cell and configured to allow gas inside the battery cell to flow.

[0014] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connecting tube that extends from inside the battery cell to outside the battery cell and is connected to the first chamber.

[0015] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second connecting pipe connecting the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0016] A battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a recovery pipe extending from each of the first chamber and the second chamber toward the interior of the battery cell and configured to flow the electrolyte inside the first chamber and the second chamber into the battery cell.

[0017] The recovery pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first recovery pipe extending from the first chamber.

[0018] The recovery pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second recovery pipe that extends from the second chamber and is joined to the first recovery pipe.

[0019] The first recovery pipe and the second recovery pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be joined to the first connecting pipe.

[0020] The second connecting tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an end portion inserted into the internal space of the first chamber.

[0021] The end of the second connecting tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inclined surface that is open in a direction facing away from the first connecting tube with respect to the extension direction of the second connecting tube.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the end of the second connecting tube may be positioned opposite to the first connecting tube with respect to the central region of the first chamber.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube may be extended along a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas and electrolyte flowing inside the first connecting tube and the second connecting tube may flow in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

[0025] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inlet pipe configured to introduce air into the interior of the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0026] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inlet valve disposed in the inlet pipe.

[0027] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vacuum pump configured to form a vacuum pressure inside the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0028] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connecting valve disposed in the first connecting tube and configured to open by the vacuum pressure of the first chamber.

[0029] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second connecting valve disposed in the second connecting tube and configured to open by the vacuum pressure of the second chamber.

[0030] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a recovery valve disposed in the recovery pipe and configured to be opened by air flowing into the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0031] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a chamber disposed outside a battery cell and configured to allow gas inside the battery cell to flow.

[0032] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an exhaust pipe extending from the chamber toward the outside of the battery manufacturing device.

[0033] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a vacuum pump configured to form a vacuum pressure in the chamber and the exhaust pipe.

[0034] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inlet pipe connected to the chamber through the exhaust pipe and configured to introduce air into the chamber.

[0035] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an inlet valve disposed in the inlet pipe.

[0036] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an exhaust valve disposed in the exhaust pipe.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inlet pipe may be joined to the exhaust pipe upstream of the exhaust valve.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, either of the exhaust valve and the inlet valve may be closed when the other of the exhaust valve and the inlet valve is opened.

[0039] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a recovery pipe connecting the chamber and the battery cell.

[0040] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a recovery valve disposed in the recovery pipe and configured to be opened by air flowing into the chamber through the inlet pipe.

[0041] The recovery valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be closed when the vacuum pump is driven.

[0042] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connecting tube connecting the battery cell and the chamber.

[0043] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connecting valve disposed in the first connecting pipe and configured to be opened by the driving of the vacuum pump.

[0044] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of driving a vacuum pump disposed outside a case to flow gas inside the case into a chamber disposed outside the case.

[0045] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of stopping the operation of the vacuum pump and closing an exhaust valve disposed in an exhaust pipe connected to the chamber.

[0046] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of opening an inlet valve disposed in an inlet pipe that introduces air into the interior of the chamber.

[0047] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of flowing an electrolyte inside the chamber toward an electrode assembly through a recovery pipe connecting the chamber and the inside of the case.

[0048] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of driving a vacuum pump disposed outside a case to flow gas inside the case into a first chamber and a second chamber disposed outside the case.

[0049] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of stopping the operation of the vacuum pump.

[0050] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of flowing an electrolyte inside the first chamber and the second chamber into the case through a first recovery pipe connecting the first chamber and the inside of the case and a second recovery pipe connecting the second chamber and the inside of the case.

[0051] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of opening an inlet pipe connected to the first chamber and the second chamber, and introducing air into the first chamber and the second chamber through the inlet pipe.

[0052] The step of flowing the electrolyte into the case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of closing an exhaust pipe configured to discharge gas inside the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0053] The step of flowing the electrolyte into the case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include closing a first connecting pipe connecting the case and the first chamber and a second connecting pipe connecting the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0054] The step of flowing the gas into the first chamber and the second chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of closing the first recovery pipe and the second recovery pipe.

[0055] The step of flowing the gas into the first chamber and the second chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the step of closing an inlet pipe that introduces air into the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first recovery pipe and the second recovery pipe may be laminated outside the case. Effects of the invention

[0057] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can recover an electrolyte discharged outside the battery cell into the battery cell through a recovery pipe extended into the battery cell.

