Battery cell manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a sealing tool that presses a sealing portion in a battery case including a structure in which an electrode assembly is mounted to a receiving portion, and an outer peripheral surface is sealed by heat fusion, wherein the sealing tool includes a first sealing tool located in an upper portion with respect to the battery case and a second sealing tool located in a lower portion, and wherein the sealing tool includes a sealing surface that is in contact with the sealing portion, and at least one pressure sensor is located on the sealing surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus that reduces a pressure deviation applied to a sealing portion formed on a battery case of a battery cell. BACKGROUND

[0002] As technology develops and the demand for mobile devices increases, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. In particular, secondary batteries are attracting considerable attention as an energy source for electric power-driven devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, and as an energy source for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, and wearable devices.

[0003] Based on the shape of the battery case, such secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a prismatic metal can, and pouch batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a pouch-shaped case formed of an aluminum laminate. Here, the electrode assembly installed in the battery case is a power-generating element having a structure including a cathode, an anode, and a separator interposed between the cathode and the anode, and is capable of charging and discharging. The electrode assembly can be classified into a jelly-roll type electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which a long sheet-shaped cathode and a long sheet-shaped anode coated with an active material are wound in a state in which a separator is interposed between the cathode and the anode, and a stacked type electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which a plurality of cathodes and anodes are sequentially stacked in a state in which a separator is interposed between the cathodes and the anodes.

[0004] Among them, in particular, the pouch battery having a structure in which a stacked / folded type electrode assembly is installed in a pouch-shaped battery case formed of an aluminum laminate has advantages such as low manufacturing cost, small weight, and easy shape deformation, and thus, its use is gradually increasing.

[0005] Here, in the case of the pouch battery, pressure and heat are applied to the outer circumferential surface of the pouch-shaped case by a sealing tool to seal the case. However, if the positions between the pouch battery and the sealing tool are deviated, there is a problem in that the applied pressure is different according to the positions of the outer circumferential surface of the pouch-shaped case, and thus the sealing quality is deteriorated in some outer circumferential surfaces. Therefore, even if the positions between the pouch battery and the sealing tool are deviated, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus that reduces the deviation of the pressure applied along the outer circumferential surface of the pouch-shaped case to thereby improve the sealing quality needs to be developed. SUMMARY

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] An object of the disclosure is to provide a battery cell manufacturing apparatus that reduces a pressure deviation applied to a sealing portion formed on a battery case of a battery cell.

[0008] Objects of the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not described herein will be clearly understood by persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] Technical solutions

[0010] To achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a battery cell manufacturing apparatus including a sealing tool that extrudes a sealing portion in a battery case including the sealing portion, the battery case having a structure in which an electrode assembly is mounted on a receiving portion, and an outer peripheral surface is sealed by heat fusion, wherein the sealing tool includes a first sealing tool located at an upper portion and a second sealing tool located at a lower portion with respect to the battery case, and wherein the sealing tool includes a sealing surface that contacts the sealing portion, and at least one pressure sensor is located on the sealing surface.

[0011] The sealing tool includes a first sealing surface and a pair of second sealing surfaces, and the first sealing surface can be located between the pair of second sealing surfaces.

[0012] A first pressure sensor is located on the first sealing surface, and second pressure sensors can be located on the pair of second sealing surfaces, respectively.

[0013] The sealing portion seals an electrode lead portion that protrudes outward through the battery case, and the electrode lead portion can include an electrode lead and a lead film attached to at least one surface of the electrode lead.

[0014] The first sealing surface can be opposite the electrode lead, and the pair of second sealing surfaces can be opposite positions adjacent to both ends of the electrode lead.

[0015] The sealing tool can form a step on a surface contacting the pair of second sealing surfaces with respect to a contact surface of the first sealing surface in the sealing portion.

[0016] At least one of the first sealing tool and the second sealing tool can form a step on the pair of second sealing surfaces with respect to the first sealing surface.

[0017] A difference between a pressure value included in first pressure information measured by the first pressure sensor and a pressure value included in second pressure information measured by the second pressure sensor can be 0 MPa or more and 0.4 MPa or less.

[0018] The pressure value included in the first pressure information measured by the first pressure sensor and the pressure value included in the second pressure information measured by the second pressure sensor can be equal to each other.

