Apparatus for charging and discharging individual battery cells and method for charging and discharging individual battery cells using the apparatus.

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell, which suppresses bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process, and to a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus. The apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell includes: a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate being positioned between the first plate and the second plate and pressing two surfaces of the battery cell; and a first pressing block and a second pressing block, the first pressing block and the second pressing block being respectively formed on the first plate and the second plate and having protruding structures facing each other, wherein the first pressing block and the second pressing block are arranged in the space between the battery cell body and the air bladder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0172837, filed on December 11, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell and a method for using the apparatus to charge and discharge a single battery cell. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped types based on their shape. Here, because pouch-shaped secondary batteries are formed by using an outer pouch material composed of a multilayer film, including a metal layer (foil) and synthetic resin layers coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal layer, the weight of the battery can be significantly reduced compared to cylindrical or square shapes using metal cans. This allows the battery to be lightweight and can be adapted into various forms.

[0004] In this pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assemblies are arranged in a stacked manner. Electrode tabs and electrode leads are connected to the electrode assemblies, and the electrode leads protrude from the outer material of the pouch. These electrode leads are electrically connected to an external device via contacts and are supplied with power from the external device.

[0005] Pouch cells (hereinafter referred to as "cells") are manufactured through a process of assembling cells and an activation process. In the activation step, the cells are mounted on a charging and discharging device, and charging and discharging are performed as necessary conditions for activation. As mentioned above, the process of performing a predetermined charging / discharging using a charging and discharging device to activate the cells is called the formation process.

[0006] In order to perform this battery cell formation process, the battery cell should be properly mounted on a charging and discharging device. That is, the electrode leads of the battery cell need to be positioned to contact the conductive parts of the charging and discharging device, so that the battery cell is electrically connected to the charging and discharging device, and this electrical connection should be maintained during charging and discharging.

[0007] For this purpose, the charging and discharging device for secondary batteries typically includes multiple compression plates for securing individual battery cells. With each battery cell inserted between two compression plates, charging is performed by applying current through the cell's leads while pressure is applied from both sides.

[0008] Similarly, by using a pressing plate to compress the battery cells, the increase in cell thickness caused by gas generation during charging and discharging can be suppressed. The generated gas is collected in an air bladder and then removed after the formation process. Here, the air bladder is a portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the electrode leads in the cell body that is compressed during the formation process, and is part of the outer material of the bag; it can be later cut off from the outer material of the bag.

[0009] On the other hand, as the airbag inflates fully through the formation process, additional gas generated within the battery cell causes expansion in the area between the battery cell body and the airbag. Thus, due to the gas generated during charging and discharging, the internal pressure of the bag casing increases, and the adhesive layer in the area between the battery cell body and the airbag breaks.

[0010] Figure 1 It shows a photograph of a pouch cell that has undergone a formation process according to conventional technology, and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the area between the body and the air bladder of a battery cell that has undergone the formation process, according to conventional technology.

[0011] refer to Figures 1 to 2 Because the internal adhesive layer breaks in the region between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell 1, a bulge may occur in the pouch-type battery cell 1 that has undergone a formation process according to conventional technology. Furthermore, the pouch shell may be composed of an outer insulating layer and an inner adhesive layer made of polymer material, as well as a metal layer between the outer insulating layer and the inner adhesive layer. Here, because the metal layer in the region between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell is exposed due to the aforementioned phenomenon, an insulation voltage defect is caused.

[0012] Therefore, since this could cause serious problems in the operation of such battery cells, there is a need for a charging and discharging device and method that can suppress bulging in the area between the battery cell body and the air bladder. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] It is believed that the present invention solves at least some of the problems mentioned above. For example, aspects of the present invention provide an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus, the apparatus being able to suppress bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] This invention provides an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell. In one example, the apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell according to the invention includes: a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate being positioned between the first plate and the second plate and pressing against two surfaces of the battery cell; and a first pressing block and a second pressing block, the first pressing block and the second pressing block being respectively formed on the first plate and the second plate and protruding to face each other. The first pressing block and the second pressing block are then arranged in the space between the body of the battery cell and the air bladder.