[0058] A battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the loss of electrolyte inside a battery cell by recovering the electrolyte into the battery cell.

[0059] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can discharge gas inside a battery cell to the outside of the battery cell through a plurality of chambers.

[0060] A battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can simplify the structure for discharging gas through a plurality of connecting pipes and a plurality of recovery pipes connected to a plurality of chambers.

[0061] The effects according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0062] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a part of a conceptual diagram of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the operation of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the operation of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating the operation of a battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0063] Prior to the detailed description of the present invention, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, they should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0064] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings do not all represent a single embodiment.

[0065] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0066] In addition, it should be noted in advance that expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear in the following description are based on the direction depicted in the drawings, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0067] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the scope of the present invention may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting components, and such embodiments shall also be deemed to be within the scope of the concept of the present invention. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a battery manufacturing device (100). FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components included in the battery manufacturing device (100).

[0070] A battery manufacturing device (100) can discharge gas (G) inside a battery cell (10). The battery cell (10) may include a case (11) and an electrode assembly (12) housed inside the case (11). During the manufacturing process of the battery cell (10), an electrolyte (E) may be injected into the battery cell (10), and the electrolyte (E) may flow toward the electrode assembly (12). During the process of discharging gas (G) inside the battery cell (10) by the battery manufacturing device (100), a portion of the electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (10) may escape to the outside of the battery cell (10). The battery manufacturing device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the loss of electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (10) by recovering the electrolyte (E) that escaped to the outside of the battery cell (10) back into the battery cell (10).

[0071] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a chamber (110). A space may be formed inside the chamber (110). Gas (G) discharged from inside the battery cell (10) may be introduced into the chamber (110) and discharged from inside the chamber (110). Electrolyte (E) discharged from inside the battery cell (10) may be introduced into the chamber (110) and recovered from inside the chamber (110) into the battery cell (10). The chamber (110) may be placed outside the battery cell (10).

[0072] The chamber (110) may include a plurality of chambers (111, 112). For example, the chamber (110) may include a first chamber (111) and a second chamber (112) spaced apart from the first chamber (111). The first chamber (111) may be positioned closer to the battery cell (10) than the second chamber (112). The second chamber (112) may be positioned further away from the battery cell (10) than the first chamber (111). The first chamber (111) may be positioned upstream of the second chamber (112) on the path through which gas (G) is discharged. The second chamber (112) may be positioned downstream of the first chamber (111) on the path through which gas (G) is discharged.

[0073] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a vacuum pump (120). The vacuum pump (120) can create a vacuum environment inside the chamber (110). For example, the vacuum pump (120) can create a vacuum inside the chamber (110) by sucking in air inside the chamber (110). The vacuum pump (120) can create a vacuum inside the pipes (130, 140, 150, 160) between the battery cell (10) and the vacuum pump (120).

[0074] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a first connecting pipe (130). The first connecting pipe (130) may extend to the outside of the battery cell (10). The first connecting pipe (130) may connect the inside of the battery cell (10) with the first chamber (111). The first connecting pipe (130) may penetrate the case (11) of the battery cell (10). The case (11) may include a through hole (11a) through which the first connecting pipe (130) penetrates. The battery cell (10) may include a sealer (13) placed in the through hole (11a). The sealer (13) may surround the first connecting pipe (130). Gas (G) inside the battery cell (10) may be introduced into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130). The electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (10) can be introduced into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130).

[0075] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a first connecting valve (131). The first connecting valve (131) may be placed in a first connecting pipe (130). The first connecting valve (131) may regulate the flow rate inside the first connecting pipe (130). The first connecting valve (131) may be placed between a battery cell (10) and a first chamber (111). The first connecting valve (131) may regulate the flow rate flowing into the first chamber (111). The first connecting valve (131) may be a one-way valve having a backflow prevention function. For example, the first connecting valve (131) may allow flow from the battery cell (10) to the first chamber (111) and restrict flow from the first chamber (111) to the battery cell (10).

