Clamp for charging and discharging a battery cell

Abstract

The present invention relates to a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell, and the jig for charging and discharging a battery cell includes a plate on which a battery cell to be evaluated is loaded, and a lead fixing jig located on at least one side of the plate and pressing and fixing an electrode lead drawn from a battery case on both surfaces, wherein, in the lead fixing jig, a recess is formed at a portion where the lead fixing jig and the electrode lead contact each other, and the recess is recessed so that the electrode lead is loaded therein.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0123575, filed on September 24, 2020, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell. BACKGROUND

[0003] Recently, a secondary battery capable of charging and discharging has been widely used as an energy source of a wireless mobile device. In addition, as an energy source of an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, etc. proposed as a solution to air pollution of existing gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles using fossil fuels, a secondary battery has been attracting attention. Therefore, due to the advantages of the secondary battery, the type of application using the secondary battery is currently very diversified, and it is expected that the secondary battery will be applied to many fields and products in the future.

[0004] Depending on the composition of the electrode and the electrolyte, such a secondary battery can be classified into a lithium ion battery, a lithium ion polymer battery, a lithium polymer battery, etc., among which the use amount of the lithium ion polymer battery, which is less likely to leak the electrolyte and is easy to manufacture, is increasing. In general, depending on the shape of the battery case, the secondary battery is classified into a cylindrical battery and a prismatic battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded into a cylindrical or rectangular metal can, and a pouch-type battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded into a pouch-type case of an aluminum laminate. The electrode assembly built into the battery case is composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and is a power generating element capable of charging and discharging. The electrode assembly is classified into a jelly-roll type electrode assembly in which a separator is disposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode in a long sheet shape and coated with an active material, and a stacking type electrode assembly in which a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked while a separator is disposed therebetween.

[0005] The secondary battery is manufactured by assembling battery cells and activating the battery cells, and in the process of activating the battery cells, charging is performed under conditions necessary for activation by mounting the battery cells at a predetermined jig. Such a charging and discharging process has a function of imparting predetermined characteristics inherent to the secondary battery, thereby allowing the battery cells, which have been first assembled during the process of manufacturing the secondary battery, to store electric energy.

[0006] In addition, when manufacturing a battery cell, such a charging / discharging apparatus is essential for evaluating the performance of the battery cell or evaluating whether there is a defect in the battery cell.

[0007] Figure 1is a photograph showing the shape of a conventional jig for charging and discharging a battery cell.

[0008] Reference Figure 1 The battery cell has a structure in which an electrode lead has been led out to the outside of a battery case, and a jig is located at the upper and lower portions of the electrode lead, thereby fixing the electrode lead on the upper and lower surfaces. At this time, the upper jig is lowered by a screw, thereby pressing and fixing the electrode lead supported by the lower jig.

[0009] At this time, if the battery cell is not fixed at an accurate position during the process in which the electrode lead is fastened to the jig, even the insulating film attached on the electrode lead can be fastened to the jig as shown in Figure 1 , which can cause disturbance during charging / discharging.

[0010] In addition, when the battery cell is fastened to the jig, if it is difficult to check the inside of the jig depending on the environment around the jig, it is difficult to fasten the electrode lead at a desired position accurately.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0012] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0013] It is believed that the present invention solves at least some of the above problems. For example, aspects of the present invention provide a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell, which is capable of always fastening an electrode lead at the same position.

[0014] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] A jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a plate on which a target battery cell is placed, and a lead fixing jig located at at least one side of the plate and fixing an electrode lead led out from a battery case by pressing the electrode lead from both sides, wherein a recessed portion is formed at a region where the lead fixing jig contacts the electrode lead.

[0016] In a specific example, the lead fixing jig includes a lower jig supporting the electrode lead from the lower portion of the electrode lead, and an upper jig pressing the electrode lead from the upper portion of the electrode lead.

[0017] In one example, the recessed portion can be formed on the upper surface of the lower jig.

[0018] At this time, the depth of the recessed portion corresponds to or is smaller than the thickness of the electrode lead.