[0017] In another example, in the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the invention, an elastic compression member is respectively positioned between a first plate and a first compression block, and between a second plate and a second compression block. In a specific example, the elastic compression member is a coil spring, a leaf spring, or rubber.

[0018] In one example, the length of each of the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block corresponds to 80% or more of the length of each of the first plate and the second plate.

[0019] In one example, the first plate and the second plate each include a first clamp and a second clamp at both ends, the first clamp and the second clamp protruding in a direction facing each other. Furthermore, the first clamp and the second clamp can contact the electrode leads of the battery cell.

[0020] In addition, the first and second clamps have raised or recessed patterns on the surfaces of the electrode leads that contact the battery cells.

[0021] In one example, the first and second plates are made of insulating material, and the first and second clamps are made of conductive material.

[0022] In another example, the first and second clamps may have current terminals for applying current, which contact and are electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell, and the first and second clamps may have voltage terminals for voltage detection, which contact and are electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the aforementioned apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell.

[0024] Beneficial effects

[0025] According to the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and the method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus of the present invention, by comprising a first extrusion block and a second extrusion block that are pressed into the region between the body and the air bladder of the battery cell, bulging in the region between the body and the air bladder of the battery cell can be suppressed during the formation process of the battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 It is a photograph showing a pouch cell that has undergone a formation process according to conventional technology.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the area between the body and the air bladder of a battery cell that has undergone the formation process, according to conventional technology.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure in a device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an extrusion block is formed in a plate.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Because the inventive concept allows for various modifications and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0032] In this application, it should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and these terms do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is referred to as being "on" another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is "directly" "on" another portion, but also the case where another portion is located between them. On the other hand, when a portion of a layer, film, region, plate, etc., is referred to as being "under" another portion, this includes not only the case where the portion is "directly" "under" another portion, but also the case where another portion is located between them. Additionally, in this application, "placed on" can include placement at the bottom and top.

[0033] This invention relates to an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell and a method for using the apparatus to charge and discharge a single battery cell.

[0034] When the formation process is performed using a charging and discharging device based on conventional technology, the body of the battery cell, which forms the thickness of the battery cell, can be compressed by a compression plate during the charging and discharging process. However, the area between the battery cell body and the air bladder is not compressed by the compression plate because this area is already partially sealed. When the air bladder fully inflates due to the formation process, additional gas generated within the battery cell causes the area between the battery cell body and the air bladder to expand. Thus, due to the gas generated during the charging and discharging process, the internal pressure of the bag casing increases, and the adhesive layer in the area between the battery cell body and the air bladder breaks. Furthermore, the bag casing may be composed of an outer insulating layer and an inner adhesive layer made of polymer material, as well as a metal layer between the outer insulating layer and the inner adhesive layer. Here, because the metal layer in the area between the battery cell body and the air bladder is exposed due to the above phenomenon, insulation voltage defects are caused.

[0035] Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell and a method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus, the apparatus being able to suppress bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process. Specifically, the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention, by comprising a first compression block and a second compression block that compress the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder, is able to suppress bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process.

[0036] The apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention and the method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus will be described in detail below.

[0037] In one example, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes: a first plate and a second plate, the first plate and the second plate being positioned between the first plate and the second plate and pressing against two surfaces of the battery cell; and a first pressing block and a second pressing block, the first pressing block and the second pressing block being respectively formed on the first plate and the second plate and protruding to face each other. At this time, the first pressing block and the second pressing block are arranged in the space between the body of the battery cell and the air bladder.

[0038] Typically, during the formation process, battery cells may bulge due to gas generation or the expansion of the positive and negative electrode plates. In this case, the first and second plates prevent bulging by compressing the battery cells during the formation process. Specifically, in the charging and discharging apparatus according to the invention, the first and second plates are arranged at a regular interval and are configured to be movable, such that the interval can be increased or decreased. That is, the battery cells are arranged between the first and second plates, and the first and second plates move in the direction of compressing the two surfaces of the battery cells, thereby compressing the battery cells.