[0076] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a second connecting pipe (140). The second connecting pipe (140) may connect the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112). The second connecting pipe (140) may be inserted into the interior of the first chamber (111). Gas (G) inside the first chamber (111) may be introduced into the second chamber (112) through the second connecting pipe (140). A portion of the electrolyte (E) inside the first chamber (111) may be introduced into the second chamber (112) through the second connecting pipe (140). The remainder of the electrolyte (E) inside the first chamber (111) may be recovered to the battery cell (10) through the first recovery pipe (161).

[0077] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a second connecting valve (141). The second connecting valve (141) may be placed in a second connecting pipe (140). The second connecting valve (141) may regulate the flow rate inside the second connecting pipe (140). The second connecting valve (141) may be placed between the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112). The second connecting valve (141) may regulate the flow rate entering the second chamber (112). The second connecting valve (141) may be a one-way valve. For example, the second connecting valve (141) may allow flow from the first chamber (111) to the second chamber (112) and restrict flow from the second chamber (112) to the first chamber (111).

[0078] The first connecting pipe (130) and the second connecting pipe (140) may extend toward the chamber (110) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity (e.g., -Z direction) (e.g., +Z direction). For example, the first connecting pipe (130) may extend toward the first chamber (111) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity (-Z direction) (+Z). For example, the second connecting pipe (140) may extend toward the second chamber (112) in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity (-Z direction) (+Z). Gas (G) inside the gaseous battery cell (10) may rise through the first connecting pipe (130) in a direction opposite to gravity (+Z direction) and flow into the first chamber (111). On the other hand, the electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (10) in a liquid state may have difficulty rising in the direction opposite to gravity (+Z direction) through the first connecting pipe (130), and its inflow into the first chamber (111) may be suppressed. The gas (G) inside the first chamber (111) in a gaseous state may rise in the direction opposite to gravity (+Z direction) through the second connecting pipe (140) and flow into the second chamber (112). On the other hand, the electrolyte (E) inside the first chamber (111) in a liquid state may have difficulty rising in the direction opposite to gravity (+Z direction) through the second connecting pipe (140), and its inflow into the second chamber (112) may be suppressed.

[0079] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include an exhaust pipe (150). The exhaust pipe (150) may connect the second chamber (112) and the vacuum pump (120). The exhaust pipe (150) may be inserted into the interior of the second chamber (112). Gas (G) inside the second chamber (112) may flow toward the vacuum pump (120) through the exhaust pipe (150). Gas (G) inside the second chamber (112) may flow through the exhaust pipe (150) and be discharged to the external environment. The electrolyte (E) inside the second chamber (112) may be recovered to the battery cell (10) through the second recovery pipe (162).

[0080] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include an exhaust valve (151). The exhaust valve (151) may be placed in an exhaust pipe (150). The exhaust valve (151) may regulate the flow rate inside the exhaust pipe (150). The exhaust valve (151) may be placed between the second chamber (112) and the vacuum pump (120). The exhaust valve (151) may regulate the flow rate flowing toward the vacuum pump (120). The exhaust valve (151) may be a one-way valve. For example, the exhaust valve (151) may allow flow from the second chamber (112) to the vacuum pump (120) and restrict flow from the vacuum pump (120) to the second chamber (112).

[0081] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a recovery pipe (160). The recovery pipe (160) may connect the chamber (110) and the battery cell (10). The electrolyte (E) inside the chamber (110) may flow into the battery cell (10) through the recovery pipe (160). The recovery pipe (160) may extend from the chamber (110) in the direction of gravity (e.g., the -Z direction). The electrolyte (E) inside the recovery pipe (160) may flow toward the battery cell (10) along the direction of extension of the recovery pipe (160) (e.g., the -Z direction). Because the recovery pipe (160) extends from the chamber (110) in the direction of gravity (the -Z direction), the electrolyte (E) inside the chamber (110) may be smoothly recovered into the battery cell (10) by gravity.

[0082] The recovery pipe (160) may include a first recovery pipe (161) connecting the first chamber (111) and the battery cell (10). The first recovery pipe (161) may extend from the first chamber (111) toward the battery cell (10). The first recovery pipe (161) may be joined to the first connecting pipe (130). For example, the first recovery pipe (161) may be joined to the first connecting pipe (130) between the battery cell (10) and the first connecting valve (131). Being joined may mean that two or more pipes are gathered into one and merge with each other.