[0019] In another example, the recess is formed on both the lower surface of the upper jig and the upper surface of the lower jig.

[0020] At this time, the sum of the thicknesses of the recesses of the lower jig and the upper jig corresponds to or is smaller than the thickness of the electrode lead.

[0021] In a specific example, the shape of the horizontal cross section of the recess can correspond to the shape of the electrode lead.

[0022] Here, the horizontal cross section of the recess can have a quadrangular shape.

[0023] In a specific example, the length of the recess in the width direction can be greater than the length of the electrode lead in the width direction.

[0024] Further, the lead fixing jig can be positioned to allow the end portion of the electrode lead to contact the inner wall of the recess.

[0025] Further, the lead fixing jig can be located at a position spaced apart from the portion of the battery case contacting the electrode lead by a predetermined distance.

[0026] In a specific example, an insulating film can be attached on the portion of the battery case contacting the electrode lead, and the lead fixing jig can be located at a position spaced apart from the insulating film by a predetermined distance.

[0027] Further, the jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application can further include a pressing plate that presses the battery cell.

[0028] Further, the jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application can further include a charging and discharging unit that charges and discharges the battery cell.

[0029] Advantageous Effects

[0030] According to the present application, in a lead fixing jig that fixes an electrode lead, by forming a recess at a portion of the jig contacting the electrode lead, it is possible to allow the electrode lead to be fastened at a desired position without performing a separate position adjustment process. Further, by fastening the electrode lead at a desired position, it is possible to prevent an insulating film from being fastened to the jig. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a photograph showing the shape of a conventional jig for charging and discharging a battery cell.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application.

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the battery cell has been fastened to a lead fixing jig in a jig for charging and discharging the battery cell.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which the battery cell has been fastened to a lead fixing jig in a jig for charging and discharging the battery cell according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which the battery cell has been fastened to a lead fixing jig in a jig for charging and discharging the battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing a state in which the battery cell has been fastened to a lead fixing jig in a jig for charging and discharging the battery cell in a case where an insulating film has been formed at an electrode lead.

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic view showing a structure of a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the commonly used meanings and meanings in dictionaries, and the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms and words to best describe his / her application. The terms and words should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts of the present application.

[0039] In this application, it is to be understood that terms such as "include" or "have," and variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that includes a plurality of steps, processes, systems, members, parts, or units is not to be interpreted to exclude additional steps, processes, systems, members, parts, or units. Further, it is to be understood that the inclusion of additional steps, processes, systems, members, parts, or units is not a limitation on the described application. Moreover, it is to be understood that the statements that certain features, steps, methods, units, parts, or components are included in a claim are not to be interpreted as a limitation on the described application. In addition, the term "about" is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around, or in the immediate vicinity of a numeric value, limit or range. Therefore, a condition or statement preceded by about does not create a strict disclaimer of equivalence to the recited numeric value, limit or range. Also, the use of "or" in the claims is meant to include both "and" and "or" unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0040] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application includes a plate on which a target battery cell is placed, and a lead fixing jig located at least one side of the plate and fixing an electrode lead drawn from a battery case by pressing the electrode lead from both sides, wherein a recess is formed at a region where the lead fixing jig contacts the electrode lead.

[0042] As described above, if the battery cell is not fixed at an accurate position during a process in which the electrode lead is fastened to the jig, even an insulating film attached to the electrode lead can be fastened to the jig, which can cause disturbance during charging / discharging.

[0043] To prevent such a problem, the electrode lead should be accurately fastened at a desired position of the jig. However, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately fasten the electrode lead at a desired position in a situation where it is difficult to check the inside of the jig depending on the environment around the jig.

[0044] According to the present application, in a lead fixing jig fixing an electrode lead, by forming a recess at a portion where the jig contacts the electrode lead, it is possible to allow the electrode lead to be fastened at a desired position without performing a separate position adjustment process. Further, by fastening the electrode lead at a desired position, it is possible to prevent an insulating film from being fastened to the jig.

[0045] First, in the jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application, the plate provides a space in which a battery cell can be placed.