[0019] The first sealing surface and the pair of second sealing surfaces may have a flat structure.

[0020] At least one of the first sealing tool and the second sealing tool may be inclined at least one surface adjacent to the sealing part.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one pressure sensor may be disposed on the sealing surface of the sealing tool, thereby reducing the pressure deviation applied to the seal formed in the battery housing of the battery cell.

[0023] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the appended claims other effects not described above. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the component coupling state of the battery cell;

[0026] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Formed by traditional battery cell manufacturing equipment Figure 1 The sealing part of the battery cell along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' axis;

[0027] Figures 5 to 8 It is formed by a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The sealing part of the battery cell along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' axis; and

[0028] Figures 9 to 12 It is formed by a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The sealing part of the battery cell along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' axis. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement them. The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0030] For clarity of description, portions unrelated to the description will be omitted, and throughout the application, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0031] Further, in the drawings, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, regions, and the like is exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggeratedly shown for the convenience of description.

[0032] Further, throughout the application, when it is said that a part "comprises" a certain component, it means that the part can further include other components, and other components are not excluded unless there is a contrary expression.

[0033] Further, throughout the application, when it is said "planar" means that the target part is viewed from the upper side, and when it is said "cross section" means that the target part is viewed from the cross section side cut vertically.

[0034] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the components of the battery cell of Figure 1 are coupled.

[0035] Now, a pouch-type battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. However, the description is made based on one side surface of two side surfaces of the pouch-type battery cell 100, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the other side surface will be described with the same or similar content.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the pouch-type battery cell 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrode assembly 200, a pouch-type battery case 300 accommodating the electrode assembly 200, electrode leads 400 and 500 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 200 and protruding to the outside of the battery case, and a lead film 600 located on at least one surface of the electrode leads 400 and 500.

[0037] The electrode assembly 200 can be configured in a jelly-roll (winding) type structure, a stack (lamination) type structure, or a combination (stack / folding) type structure. More specifically, the electrode assembly 200 can include a cathode, an anode, and a separator disposed therebetween.

[0038] The battery case 300 can include an upper case 310 and a lower case 320, and outer peripheral surfaces of the upper case 310 and the lower case 320 can be thermally fused to each other. Although not specifically shown, the battery case 300 including the upper case 310 and the lower case 320 can be a laminate including a resin layer and a metal layer. Specifically, each of the upper case 310 and the lower case 320 can include an inner resin layer for sealing, a metal layer for preventing material penetration, and an outermost outer resin layer.

[0039] The outer resin layer can have excellent tensile strength and weather resistance compared to its thickness, and have an electrically insulating property in order to externally protect the pouch-type battery cell 100. The outer resin layer can include a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or a nylon resin. The metal layer can prevent air, moisture, etc. from flowing into the pouch-type battery cell 100. The metal layer can include aluminum (Al). The inner resin layers can be thermally fused to each other by heat and pressure applied from a battery cell manufacturing apparatus in a state in which the electrode assembly 200 is built-in. The inner resin layer can include cast polypropylene (CPP) or polypropylene (PP).

[0040] Recessed receiving portions 310R and 320R can be formed in each of the upper case 310 and the lower case 320 on which the electrode assembly 200 can be seated. A method of forming the receiving portions 310R and 320R is not particularly limited, and a deep drawing process using a pressing punch can be applied.

[0041] Upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S can be provided along outer peripheral surfaces of the receiving portions 310R and 320R of the upper case 310 and the lower case 320, respectively. Here, the upper sealing portion 310S of the upper case 310 and the lower sealing portion 320S of the lower case 320 can be thermally fused to each other by first and second sealing units 1100, 1200, 2100, and 2200 of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus, which will be described later, so as to seal the battery case 300. More specifically, the inner resin layer of the upper sealing portion 310S and the inner resin layer of the lower sealing portion 320S can be thermally fused in a state of facing each other.

[0042] On the other hand, although the receiving portions are formed in both of the upper case 310 and the lower case 320, Figure 1 it can have a plate structure in which the receiving portions are formed in only one of the upper case 310 and the lower case 320, and the receiving portions are not formed in the other. Further, although the upper case 310 and the lower case 320 are shown as being separated from each other, Figure 1 it can be a laminate in which one side of the upper case and one side of the lower case are integrally formed.