[0083] The recovery pipe (160) may include a second recovery pipe (162) connecting the second chamber (112) and the battery cell (10). The second recovery pipe (162) may extend from the second chamber (112) toward the battery cell (10). The second recovery pipe (162) may be joined to the first recovery pipe (161). For example, the second recovery pipe (162) may be joined to the first recovery pipe (161) between the first connecting pipe (130) and the second chamber (112). The electrolyte (E) flowing in the second recovery pipe (162) may be joined with the electrolyte (E) flowing in the first recovery pipe (161) and recovered into the battery cell (10) through the first connecting pipe (130).

[0084] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a recovery valve (163). The recovery valve (163) may be placed in a recovery pipe (160). The recovery valve (163) may regulate the flow rate inside the recovery pipe (160). The recovery valve (163) may regulate the flow rate of fluid flowing from the chamber (110) to the battery cell (10).

[0085] The recovery valve (163) may include a first recovery valve (164). The first recovery valve (164) may be placed in the first recovery pipe (161). The first recovery valve (164) may regulate the flow rate inside the first recovery pipe (161). The first recovery valve (164) may be placed between the first chamber (111) and the battery cell (10). The first recovery valve (164) may be placed between the point where the first recovery pipe (161) and the second recovery pipe (162) merge and the first chamber (111). The first recovery valve (164) may be a one-way valve. For example, the first recovery valve (164) may allow flow from the first chamber (111) to the battery cell (10) and restrict flow from the battery cell (10) to the first chamber (111).

[0086] The recovery valve (163) may include a second recovery valve (165). The second recovery valve (165) may be placed in the second recovery pipe (162). The second recovery valve (165) may regulate the flow rate inside the second recovery pipe (162). The second recovery valve (165) may be placed between the second chamber (112) and the battery cell (10). The second recovery valve (165) may be placed between the point where the first recovery pipe (161) and the second recovery pipe (162) meet and the second chamber (112). The second recovery valve (165) may be a one-way valve. For example, the second recovery valve (165) may allow flow from the second chamber (112) to the battery cell (10) and restrict flow from the battery cell (10) to the second chamber (112).

[0087] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include an inlet pipe (170). Air from outside the battery manufacturing device (100) may be introduced into the battery manufacturing device (100) through the inlet pipe (170). The inlet pipe (170) may be connected to an exhaust pipe (150). The inlet pipe (170) may be connected to the exhaust pipe (150) between the second chamber (112) and the exhaust valve (151). The inlet pipe (170) may introduce air into the chamber (110). The inlet pipe (170) may introduce air into the first and second connecting pipes (130, 140). The inlet pipe (170) may introduce air into the recovery pipe (160). The inlet pipe (170) may inject air into the vacuum chamber (110) to release the vacuum inside the chamber (110). The inlet pipe (170) can inject air into the first and second connecting pipes (130, 140) to release the vacuum inside the first and second connecting pipes (130, 140). The inlet pipe (170) can inject air into the recovery pipe (160) to release the vacuum inside the recovery pipe (160).

[0088] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include an inlet valve (171). The inlet valve (171) may be placed in an inlet pipe (170). The inlet valve (171) may regulate the flow rate inside the inlet pipe (170). The inlet valve (171) may regulate the flow rate of air flowing into the chamber (110). The inlet valve (171) may be placed between the outside of the battery manufacturing device (100) and the exhaust pipe (150). The inlet valve (171) may be placed upstream of the point where the inlet pipe (170) joins the exhaust pipe (150) with respect to the direction of air flow injected into the chamber (110). The inlet valve (171) may be a one-way valve. For example, the inlet valve (171) may allow flow from outside the battery manufacturing device (100) to the exhaust pipe (150) and restrict flow from the exhaust pipe (150) to outside the battery manufacturing device (100).

[0089] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the components included in a battery manufacturing device (100).

[0090] The battery manufacturing device (100) may include a controller (180). The controller (180) may be electrically connected to a vacuum pump (120). The controller (180) may control the operation of the vacuum pump (120). For example, the controller (180) may drive the vacuum pump (120) or stop the operation of the vacuum pump (120).

[0091] The controller (180) may be electrically connected to the first and second connecting valves (131, 141). The controller (180) may control the operation of the first and second connecting valves (131, 141). For example, the controller (180) may open or close the first and second connecting valves (131, 141). Alternatively, the controller (180) may adjust the opening of the first and second connecting valves (131, 141).

