Battery cell transfer equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell transfer device capable of preventing short circuit or damage during the transfer of battery cells, the battery cell transfer device comprising: two clamps for squeezing and fixing opposite surfaces of the battery cell; and an electrode tab protection device for preventing the electrode tab from short circuiting due to contact with the clamps or peripheral devices during the transfer of the battery cell, wherein the electrode tab protection device comprises: an electrode tab insertion portion into which the electrode tab is inserted; and a fixing portion for fixing the electrode tab protection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0062194, filed on May 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell transfer device, which includes an electrode tab protection device capable of protecting an electrode tab when a battery cell is transferred. Background Art

[0003] With the technological development of mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras and the increase in demand for them, research on secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged has been actively carried out. In addition, secondary batteries as energy sources to replace fossil fuels that cause air pollution have been applied to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), and energy storage systems (ESSs).

[0004] An energy storage system (ESS) stores large amounts of excess electricity in batteries, allowing it to be used when needed. Energy storage systems are used to maintain consistent power quality associated with new renewable energy generation and increase power efficiency by storing power when usage is low and using it when demand is high. ESSs can be broadly categorized as grid systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), or home systems.

[0005] As secondary batteries widely used at present, there are lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, and nickel zinc batteries.

[0006] Among these batteries, a lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly configured such that a positive electrode plate coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode coated with a negative electrode active material are placed with a separator interposed therebetween; and a sheath member configured to receive the electrode assembly in an airtight state.

[0007] In addition, the electrode assembly is provided with an electrode tab protruding outward from the sheath member, the electrode tab being electrically connected to an external device. As for the electrode tab, a single positive electrode tab or a plurality of positive electrode tabs may be provided at the positive electrode plate, and a single negative electrode tab or a plurality of negative electrode tabs may be provided at the negative electrode plate.

[0008] During a battery transfer process or during a sealing process, the electrode tab may come into contact with a conductive device located around it, thereby causing a short circuit, or the electrode tab may be bent, thereby being damaged.

[0009] Related to this, Figure 1 A conventional electrode tab protection device 20 is shown. An electrode tab T may be inserted into an electrode tab insertion portion 21 formed in the electrode tab protection device 20, thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring due to the electrode tab T being electrically connected to the outside during transfer.

[0010] Although Figure 1 The electrode tab protection device 20 shown can prevent a short circuit due to contact between the electrode tab T and its surrounding structures (such as a clamp), or prevent the electrode tab from being damaged due to scratches on the electrode tab, but there is a problem that the electrode tab protection device 20 is not fixed, which makes it difficult to prevent the electrode tab from being damaged due to bending during the transfer process, and thus it is difficult to protect the electrode tab. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode tab protection device including an electrode tab insertion portion and a fixing portion.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a battery cell transfer device according to the present invention includes: two clamps, which are configured to squeeze and fix two opposite surfaces of the battery cell; and an electrode tab protection device, which is configured to prevent a short circuit due to contact between the electrode tab and the clamps or peripheral devices during the transfer of the battery cell, wherein the electrode tab protection device includes: an electrode tab insertion portion, which is configured to allow the electrode tab to be inserted into the electrode tab insertion portion; and a fixing portion, which is configured to fix the electrode tab protection device.

[0015] Also, in the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing portion may have one side connected to the electrode tab insertion portion and the other side coupled to the jig, thereby preventing movement of the electrode tab insertion portion during transfer.

[0016] Also, in the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the number of the electrode tab protection devices may be the same as the number of the electrode tabs, so that the electrode tabs are respectively inserted into the electrode tab protection devices.

[0017] Also, in the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the electrode tab protection device may be configured such that the fixing portion is detachably attached to a jig in the form of a clip.

[0018] Also, in the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing portion may be located at one of opposite ends of the electrode tab insertion portion.

[0019] Also, in the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing portion may be located at a center of the electrode tab insertion portion.