[0043] Figure 3 and Figure 4 formed by a conventional battery cell manufacturing apparatus Figure 1 of the battery cell along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along an A-A' axis of the battery cell.

[0044] Hereinafter, the conventional battery cell manufacturing apparatuses 10 and 20 will be described based on the end portions of the pouch-type battery cell 100. However, the description will be made based on the sealing portions in which the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 are positioned in the sealing portions of the pouch-type battery cell 100, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and even in the case where the opposite electrode lead 500 and the lead film 600 are positioned in the sealing portions, the description will be made with the same or similar contents.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3 (a) and (a) of 4, the conventional battery cell manufacturing apparatus includes the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20. Here, the upper sealing tool 10 is positioned above the upper sealing portion 310S with respect to the upper sealing portion 310S and the lower sealing portion 320S of the pouch-type battery cell 100, and the lower sealing tool 20 is positioned below the lower sealing portion 320S with respect to the upper sealing portion 310S and the lower sealing portion 320S of the pouch-type battery cell 100. Further, the upper sealing tool 10 includes the first upper sealing surface 11 and the second upper sealing surface 15, but the second upper sealing surface 15 is formed with a step with respect to the first upper sealing surface 11 in consideration of the thickness of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600. The same description can be made with respect to the first lower sealing surface 21 and the second lower sealing surface 25 of the lower sealing tool 20.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3 (a), the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the upper sealing portion 310S and the lower sealing portion 320S between the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 can conform to the design positions. At this time, referring to Figure 3 (b), the upper sealing portion 310S and the lower sealing portion 320S can be heat-fused to each other and sealed by the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20.

[0047] However, unlike Figure 3 (a), the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the upper sealing portion 310S and the lower sealing portion 320S between the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 can deviate from the design positions.

[0048] In one example, referring to Figure 4(a), the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the upper sealing tool 10 and the lower sealing tool 20 can be deviated to the left side from the designed positions. At this time, the right ends of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 are deviated to the left side from the step formed on the second upper sealing surface 15 of the upper sealing part 310S. A similar description can be made with respect to the second lower sealing surface 25 of the lower sealing tool 20. Thus, the second upper sealing surface 15 can not apply sufficient pressure to the right ends of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600.

[0049] Referring to Figure 4 (b), the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S located near the right ends of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 can be formed with a first vent hole 310V and a second vent hole 320V. Here, the first vent hole 310V and the second vent hole 320V are generated because the inner resin layer of the upper sealing part 310S and the inner resin layer of the lower sealing part 320S do not sufficiently apply pressure and heat to each other. The first vent hole 310V and the second vent hole 320V have a problem of reducing the sealing force of the battery cell 100, and when the pressure in the battery cell 100 increases, the venting phenomenon occurs at an early stage.

[0050] Thus, even when the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 are deviated, the conventional battery cell manufacturing apparatus has a small pressure deviation for each position of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S, and thus attempts to manufacture a battery cell that prevents the early venting phenomenon while improving the sealing quality.

[0051] Hereinafter, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0052] Figures 5 to 8 is a battery cell formed by the battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the disclosure Figure 1 the sealing part of the battery cell of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' axis of the battery cell of

[0053] Referring to Figures 5 to 8 , the battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the disclosure includes first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 that press the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S in a battery case 300 including the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S, the battery case 300 having a structure in which the electrode assembly 200 is mounted on the accommodation parts 310R and 320R and the outer peripheral surface is heat-fusion sealed. Here, the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 include the first sealing tool 1100 located at the upper portion and the second sealing tool 1200 located at the lower portion with respect to the battery case 300.

[0054] More specifically, the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 include a first sealing surface 1110 and 1210 and a pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250, respectively, wherein the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 can be positioned between the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250. Here, the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 can be connected to each other. In one example, the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 can be integrated with each other.

[0055] Further, in the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S, the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 are opposed to the electrode lead 400, and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 can be opposed to positions adjacent to both end portions of the electrode lead 400. Here, in a case where the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 are inserted between the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S, the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 can be pressed toward the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S and heated. At this time, with respect to surfaces in the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S that are in contact with the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210, the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 form steps on surfaces in contact with the second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250.