[0092] The controller (180) may be electrically connected to the first and second recovery valves (164, 165). The controller (180) may control the operation of the first and second recovery valves (164, 165). For example, the controller (180) may open or close the first and second recovery valves (164, 165). Alternatively, the controller (180) may adjust the opening of the first and second recovery valves (164, 165).

[0093] The controller (180) can be electrically connected to the exhaust valve (151). The controller (180) can control the operation of the exhaust valve (151). For example, the controller (180) can open or close the exhaust valve (151). Alternatively, the controller (180) can adjust the opening of the exhaust valve (151).

[0094] The controller (180) can be electrically connected to the inlet valve (171). The controller (180) can control the operation of the inlet valve (171). For example, the controller (180) can open or close the inlet valve (171). Alternatively, the controller (180) can adjust the opening of the inlet valve (171).

[0095] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the conceptual diagram of a battery manufacturing device (100). FIG. 4 is a view showing the area near the first chamber (111) shown in FIG. 1.

[0096] The first chamber (111) can be connected to the first connecting pipe (130). Gas (G) and electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (e.g., battery cell (10) of FIG. 1) can be introduced into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130).

[0097] The first chamber (111) can be connected to the second connecting pipe (140). Gas (G) inside the first chamber (111) can flow through the second connecting pipe (140) toward the second chamber (e.g., the second chamber (112) of FIG. 1).

[0098] The first chamber (111) can be connected to the first recovery pipe (161). The electrolyte (E) inside the first chamber (111) can be recovered to a battery cell (e.g., battery cell (10) of FIG. 1) through the first recovery pipe (161).

[0099] The second connecting pipe (140) may be positioned opposite to the first connecting pipe (130) with respect to the central region (1112) of the first chamber (111). The first chamber (111) may have the shape of a sphere and may form a virtual central plane (CP) extending in a first direction (e.g., +Z direction). The first chamber (111) may have a space (1111) inside. The central region (1112) of the first chamber (111) may refer to a portion of the space (1111) of the first chamber (111) that includes the central plane (CP). The first connecting pipe (130) can be connected to the first chamber (111) in one direction (e.g., -X direction) of the central region (1112) with respect to the central region (1112), and the second connecting pipe (140) can be connected to the first chamber (111) in the other direction (e.g., +X direction) of the central region (1112) with respect to the central region (1112). That is, the first connecting pipe (130) and the second connecting pipe (140) can be connected to the first chamber (111) at opposite positions with respect to the central region (1112) of the first chamber (111). Due to the structure described above, by forming a sufficient distance between the first connecting pipe (130) and the second connecting pipe (140), the electrolyte (E) that flows into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130) is prevented from reaching the second connecting pipe (140), so that it sinks to the bottom (1113) of the first chamber (111) and can be easily recovered through the first recovery pipe (161).

[0100] At least a portion of the second connecting tube (140) may be inserted into the interior of the first chamber (111). The second connecting tube (140) may include an extension portion (142) extending outward from the first chamber (111) and an end portion (143) inserted into the interior of the first chamber (111). The end portion (143) may be located inside the first chamber (111).

[0101] The second connecting tube (140) may include an inclined surface (1432) that is open in a direction opposite to the first connecting tube (130) (e.g., +X direction). The end (143) of the second connecting tube (140) may include an inclined surface (1432) that is open in a direction opposite to the first connecting tube (130). The end (143) may include a circumferential surface (1431) disposed inside the first chamber (111). The circumferential surface (1431) may be cylindrical. The inclined surface (1432) may be extended at an angle in a direction opposite to the direction facing the first connecting tube (130) (-X direction) with respect to the direction in which the second connecting tube (140) extends (e.g., +Z direction). The inclined surface (1432) may form an angle of inclination (A) with respect to the direction (+Z) in which the second connecting pipe (140) is extended. The inclined surface (1432) may be open. Gas (G) inside the first chamber (111) may flow into the second connecting pipe (140) through the open inclined surface (1432). In the battery manufacturing device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inclined surface (1432) of the second connecting pipe (140) is opened in a direction facing away from the first connecting pipe (130), thereby preventing the electrolyte (E) that has flowed into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130) from flowing into the second connecting pipe (140) through the inclined surface (1432). For example, the electrolyte (E) introduced into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130) may flow toward the second connecting pipe (140) by passing through the central region (1112) as in the first state (E1), and may hit the periphery surface (1431) without entering the interior of the second connecting pipe (140) through the inclined surface (1432) as in the second state (E2). The electrolyte (E) in the second state (E2) that hits the periphery surface (1431) may fall toward the bottom (1113) of the first chamber (111) as in the third state (E3) and accumulate on the bottom (1113). The electrolyte (E) accumulated on the bottom (1113) may be recovered into a battery cell (e.g., the battery cell (10) of FIG. 1) through the first recovery pipe (161).