[0046] Further, the battery cell can have a structure in which an electrode assembly obtained by alternately stacking a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode is accommodated in the battery cell. The positive electrode and the negative electrode each have a structure in which an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material is applied on a current collector, and then the current collector is dried and rolled to thereby form an active material layer. When the electrode assembly is accommodated in a battery case, an electrolyte solution can be injected into the inside and sealed, thereby manufacturing a battery cell.

[0047] Here, the current collector can be a positive electrode current collector or a negative electrode current collector, and the electrode active material can be a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material. In addition, the electrode slurry can further include a conductive material and a binder in addition to the electrode active material.

[0048] In the present application, the positive electrode current collector generally has a thickness of 3 to 500 micrometers. The positive electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery. Examples of the positive electrode current collector include stainless steel; aluminum; nickel; titanium; sintered carbon; or aluminum or stainless steel whose surface has been treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. In order to increase the adhesion of the positive electrode active material, the positive electrode current collector can have fine irregularities on its surface, and various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics are possible.

[0049] The sheet for the negative electrode current collector generally has a thickness of 3 to 500 micrometers. The negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery, and examples of the negative electrode current collector include copper; stainless steel; aluminum; nickel; titanium; sintered carbon; copper or stainless steel whose surface has been treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like; aluminum-cadmium alloy; and the like. In addition, similar to the positive electrode current collector, fine irregularities can be formed on the surface of the negative electrode current collector to enhance the binding force of the negative electrode active material, and the negative electrode current collector can be used in various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics.

[0050] In the present application, the positive electrode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction, and is a lithium transition metal oxide, and contains two or more transition metals. Examples of the positive electrode active material include layered compounds substituted with one or more transition metals, such as lithium cobaltate (LiCoO2) and lithium nickelate (LiNiO2); lithium manganate substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium transition metal oxides represented by the formula LiNi 1-y lithium nickel oxide represented by MyO2(where M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, or Ga, and contains at least one of the above elements, 0.01 ≤ y ≤ 0.7); lithium transition metal oxides represented by the formula Li 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e such as Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2Lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxides represented by (where -0.5 ≤ z ≤ 0.5, 0.1 ≤ b ≤ 0.8, 0.1 ≤ c ≤ 0.8, 0 ≤ d ≤ 0.2, 0 ≤ e ≤ 0.2, b + c + d < 1, M = Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si or Y, and A = F, P or Cl); from the formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z represented olivine-type lithium metal phosphates (where M = transition metal, preferably Fe, Mn, Co or Ni, M' = Al, Mg or Ti, X = F, S or N, and -0.5 ≤ x ≤ +0.5, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.1).

[0051] Examples of the negative electrode active material include: carbon, such as non-graphitized carbon and graphitic carbon; metal composite oxides, such as Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, groups 1, 2 and 3 of the periodic table, halogen; 0 < x ≤ 1; 1 ≤ y ≤ 3; 1 ≤ z ≤ 8); lithium alloys; silicon alloys; tin alloys; metal oxides, such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4 and Bi2O5; conductive polymers, such as polyacetylene; and Li-Co-Ni-based materials.

[0052] Based on the total weight of the mixture including the positive electrode active material, the conductive material is usually added in an amount of 1 to 30% by weight. Such a conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery, and examples of the conductive material include: graphite, such as natural graphite and artificial graphite; carbon blacks, such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black and summer black; conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers and metal fibers; carbon fluoride; metal powders, such as aluminum powder and nickel powder; conductive whiskers, such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides, such as titanium oxide; and conductive materials, such as polyphenylene derivatives, etc.

[0053] A binder is added as a component that facilitates the binding between the active material and the conductive material and binding to the positive electrode current collector in an amount of 1 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the mixture containing the positive electrode active material. Examples of such a binder include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber, fluoro rubber, various copolymers, and the like.

[0054] Further, the separator is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an insulating film having high ion permeability and mechanical strength is used. The pore diameter of the separator is typically 0.01 to 10 micrometers, and the thickness is typically 5 to 300 micrometers. Examples of such a separator include an olefin-based polymer such as polypropylene that has chemical resistance and is hydrophobic, a sheet or nonwoven fabric made of glass fiber, polyethylene, or the like.