[0056] Accordingly, in addition to the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S positioned at the upper and lower end portions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment can also sufficiently seal the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S positioned near both end portions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600.

[0057] Further, in the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200, at least one pressure sensor can be positioned on the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250. More specifically, in the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200, the pressure sensors include a first pressure sensor positioned on the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 and a second pressure sensor that can be positioned on the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250, respectively. However, the number or position of the pressure sensors is not limited to those described above, and can even be applied to cases having various numbers and positions.

[0058] In one example, with reference to Figures 5 to 8The first pressure sensor can be arranged one by one on both sides with respect to the center of the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210, and the second pressure sensor can be located one by one in the center of the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250, respectively.

[0059] Here, the first pressure sensor can acquire first pressure information applied from the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 toward the upper sealing part 310S, and the first pressure information can include pressure values of a first pressure P1 on the left side and a second pressure P2 on the right side with respect to the center of the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210. In addition, the second pressure sensor can acquire second pressure information applied from the second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 toward the upper sealing part 310S, and the second pressure information can include pressure values of a third pressure P3 and a fourth pressure P4 with respect to the center of the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250. Hereinafter, it will be described by representing with the first pressure information P1 and P2 and representing with the second pressure information P3 and P4.

[0060] In addition, even if the pressure values included in the first pressure information P1 and P2 acquired from the first pressure sensor and the pressure values included in the second pressure information P3 and P4 acquired from the second pressure sensor can be equal to each other, and even if the values are different, the difference can be relatively small.

[0061] More specifically, in the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200, the difference between the pressure values included in the first pressure information P1 and P2 acquired from the first pressure sensor and the pressure values included in the second pressure information P3 and P4 acquired from the second pressure sensor can be 0 MPa or more and 0.4 MPa or less. Here, the pressure values can represent average pressure values obtained when pressure is applied to the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S by the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200.

[0062] Therefore, the pressure values included in the first pressure information P1 and P2 and the second pressure information P3 and P4 in the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 can have a difference in pressure values within the above range, and the pressure deviation depending on the positions of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S is relatively small, so that the sealing quality of each position can be excellent in general. Unlike this, when the difference in pressure values is 0.4 MPa or more, there is a problem that the sealing quality is deteriorated, for example, as described above Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described above, depending on the positions, the air vents 310V and 320V are generated in the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S.

[0063] Here, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a separate control unit (not shown) and can control the degree to which the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1200 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 apply pressure to the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S, respectively. In addition, the control unit (not shown) can acquire the first and second pressure information P1 and P2 and P3 and P4 from the first and second pressure sensors located on the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1200 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250.

[0064] The control unit (not shown) can include one or more selected from a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), one or more microprocessors, and an electronic component capable of processing input data according to other predetermined logic. In one example, the control unit (not shown) can perform various processes, for example, determine a pressure deviation based on the first and second pressure information P1 and P2 and P3 and P4 acquired from the first and second pressure sensors, develop a process according to the determined information on the RAM, and control the pressure applied to the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S by the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250, respectively, according to the developed program.

[0065] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment can acquire pressure information applied to the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S from at least one pressure sensor located on the first and second sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 of the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200, thereby controlling the pressure according to the positions of the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S. That is, the pressure deviation according to the positions of the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S can be controlled so as to be reduced, thereby improving the sealing quality.

[0066] Referring to Figures 5 to 8 In the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200, at least one of the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 can have a step formed on the pair of second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 with respect to the first sealing surfaces 1110 and 1210. More specifically, the step can be formed on the second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 in consideration of the thickness of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600. In one example, the step formed on the second sealing surfaces 1150 and 1250 can have a smaller step than the thickness of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600.

[0067] Accordingly, for the upper seal part 310S and the lower seal part 320S located near both ends of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600, the surface contact between the second seal surfaces 1150 and 1250 and the upper seal part 310S and the lower seal part 320S increases due to the steps formed on the second seal surfaces 1150 and 1250, and thus the sealing quality can be improved.

[0068] In one example, as Figure 5 indicated, the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the upper seal part 310S and the lower seal part 320S between the first seal tool 1100 and the second seal tool 1200 can conform to the design positions. Here, the first pressure information P1 and P2 acquired from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure information P3 and P4 acquired from the second pressure sensor include pressure values equal to or having a relatively small difference from each other. As a result, with reference to Figure 6 , the upper seal part 310S and the lower seal part 320S are pressed by the first seal tool 1100 and the second seal tool 1200, and thus have a relatively small pressure deviation for each position.