[0102] The structure of the first chamber (111), the first connecting pipe (130), and the second connecting pipe (140) described with reference to FIG. 4 can be similarly applied to the second connecting pipe (140), the second chamber (e.g., the second chamber (112) of FIG. 1), and the exhaust pipe (e.g., the exhaust pipe (150) of FIG. 1). For example, at least a portion of the exhaust pipe (150) may be inserted into the second chamber (112) and may include an end having the same shape as the end (1432) of the second connecting pipe (140) described with reference to FIG. 4. For example, the second connecting pipe (140) and the exhaust pipe (150) may be connected to the second chamber (112) at positions opposite each other with respect to the center area of ​​the second chamber (112).

[0103] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method (900) for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a method (900) for manufacturing a battery cell will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5.

[0104] The method for manufacturing a battery cell (900) may include a step (901) of opening an exhaust valve. The step (901) of opening an exhaust valve may include a step of opening an exhaust valve (151) disposed in an exhaust pipe (150).

[0105] A method for manufacturing a battery cell (900) may include a step (902) of driving a vacuum pump. The step (902) of driving the vacuum pump may include driving the vacuum pump (120) to discharge gas (G) inside the battery cell (10) through the chamber (110) to the exhaust pipe (150). The step (902) of driving the vacuum pump may include creating a vacuum inside the chamber (110) and inside the first and second connecting pipes (130, 140). Accordingly, due to the pressure difference between the inside of the battery cell (10) and the inside of the chamber (110), gas (G) inside the battery cell (10) may flow into the chamber (110). At this time, due to the pressure difference, some of the electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (10) may flow into the chamber (110).

[0106] The method for manufacturing a battery cell (900) may include the step (903) of closing the exhaust valve and stopping the operation of the vacuum pump. The step (903) of closing the exhaust valve and stopping the operation of the vacuum pump may include the step of closing the exhaust valve (151) to restrict the flow of fluid through the exhaust pipe (150).

[0107] A method for manufacturing a battery cell (900) may include a step (904) of opening an inlet valve. The step of opening the inlet valve (904) may include opening an inlet valve (171) disposed in an inlet pipe (170) to introduce air from outside the battery manufacturing device (100) through the inlet pipe (170). The step of opening the inlet valve (904) may include introducing air into the chamber (110). Before the inlet valve (171) is opened, the pressure inside the chamber (110) may be lower than atmospheric pressure. After the inlet valve (171) is opened, external air may be introduced into the chamber (110) due to the pressure difference between the inside of the chamber (110) and the external environment. After air is introduced into the chamber (110) through the inlet pipe (170), the pressure inside the chamber (110) may become equal to atmospheric pressure. A method for manufacturing a battery cell (900) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can push the electrolyte inside the chamber (110) into the recovery pipe (160) by introducing external air into the chamber (110) through the inlet pipe (170).

[0108] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the fluid flow in the step (901) of opening the exhaust valve of FIG. 5 and the step (902) of driving the vacuum pump.

[0109] A controller (e.g., controller (180) of FIG. 3) can be connected to a vacuum pump (e.g., vacuum pump (120) of FIG. 1) and an exhaust valve (e.g., exhaust valve (151) of FIG. 1) and can control their operation. The controller (180) can open the exhaust valve (151) and drive the vacuum pump (120). At this time, the controller (180) can control the recovery valve (e.g., recovery valve (163) of FIG. 1) and the inlet valve (e.g., inlet valve (171) of FIG. 1) to be closed.