[0055] Further, in the electrode assembly, an electrode tab is formed at one side of the electrode, and the electrode tab can be a positive electrode tab or a negative electrode tab. A positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead are connected to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, respectively. The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead are led out to the outside, thereby functioning as terminals that are electrically connected to the outside. At this time, the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead can be joined to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, respectively, by welding. A known welding method can be used. For example, ultrasonic welding or laser welding can be used.

[0056] At this time, the battery case is not particularly limited as long as it functions as an external material for packaging the battery, and a cylindrical, square, or pouch type can be used, and specifically, a pouch type battery case can be used. The pouch type battery case is typically made of an aluminum laminate sheet, and can be composed of an inner sealant layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing material permeation, and an outer resin layer forming the outermost portion of the case. A battery monomer is manufactured by heat fusing the upper case and the lower case after the electrode assembly is accommodated in the pouch type battery case in a state in which the electrode leads have been led out. In this case, a heat fusing seal unit can be formed at the end portion of the battery case. Details of the battery case are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Further, a lead fixing jig is located at at least one side of the plate. The lead fixing jig fixes the electrode lead drawn from the battery case by pressing the electrode lead from both surfaces. When the electrode lead has a shape drawn from both sides of the battery case in opposite directions, the lead fixing jig is located at both sides of the plate. Further, it is also possible that both electrode leads are drawn in the same direction, in which case two lead fixing jigs are located at one side of the plate.

[0058] The lead fixing jig includes a lower jig that supports the electrode lead from a lower portion of the electrode lead, and an upper jig that presses the electrode lead from an upper portion of the electrode lead. That is, the electrode lead can be located on an interface between the upper and lower jigs. At this time, in order to prevent the electrode lead from being bent, the height of the plate can be adjusted so that the electrode lead can be placed on an upper surface of the lower jig.

[0059] Further, the lead fixing jig can have a moving device for moving the upper jig so as to press the electrode lead. The moving device can use, for example, a screw. The screw refers to a member having a screw thread on a side surface. Since the screw has been inserted into a support having a through hole, the screw can be moved vertically by a rotational motion. Thus, downward movement of the screw can allow the upper jig to press the electrode lead. Further, the upper jig can be configured to slide along the support, thereby allowing the upper jig to be stably moved vertically. However, the moving scheme of the upper jig is not limited thereto, and there is no specific limitation on the moving scheme as long as the upper jig can press the electrode lead while being moved vertically.

[0060] Further, a recess is formed at a region where the lead fixing jig contacts the electrode lead, to allow the electrode lead to be placed. The recess serves as an indicator indicating a proper position of the electrode lead when the electrode lead is fastened to the lead fixing jig. In this case, if the electrode lead is placed on the recess, the electrode lead is automatically located at a correct position. That is, even without using a naked eye to check whether the electrode lead is located at a correct position through the recess, the electrode lead can be fastened at a correct position.

[0061] In one example, the recess can be formed on the upper surface of the lower clamp. Since the recess is formed in the lower clamp, the electrode lead can be fastened at the correct position of the lead fixing clamp before the battery cell is fastened to the electrode lead after being placed on the plate. When the electrode lead is placed on the recess formed at the lower clamp, it means that the battery cell is located at the correct position of the plate. Thereafter, the battery cell can be fixed by lowering the upper clamp to press the electrode lead. In this case, the lower surface portion of the upper clamp facing the electrode lead can have a flat shape.

[0062] In this case, the depth of the recess can correspond to the thickness of the electrode lead or can be smaller than the thickness of the electrode lead. This is to allow the electrode lead to be pressed and fixed at the space between the upper and lower clamps. If the depth of the recess is greater than the thickness of the electrode lead, the electrode lead cannot be pressed by the upper clamp, and accordingly, the electrode lead becomes difficult to be fixed.