[0039] Furthermore, the first plate and the second plate are connected in a manner that allows translational movement along an axis extending on one side, a gear is connected to one end of the axis, and a drive motor can be connected to the gear. Any mechanical combination can be used here, as long as it has a drive mechanism capable of moving the first plate and the second plate in the direction of compressing the battery cell.

[0040] The battery cell is a pouch-type cell, and the electrode assembly, having a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure, is embedded in the outer material of the laminated sheet while connected to electrode leads formed on the outside of the outer material. The electrode leads can be pulled out of the laminated sheet and can extend in the same or opposite directions. For ease of explanation, the figures of the invention only show a pouch-type battery cell with a pair of electrode leads pulled out in opposite directions, but the battery cell used in the charging and discharging device according to the invention is not particularly limited to this, and the pair of electrode leads can be pulled out in the same direction. Here, the pouch-type battery cell may include an air bladder. Specifically, the air bladder is a portion that is part of the pouch outer material, extending in a direction perpendicular to the electrode leads in the body region of the battery cell compressed during the formation process, and can be later cut off from the pouch outer material.

[0041] In one example, the first and second plates can be made of metallic materials with high mechanical stiffness, ensuring that they do not deform under high heat and pressure. For example, aluminum or stainless steel can be used. However, the materials of the first and second plates are not limited to metallic materials, and they can also be made of reinforced plastics, reinforced ceramics, or quenched glass.

[0042] In one example, the battery cell, including the airbag, in an inactive state is delivered by a pickup facility and then inserted into the space between the first and second plates.

[0043] In one example, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a first extrusion block and a second extrusion block. In a specific example, the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block are formed inside the first plate and the second plate, and are arranged in the space between the battery cell body and the air bladder. The first extrusion block and the second extrusion block are used to suppress bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process, and to prevent bag deformation in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder.

[0044] In one example, the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block are formed along the longitudinal direction of the first plate and the second plate. Here, the longitudinal direction means the direction in which the electrode leads extend perpendicular to the structure protruding from the body of the battery cell. Furthermore, the length of each of the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block corresponds to 80% or more of the length of each of the first plate and the second plate. For example, the lengths of the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block may respectively correspond to the total length of the first plate and the second plate.

[0045] In a specific example, the lengths of the first and second extrusion blocks correspond to 80 to 120% of the length of the battery cell to be formed. Furthermore, based on the cross-section, the first and second extrusion blocks may have a convex shape. This is to efficiently extrude the battery cell by increasing the area in direct contact with it, and to prevent damage to the battery cell by smoothing the area in contact with it during the battery cell formation process.

[0046] Furthermore, the first and second compression blocks are used to suppress bulging in the area between the battery cell body and the airbag, but the gas movement path formed between the battery cell body and the airbag should not be blocked. That is, it is desirable to apply pressure at a level of 10 to 20 mm using the first and second compression blocks without reducing the airbag's expansion capacity.

[0047] In another example, in the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the invention, an elastic compression member is respectively positioned between a first plate and a first compression block, and between a second plate and a second compression block. The elastic compression member is a coil spring, a leaf spring, or rubber. For example, the elastic compression member can be a coil spring. A coil spring is a spring that resists compressive force, and specifically refers to a compression spring.

[0048] In a specific example, since the first and second extrusion blocks are respectively connected to the first and second plates via elastic extrusion members, the first and second extrusion blocks can move integrally when the first and second plates move. That is, when the first and second plates extrude the body region of the battery cell, the first and second extrusion blocks are pressed into the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder. At this time, the first and second extrusion blocks are elastically pushed into the elastic extrusion member, and when they contact the corresponding region of the battery cell, they can absorb the impact. Furthermore, due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic extrusion member, the contact state can be stably maintained.