[0110] When gas inside the case (11) flows into the chamber (110), the first recovery pipe (161) and the second recovery pipe (162) may be closed. The method (900) for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent gas discharged outside the battery cell (10) from being recirculated into the battery cell (10) through the recovery pipes (161, 162) by closing the recovery pipes (161, 162) when discharging gas inside the battery cell (10).

[0111] When gas inside the case (11) flows into the chamber (110), the inlet pipe (170) can be closed. The method (900) for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can maintain the vacuum pressure inside the chamber (110) by closing the inlet pipe (170) when discharging gas inside the battery cell (10), thereby preventing external air from entering the chamber (110) through the inlet pipe (170).

[0112] Gas (G) inside the battery cell (10) can flow from inside the battery cell (10) toward the inside of the chamber (111, 112) due to the pressure difference between the inside of the battery cell (10) and the inside of the vacuum chamber (111, 112). Gas (G) inside the battery cell (10) can be introduced into the first chamber (111) through the first connecting pipe (130), and can be introduced from inside the first chamber (111) into the second chamber (112) through the second connecting pipe (140). Gas (G) introduced into the second chamber (112) can be discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe (150). At this time, some of the electrolyte (E) inside the battery cell (10) may be introduced into the first and second chambers (111, 112) and remain inside the first and second chambers (111, 112). The gas (G) and electrolyte (E) inside the first and second chambers (111, 112) may not be able to flow into the first and second recovery pipes (161, 162) because the recovery valve (e.g., recovery valve (163) in FIG. 1) is closed. The gas (G) and electrolyte (E) inside the first and second chambers (111, 112) may not be able to flow into the inlet pipe (170) because the inlet valve (e.g., inlet valve (171) in FIG. 1) is closed.

[0113] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the fluid flow in the step (903) of closing the exhaust valve of FIG. 5 and stopping the operation of the vacuum pump.

[0114] A controller (e.g., controller (180) of FIG. 3) can be connected to a vacuum pump (e.g., vacuum pump (120) of FIG. 1) and an exhaust valve (e.g., exhaust valve (151) of FIG. 1) and can control their operation. The controller (180) can close the exhaust valve (151) and stop the operation of the vacuum pump (120). At this time, the controller (180) can control the recovery valve (e.g., recovery valve (163) of FIG. 1) and the inlet valve (e.g., inlet valve (171) of FIG. 1) to be closed.

[0115] The gas (G) and electrolyte (E) inside the first and second chambers (111, 112) may not be discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe (150) because the exhaust valve (e.g., the exhaust valve (151) of FIG. 1) is closed. At this time, since the vacuum pump (120) is in a state after operation, the pressure inside the first and second chambers (111, 112) may be lower than atmospheric pressure, and the pressure inside the battery cell (10) may also be lower than atmospheric pressure. The method for manufacturing a battery cell (900) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent the electrolyte inside the chamber (110) from leaking out of the battery manufacturing device (100) by closing the exhaust valve (151) before recovering the electrolyte (E) into the battery cell (10).

[0116] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the fluid flow in the step (904) of opening the inlet valve of FIG. 5.

[0117] A controller (e.g., controller (180) of FIG. 3) can be connected to a return valve (e.g., return valve (163) of FIG. 1) and an inflow valve (e.g., inflow valve (171) of FIG. 1) and can control their operation. The controller (180) can open the return valve (163) and open the inflow valve (171).

[0118] Before the recovery valve (e.g., recovery valve (163) of FIG. 1) and the inlet valve (e.g., inlet valve (171) of FIG. 1) are opened, the pressure inside the first and second chambers (111, 112) may be lower than atmospheric pressure, and the pressure inside the battery cell (10) may also be lower than atmospheric pressure. After the inlet valve (171) is opened, external air may flow into the first and second chambers (111, 112) due to the pressure difference between the first and second chambers (111, 112) and the external environment. Additionally, due to the pressure difference between the inside of the battery cell (10) and the external environment, the air flowing into the first and second chambers (111, 112) may flow toward the inside of the battery cell (10) through the recovery pipes (161, 162). As a result, the electrolyte (E) remaining inside the first and second chambers (111, 112) can be recovered into the battery cell (10) through the recovery pipes (161, 162) along with the flow of air.