[0020] Also, in the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the electrode tab insertion portion may be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0021] In addition, a battery cell transfer method according to the present invention includes: positioning a battery cell including an electrode tab between two clamps; squeezing and fixing the two clamps to fix the battery cell; inserting the electrode tab of the fixed battery cell into an electrode tab protection device; fixing the electrode tab protection device to the clamp; and transferring the clamp to which the electrode tab protection device is fixed.

[0022] Moreover, in the battery cell transfer method according to the present invention, the electrode tab protection device may include: an electrode tab insertion portion, which is configured to allow an electrode tab to be inserted into the electrode tab insertion portion; and a fixing portion, which is configured to fix the electrode tab protection device.

[0023] Also, in the battery cell transfer method according to the present invention, the fixing portion may have one side connected to the electrode tab insertion portion and the other side coupled to the jig, thereby preventing movement of the electrode tab insertion portion during transfer.

[0024] Furthermore, in the battery cell transferring method according to the present invention, the electrode tab insertion portion may be made of an electrically insulating material.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] The battery cell transfer equipment according to the present invention has the following advantages: the battery cell transfer equipment includes an electrode tab protection device, which has an electrode tab insertion portion and a fixing portion, thereby being able to protect and fix the electrode tab during the transfer of the battery cell, thereby preventing the electrode tab from being connected to a peripheral device and causing a short circuit or damage to the electrode tab, such as causing the electrode tab to be bent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which an electrode tab is protected by a conventional electrode tab protection device.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an electrode tab protection device according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 3D are perspective views showing various embodiments of the electrode tab protection device according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a view schematically illustrating a process of fastening the battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention to a battery cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In this application, it should be understood that the terms "include", "have", "include", etc. indicate the existence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or their combinations, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or their combinations.

[0033] In addition, in all drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. In the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, the part can be directly connected to the other part and the part can also be indirectly connected to the other part via another part. In addition, the inclusion of a specific element does not mean that other elements are excluded, but rather means that such elements may be further included unless otherwise specified.

[0034] Hereinafter, a battery cell transfer apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] When reference Figure 2Describing the battery cell transfer device 1000 according to the present invention in detail, the battery cell transfer device 1000 according to the present invention includes: an electrode tab protection device 100, which is configured to protect the electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10; and two opposite clamps 200, which are configured to squeeze and fix the battery cell 10 at opposite sides of the battery cell 10, thereby preventing short circuit or damage to the electrode tab 11 during the battery cell transfer process.

[0037] When reference Figure 3 Describing the electrode tab protection device 100 in more detail, the electrode tab protection device 100 includes: an electrode tab insertion portion 110, into which an electrode tab is inserted; and a fixing portion 120, which is configured to fix the electrode tab insertion portion 110, thereby preventing movement of the electrode tab insertion portion.

[0038] Here, considering the length and thickness of the electrode tab 11 inserted into the electrode tab insertion portion, the size of the electrode tab insertion portion 110 can be appropriately selected within the following range: within the range, when the electrode tab 11 is inserted into or separated from the electrode tab insertion portion, the entire electrode tab 11 is protected and the electrode tab 11 is not damaged. Preferably, the electrode tab insertion portion 110 is made of an electrically insulating material to prevent a short circuit.

[0039] Meanwhile, the fixing portion 120 has a structure in which one side of the fixing portion is connected to the electrode tab insertion portion 110 and the other side of the fixing portion is coupled to the clamp 200, thereby fixing the electrode tab insertion portion 110. Although any of various well-known methods can be used as a method of coupling the fixing portion to the clamp 200, it is preferred that the fixing portion be coupled to the clamp in the form of a clip in consideration of ease of work and reusability.

[0040] In addition, the position where one side of the fixing portion 120 is connected to the electrode tab insertion portion 110 can be arbitrarily selected within the range in which the electrode tab insertion portion 110 can be fixed. Figure 4 As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , one side of the fixing portion 120 may be located at either end of the opposite ends of the electrode tab insertion portion 110, or as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in (c), one side of the fixing portion 120 may be located between opposite ends of the electrode tab insertion portion 110 .

[0041] Meanwhile, the two clamps 200 are located at opposite surfaces of the battery cell 10 to compress and fix the battery cell 10 placed between the two clamps 200. The clamps 200 are provided with clamp fastening portions 210 configured to fix the two opposing clamps 200.