[0049] Furthermore, the first and second extrusion blocks, which are in direct contact with the battery cells, can be made of epoxy resin material. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0050] In one example, the device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the invention includes a first clamp and a second clamp, both having a structure for contacting electrode leads. The first and second clamps contact the electrode leads of the battery cell, thereby applying current to the battery cell and detecting voltage. Specifically, since the first and second clamps are respectively connected to a first plate and a second plate, they are configured to move integrally when the first and second plates move. In a specific example, the first and second clamps have a structure connected to the first and second plates and protruding at their facing portions to contact the electrode leads of the battery cell. The first clamp may have a structure connected to each of the two ends of the first plate and arranged perpendicular to the first plate, and the second clamp may have a structure connected to each of the two ends of the second plate and arranged perpendicular to the second plate. In this case, the first and second clamps can be arranged in areas facing each other, easily securing the electrode leads of the battery cell.

[0051] In one example, the first and second clamps have current terminals for applying current, which contact and are electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell. The first and second clamps also have voltage terminals for voltage detection, which contact and are electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell. The first and second clamps themselves can be composed of current and voltage terminals. In this case, the first and second clamps can be made of conductive materials. For example, the first and second clamps can be made of aluminum, copper, or nickel, such as nickel or copper or an alloy of copper and nickel, which have excellent conductivity. However, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0052] In another example, the first and second clamps may further include current and voltage terminals as described above. Specifically, the current and voltage terminals are configured to electrically contact the electrode leads of the battery cell when the first and second plates compress the battery cell. Furthermore, cables for supplying the current terminals may be connected to the current and voltage terminals.

[0053] In another example, the first and second clamps have a textured or corrugated grid on the surfaces of the electrode leads that contact the battery cell. Specifically, the holding force of the first and second clamps on the electrode leads of the battery cell can be enhanced by forming a grid on the surfaces of the first and second clamps. In this invention, "grid" means a pattern in the form of a grid or checkerboard, and is a general term indicating the form in which two or more parallel patterns intersect each other. In a specific example, the average depth of the recess or the average height of the corrugated or corrugated grid formed on the surfaces of the first and second clamps is in the range of 0.001 to 1 mm. For example, the average depth of the recess or the height of the grid is in the range of 0.001 to 0.1 mm, 0.001 to 0.01 mm, 0.01 to 0.1 mm, or 0.01 to 0.05 mm. In this invention, by forming a very low level of recessed or protruding pattern, the holding force with the electrode leads can be enhanced without degrading the mechanical properties of the electrode leads.

[0054] Furthermore, the height of the protruding structures of the first and second clamps can be greater than the height of the protruding structures of the first and second extrusion blocks. In a specific example, the first and second clamps protrude by 10% or more compared to the first and second extrusion blocks. For example, when the height of the first and second clamps is 22 mm, the height of the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 can be equal to or less than 20 mm. This is to prevent the gas movement path formed between the battery cell body and the gasbag during the battery cell formation process from being blocked.

[0055] In another example, in the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the invention, at least one resilient compression member is positioned between a first compression block and a first plate, and between a second compression block and a second plate. For example, in the apparatus for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the invention, the resilient compression member is positioned between a second compression block and a second plate.

[0056] In a specific example, when the first and second plates compress the battery cell, the second compression block connected to the elastic compression member is elastically pushed in, and when it contacts the electrode leads of the battery cell, it can absorb the impact. Furthermore, due to the application of the elastic restoring force of the elastic compression member, the contact state can be stably maintained. Additionally, the elastic coefficient of the elastic compression member placed between the second compression block and the second plate can be different from the elastic coefficient of the elastic compression member placed between the first compression block and the first plate.

[0057] With this construction, the device for charging and discharging battery cells according to the present invention can easily fix the electrode leads and suppress bulging in the area between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for forming a battery cell using the aforementioned apparatus for forming a battery cell. In a specific example, the battery cell formation method according to the present invention can be performed after the battery cell is placed in an apparatus for charging and discharging the battery cell. The method for charging and discharging the battery cell according to the present invention, by including a first extrusion block and a second extrusion block that compress the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder, can suppress bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process. For example, the pressure range of the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block can be from 5 to 15 mm, and the battery cell can be compressed to an average thickness of approximately 10 mm.

[0059] In the following description, various forms of devices for charging and discharging battery cells will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are capable of suppressing bulging in the region between the battery cell body and the air bladder during the battery cell formation process.