[0063] In another example, the recess can be formed on both the lower surface of the upper clamp and the upper surface of the lower clamp. In this case, the electrode lead is located at the space surrounded by the recess formed at the upper clamp and the recess formed at the lower clamp. Similarly, when the battery cell is placed on the plate, since the electrode lead is placed on the recess formed at the lower clamp, the battery cell is located at the correct position of the plate. Thereafter, the electrode lead is pressed by lowering the upper clamp. At this time, since the recess has also been formed in the upper clamp, it is possible to prevent the electrode lead from being located outside the recess.

[0064] In this case, the sum of the thicknesses of the recesses of the lower and upper clamps corresponds to the thickness of the electrode lead or is smaller than the thickness of the electrode lead. This is to allow the electrode lead to be pressed and fixed at the space between the upper and lower clamps. If the sum of the thicknesses of the recesses formed at the lower and upper clamps is greater than the thickness of the electrode lead, the thickness of the space formed between the upper and lower clamps becomes greater than the thickness of the electrode lead. In this case, since the electrode lead is not pressed by the upper clamp, the electrode lead becomes difficult to be fixed.

[0065] Moreover, the shape of the horizontal cross section of the recess is not particularly limited as long as the electrode lead can be completely placed on the recess. For example, the horizontal cross section of the recess can have a quadrangular shape. Generally, because the lead-out portion of the electrode lead has a quadrangular shape, the electrode lead can be easily positioned at the correct position because the recess also has a shape corresponding to that of the electrode lead. Here, the shape of the horizontal cross section means the cross-sectional shape in a direction parallel to the ground or the cross-sectional shape in a direction in which the electrode lead is led out.

[0066] At this time, the length of the recess in the width direction can be greater than the length of the electrode lead in the width direction. Here, the width direction means a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the electrode lead is led out on a horizontal plane.

[0067] In the case where the length of the recess in the width direction is the same as the length of the electrode lead in the width direction, the movement of the battery cell due to the extra space between the electrode lead and the recess can be prevented, but it can take a long time to find the exact position of the recess to allow the electrode lead to be placed at the recess. Therefore, by setting the length of the recess in the width direction to be greater than the length of the electrode lead in the width direction, the electrode lead can be placed at the recess without checking the position of the recess, and the time taken to fasten the electrode lead can be reduced.

[0068] For example, the length of the recess in the width direction can correspond to 1.1 to 1.5 times, specifically 1.2 to 1.4 times, the length of the electrode lead in the width direction. When the length of the recess in the width direction is less than the above range, it can take a long time to allow the electrode lead to be placed at the recess. In contrast, when the length of the recess in the width direction exceeds the above range, the electrode lead is easily moved in the width direction. In this way, it can be difficult to fix the battery cell at the exact position.

[0069] Further, the lead fixing jig can be positioned to allow the end of the electrode lead to contact the inner wall of the recess. That is, it is desirable to minimize the space between the end of the electrode lead and the inner wall of the recess. Here, the end of the electrode lead is set based on the direction in which the electrode lead is drawn out. When the lead fixing jig is positioned too close to the battery cell, the electrode lead is difficult to be placed at the recess, and the electrode lead can be bent or other problems can occur during the process. When a space is formed between the end of the electrode lead and the inner wall of the recess because the lead fixing jig is positioned too far from the battery cell, the battery cell can move in the direction in which the electrode lead is drawn out. As such, the battery cell can not be placed at the correct position. In this case, as will be described later, a problem can occur in which the end of the battery case or the portion in which the insulation film is formed is fastened in the lead fixing jig.

[0070] That is, the length in the width direction of the recess can be sufficiently set to easily fasten the electrode lead, and by allowing the end of the electrode lead to contact the inner wall of the recess, it is possible to allow the battery cell to be located at the correct position.

[0071] Further, the lead fixing jig can be located at a position spaced apart from the portion of the battery case contacting the electrode lead by a predetermined distance. As described above, this is to prevent the battery case from being pressed by the lead fixing jig.