[0042] In the drawings of the present invention, the clamp fastening portion 210 is shown as being composed of fastening holes formed near corners of the clamp 200, and bolts and nuts inserted through the fastening holes to secure the clamp 200. However, the clamp fastening portion 210 is not limited thereto, and various well-known methods can be used to secure the battery cell 10 while squeezing the battery cell between two clamps 200.

[0043] at the same time, Figure 5 The method of fixing the battery cell 10 to the battery cell transfer device 1000 according to the present invention is shown. First, the two clamps 200 are placed on opposite surfaces of the battery cell 10, and the two clamps 200 are fastened and fixed to each other by the clamp fastening parts 210. The electrode tab 11 of the battery cell 10 is inserted into the electrode tab insertion part 110 of the electrode tab protection device 100, and the fixing part 120 is fixed to the clamps 200.

[0044] Subsequently, the battery cell transfer apparatus 1000 including the battery cell 10 may be safely transferred to a desired process, and the battery cell may be used in a state where the electrode tab protection device 100 and the jig 200 are removed, as needed.

[0045] Although the specific details of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the detailed description of the present invention only discloses the preferred embodiments of the present invention and therefore does not limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and technical ideas of the present invention, and it will be apparent that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0046] Description of Reference Numerals

[0047] B, 10: battery cell

[0048] T, 11: electrode terminal

[0049] 20, 100: Electrode terminal protection device

[0050] 21, 110: Electrode terminal insertion part

[0051] 120: Fixed part

[0052] 200: fixture

[0053] 210: Clamp fastening part

[0054] 1000: Battery cell transfer equipment

Claims

1. A battery cell transfer apparatus (1000), the battery cell transfer apparatus (1000) being configured to transfer a battery cell (10), the battery cell having an electrode assembly received in a battery housing, the electrode assembly including an electrode tab (11), the battery cell transfer apparatus (1000) comprising: two clamps (200), the two clamps (200) being configured to press and fix two opposite surfaces of the battery cell (10); and An electrode tab protection device (100) is configured to prevent a short circuit from occurring due to contact between the electrode tab (11) and the clamp (200) or a peripheral device during transfer of the battery cell (10). Wherein, the electrode terminal piece protection device (100) comprises: an electrode tab insertion portion (110) configured to allow the electrode tab (11) to be inserted into the electrode tab insertion portion (110); and a fixing portion (120), the fixing portion (120) being configured to fix the electrode tab protection device (100), wherein the fixing portion (120) has one side connected to the electrode tab insertion portion (110) and the other side coupled to the clamp (200), the fixing portion (120) being detachably attached to the clamp (200) in the form of a clip, thereby preventing movement of the electrode tab insertion portion (110) during transfer, Wherein, the electrode terminal piece insertion portion (110) is made of an electrically insulating material.

2. The battery cell transfer device (1000) according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the electrode tab protection devices (100) is the same as the number of the electrode tabs (11), so that the electrode tabs (11) are respectively inserted into the electrode tab protection devices.

3. The battery cell transfer device (1000) according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing portion (120) is located at one of the opposite ends of the electrode tab insertion portion (110).

4. A method for transferring a battery cell using the battery cell transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: Positioning a battery cell (10) including an electrode tab (11) between two clamps (200); squeezing and fixing the two clamps (200) to fix the battery cell (10); inserting the electrode tab (11) of the fixed battery cell (10) into an electrode tab protection device (100); fixing the electrode tab protection device (100) to the clamp (200); and The jig (200) to which the electrode tab protection device (100) is fixed is transferred.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The electrode terminal piece protection device (100) comprises: an electrode tab insertion portion (110) configured to allow the electrode tab (11) to be inserted into the electrode tab insertion portion (110); and A fixing portion (120) is configured to fix the electrode tab protection device (100).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The fixing portion (120) has one side connected to the electrode tab insertion portion (110) and the other side coupled to the jig (200), thereby preventing movement of the electrode tab insertion portion (110) during transfer.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The electrode tab insertion portion (110) is made of an electrically insulating material.

Images