[0069] In another example, as Figure 7 indicated, the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the upper seal part 310S and the lower seal part 320S between the first seal tool 1100 and the second seal tool 1200 deviate from the design positions, or positions having a relatively low sealing strength can be generated in the upper seal part 310S and the lower seal part 320S. Here, the first pressure information P1' and P2' acquired from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure information P3' and P4' acquired from the second pressure sensor can include pressure values different from each other but having a relatively large difference.

[0070] More specifically, as Figure 7 indicated, when the right end part of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 deviates to the left side from the step formed on the second upper seal surface 15 of the upper seal part 310S, in the second pressure information P3' and P4', the third pressure P3' becomes relatively large and the fourth pressure P4' decreases. In addition, in the first pressure information P1' and P2', the first pressure P1' becomes relatively large and the second pressure P2' decreases. In this way, the pressure can not be sufficiently applied to the right end part of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 by the second upper seal surface 1150.

[0071] Here, considering the first pressure information P1' and P2' obtained from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure information P3' and P4' obtained from the second pressure sensor, the sealing tools 1100 and 1200 are adjusted so that a relatively high pressure is applied to the portions to which P2' and P4' of the relatively small pressure is applied as described above, and adjusted so that a relatively low pressure is applied to the portions to which P1' and P3' of the relatively large pressure is applied. That is, the pressure of each position of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S can be adjusted so as to reach a constant pressure, respectively.

[0072] Therefore, referring to Figure 8 Even in various problematic situations, such as the position of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 deviating from the design position, the pressure of each position of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S of the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 is adjusted, and thus the pressure deviation of each position of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S can be reduced. In addition, as Figure 4 b, it is possible to prevent the generation of the vent holes 310V and 320V. It is not necessary to change the position and shape of the first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 according to the position or shape of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600, which is advantageous in that it is possible to shorten the time and cost of the manufacturing process.

[0073] Figures 9 to 12 is formed by a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 the sealing part of the battery cell of Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A' axis of

[0074] Here, the first and second sealing tools 2100 and 2200 according to the present embodiment can be described in almost the same manner as the above-described first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200. Hereinafter, only the portions different from the above-described first and second sealing tools 1100 and 1200 will be mainly described.

[0075] Referring to Figures 9 to 12 , the first and second sealing tools 2100 and 2200 respectively include a first sealing surface 2110 and 2210 and a pair of second sealing surfaces 2150 and 2250, wherein the first sealing surfaces 2110 and 2210 can be positioned between the pair of second sealing surfaces 2150 and 2250. In particular, the first sealing tool 2100 and the second sealing tool 2200 can be configured so that the first sealing surfaces 2110 and 2210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 2150 and 2250 have a flat structure. More specifically, the first sealing surfaces 2110 and 2210 and the pair of second sealing surfaces 2150 and 2250 can be integrated with each other.

[0076] In one example, as Figure 9 indicated, the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the first sealing tool 2100 and the second sealing tool 2200, between the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S, can conform to the design positions. Here, the first pressure information P1 and P2 acquired from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure information P3 and P4 acquired from the second pressure sensor include pressure values equal to or having a relatively small difference from each other. Accordingly, with reference to Figure 6 , the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S are extruded and sealed by the first sealing tool 1100 and the second sealing tool 1200 so as to have a relatively small pressure deviation for each position.

[0077] Further, in another example, as Figure 11 indicated, the positions of the electrode lead 400 and the lead film 600 between the first sealing tool 2100 and the second sealing tool 2200, between the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S, can deviate from the design positions, and positions having a relatively low sealing strength can be generated in the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S. Accordingly, as Figure 12 a indicated, the vent holes 310V and 320V can be formed in a portion of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S. Here, although the first pressure information P1' and P2' acquired from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure information P3' and P4' acquired from the second pressure sensor can include pressure values different from each other but having a relatively large difference.