[0072] Further, an insulation film can be adhered to the portion of the battery case contacting the electrode lead. In particular, since the insulation film is adhered to the portion of the electrode lead contacting the battery case, the insulation film prevents a short circuit phenomenon that can occur when the electrode lead and the aluminum metal layer in the pouch constituting the battery case contact each other. At this time, the lead fixing jig can be located at a position spaced apart from the insulation film by a predetermined distance. Similarly, this is to prevent the insulation film from causing interference due to the insulation film and the electrode lead being pressed together by the lead fixing jig.

[0073] In another example, the jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application can further include a pressing plate pressing the battery cell. By further including the pressing plate pressing the battery case of the battery cell independently of the lead fixing jig, it is possible to effectively fix the battery cell.

[0074] Further, the jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application can further include a charging and discharging unit charging and discharging the battery cell. By using the charging and discharging unit, it is possible to activate the battery cell or evaluate the performance of the battery cell.

[0075] Since the inventive concept allows various changes and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present application to the disclosed specific forms, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0076] (first embodiment)

[0077] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a structure of a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application, Figure 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a lead fixing jig has fastened a battery cell in a jig for charging and discharging the battery cell.

[0078] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the jig 100 for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present application includes a plate 120 on which a target battery cell 110 is placed, and a lead fixing jig 130 located at at least one side of the plate 120 and fixing an electrode lead 112 drawn from a battery case 111 by pressing the electrode lead 112 from both sides.

[0079] At this time, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the battery cell 110 is a pouch-type battery cell, and has a structure in which an electrode lead 112 is drawn from both sides of a pouch-type battery case 111. In this way, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the lead fixing jig 130 is shown to be located at each of both sides of the plate 120, but two electrode leads can also be drawn in the same direction, in which case two lead fixing jigs can be located at one side of the plate. Further, a heat fusion sealing unit 113 can be formed at an end portion of the battery case 111.

[0080] Further, the lead fixing jig 130 includes a lower jig 131 supporting the electrode lead 112 from a lower portion of the electrode lead 112, and an upper jig 132 pressing the electrode lead 112 from an upper portion of the electrode lead 112.

[0081] Further, the lead fixing jig 130 includes a moving device for moving the upper jig 132 to press the electrode lead 112, and the moving device can include a screw 133 for transmitting a pressing force to the upper jig 132, and a support 134 for supporting the screw 133. The screw 133 moves in a vertical direction by a rotational motion in a state of having penetrated the support 134.

[0082] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic view showing a state in which a battery cell has been fastened to a lead fixing jig of a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 shows Figure 3 a cross section of a portion A, Figure 5 shows Figure 4 a cross section of a portion B.

[0083] With reference to Figure 3 together with Figure 4 and Figure 5 , in the lead fixing jig 130, a recessed portion 135 is formed at a portion where the lead fixing jig 130 contacts the electrode lead 112, the recessed portion 135 being recessed to allow the electrode lead 112 to be placed. With reference to Figure 3 , a horizontal cross section of the recessed portion 135 has a quadrangular shape corresponding to a shape of the electrode lead 112. Similarly, it is possible to fasten the electrode lead 112 at a correct position without checking with the naked eye whether the electrode lead 112 is located at a correct position through the recessed portion 135. At this time, the recessed portion 135 can be formed on an upper surface of the lower jig 131, and a depth (h) of the recessed portion 135 can correspond to or be smaller than a thickness (t) of the electrode lead 112, thereby fixing the electrode lead 112.

[0084] With reference to Figures 3 to 5 , a length (w1) of the recessed portion in a width direction is greater than a length (w2) of the electrode lead 112 in the width direction. Further, the lead fixing jig 130 is positioned such that an end portion of the electrode lead 112 contacts an inner wall of the recessed portion 135. Thereby, it is possible to fasten the electrode lead 112 at a correct position while easily fastening the electrode lead 112 at the lead fixing jig 130.

[0085] Further, since the lead fixing jig 130 is located at a position spaced apart from the contact portion between the battery case 111 and the electrode lead 112, particularly the heat fusion sealing unit 113, by a predetermined distance, it is possible to prevent the end portion of the battery case 111 from being pressed by the lead fixing jig 130.