[0060] (First Embodiment)

[0061] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure in a device for charging and discharging a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an extrusion block is formed in a plate.

[0062] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The device 100 for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes: a first plate 111 and a second plate 112, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 pressing the battery cell between the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 and compressing both surfaces of the battery cell 1; and a first compression block 121 and a second compression block 122, the first compression block 121 and the second compression block 122 being respectively formed on the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 and protruding to face each other. At this time, the first compression block 121 and the second compression block 122 are arranged in the space between the body 1a of the battery cell and the air bladder 1b.

[0063] During the formation process, the battery cell may bulge due to gas generation or the expansion of the positive and negative electrode plates. In this case, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 are compression plates that prevent bulging by squeezing the battery cell 1 during the formation process. Specifically, in the apparatus 100 for charging and discharging battery cells according to the invention, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 are arranged at a regular interval and are configured to be movable, such that the interval can be increased or decreased. That is, the battery cell 1 is arranged between the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, and the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 move in the direction of squeezing the two surfaces of the battery cell 1, thereby squeezing the battery cell 1.

[0064] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, the first plate and the second plate are connected in a manner that allows translational movement along an axis extending on one side, a gear is connected to one end of the axis, and a drive motor can be connected to the gear. Any mechanical combination can be used here, as long as it has a drive mechanism capable of moving the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 in the direction of compressing the battery cell 1.

[0065] On the other hand, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 are made of a material with high rigidity, so that the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 will not deform due to high heat and pressure. For example, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 are made of reinforced plastic.

[0066] Furthermore, the device 100 for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a first compression block 121 and a second compression block 122. Specifically, the first compression block 121 and the second compression block 122 are formed inside the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, and are arranged in the space between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell. The first compression block 121 and the second compression block 122 are used to suppress bulging in the region between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell during the formation process of the battery cell, and to prevent bag deformation in the region between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell.

[0067] Specifically, the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the first plate 111 and the second plate 112. Here, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which it extends perpendicular to the electrode leads in the body 1a of the battery cell. Furthermore, the length of each of the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 corresponds to 80% or more of the length of each of the first plate 111 and the second plate 112. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the lengths of the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 can correspond to the total lengths of the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0068] In a specific example, the lengths of the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 correspond to 80 to 120% of the length of the battery cell to be formed. Furthermore, based on the cross-section, the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 have a convex shape. This is to efficiently extrude the battery cell 1 by increasing the area in direct contact with it, and to prevent damage to the battery cell 1 by smoothing the area in contact with it during the formation process.

[0069] Furthermore, the first compression block 121 and the second compression block 122 are used to suppress bulging in the area between the battery cell body 1a and the airbag 1b, but the gas movement path formed between the battery cell body 1a and the airbag 1b should not be closed. That is, it is desirable that the airbag's expansion capacity is not reduced by applying pressure at a level of 10 to 20 mm using the first compression block 121 and the second compression block 122.

[0070] Furthermore, the device 100 for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention includes a first clamp 131 and a second clamp 132, which have a structure for contacting electrode leads 1c. The first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 contact the electrode leads 1c, thereby applying current to the battery cell 1 and detecting voltage. Specifically, since the first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 are respectively connected to a first plate 111 and a second plate 112, the first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 are configured to move integrally when the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 move. The first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 are respectively connected to the first plate 111 and the second plate 112, and protrude at their facing portions to contact the electrode leads 1c of the battery cell 1. Specifically, the first clamp 131 is connected to each of the two ends of the first plate 111 and is arranged perpendicular to the first plate 111. Furthermore, the second clamp 132 is connected to each of the two ends of the second plate 112 and is arranged perpendicular to the second plate 112.

[0071] The height of the protruding structures of the first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 is greater than the height of the protruding structures of the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122. Although not shown in the figures, the first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 protrude further by 10% or more compared to the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122. For example, when the height of the first clamp 131 and the second clamp 132 is 22 mm, the height of the first extrusion block 121 and the second extrusion block 122 is equal to or less than 20 mm. This is to prevent the gas movement path formed between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell 1 from being closed during the formation process of the battery cell 1.