[0078] Here, as Figure 12 indicated, in the first and second sealing tools 2100 and 2200, at least one of the first sealing tool 2100 and the second sealing tool 2200 can be inclined adjacent to at least one surface of the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S. In particular, in a state in which at least one of the first sealing tool 2100 and the second sealing tool 2200 is adjacent to be inclined, pressure can be applied to a surface having a relatively low pressure value among the upper sealing part 310S and the lower sealing part 320S based on the first pressure information P1' and P2' and the second pressure information P3' and P4'. In one example, with reference to Figure 12 (a), in a state in which the first sealing tool 2100 and the second sealing tool 2200 are adjacent to be inclined, the fifth pressure P5 can be applied to the surface having a relatively low pressure value.

[0079] Here, the fifth pressure P5 can acquire a pressure value via the first pressure sensor or the second pressure sensor. Also, in consideration of the first pressure information P1' and P2' and the second pressure information P3' and P4' acquired from the second pressure sensor, the fifth pressure P5 can be a value adjusted to apply a relatively high pressure to a portion to which a relatively small pressure is applied, as described above.

[0080] Therefore, unlike Figures 5 to 8 although a step is not formed on the second sealing surfaces 2150 and 2250 of the first and second sealing tools 2100 and 2200 according to the present embodiment, as Figure 12 (a) shows, the first and second sealing tools 2100 and 2200 are inclined to be adjacent to portions of the upper and lower sealing portions 310S and 320S having a relatively small pressure value, and even portions in which the sealing strength is weakened can be strengthened so as to achieve a constant pressure as shown in Figure 12 (b), and thus the sealing quality can be improved.

[0081] The battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can be a battery cell manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing apparatus described above. Also, the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing apparatus described above. Meanwhile, one or more battery modules according to the present embodiment can be packaged in a battery pack case to form a battery pack.

[0082] The battery module and the battery pack described above can be applied to various devices. Such a device can be applied to a vehicle device such as an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, or a hybrid vehicle, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and is applicable to various devices that can use a battery module, which also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and many other variations and modifications of the present disclosure using the basic principles of the present invention defined in the appended claims fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cell manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A sealing tool that presses into a sealing portion within a battery housing, the battery housing having an electrode assembly mounted on a receiving portion, and an outer peripheral surface sealed by heat fusion. The sealing tools include a first sealing tool located at the upper part and a second sealing tool located at the lower part relative to the battery housing, and The sealing tool includes a sealing surface that contacts the sealing portion, and at least one pressure sensor is located on the sealing surface. The sealing tool includes a first sealing surface and a pair of second sealing surfaces, and The first sealing surface may be located between the pair of second sealing surfaces. The pressure sensor includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is located on the first sealing surface, and The second pressure sensors are respectively located on the pair of second sealing surfaces. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus is configured to measure the difference between a first pressure value measured by the second pressure sensor on the left and a second pressure value measured by the second pressure sensor on the right. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus is configured to increase the pressure applied to the second sealing surface on the left or right side to increase the lower first pressure value or the second pressure value, and The sealing tool forms a step on the surface that contacts the pair of second sealing surfaces, relative to the contact surface with the first sealing surface in the sealing part.

2. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, The sealing portion seals the electrode leads protruding outward through the battery casing, and The electrode lead portion includes an electrode lead and a lead film attached to at least one surface of the electrode lead.

3. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, The first sealing surface may be opposite to the electrode lead, and The pair of second sealing surfaces are positioned opposite to the two ends adjacent to the electrode leads.

4. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, The difference between the pressure value included in the first pressure information measured by the first pressure sensor and the pressure value included in the second pressure information measured by the second pressure sensor can be 0 MPa or greater and 0.4 MPa or less.

5. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, The pressure value included in the first pressure information measured by the first pressure sensor and the pressure value included in the second pressure information measured by the second pressure sensor are equal to each other.

6. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, The first sealing surface and the pair of second sealing surfaces have a flat structure.

7. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, At least one of the first sealing tool and the second sealing tool has at least one surface adjacent to the sealing portion that is inclined.

8. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, The difference between the pressure value included in the first pressure information measured by the first pressure sensor and the pressure value included in the second pressure information measured by the second pressure sensor can be 0 MPa or greater and 0.4 MPa or less.

9. The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, The pressure value included in the first pressure information measured by the first pressure sensor and the pressure value included in the second pressure information measured by the second pressure sensor are equal to each other.

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