[0086] (Second Embodiment)

[0087] Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a view showing a state in which a battery cell has been fastened to a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 shows Figure 6 a cross section of part C.

[0088] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a jig 200 for charging and discharging a battery cell includes a plate 220 at which a target battery cell 210 is placed, and a lead fixing jig 230 located at at least one side of the plate 220 and fixing an electrode lead 212 drawn from a battery case 211 by pressing the electrode lead 212 from both sides. The battery cell 210 is a pouch-type battery cell, and has a structure in which the electrode lead 212 is drawn at both sides of the pouch-type battery case 211. Further, a heat fusion sealing unit 213 is formed at an end portion of the battery case 211.

[0089] Further, the lead fixing jig 230 includes a lower jig 231 supporting the electrode lead 212 from a lower portion of the electrode lead 212, and an upper jig 232 pressing the electrode lead 212 from an upper portion of the electrode lead 212. Further, the lead fixing jig 230 includes a moving device for moving the upper jig 232 to press the electrode lead 212, and can include a screw 233 for transmitting a pressing force to the upper jig 232, and a support 234 for supporting the screw 233.

[0090] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7In the lead fixing jig 230, a recessed portion 235 is formed at a portion where the lead fixing jig 230 contacts the electrode lead 212, the recessed portion 235 being recessed to allow the electrode lead 212 to be placed. At this time, the recessed portion 235 is formed on both a lower surface of the upper jig 232 and an upper surface of the lower jig 231. At this time, the sum (h1+h2) of the thicknesses of the recessed portions 235 formed on the lower jig 231 and the upper jig 232 to fix the electrode lead 212 can correspond to or be smaller than the thickness (t) of the electrode lead 212.

[0091] Further, the length (w1) of the recessed portion 235 in the width direction is greater than the length (w2) of the electrode lead 212 in the width direction. Further, the lead fixing jig 230 is positioned such that the end portion of the electrode lead 212 contacts the inner wall of the recessed portion 235. Thereby, it is possible to fasten the electrode lead 212 at an accurate position while easily fastening the electrode lead 112 at the lead fixing jig 230.

[0092] Further, since the lead fixing jig 230 is located at a position spaced apart from the contact portion between the battery case 211 and the electrode lead 212, specifically, the heat fusion sealing unit 213, by a predetermined distance, it is possible to prevent the end portion of the battery case 211 from being pressed by the lead fixing jig 230.

[0093] (Third Embodiment)

[0094] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which, in a case where an insulating film has been formed at an electrode lead, a battery cell has been fastened to a lead fixing jig in a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell.

[0095] Reference Figure 8 The jig 300 for charging and discharging a battery cell includes a plate 320 on which a target battery cell 310 is placed, and a lead fixing jig 330 located at at least one side of the plate 320 and fixing an electrode lead 312 drawn out from a battery case 311 by pressing the electrode lead 312 from both sides. The battery cell 310 is a pouch-type battery cell and has a structure in which the electrode lead 312 is drawn out at both sides of the pouch-type battery case 311. Further, a heat fusion sealing unit 313 is formed at an end portion of the battery case 311. Further, an insulating film 314 is attached on a contact portion between the battery case 311 and the electrode lead 312, specifically, a contact portion between the heat fusion sealing unit 313 and the electrode lead 312.

[0096] Further, the lead fixing jig 330 includes a lower jig 331 supporting the electrode lead 312 from a lower portion of the electrode lead 312, and an upper jig 332 pressing the electrode lead 312 from an upper portion of the electrode lead 312. Further, the lead fixing jig 330 includes a moving device for moving the upper jig 332 to press the electrode lead 312, and the moving device can include a screw 333 for transmitting a pressing force to the upper jig 332, and a support 334 for supporting the screw 333. The recess 335 is formed at a portion where the lead fixing jig 330 contacts the electrode lead 312, and is recessed to allow the electrode lead 312 to be placed.

[0097] At this time, since the lead fixing jig 330 is located at a position spaced apart from the insulating film 314 by a predetermined distance, the insulating film 314 can be prevented from being pressed together when the electrode lead 312 is fastened.