[0072] With this construction, the device 100 for charging and discharging battery cells according to the present invention can easily fix the lead area and suppress bulging in the area between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell during the formation process of the battery cell 1.

[0073] (Second Embodiment)

[0074] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] refer to Figure 5 According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device 200 for charging and discharging a battery cell includes: a first plate 211 and a second plate 212, the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 pressing the battery cell between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 and compressing two surfaces of the battery cell 1; and a first pressing block 221 and a second pressing block 222, the first pressing block 221 and the second pressing block 222 being formed on the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 respectively, and protruding to face each other. In this case, the first pressing block 221 and the second pressing block 222 are arranged in the space between the body 1a of the battery cell and the air bladder 1b.

[0076] Furthermore, in the apparatus 200 for charging and discharging a battery cell according to the present invention, the elastic compression member 240 is respectively located between the first plate 211 and the first compression block 221, and between the second plate 212 and the second compression block 222. In this case, the elastic compression member 240 may be a coil spring.

[0077] Since the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 are respectively connected to the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 via the elastic compression member 240, the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 can move integrally when the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 move. That is, when the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 compress the body 1a of the battery cell 1, the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 are compressed in the area between the body 1a of the battery cell and the airbag 1b. At this time, the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 are elastically pushed into the elastic compression member 240, and when they contact the corresponding area of ​​the battery cell 1, they can absorb the impact. Due to the application of the elastic restoring force of the elastic compression member 240, the contact state can be stably maintained.

[0078] Furthermore, the heights of the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 in the state restored by the elastic compression member 240 are less than the heights of the protruding structures of the first clamp and the second clamp (not shown). Specifically, the first clamp and the second clamp protrude to have a height approximately 10% or more greater than the heights of the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 in the state restored by the elastic compression member 240. For example, when the heights of the first compression block 221 and the second compression block 222 in the state restored by the elastic compression member 240 are approximately 20 mm, the heights of the protruding structures of the first clamp and the second clamp can be approximately 22 mm. This is to prevent the gas movement path formed between the body 1a and the air bladder 1b of the battery cell 1 from closing during the formation process of the battery cell 1.

[0079] Since the construction of the device 200 for charging and discharging individual battery cells has already been described above, detailed descriptions of each component will be omitted here.

[0080] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0081] Therefore, the technical scope of this invention should not be limited to the content described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

[0082] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0083] 1: Battery cell

[0084] 1a: The body of a single battery cell

[0085] 1b: Airbag

[0086] 1c: Electrode lead

[0087] 10, 100, 200: Devices used for charging and discharging individual battery cells.

[0088] 111, 211: First board

[0089] 112, 212: Second board

[0090] 121, 221: First extrusion block

[0091] 122, 222: Second extrusion block

[0092] 131: First gripper

[0093] 132: Second clamp

[0094] 240: Elastic compression member

Claims

1. An apparatus for charging and discharging a single battery cell, the apparatus comprising: A first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate place the battery cell between the first plate and the second plate and press the two surfaces of the battery cell together; as well as A first extrusion block and a second extrusion block are formed on the first plate and the second plate, respectively, and protrude to face each other. The first compression block and the second compression block are arranged in the space between the battery cell body and the air bladder. The elastic compression member is respectively positioned between the first plate and the first compression block, and between the second plate and the second compression block. The first plate and the second plate each include a first clamp and a second clamp at both ends, the first clamp and the second clamp protruding in a direction facing each other, and The first clamp and the second clamp contact the electrode leads of the battery cell.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic compression member is a coil spring, leaf spring, or rubber.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The length of each of the first extrusion block and the second extrusion block corresponds to 80% or more of the length of each of the first plate and the second plate.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp and the second clamp have raised or recessed patterns on the surfaces of the electrode leads that contact the battery cell.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first plate and the second plate are made of insulating material, and The first clamp and the second clamp are made of conductive material.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp and the second clamp have current terminals for applying current, the current terminals contacting and being electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp and the second clamp have voltage terminals for voltage detection, the voltage terminals contacting and being electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell.

8. A method for charging and discharging a battery cell using the apparatus according to claim 1.

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