[0119] When recovering the electrolyte through the recovery pipes (161, 162), the first connecting valve (131) and the second connecting valve (141) may be closed. The first connecting pipe (130) and the second connecting pipe (140) may be closed, and the electrolyte flowing through the recovery pipes (161, 162) may not flow into the first chamber (111) and the second chamber (112). The method (900) for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent backflow of the electrolyte flowing through the recovery pipes (161, 162) into the chamber (110) by closing the connecting pipes (130, 140) when recovering the electrolyte.

[0120] Meanwhile, although terms indicating direction such as up and down have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0121] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those with average knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another. Explanation of the symbols

[0122] 10: Battery cell 100: Battery manufacturing device 110: Chamber 120: Vacuum pump 130: First connector 140: Second connector 150: Exhaust pipe 160: Recovery piping 170: Inlet pipe

Claims

Claim 1 A method for manufacturing a battery cell comprising: driving a vacuum pump disposed outside the case to sequentially flow gas inside the case into a first chamber and a second chamber disposed separately from each other outside the case; and flowing an electrolyte inside the first chamber and the second chamber into the case through a first recovery pipe connecting the first chamber and the inside of the case and a second recovery pipe connecting the second chamber and the inside of the case. Claim 2 A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 1, further comprising the step of opening an inlet pipe connected to the first chamber and the second chamber to introduce air into the first chamber and the second chamber. Claim 3 A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the step of flowing the electrolyte into the case comprises the step of closing an exhaust pipe configured to discharge gas inside the first chamber and the second chamber. Claim 4 A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the step of flowing the electrolyte into the case comprises the step of closing a first connecting pipe connecting the case and the first chamber and a second connecting pipe connecting the first chamber and the second chamber. Claim 5 A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the step of flowing the gas into the first chamber and the second chamber includes the step of closing the first recovery pipe and the second recovery pipe. Claim 6 A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the step of flowing the gas into the first chamber and the second chamber includes the step of closing an inlet pipe that introduces air into the first chamber and the second chamber. Claim 7 A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein the first recovery pipe and the second recovery pipe are laminated outside the case. Claim 8 A battery manufacturing apparatus comprising: a first chamber disposed outside a battery cell and configured to allow gas inside the battery cell to flow; a second chamber disposed outside the battery cell and configured to allow gas inside the battery cell to flow, and disposed downstream of the first chamber with respect to the direction of gas flow and separated from the first chamber; a first connecting pipe extending from inside the battery cell to outside the battery cell and connected to the first chamber; a second connecting pipe connecting the first chamber and the second chamber; and a recovery pipe extending from each of the first chamber and the second chamber toward the interior of the battery cell and configured to allow electrolyte inside the first chamber and the second chamber to flow into the battery cell. Claim 9 A battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the recovery pipe comprises: a first recovery pipe extending from the first chamber; and a second recovery pipe extending from the second chamber and joined with the first recovery pipe. Claim 10 In claim 8, the battery manufacturing device wherein the second connecting tube comprises an end portion inserted into the internal space of the first chamber. Claim 11 A battery manufacturing device according to claim 10, wherein the end of the second connecting tube includes an inclined surface that is opened in a direction facing away from the first connecting tube with respect to the extension direction of the second connecting tube. Claim 12 A battery manufacturing device according to claim 8, further comprising: an inlet pipe configured to introduce air into the interior of the first chamber and the second chamber; and an inlet valve disposed in the inlet pipe. Claim 13 A battery manufacturing device comprising: a chamber disposed outside a battery cell and configured to allow gas inside the battery cell to flow; an exhaust pipe extending from the chamber toward the outside of the battery manufacturing device; a vacuum pump configured to form a vacuum pressure in the chamber and the exhaust pipe; an inlet pipe connected to the chamber to introduce air into the chamber through the exhaust pipe; and an inlet valve disposed in the inlet pipe. Claim 14 A battery manufacturing device according to claim 13, further comprising an exhaust valve disposed in the exhaust pipe, wherein the inlet pipe is joined to the exhaust pipe upstream of the exhaust valve, and either the exhaust valve or the inlet valve is configured to be closed when the other of the exhaust valve and the inlet valve is opened. Claim 15 A battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a recovery pipe connecting the chamber and the battery cell; and a recovery valve disposed in the recovery pipe and configured to be opened by air flowing into the chamber through the inlet pipe.

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