[0098] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0099] Figure 9 FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a structure of a jig for charging and discharging a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0100] Referring to Figure 9 The jig 400 for charging and discharging a battery cell includes a plate 420 where a target battery cell 410 is placed, and a lead fixing jig 430 located at at least one side of the plate 420 and fixing an electrode lead 412 drawn from a battery case 411 by pressing the electrode lead 412 from both sides. The battery cell 410 is a pouch-type battery cell, and has a structure in which the electrode lead 412 is drawn at both sides of the pouch-type battery case 411. Further, a heat fusion sealing unit 413 is formed at an end portion of the battery case 411.

[0101] Further, the lead fixing jig 430 includes a lower jig 431 supporting the electrode lead 412 from a lower portion of the electrode lead 412, and an upper jig 432 pressing the electrode lead 412 from an upper portion of the electrode lead 412. Further, the lead fixing jig 430 includes a moving device for moving the upper jig 432 to press the electrode lead 412, and the moving device can include a screw 433 for transmitting a pressing force to the upper jig 432, and a support 434 for supporting the screw 433.

[0102] Further, the jig 400 for charging and discharging the battery cell further includes a pressing plate 440 for pressing the battery cell 410. The pressing plate 440 is located at the upper portion of the battery cell 410 and presses the battery cell 410. Thereby, the battery cell 410 can be effectively fixed on the plate 420.

[0103] The above description merely illustrates the technical idea of the present application, and those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains can make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present application. Accordingly, the drawings disclosed in the present application are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present application, but to describe the present application, and the scope of the technical idea of the present application is not limited by these drawings. The scope of protection of the present application should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope thereof should be understood to be included in the scope of the present application.

[0104] In another aspect, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but it is obvious that these terms are only for convenience of description and can be changed depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer.

[0105] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 100, 200, 300, 400: Jig for charging and discharging battery cell

[0107] 110, 210, 310, 410: Battery cell

[0108] 111, 211, 311, 411: Battery case

[0109] 112, 212, 312, 412: Electrode lead

[0110] 113, 213, 313, 413: Heat fusion sealing unit

[0111] 120, 220, 320, 420: Plate

[0112] 130, 230, 330, 430: Lead fixing jig

[0113] 131, 231, 331, 431: Lower jig

[0114] 132, 232, 332, 432: Upper jig

[0115] 133, 233, 333, 433: Screw

[0116] 134, 234, 334, 434: Support

[0117] 135, 235, 335: recesses

[0118] 314: insulating film

[0119] 440: extruded plate

Claims

1. A clamp for charging and discharging a single battery cell, the clamp comprising: The target battery cell is placed on the plate; and A lead wire fixing clamp is located on at least one side of the plate and secures the electrode leads extending from the battery casing by pressing them from both sides. The recess is formed in the area where the lead wire fixing clamp contacts the electrode lead. The lead fixing clamp includes: a lower clamp that supports the electrode lead from below; and an upper clamp that presses the electrode lead from above. The recess is formed on both the lower surface of the upper clamp and the upper surface of the lower clamp.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The sum of the thicknesses of the recessed portion of the lower clamp and the recessed portion of the upper clamp corresponds to or is less than the thickness of the electrode lead.

3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The shape of the horizontal cross-section of the recess corresponds to the shape of the electrode lead.

4. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The horizontal cross-section of the recess has a quadrilateral shape.

5. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the recess in the width direction is greater than the length of the electrode lead in the width direction.

6. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The lead wire retainer is positioned to allow the end of the electrode lead to contact the inner wall of the recess.

7. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein, The lead fixing clamp is located at a predetermined distance from the portion of the electrode lead that contacts the battery casing.

8. The clamp according to claim 7, wherein, An insulating film is adhered to the portion of the battery casing that contacts the electrode leads, and The lead wire fixing clamp is located at a position spaced apart from the insulating film at a predetermined distance.

9. The clamp according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing plate that presses the battery cell.

10. The fixture according to claim 1, further comprising a charging and discharging unit for charging and discharging the individual battery cells.

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